A Little Bit About Us.
The following five principles are at the heart of our offerings...
We Believe...
The mind and body are inseparable. They exist in a continuous dance, each influencing the other's health & well-being. Nurturing both fosters a harmonious balance and overall vitality.
We Believe...
Restoring mindbody harmony contributes to the healing of the planet, and restoring harmony with nature contributes to personal healing by aligning us with the natural rhythms of the earth.
We Believe...
Rest is essential for deep healing and is fundamental to nervous system restoration and regulation. Rest creates the conditions to reconnect to our life force, internal rhythms, intuition, wisdom and insight.
We Believe...
Safe, attuned & consensual therapeutic touch promotes deep nervous system regulation and facilitates trauma healing by activating the parasympathetic nervous system response and embodying a sense of safety, nurture and calm.
We Believe...
in the vital essence of community. In a world increasingly driven by technology, we champion the power of authentic, human connection and collective support, recognizing that true healing and growth flourish in the warmth of shared experiences and genuine relationships.
Hi there!
I'm Monique Pangari (she/her)
I’m a Somatic Psychotherapist (ACA-Level 4) and the Director of Somatic Sovereignty, a counselling & psychotherapy service for womxn and children based on the unceded lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people of the Sunshine Coast, Qld. My practice offers a unique, integrative approach to trauma healing and self-discovery, blending somatic & attachment therapies with social justice, feminist & ecological perspectives. My goal is to empower you to reconnect with your Self and realise your deepest potential.
With 25 years of experience, I have formal qualifications and training in Jungian Sandplay Therapy, Somatic Experiencing®, Expressive Therapies, NeuroAffective Touch®, Attachment Therapy, Eco-Psychotherapy, Family Constellations, Voice Dialogue and Trauma Informed Yoga. I am a reflective and philosophical counsellor who values the raw power of nature, the deep portal of collective wisdom gained through symbology & mythology and am informed by the scientific exploration of love, relationships and the nervous system. My days are filled with learning, reading, teaching and counselling, as I weave diverse insights into a cohesive tapestry fuelled by my one true question: what does it take to heal at the deepest level?
When I’m not exploring the depths of the human experience, you’ll find me enjoying beach walks with my adorable cavoodle, Poppy, soaking up sunsets, diving in the ocean, dancing for liberation, traveling to places unknown and savouring heartfelt conversations with loved ones. I invite you to connect with me and embark on a journey of self-love, healing and authentic connection, guided by nature’s rhythms and the wisdom you embody within. I would be honoured to be your guide.
This is My Story.
You might wonder why I am so passionate about healing. The answer lies in my own journey of profound healing. Many of us face early life challenges that shape the quality of our relationships and overall well-being. Through dedicated education, self-inquiry and personal healing, I have worked tirelessly to reshape my own destiny.
My story began in the early 70s, in the womb of my unmarried teenage mother during the Forced Adoption Era. Born on the unceded lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people (Sunshine Coast, Qld), I was relinquished at birth and adopted into a new family six weeks later. This early severing of the mother-infant bond and the lack of a consistent caregiver during those formative weeks left a lasting impact on my attachment and nervous system. My relocation into an adoptive family unaware of this primal wound led to challenges in forming secure attachments and receiving the nurturing I needed, resulting in a difficult childhood marked by sexual abuse, family violence, teen pregnancy and a lack of safety, protection, love and belonging. This experience has been the focus of my academic study, self-inquiry and personal evolution over several decades.
Seeing education as a pathway to a brighter future, I began studying Education and Psychology as a single mother at the age of 21, over 30 years ago. After graduation, I worked in an indigenous community for several years as a school teacher before returning to the Sunshine Coast to complete two Master’s degrees in Counselling and Behaviour Management. My professional experience spans roles in Education, including as a School Teacher, Behaviour Support Advisory Teacher and Guidance Officer; in Child Protection as a Child and Family Therapist; in Family Relationships and Separation as a Couples Therapist, Children’s Counsellor and Individual Adult Counsellor; and in Post-Suicide Intervention as a state-wide Advisor to School Administration. I have also worked in Post-Adoption as a Counsellor and Intermediary and assisted Dr. Diane Poole-Heller with her international online DARe Training programs aimed at healing attachment trauma.
I am deeply committed to addressing injustice and oppression that leads to family separation, removal and institutionalization by ending the cycle of historical and intergenerational trauma at both individual and community levels. This work is inherently decolonizing, requiring us to dismantle the colonial systems, language, social attitudes, policies and practices that perpetuate trauma. The integration of symbology, psyche, somatics, soul work and therapeutic touch, together with social justice and earth-based practices form the core of my clinical practice. My pursuit of these modalities and interventions has been driven by my own quest for healing, with a focus on understanding and healing pre-verbal trauma. My journey deeply informs my approach to healing, as the two are inseparable.
My Approach
Inspired by Judith Herman’s three stages of trauma recovery, I offer a warm, compassionate presence to support and guide you through life's labyrinth toward the profound and humbling experience of meeting your Self.
The first (and longest) stage, focuses on establishing embodied and relational safety and stabilisation. I’ll introduce you to foundational somatic practices that create a secure container for deeper work. Think of it like preparing for an overnight wilderness hike; just as we wouldn’t venture into nature without preparation, trauma healing requires building tools for safety. You’ll learn to reconnect with your body, track your nervous system and develop internal and external resources. This foundational work helps you notice and harness your parasympathetic nervous system, guiding you towards a state of present-moment awareness and conscious choices for better health.
The second stage, I like to call the descent, involves turning towards difficult sensations with curiosity and attunement, allowing them to move through you rather than staying trapped. I’ll guide you in incorporating both internal and external resources to provide experiences that were missing at the time of the trauma. This stage isn’t about rewriting your story but rather giving your body what it needed but didn't get at the time, to process and heal.
The final stage of reconnection and integration is where old patterns lose their grip and you make contact with your authentic Self. In this stage, you’ll align with your true potential, letting go of unconscious influences and embracing a life directed by your highest aspirations. My goal is to walk with you through these stages, helping you rediscover your inner strength and live fully in alignment with your true Self.
Testimonials.
Let Others Inspire You.
"Dear Monique,
I wanted to let you know what a difference you made in my life. Your professionalism, warmth, genuine concern and knowledge provided a safe space for me to learn, understand and grow. It truly was a life changing journey.
I am now stronger, happier and more independent in my relationship than ever before. Thank you."
Penny K
"Dear Monique,
I honestly don't know how I would have made it through the last 2 years without you as my treasured guide and confidante.
Your deep compassion, kindness and care has been a light in the darkness and a soothing balm in a time that felt devastating on so many levels.
Your willingness to go the really hard places within me with grace, lightness and respectful curiosity felt like a life raft in a wild night sea far from land.
There's a beauty and depth to the work you do that holds me in so much safety and at the same time teaches me invaluable inner skills to bring to my personal path.
I treasure you and our sessions and feel so grateful for all of the professional skill and inner presence you bring.
Eternally grateful to you."
Renee S
Hi there!
I'm Dr Evan Brook (they/she)
As a certified yoga instructor and Spiritual Hawaiian Lomilomi massage therapist, I offer a holistic approach that seamlessly integrates these complementary practices. Both yoga and Lomilomi massage emphasize self-awareness, balance, interconnectedness, and mindful compassion. They guide us in reconnecting with our bodies and aligning with our inner rhythms, fostering a profound sense of harmony and well-being.
My approach is deeply rooted in patience, compassion, and empathy. I believe that wellness is not just an individual journey but a collective responsibility, intertwined with social justice. I hold a deep reverence for the natural world and the wisdom of indigenous custodians who have long nurtured and protected it. This union of mind, body, and nature inspires my commitment to advocating for a more equitable and sustainable world, creating pathways for healing that benefit ourselves, our relationships, and our planet.
Beyond the studio, I am actively engaged in wildlife rehabilitation and monitoring programs, exploring the ocean, hiking through the bush, tending to my garden, working on home projects, or planning my next adventure. These activities reflect my dedication to connecting with and nurturing the vibrant ecosystems that support and sustain us.
This is My Story.
My profound connection to nature and the environment has been a guiding force throughout my dual careers as an ecologist and veterinarian. These roles have not only shaped my professional journey but have also been a source of immense joy as I’ve inspired others to appreciate and connect with animals and the natural world.
As an ecologist, I delved into the intricate web of life, exploring the complex relationships between species and their environments. My veterinary work deepened my understanding of ecosystem health and the delicate balance necessary for the well-being of both animals and humans. This rich experience revealed the vital link between our personal health and the health of the world around us, leading me to embrace a holistic approach that merges scientific knowledge with practices fostering mind-body harmony and environmental well-being.
On a personal level, I have experienced firsthand how trauma can be stored within the body. Nature has served as my sanctuary, offering solace and renewal when life’s challenges became overwhelming. Reconnecting with the natural rhythms of both my body and the earth has been transformative, providing healing and a profound sense of freedom. My heartfelt aspiration is to support others in finding similar rejuvenation and connection through their own journey with nature.
There is no single, radiant path to well-being—only the one that resonates uniquely for you. I am here to guide you in discovering and following the path that aligns with your own sense of purpose and healing.
My Approach
Inspired by the natural world, my approach is dedicated to fostering a profound unity between mind and body while deepening our understanding of our place in the world. Through trauma-informed yoga and bodywork practices, rooted in contemporary trauma theory and consent-based touch, I offer an inclusive and integrative path to healing.
I believe that synergy emerges when we recognize the interdependence of all elements within a system—whether it’s your nervous system, mind, body, or the larger ecological environment. By employing a holistic approach, I guide you in reconnecting with your body and inner wisdom, helping you achieve balance and expand through your truest self while rekindling your connection to the world around you. My role is to create a safe, supportive space where you can engage with your body in ways that tap into your innate wisdom and empower you, serving as a guide rather than a leader.
Through embodiment, we gain valuable insights into how our physical and emotional states reflect and influence our relationship with the natural world. By fostering balance, awareness, and mindfulness within ourselves, we are empowered to restore equilibrium within broader social and environmental systems. Promoting social and environmental consciousness is at the heart of our work, guiding us toward a more harmonious and just world.
Testimonials.
Let Others Inspire You.
"What a treat it is take a yoga class with Evan. I knew from the first moment of the first class that I was in safe, caring hands. They took time to check in with each of us about any injuries or physical limitations and, throughout the class, offered personalised alternatives to the Asanas to accommodate all levels of experience and ability. For me, their classes are delivered at a perfect pace. Their warm, encouraging manner facilitates deep personal connection throughout the practice and a gentle unfurling in my body as my edges are met with curiosity and compassion. All this is modelled in Evan’s extraordinary calming presence."
Victoria Roubin
"I have been to many yoga classes in my time and Evan’s class was up there with the best. Evan was thorough in finding out about my health and fitness history and tailored the class to suit everyone’s needs, scaffolding and offering options for each posture to suit each individual. There was a lovely mix of physical activity with explanation about each pose as well as reassuring words of encouragement and wisdom. The music was well chosen and relaxing. I feel like my whole self had a tune up; body, mind and soul. What a gift!"
Jo Roszkowski
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