Conversations with Clinicians: Io Bones


Offerings, recommendations, inspirations from an Alumn

Neighborhood: Rockridge
Orientation: Mindfulness-based, Somatic, Collaborative, Grounded in Compassion, Curiosity, and an Honest Exploration of the Present Moment
Specialties: Relationship challenges in general, and alternative relationships in particular (open/poly/kink/LGBTQ).
Other modalities that inform your work: Hakomi, Mindfulness, Movement & Dance, Emotionally Focused Therapy
What is it like to work with you?: I hold my clients with a combination of warmth and directness. I can be gentle, but also persistent in making sure we look at whatever needs to be looked at. I see it as my job to inspire my clients to pay loving and honest attention to themselves.
Works well with: Movers, dancers, and the body-curious, people with an interest in developing a deeper relationship with their physical selves. I also enjoy working with clients who want to take a closer look at how they do relationships.
Inspired by this work because: My work feels like a meditation to me, an invitation to really be present. I love the opportunity to truly look deeply at what we tend to avoid, because often it’s at that layer of depth that I feel most inspired by the daily magnificence involved in the simple act of being human. Most of all, I love those moments of profound joy that happen when one of my client breaks through something, letting themselves feel exactly what they feel and be exactly who they are. Even if it’s only for a moment, that experience is contagious.
Stays inspired by: This work is my inspiration. I stay engaged by staying curious and constantly expanding my repertoire, by seeking out mentorship, workshops, and by letting my clients influence me. There are always new tools to explore and new ways to look at experience.
Best jobs before becoming a therapist: Birth-Doula, Inquiry Specialist at the Exploratorium

Recommendations:
For managing overwhelm: Go inside and find a sensation that feels pleasurable. Or try calming the nervous system by humming a series long single notes.
For connecting with your intuition: When contemplating a fork in the road take a moment to get curious about which part of you is advocating for each path. What need or desire would each option fulfill? What do each of these parts truly need?
Best place to cry in the bay area: In the arms of someone who loves you.
Best place to find a laugh: The last place you found a laugh. If it works, do it again.
Self-care on a budget: Pay close attention to what makes you feel good and do more of it. Spend time with people who make you feel good. Move your body in ways that make you feel good. Eat food that makes you feel good. Also, make time to balance doing with restfulness.
Non-therapy book recc: SAGA comic series by Brian K Vaughn and artist Fiona Staples.
Therapeutic book recc: The Feeling Buddha By David Brazier

Offerings:
In the works: Audio meditations for couples and for bringing playful awareness to everyday life, and more movement-based self-inquiry groups.
Also: It is my hope, however you approach your healing and growth, that it feels good. It might also be hard, but it can be the good sort of hard.

Note: Io is currently an Alumn of the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy. If you would like to contact her, please use her info below

Contact:
iobonestherapy@gmail.com

510-898-6620
www.iobones.com

Marriage & Family Therapist #111851