Held by Dana
Somatic Psychotherapy
Coming Back Home to the Body
I’m Dana Biechonski-Fernandes—a somatic psychotherapist, educator, mover, board member, and lifelong explorer of the body’s wisdom.
And in fact, I'm mostly a mom at this time of life.
My path began in movement: from Olympic gymnastics to partner acrobatics, the body was my first language. Later, I delved into transpersonal psychology, seeking understanding beyond the physical. Yet, it was through personal experiences of pain and healing that I truly came home to myself and the body.
Today, I integrate somatic psychotherapy, nervous system regulation, and fascia research to support others in reconnecting with their bodies. My approach is gentle, relational, and attuned to the unique rhythms of each individual.
I believe:
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Symptoms are our callings.
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Our bodies are storytellers and trustworthy guides.
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Healing begins with listening, and have to include the body.
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Change and healing is often closer then we think.
In our work together, we create a space where you can return to yourself—softly, safely, and at your own pace.
Hi, I'm Dana
I’ve been a mover all my life—starting with Olympic gymnastics as a child,
and later partner acrobatics and yoga as I grew up.
The body was always a place of home for me.
Yet, after experienced adversities and during my years studying transpersonal psychotherapy and psychology, I found myself somewhat disconnected from that sense of home in my body.
The focus was often on endless discussions, and analysis of childhood and trauma, with little attention given to the body itself.
It wasn’t until I experienced a chronic pain flare-up that I began to truly reconnect, seeking a deeper understanding of the body’s role in healing.
This is why I often tell my clients: our symptoms are callings.
This experience taught me that real, lasting change must come from integrating the physical and psychological—and this integration must be embodied and impacting our everyday lives.
This deep connection between body and mind creates a pathway for greater consciousness and healing.
Besides all formal education, as a therapist, I'm in ongoing guidance and supervision constantly.
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2024-2025 Educational Supervisor - Bodynamic International
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2016 - 2020 Somatic Developmental Psychology practitioner (psychomotor studies) - Bodynamic International
• 2019 Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory - training with Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D.
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2015 - 2017 Core Evolution, Body psychotherapy with Siegmar Gerken Phd
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Transpersonal Psychotherapy, Teadlik Mina
Manual Therapist -
• 2014 Rebalancing,
• 2014 Structural Integration,
•2015 - 2017 MER - MyoFascial energetic release.
Professional Seminars and trainings
• Myofascial professional seminars with Tom Mayers.
• Fascia and the nervous system, Dr, Robert Schleip.
• Developmental trauma training with Ditte Marcher, Bodynamic International.
• Attachment, bonding and connectedness with Ditte Marcher, Bodynamic International.
• Emotions in motion with Ditte Marcher, Bodynamic International.
• 2018 Professional Seminars with Dr. Gabor Mate
• Developmental trauma - Trauma, Development, and Attachment with Raja Selvam, PhD. Integral somatic psychology.
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Acute and shock trauma, Ditte Marcher
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Shock Trauma, with Raja Selvam, PhD. Integral somatic psychology.
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Neurobiology Matter, Kim Barthel
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Narcissistic workshop, Michael Rupp. Bodynamic Int.
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Work with patterns that sustain depression, NICABM
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Treating trauma, NICABM
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Working with shame, NICABM
Movement
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2011 Certified Ashtanga-Veniyasa Yoga teacher
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2016 Certified Hatha Yoga teacher
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2014 Certified AcroYoga teacher
EABP member.
(the European association for body psychotherapy).
ABP (Association for Bodynamic psychology),
member and board member.
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2024-2025 Collaboration with Tou Helsepark in Stavanger Øst
2022-2025 Board member of the ABP,
Association Bodynamic Psychology
2022 to 2023 part of the creation and implementation of a support system for the Ukrainians refugees, that was made by the ABP.
2017- 2025 Creation of Dana's Clinic
in Stavanger, Norway.
Working experience with very multicultural, international community.
With chronic stress symptoms and psychosomatic symptoms such as Fibromyalgia, chronic pain, TMJ, Tinnitus, Muscle tension, Anxiety, Panic attacks, sciatica, herniated disc.
