PRIME Retreat: Oct 16-19, The Berkshires, MA: Learn More
PRIME Retreat: Oct 16-19, The Berkshires, MA: Learn More
When people search for what is somatic coaching or where it began, the truth is that this approach has roots going back more than thirty years. Before “somatic coaching” became a recognized field, I was working directly with men to bring the body into the process of change. I saw that stress, trauma, and unexpressed emotion lived in the nervous system, and that talk alone could not resolve it.
In the 1990s, I began guiding men to slow down, notice their physiology, and connect bodily sensation with real emotion. At a time when very few people were speaking about somatics in coaching, I was already training men to use somatic awareness as the foundation for change. Those early groups became the proving ground for what is now widely accepted in trauma healing and performance psychology: lasting growth starts in the body.
Today, somatic coaching for men is used in leadership, trauma recovery, and personal development worldwide. But back then, the idea that men could heal by feeling was considered radical. What began in those early men’s groups has grown into a model where vulnerability, nervous system regulation, and authentic connection form the core of transformation.
The coaching I offer at OwenMarcus.com and the work we do at MELD both carry this lineage. They are built on decades of experience pioneering somatic practices for men, long before it was mainstream. If you’re searching for more than just strategies and talk, and want to experience the true origins of somatic coaching, this is where it began and continues to evolve.
Somatic coaching is an innovative approach to personal and professional development that focuses on the body’s wisdom and sensations. It helps individuals connect deeply with their physical experiences to achieve emotional, mental, and physiological well-being. This coaching style is particularly effective for men seeking to explore and improve their emotional agility and resilience.
At MELD, our somatic coaching methodology is rooted in extensive scientific research and practical application. Our approach, known as the MELD Method, integrates the latest advancements in emotional physiology, attachment theory, and peer support. This combination not only enhances personal growth but also fosters deep communal connections, making our programs uniquely impactful for men.
Our programs are based on over 70 years of cumulative research on stress, trauma, and emotional health. We apply these insights to help men reengage with their instinctual skills, often lost in modern life, allowing them to reclaim their natural emotional wisdom. Research on our methods has been featured in major publications, attesting to their effectiveness and innovative nature.
The origins of MELD Somatic Coaching trace back to the innovative work of Owen Marcus, who began his journey into somatic practices in 1977 under the tutelage of Ron Kurtz, the originator of Somatic Psychotherapy and his Hakomi Method, in Boulder, CO. By the early 1980s, Owen collaborated with Ron to introduce these groundbreaking techniques in corporate settings, including at IBM, showcasing the applicability of somatic principles in various professional environments.
Owen’s deep dive into somatic therapy continued with his studies under Peter Levine, PhD, beginning in 1980. It was Levine who first introduced Owen to the concept of the freeze response — a fundamental aspect of trauma — and methods for its resolution. These insights became a cornerstone of what would later evolve into Levine’s renowned Somatic Experience program. Simultaneously, Owen expanded his Rolfing practice, established in 1980 in Scottsdale, AZ, into an integrated medical clinic. Here, he treated a wide range of clients suffering from chronic stress or trauma referred by top holistic physicians. He further honed his approach to somatic coaching by incorporating approaches such as Somatic Mindfulness.
Owen’s commitment to broadening his somatic coaching toolkit him advanced into leading eighteen-month training sessions with Native American elders, where he imparted his knowledge and also learned to integrate Indigenous wisdom into his practice. This period was crucial for developing a holistic approach that used the body as a key facilitator of emotional healing for both men and women.
In 2005, after a decade of initiating men’s groups across the country, Owen designed a new group model which catalyzed a transformation in men’s work. His Sandpoint Men’s Group began with eleven men and grew explosively to include over 500 alumni and members across six groups. This model, known for its effective use of somatic methods, gained significant traction both locally and internationally.
All these experiences and insights culminated in the creation of the MELD Method, a comprehensive somatic coaching approach that forms the core of all MELD’s programs for men, organizations, and professionals. This method has set the standard against which other somatic programs are measured, evolving from decades of study, application, and refinement in diverse and challenging environments.
MELD Somatic Coaching, with its deep roots in scientific research and decades of enhancement, stands as a pioneering force in the field. It reflects a legacy of innovation and effectiveness, making MELD the original and leading authority on somatic coaching tailored specifically for men.
Our Core program offers an introduction to the MELD Method, focusing on developing foundational somatic skills in a supportive group setting. These virtual classes and groups are designed to help men feel more energized, healthier, and connected.
For those looking to deepen their change, our Forge Group Coaching centers around immersive experiences emphasizing the transformative power of group dynamics and MELD Somatic Coaching.
Grow, MELD’s retreat focuses on teaching the MELD Method through the experience of receiving it and delivering it to another man. This method is easy to learn because it is based on the body’s natural responses. Men experience how powerful this approach can be.
MELD not only offers Somatic Coaching but also trains aspiring coaches. Our certification program is tailored for those who wish to specialize in coaching men, equipping them with the necessary tools to facilitate deep, body-based emotional growth.
Ready to transform your life or become a Certified Somatic Coach? Explore our website or contact us directly to learn more about our programs and how you can get involved.
By integrating scientific rigor with holistic coaching skills, MELD stands out as a leading authority on somatic coaching for men. Our unique, research-driven approach ensures that every participant gains not just skills, but a transformative life experience.
