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11/20/2020 1 Comment

Healers on Healing: In the Spotlight with Monica Kovacs

by Isabel Fiorino-Habib,
Community Engagement Coordinator
Spotlight interview with Monica Kovacs
Monica ​shares her tips for how to build sexual self-confidence, and her recommendations for self-care and happiness in life.
Read More
"How We Heal" Panel discussions with monica on Sexuality
Part One
Part Two
Back in early May, I was walking down the Danforth and noticed a sign that caught my attention. It read “A community hub for personal development and healing” and immediately, I was intrigued. This was the first time I came across the Inner Arts Collective, a community of practitioners who specialize in a wide range of healing modalities. The sign stated the many services that were offered including: traditional alternative medicine, body techniques, talk techniques, energy work, divination and several other amazing modalities.

Later that day, I went home and took a closer look at the IAC’s website. As I scrolled through the many dynamic healers, one practitioner in particular stood out to me right away. Her name was Monica Kovacs. Monica is an Integrative Sexuality Coach, certified Somatic Sex Educator, Sexological Bodyworker and De-Armouring practitioner. She has quite an extensive educational background and has studied all over the world. Monica has studied everything from Integrative Psychotherapy to Yoga, Reiki, Breathwork, Tantra, various forms of massage and more. She is also trauma informed and brings a diverse skill set into her work to help support her clients. 

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Monica a few months later and gain first hand experience about the unique work that she does. Monica works both in person and online with individuals and couples who are looking to connect more deeply with themselves, with their bodies and embrace their sacred sexuality. She helps her clients overcome blocks such as guilt or shame and works with individuals who may struggle with a variety of common issues, some of which include difficulty with arousal and orgasm, sexual trauma and sexual shame and anxiety. Monica also teaches her clients to learn new self pleasure techniques, engage in more mindful masturbation and explore the intersection between sexuality and spirituality. She offers several different ways to engage with her clients and helps them work towards their unique goals and intentions at a pace that feels comfortable and guided by the individual. 

Shaking the Stigma

Monica believes that our erotic energy or life force energy has a direct impact on our lives and invites her clients to experience and explore the complexity of their bodies, helping them to align with specific methods to serve them on their journey towards a more pleasurable, confident, passionate and joyous life! She truly believes that our erotic vitality is directly linked with all aspects of our well being. Monica encourages her clients to really connect with and embrace their erotic selves and creates an environment whereby individuals can freely explore any and every emotion that arises. She helps her clients to facilitate a deeply personal and meaningful dialogue with their own bodies, encouraging them to really tune in and see how they might be feeling emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Sadly, there is so much shame and stigma regarding embracing our sexual nature, something that is intrinsic to our very humanness. Eroticism is often perceived as wrong, something to be kept quiet, hidden or repressed rather than embraced and celebrated. Monica works with clients from all walks of life to break that stigma and incorporates talk techniques in conjunction with breath, sound, movement and touch to help her clients discover themselves as embodied beings and cultivate erotic wellness to enrich their lives and increase their capacity for joy, intimacy and pleasure. 
Monica believes that our erotic energy or life force energy has a direct impact on our lives and invites her clients to experience and explore the complexity of their bodies, helping them to align with specific methods to serve them on their journey towards a more pleasurable, confident, passionate and joyous life! 

My Experience

Prior to meeting with Monica, I was sent a comprehensive intake form which I was to complete before our session together. The form included several different questions which helped to gather information on my background and my experiences related to my sexuality, spirituality and well being. I was asked to note my intentions and goals, as well as provide detailed information surrounding aspects of my sexual and sensual history. Additionally, several medical questions were asked regarding my physical and emotional health.

