Today we’d like to introduce you to Jahara Sara Seitz.
Hi Jahara Sara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I had been teaching movement arts for over a decade when I started my career as an occupational therapist (OT). As a highly sensitive person, working with the body-mind felt innate, so becoming an OT was an easy choice for me. I knew early on that when I finished my degree I would start a private practice. I also knew that I wanted to bridge integrative and traditional rehabilitation approaches. Radiance Therapy & Wellness is the result of that early vision.
My graduate school research looked at the effects of yoga on anxiety and PTSD in veterans. As someone with complex PTSD (C-PTSD) myself this research was personal. Body-mind approaches had impacted my own recovery in significant ways. My research was indicating similar positive effects on the veterans who participated.
My post-graduate studies focused on the science of fascia, myofascial release, body-mind therapy, somatic movement, parts work, craniosacral therapy, neuro-rehabilitation, sensory integration and more. These modalities were easy to implement within the framework of occupational therapy. Each of them inform the process of my approach when working with clients in my private practice.
In addition to one-on-one appointments I continued to teach specialty workshops and retreats across California and the Central Coast. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with various other practitioners as a way to build community and cultivate spaces for body-mind connection and repair.
Radiance Therapy & Wellness is a culmination of my work as a movement educator, my sensitivity, my lived experience with C-PTSD, graduate school and research, post-graduate studies and a commitment to serving this community with high quality care.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes and no. Yes, in that the vision remained steady. No, because there were many times I wanted to quit. When a workshop didn’t draw enough interest, when a handful of clients cancelled all at the same time, or when I had a slow month. Those were the times I would think “maybe I am not cut out for this after all.”
Yet, the vision was steady so I dusted myself off and took action. Reached out for support from the SBDC, hired a coach, asked for client feedback, tried a new marketing strategy, made a brochure… taking the next indicated step, again and again.
All of those small things, day after day, month after month, and year after year have paid off. I have a thriving practice today and I can see how each small effort has added up. Every task built on the last. So yes, my commitment made the road feel smoother even though there were a lot of detours along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of Radiance Therapy & Wellness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I have already shared a bit about how my business came to be earlier on in the interview so I will use this opportunity to talk about the mission of my business and who I serve.
I specialize in helping highly sensitive women to heal a painful or chronic condition, find relief from the symptoms of trauma, learn tools for nervous system and self regulation, and find relief from stress, anxiety, or overwhelm.
I use the term somatic occupational therapy for this work because all of the modalities that I use with clients are designed to improve the body-mind connection.
As a movement educator and occupational therapist with over two decades of experience I bring an established background in alternative healing approaches as well as traditional rehabilitation. I blend the practical aspects of health and healing with the intuitive.
I have worked with thousands of women in a variety of settings, with diverse backgrounds, diagnoses, and chronic conditions, helping them to create routines that support their sensory needs, move well in their bodies and feel radiant, inside and out.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have had many mentors and coaches along the way. Some have been people that I searched for and hired intentionally for specific needs. Others have fallen in my lap and offered gems of wisdom that I would not have otherwise known I needed.
My advice would be to remember that this is all about learning. When something doesn’t work out, it is not a reflection on your innate wholeness or worth. As well, to remember that as you work with mentors you can take what you want and leave out the rest. No one person has all the answers.
Being flexible has also worked for me. Leaving a relationship behind when it had served the intended purpose and seeking out new mentors as I continued to refine who I am and how I want to work. As well, taking breaks from always seeking for feedback from others, having gaps where you explore and experiment. As a way to build your self confidence and self trust.
Pricing:
- Free 20-minute consultation
- $225 / initial evaluation
- $195 / followup session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://radiance-therapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiance.therapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadianceTherapyWellness
