Meet Heather
About Heather Pilon Somatic Hypnotherapy
I respectfully acknowledge that the land on which I work, live, and practice is the traditional, unceded territories and ancestral homelands of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples represented by the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. I appreciate and honor those who continue to work hard to maintain their sacred traditions and be watchful guardians of this magnificent island we call home.
Early Interests in Philosophy and States of Consciousness
From a young age, I was fascinated with exploring states of consciousness. During my childhood, I had a transformative experience of transcendental meditation that sparked my interest in inner peace and relaxation. During a long car ride to visit my grandparents, I repeated for as long as possible, "Am I really here? Am I really here? Am I here?..." My mind moved into a wonderfully blissful state of peace and relaxation, giving me my first experience of a mantra at six years old. This interest was further cultivated when I encountered philosophical works, such as Herman Hesse's "Siddhartha," which ignited a compassionate curiosity about different perspectives on the human condition.
My Family Lineages
My diverse background encompasses French, Irish, and Turkish ancestry. While the migration shifts somewhat diminished the intricacies of my Celtic and Anatolian lineage, I inherited a deep appreciation for nature and plant-based healing from my family. My grandmother shared enchanting stories of the magical lands of Suzy September, and my mother instilled in me a love for the natural world and its nourishing properties. Both women modeled how to grow, speak to, and tend to the plants in and around our home for their beauty, medicines, and nutrients they bring to our bodies.
Creativity and the Desire to Heal
In my twenties, I embarked on a creative journey by pursuing oil painting at C.U. Boulder in Colorado. This period allowed me to explore my innermost thoughts and emotions, uncovering the profound impact of my family's past. As I delved into my healing process, I became acutely aware of societal issues and injustices, propelling me toward advocating for positive change. During that period, I witnessed deep societal wounds exposing flaws in our systems—environmental decline, racial, class, gender hierarchies, and global injustices. This heightened my awareness of narratives perpetuating harm, fear, and misuse of power.
Rediscovery Through Yoga and Mediation
My search for healing led me to the practices of yoga and meditation, which initially aimed to enhance my creative abilities. However, I soon realized their potential to connect me to a profound sense of inner harmony. This became a sanctuary where I could address emotional challenges and discover newfound solutions. Through these practices, I recognized the intricate interplay between life's inner and outer aspects. In other words, how we feel about the world inside us manifests in the world outside of us.
Global Experiences and Teaching
My journey continued with a move to South Korea, where I immersed myself in teaching at a fine arts university called Hongik University for nine years. While living overseas, I embraced my desire for holistic healing and became a certified yoga instructor, dedicating myself to teaching and guiding others on their personal growth paths. My yoga teacher training and meditation studies in India and Korea deepened my understanding of compassion and heartfelt living, solidifying their roles in my life and teaching philosophy.
Exploration of Ayurveda and Holistic Well-being
In 2017, Ayurveda (ARE-YU-VEDA) began calling me. It's an ancient, natural medicine system from India over 3,000 years ago. It fulfilled my desire to understand caring for our bodies beyond the yoga mat through straightforward, healthful practices. This exploration inspired me to adopt nourishing daily habits and share this knowledge with fellow yogis worldwide in my online Body Wisdom Yoga course. My passion for Ayurveda drove me to become an Ayurveda Health Coach, allowing me to guide others towards optimal health.
A New Chapter in Counselling and Somatic Hypnotherapy
In 2019, my family and I made a significant decision to relocate to the west coast landscapes of Vancouver Island. Here, I followed my true calling, embracing Somatic Hypnotherapy and counseling as powerful tools for transformation. Graduating from the Ascension Center Hypnotherapy program in 2022, I am pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Counseling from the City University of Seattle. This academic pursuit equips me to blend evidence-based counseling techniques with the transformative potential of Somatic Hypnotherapy, enabling me to empower my clients to access their inner wisdom.
Nurturing Your Journey: From Self-Exploration to Empowerment
As your guide and heartfelt ally, I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your inner world, understand your unique challenges, and tap into your innate strengths. I feel we have to find ways to live our purpose, or this life will be less satisfying. However, sometimes, we run on outdated operation systems and get stuck. So, together, we will uncover the root causes of your limitations and work towards breaking free from the barriers that have held you back.
Imagine living a life filled with meaning, driven by purpose, and fueled by your passions. Whether finding your way in your career or building fulfilling relationships, I'm here to help, especially if you need help figuring out where to begin.
When you are ready to take the journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment, I warmly invite you to connect with me. I look forward to working with you as we unlock the incredible possibilities that lie ahead.
Our Mission
Heather Pilon Somatic Hypnotherapy aims to provide a safe and nurturing space for individuals to explore their inner world, unravel emotional blockages, and heal themselves. We empower clients to break free from emotional and cognitive limitations by integrating Somatic Hypnotherapy, yoga teachings, and Ayurvedic principles. We strive to enable them to achieve enhanced well-being and realize their most profound aspirations.
Heather Pilon is a Registered Certified Hypnotherapist and Yoga Instructor who provides services across Vancouver Island, Vancouver, Seattle, San Diego, Washington, and Portland.