When I first met Monica, immediately I felt at ease. She has this super easy going, open and inviting energy that truly makes you feel that you are safe and in good hands.
​
Before diving into our session together, she let me know that there was a whole range of activities that were available to me and wanted me to feel into what was possibly a bit challenging but still within my “window of tolerance”. Monica explained that any of the hands on touch practices that she provides to her clients is always dependent on their enthusiastic consent. She reminded me that there was absolutely no pressure to get into some of the touch based exercises and that she would continue to check in with me throughout our session together to see what felt right for me at the time and within my body. She explained that at any time, we could stop or adjust the exercises, even midway through, to best serve my comfort levels and needs. This was truly a safe space where I could comfortably explore, release, and listen to my body at my own pace without any pressure whatsoever. 
This was truly a safe space where I could comfortably explore, release, and listen to my body at my own pace without any pressure whatsoever. ​
First, we began by spending some time sitting and talking together and noting some of my intentions for the session. Then she guided me through a series of exercises related to Bioenergetic release, whereby one activates the sacral pump and the pelvic floor muscles and also invites the voice to make some sound. She explained that when we move the hips, it helps move some of the energetic debris that we tend to hold within our bodies. Monica also noted that sound and breath are very helpful and powerful ways of expelling some of the more challenging emotions and stagnant energies that can coexist within the body.

After engaging in some of the bioenergetic emotional release exercises, we then started to work with smaller spinal movements that were coordinated with the breath. All of the exercises that Monica provides serve as helpful tools to release stagnant energy, as well as give voice to some of the difficult emotions and experiences that one may be carrying within their body. She explained to me that often with an emotion such as grief, there is a tendency to curl inwards and shut down. With some of these heavier emotions, she encourages her clients to try and stay open, to breath deeply and allow for big exhales and sighs to come through the body to allow these emotions to really move through.

De-Armouring and Emotional Release Work

Monica offers a technique called De-armouring which can be very helpful when working with individuals who feel stuck in their erotic expression and feel as though they are carrying energetic blockages within the body. We tend to create armour as we react to the various challenges we are faced with in life. Often, especially in our formative years, we encounter situations that are painful and overwhelming and we develop ways to cope with these experiences. ​
Monica states that armouring is “any kind of defence (physical, mental or emotional) that has become rigid in the system but no longer serves us in our present journey”. 
After these experiences, our body may start to create armour and this might look like chronic pain, muscle tension, suppressed emotions or even repetitive thought patterns which do not serve our highest good. She explains that although there is a physical element of de-armouring, it is quite multilayered and can be physical, emotional or mental. This armour can not only deeply impact the way in which we can fully experience our lives, but also hinder our human right to pleasure itself.

In sexual de-armouring, Monica helps her clients to examine where they might be feeling stuck and assists them in consciously opening these blockages with the use of breathwork techniques, as well as pressure points on the body and parts of the genitals. During this process, clients are asked to notice how they are feeling within the body. What do you feel and where might you be feeling the particular sensation? Where is there sensitivity and where is there numbness? Where is there pleasure? All of these questions are explored deeply through a multitude of techniques that allow the individual to work through complex sensations and feelings. For Monica, one of the major goals of this work is to integrate all of these aspects, so that the body can eventually open itself up to receiving more pleasure.

Monica uses full body touch to give the nervous system a chance to activate. Her one-way touch bodywork techniques allows the individual to take the time to really tune inwards and listen to the various sensations and emotions that arise. This unique opportunity, allows the individual to focus on their own experience and to focus on receiving rather than on thinking about another person or being oriented towards a specific goal (ie. fixating on the goal of climax, rather than on allowing themselves to be in the present moment). Within her work, Monica encourages her clients to be vocal and communicate their needs and desires, as she believes that this is an important part of helping individuals own their desires and step into their sexual sovereignty.

With her loving support and guidance, Monica helps her clients to notice and honour whatever arises and utilizes the combination of breath, movement, sound and touch to hold space for the many emotions and physical reactions that may arise during a session. She hopes that through her work, she is able to provide a unique learning environment where clients can safely engage with themselves, re-establish a more loving relationship with their bodies and reclaim their erotic selves. Through ongoing communication and specialized techniques, Monica creates a safe container where individuals are encouraged to explore themselves fully, be present within their bodies, deeply honour their emotions and begin to create a more mindful, engaged and pleasurable relationship with their bodies.

