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Episode 143: Embodiment, Healing, and Community with Jen Bullen
Introduction
Welcome back to The Innovative Therapist Podcast! In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Jen Bullen, an embodiment and somatic healing coach, body image whisperer, and diet culture rebel. Jen and I met in a truly serendipitous way—at my first retreat in October, when I needed a last-minute yoga instructor. The class she led was one of the most moving experiences of my life, and I knew then that I had to have her on the podcast to share her wisdom.
Jen’s journey into this work is deeply personal and filled with moments of transformation. From her background in healthcare to her pivot into embodiment coaching, she brings a unique perspective on healing, presence, and the importance of community support. In our conversation, we explore her path, the role of creativity in healing, and the profound impact of nurturing relationships.
From Healthcare to Embodiment Coaching
Like many healers, Jen’s journey into her current work wasn’t linear. She spent 18 years in healthcare as a first responder and nurse before realizing the toll it was taking on her mental and emotional well-being. Seeking relief, she turned to yoga—not initially as a formal practice, but simply as a space where she could breathe and exist. Over time, yoga became a bridge to deeper embodiment and self-understanding.
Jen shares how she first approached yoga as something to “do” rather than to be with, but as she continued her practice, she began to understand its power. Her curiosity led her to study trauma, movement, and somatic healing, eventually integrating these into her work.
Embodying Presence: The Path to Authentic Connection
One of the most striking things about Jen is the grounded presence she brings into a room. But as she shares, this wasn’t always the case. Ten years ago, her energy was scattered, pulled in different directions. Through deep self-work, understanding her own nervous system, and aligning her life with natural cycles, she found her way to greater embodiment.
Jen talks about the Ayurvedic principles that guide her work and how she helps clients reconnect with their bodies in personalized ways—whether through movement, breathwork, creative practices, or even gardening. The key, she emphasizes, is allowing space for clients to step into what feels right for them, rather than prescribing a rigid method.
Creativity as a Gateway to Healing
In our conversation, we explore the idea that creativity is an essential part of healing. Jen reflects on how creativity shows up in her life—not just in art or movement, but in the way she holds space for people.
She also shares an insight from a friend who is a professional artist—how scheduling dedicated creative time was a game-changer for her. Instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, she made space for it. Jen applies this concept to her own life, recognizing that creativity isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for staying connected to herself and her work.
Reclaiming Community: A New Approach to Motherhood Support
One of the most powerful stories Jen shares is about how she and her extended family came together to support her stepson’s wife after childbirth. In a culture that often leaves new mothers isolated, they created a circle of care—cooking, holding the baby, and offering emotional support.
Jen describes the moment when her husband’s ex-wife handed him their grandchild—a silent, yet deeply healing exchange that spoke to the power of community and shared history. This experience reinforced for me something that my parent coach has often said – that the nuclear family is a failed experiment; we are meant to raise children and support each other in community.
The Importance of Small Acts of Care
As therapists and healers, we often think big—how can we change the world? But Jen reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful work happens in the smallest, most personal moments. Whether it’s delivering soup to a sick neighbor or simply making space for someone to be seen and heard, these small acts ripple outward in ways we can’t always measure.
Honoring Cycles and Slowing Down
We also touch on the importance of honoring cycles—whether it’s the natural rhythms of the seasons or the energetic shifts in our own bodies. Jen shares how she aligns her business with these cycles, recognizing that creativity and productivity ebb and flow. Pushing through exhaustion doesn’t serve anyone; sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is pause, breathe, and wait for the right moment to act.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Showing Up
As we wrap up, Jen leaves us with this reflection: true healing happens when we show up for ourselves and each other—not with an agenda, but with presence and willingness. Whether we are supporting new mothers, leading groups, or simply deepening our own creative practices, we can all embrace the role of midwife—not just for others, but for ourselves.
Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Do you resonate with Jen’s approach to healing, community, and creativity? Share your reflections in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram. And if you’re local to Grand Rapids, keep an eye out—Jen and I might just be planning something special in the future!
Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, stay curious and keep creating.
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To learn more about Jen’s work and how you can connect with her, check out her website here.
Disclaimers: This blog and podcast are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical or mental health advice and are not a substitute for professional consultation or treatment.