Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Myriam Khouzam. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Myriam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

I worked with youth, homelessness, and employment right out of university. I started to notice how, when people were in crisis, they were completely disconnected from their bodies. I didn’t have the words for it yet, but I saw what I can now say was their nervous system entering sympathetic mode (fight or flight), and, as a means of survival, they couldn’t think or act rationally. They hadn’t taught me that in school. But having found yoga when I was 14 years old and knowing the profound effect breath had on me, I taught them how to breathe. This always led to an easier conversation, and a glimpse of space that allowed them to see that their situation was indeed workable.

I didn’t do well in that structured environment, to be honest. I feel like I had a mid-life crisis in my early 20s. After only a few months, I quit that job and dove right into all kinds of Spirit and Body modalities. That time changed not only the course of my career but my entire life! More than 20 years later, I’m still growing, learning, decolonizing myself, and continuing to understand how to best support others.

Myriam, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a queer cis-woman of colour of North African descent. I live as a first-generation, unintentional guest on Turtle Island (Canada), and more specifically, on the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas in Attiwandarionia (Hamilton, ON).

I have studied and continue to study with many Traditional Healers worldwide. I combine different techniques and tools to help people find Energetic, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Balance. I have taught trauma-informed yoga and meditation since 2001, with more than 1500 hours of training. I am also a trained Shiatsu Therapist and a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) with a diploma from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.

I’ve long been intrigued by what truly feeds us. Through deep personal experience and guiding others, I’ve gained valuable insight into the connection between nourishment (both tactile and symbolic), physical health, and our emotional and spiritual landscape.

Beyond the thousands of hours of training in Therapeutic and Trauma-Informed Yoga, Meditation, Healing traditions, Shiatsu, and Nutrition, I continue to take courses and certificates that help me create a safe and welcoming container for individuals experiencing challenging situations and/or who have lived through traumatic events.

These days, I’m really passionate about Embodied Integration, a holistic, gentle approach that combines nervous system regulation, somatic embodiment techniques, therapeutic yoga, mindful awareness, and more. It calls on our bodies, hearts, and spirits’ innate wisdom to release held patterns, trauma, and old beliefs. This work facilitates (re)connection with our Self and the world around us. Embodied integration uses bite-size pieces to gradually build our ability for attentive presence with whatever arises.

I also offer support and guidance through Elemental Rituals, Grief Work, Ancestral Healing, and online Trauma-Informed group yoga classes.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

The most important thing in my field is not something you learn through books or training. Instead, it’s the ability to co-regulate. It’s something in the tone of voice, body language, and the ability to be fully present. We all know someone who naturally embodies this – when we’re around them, we automatically feel at ease and naturally want to share space, time and stories with them.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I’ve always said that if I could start over, I’d be a professional dancer – ballet or contemporary! In reality, though, I love where I find myself today. It’s been quite a journey, with many unexpected shifts in direction. I feel like I’ve spent most of my life in training, adding more and more tools to my toolbox. For a while, I felt like I was trying to be everything to everyone, and I spread myself too thin, going in too many directions at once. However, having recently made some choices to let go of specific offerings that don’t bring me as much joy – like Holistic Nutrition, for one – has helped to clarify and solidify my direction. It’s been an unorthodox and nonlinear path, yet I wouldn’t change it!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://myriamkhouzam.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myriam_khouzam/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myriamkhouzam.offerings
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myriam-khouzam-10132b84/

Image Credits
Headshot: Michael Barker