Amy Thiessen, PCC, SEP, MACP Website

Amy Thiessen, PCC, SEP, MACP

Somatic Voice and Communications Coach

Amy Thiessen is a somatic voice and communications coach based in Alberta, Canada. With over 20 years of experience in the arts and wellness industries, Amy is a multifaceted coach and facilitator who bridges the intelligence of body, spirit, and mind with the power of authentic self-expression. As the founder of In Resonance Coaching, she guides individuals, groups, and organizations to elevate the power inherent in each person through the guiding message that Every Voice Matters. Integrating somatic experiencing, vocal embodiment, and communication coaching, Amy supports clients to express themselves and move through conflict—inner and outer—with confidence, skill, and grace in their work, relationships, and creative lives. She has coached hundreds of clients and shared her music and facilitation across the globe, including appearances at Wanderlust Whistler, TEDx Calgary, the Mind-Body Therapy Summit, and the Bali Spirit Festival. Amy is a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Professional Ce

Education

  • Master's of Clinical Psychology (MACP), Antioch University
  • Bachelor of Commerce (BComm), University of Calgary

Professional Achievements

  • 5-star rating on Google for In Resonance Coaching
  • Appeared at the Embody Lab Mind-Body Therapy & Embodied Yoga Summits, as well as performances at Wanderlust, Bali Spirit Festival, and TEDx Calgary
  • Music has been performed on TV and radio across Canada

Certifications & Organizations

  • Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) - Somatic Experiencing International
  • Professional Certified Coach (PCC) – International Coaching Federation
  • Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Training - Various programs

Favorite Piece of Advice

Confident and authentic self-expression starts when we meet ourselves with compassion and an allowance to be where we are. It is only from here that we can forge a path forward to build our communication skills and embodiment in a truly authentic and resonant way.

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Forum Comments (4)

How do I apologize to my girlfriend?
The first thing to think about when you are going to apologize is, is an apology the appropriate response for the situation? If you go to apologize, but you’re doing it because you’re trying to placate someone, or you do it because you feel like you have to, it's not going to allow for a really beneficial apology. So make sure you understand if it’s the right time to apologize.

Then, when you do apologize, you want to be grounded and present to the best of your ability. That may mean preparing prior to think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Then you want to be really specific in what you're apologizing for. That specificity is really important because not only does it allow the other person to really understand, it also creates adequate responsibility.
How do you gain trust back in a relationship after lying?
It depends on if there's been a pattern of lying, but I think the first thing to consider is, are you genuinely trying to improve the situation? One lie is one thing. It might be a mistake, but a pattern of lying is different. So first, you need to consider whether you are genuinely ready to make the necessary changes and do the things that are required to make that change?

A concept I like that I use with my clients is, it's not your job to trust me. It's my job to prove I'm trustworthy. And so, you need to demonstrate that you are trustworthy until they trust you. Maybe you go see a therapist, maybe you go talk to somebody, maybe you get a whatever it is, maybe you get some support. Then you remain present and you don't force them or pressure them to trust you because that is the opposite of being trustworthy. In sum, you need to be willing to make change, take the time to make those changes, and recognize that it is not the other person’s job to trust you, but yours to become trustworthy and to be trustworthy. Finally, recognize that regaining trust is going to happen at the pace it happens.
How do you save a dry conversation?
It depends, but curiosity is one of the best ways to start an effective conversation. So when you hear something, try to get curious about it! If someone says they went to X university, then you can just go from there. "Oh great, what did you study there?" etc.

You'll notice when people talk, they'll light up about certain things. If you ask more questions about the thing the person lights up about, you're probably going to learn something. And then make sure you're listening to understand, not just waiting for your turn to speak. It's all about active listening. That's a really key component; ask questions that invite the other person to share things that they like, appreciate, or enjoy.
Best questions to ask to know someone better?
If you want to get to know someone better - whether through small talk or in a situation where you are meeting new people (e.g. dinner party, networking event, etc) try the following...