Connect with Monica

So many different individuals and couples of any gender and sexual orientation can benefit from working with Monica. If learning a bit about this work resonates with you, I encourage you to connect with her to experience and receive some of the amazing benefits that her work can provide. She also offers a complimentary 20 minute phone call to see if her work is the right fit for you.

Please follow the below direct link to learn more about Monica’s offerings and book a session: https://www.monicakovacs.ca/

About the author, Isabel ​Fiorino-Habib

Philosophy graduate and Reiki student, Isabel is fascinated by the human experience and the art of wellness. 

Receiving little relief or guidance for her own mental and emotional challenges, she sought out various alternative and complementary approaches to support her well being. Now she brings nearly a decade of experience exploring dynamic and individualized approaches to healing, which acknowledge the fundamental connection of mind, body, and soul. 

​Through her writing as Community Engagement Coordinator for the Inner Arts Collective, Isabel hopes to share her experiences with the healing process, and exposes the various modalities that are available to support us all. 
​
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1 Comment

11/16/2020 1 Comment

Member Spotlight: Monica Kovacs

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Monica Kovacs
Sacred sexuality and embodiment coach
Fave food - Chocolate
Fave book - Maps to Ecstasy, by Gabrielle Roth
Fave flower - Peony 
Fave tree - Cedar 
Teacher/elder you give special thanks to - Caffyn Jesse, Gabor Mate, Gabrielle Roth ​
Read More
Monica Kovacs
Sacred Sexuality and Embodiment Coach
www.monicakovacs.ca

Social:
www.facebook.com/wilderoscoaching
https://www.instagram.com/wilderoscoaching/
1. How would you describe your work, to somebody that doesn't know anything about what you do?

I provide holistic, body-based, experiential learning to help my clients cultivate erotic wholeness and empowerment.

2. What kinds of issues do you have a particular gift with supporting people through?

Many of my clients are survivors of sexual trauma. The feedback I often receive is how comfortable people feel to come back into their bodies and begin exploring the things that were once too scary. 

3. What is the most fulfilling part about working with this specific healing modality?

I love seeing the rapid shifts that somatic work can bring about. Sexuality is also such a taboo topic, so I love providing a space where people can come and empower themselves, and include their sexuality in their overall healing journey. 

4. What are some of your go to pieces of advice to help someone cultivate more sexual confidence?

The thing I emphasize the most is the importance of embodiment practices! The more we get out of our heads and simply learn to feel with the animal of the body, the more we can be natural, expressive, and receptive to pleasure. 

5. How does somebody find out if you are a good fit for sexuality coaching or not? 

I offer a complimentary 20-minute introductory call to all new clients so we can discuss their intentions, what our work might look like in practical terms, and assess if it is a good fit. 

6. If you were to write a self-help book, what would the topic be, and why? 

I'd write a book providing a thorough sex education from a spiritual and energetic lens. I think even though there are many great sex education resources that seek to expand old paradigms, I would love to see more energetic awareness brought into the information available to people who are just embarking on their sexual journey. 

7. Do you have a daily self-care practice or ritual that is helpful for you?

I love doing qigong every morning to drop into my body and breath. I also create time for several weekly mindful self pleasure practices, as well as singing and dancing. 

8. What do you think are the key ingredients to living a happy life? 

Be present in your body. Connect with your heart. Laugh. Don't take sh*t too seriously. 

