Meet Aiyla Cook | Death Doula | Somatic Coach | Somatic Therapist in-training

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aiyla Cook and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aiyla, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My initial thought process was avoidance! I had always said I didn’t want to own my own business; there were so many things to learn and do to be able to start, run and successfully maintain a business that I found to be terrifying. I suppose the universe had other plans, however, because I began getting clients before I had even started Shadow Wellness. Family members, friends of family, acquaintances…even people I had just met. It was clear that there was a need in the community, and it was because of the support of all those people that I finally just jumped in feet first. I still have a lot to learn, but I’ve never regretted it and the work I’m doing has been so fulfilling.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a practitioner, the most unique thing I offer for my clients is, well, myself! I have a unique combination of identities, experiences, education, trainings, and skills that make it possible for me to do this work. Not only am I a Death Doula and Somatic Coach, but I’m also a Somatic Therapist-in-training (therapy wait list now open). I come from a multicultural household, I’m a parent, survivor of Domestic Violence, neurodivergent and disabled human. I’ve spent years in the trenches of grief, pain, loss, joy and love, both personally and professionally, and those experiences have given me not only a unique perspective, but also a unique capacity to sit with and support others.

I’m most proud that despite everything I’ve been through, I am still here, and still so passionate about sitting with others in the depths of their own experiences, in everything that encompasses being human. But I’ve found that my willingness to show up authentically and not avoid the uncomfortable and messy parts of being human gives others the permission they need to be able to do the same. I’ve learned that nothing in life is easy, nor should it be, it certainly hasn’t been easy to get here and I don’t imagine where I’m going is any easier. But I didn’t have to do it alone. While it wasn’t always like that, having people who cared for and supported me made a world of difference. Now, it’s my goal to be able to be there for others, to connect the community, to normalize all aspects of being human, and to support my clients in moving forward with their grief.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to all my friends and family who have supported me through this whole process and continue to inspire me. It is because of them that I’m doing the work I am, and I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. I’m beyond grateful for all they have taught me, for their support and love, and their incredible patience. To my partner, who has believed in me without question from day one, to my mentor, to whom I am forever grateful, and to my kids, who continue to push me. I wouldn’t be here without them.

Website: https://shadowwellness.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiylasaharcook/

Other: Email: aiyla.sahar@gmail.com

Image Credits
Baily Johnson