...how I ended up here

I grew up in Sweden in a multicultural family before moving to the United States as a teenager. I completed graduate school in Portland, Oregon, and founded Inner Balance LLC in 2008, where my first several years were dedicated to working primarily with clients experiencing complex PTSD stemming from intergenerational trauma. This focus led me to study EMDR, EFT, and other somatic approaches to recovering from trauma.

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From an early age, I was inspired by contemplative traditions, which led me to study mindfulness practices and explore advancements in neuroscience, human performance, and the cultivation of emotional resilience and intelligence (EQ). This journey introduced me to the HeartMath Institute, where I became certified in their Resilience Advantage program as a facilitator. The heart-brain coherence training technology I utilize has proven highly beneficial for many clients for improving self-regulation, reducing stress, and increasing focus and creativity.  

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My lifelong passion for the health-promoting properties of herbs, along with my studies of herbal traditions from around the globe, culminated in co-founding The School of Traditional Western Herbalism in 2009 (later known as Vital Ways - School & Center for Nutrition, Holistic Herbalism, and MindBody Medicine). I served as co-director for 8 years and senior instructor for 14, teaching courses that primarily focused on herbs as complementary support for mind, brain, nervous system, and emotional health, personal growth workshops, and another favorite,  botanical skincare formulation. Throughout this time, I also mentored senior students, herbalists, and aspiring herbal formulation entrepreneurs. The school closed during the pandemic, but continues to be a source of inspiration for upcoming botanical endeavors...