9. What is a quote that you resonate with, which reflects what you believe in & what you practice?

“The purpose of life is not to transcend the body but to embody the transcendent”
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11/1/2020 1 Comment

Healers on Healing: In the Spotlight with Nick Veit

by Isabel Fiorino-Habib,
Community Engagement Coordinator
Spotlight Interview with Nick Veit
Nick ​shares his perspective on his work as a Past Life Regression Therapist and esoteric development guide, the important aspects of his own self-care routine, and some go-to tips for cultivating self-acceptance.
Read More
"How we heal" panel discussion with Nick on "quelling fear"
Article "Sigils" by nick
Read
Nick believes that we store many memories from our past lives and that they can have a direct impact on our present life. He believes that a Past Life Regression experience can help a client to quickly get to the root of a present emotional issue and allow them to heal with ease.​
Many of us have heard or used expressions such as “In a past life” however, I’ve always been curious- What is the significance of exploring a past life? Do they really exist? And how might this exploration help one to identify certain blocks within themselves or perhaps even make peace with certain aspects of who they are today? Could there be any experiences from a past life that would shape and impact my present emotions, behaviours or experiences?

Nick Veit, a Past Life Regression Therapist, would say that yes, it it is entirely possible that our past lives can impact our present ones. In fact, Nick believes that we store many memories from our past lives and that they can have a direct impact on our present life. He believes that a Past Life Regression experience can help a client to quickly get to the root of a present emotional issue and allow them to heal with ease. He has spent many years training under the direction of Deborah Skye, founder of the Soul Therapy School, and believes that a Past Life Regression can assist individuals to remove old behavioural patterns, facilitate deep and meaningful connections within oneself and provide them with the necessary insight to allow the soul to flourish.

The Experience

When I met with Nick to go through my own Past Life Regression experience, I knew very little about what to expect. I knew that we would be diving into parts of my subconscious and was quite open minded to the unique experience ahead of me.
We began our session together seated in a cozy room at the Inner Arts Collective. First Nick asked me a few questions about myself, as well as my intentions for going into the experience. I explained to him that I was curious to see if there was something from a past life that I was carrying with me into the present that was no longer mine to carry. I wondered if there was something that could be holding me back in some capacity that I no longer needed to hold on to.

After our conversation, we were ready to get started. Nick asked me to lay down on a comfortable elevated table that was set up in the room. A blanket was also available to help keep me warm during the process and he provided me with an eye covering, which I used to keep my eyes closed and relaxed. As I lay down, Nick began guiding me through a few deep inhalations and exhalations. As I relaxed into my body and connected with my breath, he then started using a guided meditation (a form of hypnosis) to help bring me into my subconscious. I remember him counting down to initiate the transition and I vividly remember entering my subconscious through the base of a tree, entering further down into the soil and examining its roots. As I transitioned from above the ground down into the roots of the tree, an image of what looked like a large seed appeared floating in the centre of the lowest part of the tree trunk, right before the complex system of underground roots.
I remember him counting down to initiate the transition and I vividly remember entering my subconscious through the base of a tree, entering further down into the soil and examining its roots...

After this vision, things are a bit unclear to me for a period of time, though I do remember that Nick guided me to move back along my timeline, asking me to revisit memories from my adolescence, my early childhood and also my birth. Again, after this point, there is a bit of a blur in my recollection but the next thing I remember is being close to the Earth again and setting foot in what appeared to be a field or a desolate village. I remember looking around me and seeing nothing but expansive barren land, some old machinery, a wheelbarrow, a donkey, a somewhat dilapidated shed and some wood. 

An image of an olive tree then appeared. I was sitting underneath what seemed to be an olive tree and holding an olive in my hand. I felt that I had been working on the land and that I was using my hands to plant seeds that would later become olive trees. However, there was an underlying sense of sombreness that surrounded me. Something bad had happened to this land, though it was unclear as to what exactly had taken place. I felt that perhaps the land was once filled with various crops and trees and yet now it appeared to be quite deserted. As I sat alone, resting under the only tree in sight which was quite young and small, I remember gazing out into the distance and feeling somewhat sad and responsible for resurrecting this land.

