Today we’d like to introduce you to Faith Elie.
Hi Faith, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I knew I wanted to become a therapist when I was in middle school. Even before I had personal experience with therapy, I was deeply drawn to the idea of sitting one-on-one with people, helping them better understand themselves, and hopefully find some relief from what they were struggling with.
I went on to major in psychology and later earned my master’s degree in counseling with the long-term goal of eventually opening my own private practice. About twenty years, several degrees, and a couple of cross-country moves later, I found myself back in my home state of Michigan, where I opened Somatic Psychotherapy Michigan.
Over the years, my work has continued to evolve toward somatic and depth-oriented approaches, trauma work, attachment, sex therapy and helping people reconnect with themselves in a more compassionate and embodied way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the challenges along the way involved relocating several times while completing my master’s degree, which required a lot of persistence. Later, I made the intentional decision to move back home to Michigan from Los Angeles because I believed it would be more sustainable and easeful to build a private practice here — and that turned out to be the right decision. Starting a practice in Detroit was surprisingly smooth, and I was fortunate to find a strong need for the kind of somatic and depth-oriented work I offer.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Somatic Psychotherapy Michigan?
Somatic Psychotherapy Michigan is a private practice focused on helping individuals heal trauma, deepen self-understanding, and build more connected relationships with themselves and others. My work integrates somatic therapy, attachment theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, depth psychology, and sex therapy, allowing me to support clients in a way that addresses both the mind and the body.
I specialize in trauma, sexual shame, relationship dynamics, dissociation, anxiety, identity exploration, and helping clients reconnect with parts of themselves that may have felt disconnected, overwhelmed, or unseen. Many of the people I work with are highly sensitive, insightful, creative, or high-functioning individuals who may intellectually understand themselves well, but still feel stuck emotionally, relationally, or somatically.
What sets my practice apart is the integrative and relational nature of the work. I believe healing happens not just through insight, but through creating safety in the nervous system, developing self-compassion, and learning how to relate differently to ourselves and others. I also value bringing, curiosity, depth, and authenticity into the therapeutic relationship.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of creating a practice that feels both clinically grounded and deeply human. I wanted Somatic Psychotherapy Michigan to be a space where people could explore complex emotional experiences without shame or judgment. Over time, the practice has become known for thoughtful, depth-oriented care that honors the whole person rather than just symptoms or diagnoses.
I want readers to know that therapy does not have to be about “fixing” yourself. It can also be a space for understanding yourself more deeply, reconnecting with your body and emotions, healing old patterns, and creating a more meaningful and connected life.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I would love to continue expanding Somatic Psychotherapy Michigan in ways that allow for deeper community, collaboration, and mentorship. One area I am especially passionate about is offering more supervision and consultation to other therapists, particularly clinicians interested in somatic therapy, trauma work, attachment-based approaches, and integrative healing modalities.
As the field continues to grow, I believe there is a strong need for spaces where therapists can deepen not only their clinical skills, but also their own self-awareness, embodiment, and relational presence. Supporting newer therapists in developing confidence and authenticity in their work is something I find incredibly meaningful.
I am also interested in continuing to grow the practice itself, potentially expanding offerings through groups, workshops, educational content, or additional clinicians who share similar values and approaches to healing. My hope is to continue creating work that feels thoughtful, depth-oriented, relational, and accessible to the people who need it most.
Pricing:
- 150 a session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.somaticpsychotherapymichigan.com
- Instagram: @somaticpsychotherapymichigan