1. Be present. If you are looking at other conversations or people, you lose the chance to really connect with what you are talking to.

2. Begin with curiosity and open questions.
Use open questions that seek out a longer response than a simple yes/no answer. For example, How are you finding this event? Instead of Do you like this event?
Ask questions that anchor from a point of shared connection. For example, at a friend's party you might ask How did you meet so-and-so (i.e. your shared friend)
Use your experience as a possible gateway of shared connection. For example, if you are nervous at a networking event, go to someone who also looks nervous and say something like - "I always feel a little awkward at the beginning of these events - how are you finding it so far?

3. Listen actively & Engage from there
This means listen to understand instead of waiting for your turn to speak. Actively engage with non-verbal cues (e.g. nodding, smiling) and use what you hear to engage more deeply in the conversation, for example
Ask clarifying questions - You just said __________ would you help me understand what that means?
Notice changes in a person's emotions or affect - for example, if the person you are speaking with sounds more excited about something (e.g. Oh, how I loved that trip), use that as an opportunity to ask specifically about the trip (e.g. It sounds like it was an amazing trip, would you tell me more about it?)
Follow your curiosity - when they speak about something that sounds interesting to you, inquire further. E.g wow, you said you work as a marine biologist, that sounds very interesting. Would you tell me a little more about what you do day to day?
Once the conversation gets going, it usually becomes easier to carry on.

Here are a few of my favorite conversation starters.

Personal:
What brought you here today?
What are you interested in these days?
What is one of the most memorable experiences you've had?
Where's your favorite place to travel?
How do you know _______ (insert shared connection)?

Networking:
What type of work do you do?
What do you wish more people knew about your job/industry?
What is the best part of your day?
What is one of the most memorable times in your career?

Co-authored Articles (10)

170+ Messages & Quotes to Say Sorry to a Friend

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While apologizing in person often conveys more sincerity, there are times when a formal, written apology might be your only option or could otherwise be the preferred method. To write an apology letter, you'll need to ad...

35 Apology Paragraphs to Repair Your Relationship

Heartfelt apologies to heal your relationship Whether you yelled at your partner or made a coworker upset, apologizing is the first step in preserving your relationship with someone. Apologies can help you learn from you...

32 Heartfelt Apology Letters for Your Girlfriend to Win Her Back

Plus, expert writing tips to personalize your messageIf you’ve recently messed up in your relationship and need to write a sincere apology letter to your girlfriend, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to he...

15 Sincere Apology Letters to Your Boyfriend for Any Situation

Plus, relationship pros share what to include in your heartfelt letterWhen you mess up in a relationship, it can be hard to write an honest, genuine letter to your boyfriend asking his forgiveness. Don’t be left hangin...

How to Sincerely Apologize When You Hurt Someone By Mistake

Understand how to make amends with someone, from saying “sorry” to taking responsibility and asking for forgiveness Are you worried that you may have hurt someone’s feelings unintentionally and don’t know how to ...

How to Make Amends: Making Things Right with Friends & Family

Psychology-backed tips for making meaningful apologies When you're responsible for hurting someone you care about, it's not always easy to make amends. Putting yourself out on a limb to apologize can be daunting whether ...

Is “It’s Not You, It’s Me” Ever True?

The truth behind the common breakup phrase Ending a romantic relationship is always difficult, whether it’s mutual or not. It’s hard to know what the right thing to say is, especially if nobody did anything wrong. I...

How to Tell Someone That You're Sorry

Make a sincere and effective apology to repair a relationship Sometimes, the only way to make things right is to say “I’m sorry.” But there’s more to an effective apology than just 2 little words. A good apology ...

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Apologize After a Heated Argument

The fight is over, and you’re wondering how to apologize for your behavior, not to mention a handful of specific things you wish you hadn’t said. The emotional intensity of personal relationships, and the closeness ...