2015-2016 teaching in Europe and India 'Playground' workshop - Embodiment through movement and exploration of our sense of self and in connections with others.
Own practice and clinic since 2014.
In 2014 formed groups for children and their parents for playful movement together, intending to strengthen their bond and connection. What later became 'Family Playground'.
2012-2015 work as a pedagogic leader,
part of my role was to bring movement arts and art into the work with the children.
2012 NVC - Non violent communication work with Palestinians and Israelis.
I was born and raised in Israel, to a family that was both Jewish and Christian—a rare and often misunderstood combination in Israeli society, especially at the time. That dual heritage shaped my early life in quiet, complex ways.
My great-grandmother, from the Christian side of my family, lived in Warsaw until she passed away when I was 17. Later in life, I married into Portuguese culture, and since 2017, my family and I have made our home in Norway.
My roots have stretched across continents and cultures. I spent many years in India and across Asia—sometimes for months at a time.
Those years shaped something essential in me. A sense that connection doesn’t rely on shared language or background—but on presence. On being met, and meeting others, simply as we are.
From the age of 14, I sat quietly in transpersonal psychotherapy seminars led by my uncle—first in England, later in Estonia.
I come from a family of human rights activists, and those values are deeply woven into the way I hold space, listen, and relate.
I am the oldest of my siblings, and from a young age, I found myself naturally caring for others.
That early role didn’t disappear—it softened and deepened.
Today, it lives quietly in my motherhood, in my presence with clients, and in the way I meet both children and adults who carry something tender inside.
Movement has always been my language.
As a child, I spent years riding horses—competing in jumping and dressage. Later, it was gymnastics, then partner acrobatics.
But underneath all of it was a search for rhythm, connection, and something I now understand as regulation.Today, I meet movement in all sorts of ways—in everything.
Through breath. Through the body’s unfolding. Through the subtle shifts that happen when we begin to listen from within.
I love slow, quiet mornings. A warm cup of coffee.
I find joy in a fresh breeze, the colors of fall, when the sun comes out, dancing with my kids in the living room, and long conversations with friends and colleagues.
These experiences don’t belong on a CV.
But they live in my work.
And they shape how I meet the people I work with—softly, deeply, and with respect.
My Story
Until a decade ago, chronic pain was an integral part of my life.
It had been a constant companion since I was about 15 years old, persisting until I turned 30.
Some days were more bearable, but on others, my arm would numb completely.
During my time as an acrobat, I even experienced a terrifying collapse while relying on that arm for support.
I pursued countless avenues in search of relief.
I sought out various professionals, hoping for a solution, but nothing seemed to provide lasting relief.
Each time, the pain resurfaced, relentless in its grip.
I reached a juncture where I resigned myself to the belief that I would have to endure it indefinitely.
I felt utterly adrift.
Everything changed when I encountered my first somatic therapist, altering my life in ways I had never envisioned.
As a client once shared with me, the transformation was profound: "I gained a new body, but more significantly, I discovered a new sense of self."
Addressing childhood trauma became a pivotal aspect of my healing journey.
Through this process,
I developed greater proficiency in both experiencing and expressing my emotions.
Embracing my pain as a guide rather than an adversary was a turning point.
It compelled me to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, one that ultimately led me back to a place of wholeness.
Learning to listen to my body's signals was a skill I honed over time.
Rather than resisting or ignoring discomfort, I began to approach it with curiosity and compassion.
Through somatic techniques, I cultivated a deeper awareness of the intricate connection between my physical sensations and emotional well-being.
Working in tandem with my pain, I uncovered layers of suppressed emotions and unresolved traumas.
Each revelation brought me closer to a profound understanding of myself and the intricate interplay between mind, body, and spirit.
As I embraced this holistic approach to healing, I discovered a newfound sense of empowerment.
No longer defined by my pain, I reclaimed agency over my own well-being.
I learned to nurture myself in ways that honored both my strengths and vulnerabilities.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the resilience gained.
My experience with chronic pain has transformed from a source of despair to a catalyst for profound personal growth.
I share my story not as a prescription for others to follow, but as a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's pain with courage and compassion. May it serve as a beacon of hope for those who find themselves navigating their own paths toward healing and self-discovery.