Nick then asked me what my name was. The word “Val” came out of my mouth. He asked if I was male or female and at this point I wasn’t too sure, though I was leaning towards likely being male and significantly older. Here I was, Val, an old man resting under an olive tree, looking out at all the work that had been completed in the day and all the work that was still to be done. There were a few other notable images and scenes during my experience but this one in particular stands out to me the most. The feelings experienced during this scene were so intense and real and yet I’ve never had such experiences in my present waking life.

Reflections

It seems that in the process of hypnosis one is able to open up to the deeper levels of consciousness and with the right care and guidance, one can truly experience and connect with past lives. There is so much to explore within our subconscious mind and a Past Life Regression allows us to access parts of ourselves and parts of our reality that simply can not be accessed with the logical and rational mind.

A part of me wonders how much of my experience was a result of my active imagination or how much of it was me truly revisiting a past life? I am still processing the unique experience, though a few notable things have happened in my present life since then. I was walking around a few weeks after my session with Nick and stumbled upon a lovely hidden street. I had never walked down this street before but as I did, I remarked on how magical and quaint it was. As I neared the end of the street, I noticed a tree that looked quite familiar. I gazed up to see the name of the street that I had been walking on and to my delight and surprise the sign read “Olive Ave”. I smiled to myself and wondered if it was pure coincidence that I found myself wandering down this wonderful street.

Just last week, I was out for another walk and noticed a really interesting part of a tree located near the base. As I looked down at it, I was immediately reminded of my Past Life Regression experience and my journey entering into my subconscious. I snapped a picture to remember the moment and started to wonder if what I had experienced was truly a significant and deeply emotional past life. As I sit with the experience and examine its deeper meaning, I realize that certain themes come to mind. One that really resonates is the feeling of duty towards something that is beyond myself. There is a desire in my present life to help or fix things and that can sometimes be a tricky thing to navigate. Perhaps some of Vals’ feelings of being responsible for replanting trees, nurturing and “saving” the land has stayed with me and made me feel as though it is up to me to heal what has been hurt and broken in myself and as much as possible, in the world around me. One thing I do realize, is that in this present life, it would be much easier to take on such a task with others, rather than try to tackle it all on my own. In fact, it is part of a lesson that I am currently learning. ​

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Picture taken by Isabel Fiorino-Habib
My experience with Nick was very unique, insightful and fascinating. I would be very curious to have another session with him at a later date to see what other experiences might come up for me. If you are looking for a way to connect with your subconscious, examine or uncover unconscious beliefs or simply allow yourself to relax and be guided back to a previous space and time, I would highly recommend working with Nick. Nick is a very approachable, genuine, open minded and kind individual. Immediately, I could sense how passionate he was about his work and a few weeks after our session together, he gave me a call to follow up with me and to check in to see how I was doing. Additionally, he provided me with an audio recording of our session together, which I could refer back to at any time. ​

Connect with Nick

The experience of a Past Life Regression provides each individual with a unique opportunity to discover a hidden part of themselves which may serve as a helpful tool moving forward in their present life.

If Past Life Regression is something that speaks to you, please do connect with Nick Veit directly by following the below links:

https://www.innerartscollective.com/nick-veit.html
https://nickveit.com/
Nick also offers a complimentary 30 minute phone call to see if this experience is the right fit for you
Email Nick

About the author, Isabel ​Fiorino-Habib

Philosophy graduate and Reiki student, Isabel is fascinated by the human experience and the art of wellness. 

Receiving little relief or guidance for her own mental and emotional challenges, she sought out various alternative and complementary approaches to support her well being. Now she brings nearly a decade of experience exploring dynamic and individualized approaches to healing, which acknowledge the fundamental connection of mind, body, and soul. 

​Through her writing as Community Engagement Coordinator for the Inner Arts Collective, Isabel hopes to share her experiences with the healing process, and exposes the various modalities that are available to support us all. 
​
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1 Comment

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