Ani Anderson: Liberating Bodies, Minds, and Human Possibility Through Somatic Coaching

Ani Anderson, the CEO of NEW Health Inc . and serves as Director of Operations for the Somatic Coaching Academy , helping trailblaze the path so other practitioners can integrate holistic methods into their practices.   

Ani did not set out to create her own holistic health practice or develop a new coaching methodology. She studied to become an occupational therapist because she was drawn to the creativity and intellectually stimulating nature of the field. However, when she entered the workforce, Ani quickly became disillusioned. “When I graduated, it seemed like all the creativity was sucked out of me,” Ani explains. “My job was so boring.”   

The Western medical system’s focus on insurance companies and regulations stifled Ani. Searching for continuing education options, she stumbled upon CranioSacral therapy or cranial sacral therapy (CST), an alternative therapy that examines the craniosacral system comprised of the bones, nerves, and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord.   

Ani was fascinated. She dove into her studies of alternative therapies and somatic work, which focuses on the mind-body connection. As she learned techniques to release physical and emotional tension stored in the body, Ani saw firsthand how freeing up restrictions led to elevated moods and personal transformations in her clients.   

“It was like performing miracles with clients,” she says.   

But Ani also quickly realized that if she wanted to practice these alternative techniques, she would need to strike out on her own. The Western medical system at the time looked down on holistic therapies. Ani left her boring occupational therapy job behind to open her own private pay holistic rehabilitation practice.    

Seeing the dramatic impact somatic work could have, Ani doubled down. Along with her business partner Brian Trzaskos, a physical therapist, she began hosting classes on stress reduction techniques. “We LOVED it! Teaching together was just the best and our students loved the classes too,” says Ani. Sensing a hunger for this knowledge, Ani and Brian founded the Institute for Rehabilitative Qigong & Tai Chi to train other therapists.    

Soon after, Ani and Brian launched their signature Sensation-Based Motivation Coaching method. This goes beyond somatic therapies to incorporate principles of coaching. “I needed to move beyond just rehabilitating injuries to see how I could continue to serve my clients from a wellness perspective.,” explains Ani. This retention-focused approach laid the foundation for what would become Somatic Coaching Academy .   

The Somatic Coaching Academy draws professionals across industries and trains them in trauma-sensitive somatic coaching skills. The goal is to equip experts with the skills to address widespread struggles like disengagement, poor motivation, and burnout. “Our groundbreaking, research-supported methodology helps forward-thinking professionals apply the NEW science of human wellness,” explains Ani. By disseminating this knowledge, Somatic Coaching Academy aims to create ripple effects that lead to healthier, happier workplaces and communities around the globe.    

The Somatic Coaching Academy teaches this cutting-edge methodology to coaches, consultants and health professionals. “Our goal is to provide holistic solutions,” states Ani. “We educate the coaches, therapists and experts who know they want mastery level skills.” This trauma-sensitive approach is essential in Ani’s eyes. “The problem with intellectual methods is that they require a person’s nervous system to be regulated to get results.” Without nervous system regulation skills, clients can feel broken instead of empowered.   

Ani spreads these insights in her best-selling book “Find Your Soul’s Agenda: The One Word That Will Make Your Whole Life a Success.” Her central message? “You are already living your purpose.” Ani explains that once people embrace the wholeness of their lives, both joys and challenges, they unlock greater fulfillment.    

Ani’s wisdom around wholeness and purpose extends beyond her writing. She stresses the importance of discernment when pursuing any holistic path, noting that a teacher’s completeness reflects the teachings. As she observes, “We’ve all seen healers gone bad.” True mentors walk their talk through humanity and humility.   

This sense of interconnectedness infuses Ani’s vision for the future. As holistic health keeps gaining popularity, she believes coaching will incorporate more somatic techniques in the coming years. “Our company aims to be the go-to resource for coaching organizations and organizations with coaching cultures,” says Ani. She aspires to shape the training landscape so the next generation of coaches can unleash their full potential and empower all those they serve.   

By listening to her inner voice at each turn, Ani’s path illustrates how following one’s curiosity and instincts can lead to groundbreaking innovations at the intersection of healthcare and human potential.   

Connect with Ani https://www.linkedin.com/in/ani-anderson/