My pain was a calling, back to me.
I learned to listen to it,
I learned to work with it,
I learned to move with it.
And I believe yours,
is calling you back to you.
Until a decade ago, chronic pain was an integral part of my life.
It had been a constant companion since I was about 15 years old, persisting until I turned 30.
Some days were more bearable, but on others, my arm would numb completely.
During my time as an acrobat, I even experienced a terrifying collapse while relying on that arm for support.
I pursued countless avenues in search of relief.
I sought out various professionals, hoping for a solution, but nothing seemed to provide lasting relief.
Each time, the pain resurfaced, relentless in its grip.
I reached a juncture where I resigned myself to the belief that I would have to endure it indefinitely.
I felt utterly adrift.
Everything changed when I encountered my first somatic therapist, altering my life in ways I had never envisioned.
As a client once shared with me, the transformation was profound: "I gained a new body, but more significantly, I discovered a new sense of self."
Addressing childhood trauma became a pivotal aspect of my healing journey.
Through this process,
I developed greater proficiency in both experiencing and expressing my emotions.
Embracing my pain as a guide rather than an adversary was a turning point.
It compelled me to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, one that ultimately led me back to a place of wholeness.
Learning to listen to my body's signals was a skill I honed over time.
Rather than resisting or ignoring discomfort, I began to approach it with curiosity and compassion.
Through somatic techniques, I cultivated a deeper awareness of the intricate connection between my physical sensations and emotional well-being.
Working in tandem with my pain, I uncovered layers of suppressed emotions and unresolved traumas.
Each revelation brought me closer to a profound understanding of myself and the intricate interplay between mind, body, and spirit.
As I embraced this holistic approach to healing, I discovered a newfound sense of empowerment.
No longer defined by my pain, I reclaimed agency over my own well-being.
I learned to nurture myself in ways that honored both my strengths and vulnerabilities.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the resilience gained.
My experience with chronic pain has transformed from a source of despair to a catalyst for profound personal growth.
I share my story not as a prescription for others to follow, but as a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's pain with courage and compassion. May it serve as a beacon of hope for those who find themselves navigating their own paths toward healing and self-discovery.
My pain was a calling, back to me.
I learned to listen to it,
I learned to work with it,
I learned to move with it.
And I believe yours,
is calling you back to you.
CLIENTS SHARE THEIR SUCCESS
Dana's professional treatment is based on many years of experience and a multitude of educational training that support each other.
She works intuitively and has the ability to listen to the unspoken needs of the client, as well as respect the client's personal limitations and integrity.
I recommend her soft, and yet strong and supportive sessions.
Mariel Kvaale, Oslo
CLIENTS SHARE THEIR SUCCESS
Iv'e learned to manage my chronic tension and stress, I got in touch with my emotions after I didn't cry for more then 20 years.
I feel a lot more, I have feelings that I didn't had before, but the biggest unexpected win, was the relationships with my wife, children, and people in my life that grew in new and exciting new ways.
I got in much more patient with myself and others.
My sense of life became much more interesting in many ways, and my role in it,
I became better leader in my work.
My wife even said about this process, it was great investment :)
K. J.G
Stavanger, Norway
CLIENTS SHARE THEIR SUCCESS
After years of anxiety and PMDD,
where I felt Iv'e told my adversity story so many times to so many professionals.
In relatively, such a short time, my anxiety symptoms were gone.
My PMDD symptoms were so much better.
But really more than anything, I found safety within.
And I feel much more capable and present.
So grateful!
AJ. M
CLIENTS SHARE THEIR SUCCESS
Dana never fails to amaze with her knowledge, intuitive approach, and her ability to guide you in finding YOUR OWN BODY's way.
Forever grateful and in awe of your skills with people and the body.
CLIENTS SHARE THEIR SUCCESS
Iv'e learned so much about myself, and my body.
I received knowledge and techniques to listen to my body and not only manage my pain but prevent it.
Thank you
Amelia Richards. Stavanger, Norway
CLIENTS SHARE THEIR SUCCESS
I came because of Fibromyalgia I suffered from.
I got new body, but much more then that,
I got new me.
A.B.B
Stavanger, Norway
