Rebecca A. Ward
Rebecca A. Ward is the author of The Paper Tiger Syndrome. A Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, she specializes in grief & loss, trauma, stress reduction, and the psychological symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illness. Her work is informed by somatic-based practices, including as a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP) and also serves as a training assistant for the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute (SETI). She is also certified in Interactive Guided Imagery and the Integrative Enneagram and have received 20+ years of training in numerous relational, grief, ritual, and spiritual modalities. As an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Certified Integral Coach, her work as a management consultant includes nearly 30 years of combined experience in executive coaching and management consulting. She works with leaders across all levels to repair connections and build cohesion and is an expert in leadership presence and embodiment—connecting the work of somatics with the use of language and communication.
Instagram: @IAmRebeccaWard
Is your go to comfort food sweet or savory? Is it something you make yourself? Does food inspire your writing?
I have a ritual every morning where I drink a traditional bowl of ceremonial matcha tea with almond milk. It is by far, my favorite source of sustenance...even better than my second fav: gelato! Matcha, which is ground, concentrated green tea, grounds me as the warm tea moves through my body, boosts my immune system, and reminds me how important it is to slow down and delight in every moment.
Have you ever experienced Imposter Syndrome?
Absolutely! I often have moments where I question myself, wondering if I know enough to be a writer but then I remind myself to focus on sharing what I DO know, as opposed to focusing on what I don’t know. There’s always more to learn and as long as I’m making new mistakes, I’m learning!
Is there another profession you would like to try?
Yes. Someday, I’d like to run an animal rescue farm and invite people who have overcome adversity to visit the farm. I love people and animals. Can’t imagine a better combination to bring the two together.
What brings you great joy?
What brings me the greatest joy in life is seeing a person transform their trauma into a force for healing, contentment, and aliveness for themselves and those they come into contact. If everyone focused on their self-healing, this world would be an even better place to be—for all of us—especially those who are suffering.
What piece of clothing tells the most interesting story about your life?
My chucks (Converse) and my busboy hats. Both keep me feeling playful, childlike, and joyful. These are important qualities to remember so that even under the worst circumstances, we remember all the light and love there is in the world!
