Welcome home to yourself.
Somatic Medicine is whole-person care through somatic therapy, integrative mental health, and evidence-based medicine. My clinical work bridges psychiatric care with trauma-informed, whole-person healing.
Breathe in as it opens. Out as it closes.
Hi, I'm Monel
I am a Naturopathic Physician (ND, MS) and Integrative Mental Health Provider based in Portland, Oregon.
I obtained my ND degree from National University of Natural Medicine, where I also received my Master of Science in Integrative Mental Health (MSiMH). Before medical school, I extensively studied somatic movement therapy, most notably with Emilie Conrad of Continuum Movement and Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen of Body-Mind Centering.
For the past ten years I have studied the evolving research into the interoceptive system, psychoneuroimmunology, and somatic experiencing. That decade of research and learning, combined with my personal experience with embodiment, reshaped the way I approach mind-body medicine and created Somatic Medicine.
Services
I help individuals reconnect with their bodies, restore nervous system balance, and navigate life transitions with greater clarity and strength.
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Integrative Mental Health
Integrative psychiatry combines conventional psychiatric medication management with evidence-based complementary therapies. This approach recognizes the complex interactions between physical, emotional, and environmental factors in mental health, and optimizes brain chemistry through tailored supplementation, genetic and biochemical testing, and personalized protocols.
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Interoception
Interoception is the ability to sense and interpret internal bodily signals. By tuning into these sensations, we can better understand the body's needs, uncover hidden stress or tension, and support self-regulation, leading to improved emotional and physical well-being. This practice helps people reconnect with their bodies and heal from within.
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Nutritional and Botanical Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes the body's inherent ability to heal itself using natural therapies such as nutrition and herbal medicine. It focuses on treating the root cause of illness rather than only relieving symptoms, and combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional healing practices to offer personalized, patient-centered care.
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Somatic and Trauma-Informed Care
Care grounded in an understanding of nervous system regulation, interoception, and psychophysiologic principles, to support recovery from chronic stress and trauma.
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Psychiatric Medication Management
Safe initiation, tapering, and cross-tapering of psychotropic medications.
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Integrative Gastroenterology
Addressing the gut-brain axis as a foundational component of mental and physical wellbeing.
Professional background
- Residency
- Completed at Amenda Clinic (Portland, OR), providing comprehensive primary and psychiatric naturopathic care for diverse, acute caseloads.
- Education
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and Master of Science in Integrative Mental Health (MSiMH) from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM).
- Licensure
- Licensed Naturopathic Physician in the State of Oregon (License #5106).
- Editorial and community engagement
- Serves on the Editorial Board for the ND Digest Journal and stays actively involved in local multidisciplinary healthcare education.
Working together
Everything starts with a short consultation request. You don't need to have it all figured out.
- Send a request. Tell me a little about what you're looking for and when you're usually free.
- I reply by email. We find a time for an initial consultation.
- We talk it through. Together we look at what you want support with and whether this kind of care is a good fit.
Request a consultation
Questions about fees or insurance? Ask in your request and I'll send current information when I reply.
Common questions
What is somatic medicine?
It's care that treats the body's signals and the regulation of the nervous system as central to mental and physical health. Somatic Medicine brings together somatic therapy, integrative mental health care, and evidence-based medicine.
What is interoception?
Interoception is the ability to sense and interpret signals from inside your body, such as your heartbeat, breath, hunger, or tension. Learning to notice these signals can help you understand what your body needs and support self-regulation.
Do you help with psychiatric medications?
Yes. Safe initiation, tapering, and cross-tapering of psychotropic medications is part of my practice. Please don't stop or change a medication on your own. Talk with the provider who prescribes it first.
What happens after I send a consultation request?
I reply by email to find a time for an initial consultation. That conversation is a chance to talk about what you're looking for and whether this care fits your needs.
Do you see people in person or by telehealth?
I'm based in Portland, Oregon. Tell me your preference in your consultation request and I'll confirm what's available.
What do sessions cost, and do you take insurance?
Ask in your consultation request and I'll send you current fee and insurance information when I reply.
Is it safe to use the forms on this site?
Your message goes to a private inbox and is never posted publicly. Still, these forms are for general questions and scheduling only. Please don't include diagnoses, medications, or other detailed health information. You can read more in the privacy policy.
Get in touch
Have a question first, or a professional inquiry? Send a message and I'll reply by email.