Gloria Gonzalez

Gloria Gonzalez

Gloria works with the emotional and physical effects of chronic stress and trauma.

With trauma, your internal rhythms are disrupted, and manifest as chronic symptoms in the body.

The roots of chronic stress and trauma often form before the age of eight, when the body non-verbally stores stressful memories in states of fight, flight, freeze.

Communicating directly with the body, while moving through the story, can access the roots of stress and trauma in a way talk therapy alone cannot.

Sessions are based in somatic dialogue, movement, and touch (Craniosacral, Visceral Manipulation) to restore “self-regulation,” returning balance to the autonomic nervous system.

Life challenges can lead us to a change in our personal trajectory that’s long been needed. Gloria works with “Change Leaders” – executives, parents, therapists, healers, those leading the charge and the way for others – to move through the “5 Cycle Expansion”.   When any one of the cycles is missing, we suffer disconnection. The 5 Cycles establish what’s been missing, and the change that’s needed – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Working with wholeness, 5 Cycle Expansion is a process of steady change over time.  Regular sessions support the alignment of your purpose to restore health, support your family, or expand business in creative ways.

Qualifications: Eight Elements, founder, 1985; B.S. Kinesiology, Magna Cum Laude, Univ. of Maryland, nutrition emphasis, 1983; Licensed Massage Therapist, 1986; Barre Training, 1989; Certified Nia® White Belt, Rancho La Puerta, 1989, Blue Belt, 1999 & Brown Belt 2004; Shamanic Studies, Judy Abel, 1991; Yoga instructor, 1996; Certified hypnotherapist, Sch. of Healing Arts, S.D., 1997; Certified Reiki Master, Usui Lineage, 1997; Co-founder of the Sharp Memorial Reiki for Cancer patients, 1999; Certified Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, 2007 and Teaching Assistant; CranioSacral I-2, SER I and CST Teaching Assistant, Upledger Institute,2007; Visceral Manipulation I-6, NM 1-3, CSCN Cranial Nerves, Touching the Brain/Glial cells, and Teaching Assistant, Barral Institute, 2008;   Organic Intelligence® Mentor, 2017.

Gloria founded Eight Elements West® Integrative Wellness which was established in La Jolla from 1985 to 2020.  For over 35 years, Eight Elements offered 8 core programs to thousands of people. Eight Elements was dedicated to elevating the human experience through Somatic Movement, Seasonal Nutrition, and Eastern Medicine.  A team of elite somatic professionals established programs of self-care in this 4,000 sf facility. Eight mindful-based practices bridged modern science with timeless ancient healing arts: Nia, Yoga, Pilates, Strength Training, Massage, Nutrition, Acupuncture/Chinese Herbs, and Trauma Healing. The aim:  to enhance life fulfillment – from healing pain, to developing greater resilience and longevity.

Specialties

• Anxiety Disorders
• Chronic Pain/Fibromyalgia
• Developmental Trauma
• Eating Disorders
• Grief and Loss
• Traumatic Brain Injury