Welcome to Wildly Unraveled.
This is a space to explore, with curiosity and honesty, what it means to be human.
I’m Laurita Gorman, a Somatic Psychotherapist, a poet, a mountain lover, an avid hiker, a nature dweller, and a woman who is obsessed with dogs. Mostly, I’m just a human still figuring stuff out. Read more things about my credentials and some quirks of mine further down the page.
I have had a long love affair with the written word, since the days I knew how to put pen to paper, and my entire life I have used writing as my chosen gateway to self-expression - to soothe parts of me that needed tending, to be in communion with my felt sense, and to explore the many layers that are often hidden beneath the surface. I am a natural storyteller, an evocative writer as some would say, but mostly a human who finds value in sharing from experiences and extracting the lessons gleaned from moments in time we either wish we could hold onto a little longer, or ones we hope to never touch again - both equally part of this wild life, both beautiful in their own way - both deserving of expression.
Wildly Unraveled is a place for me to weave words on being human, and a place for you to find comfort in knowing that you aren't alone, and that you make sense.
Here, you will find essays on topics such as:
trauma healing and resolution
relational dynamics
tending to the parts of ourselves we struggle with
how to cultivate compassion and curiosity in times of pain
the art of relational repair
learning how our bodies are gateways for healing
embodied aliveness
communing with nature to restore our mental health
reclaiming our voice
self-trust
exploring our emotions and patterns
nervous system restoration
challenging our thoughts and inviting psychological flexibility
identity & transitions
attunement and attachment
embracing complexity & nuance
radical wholeness
exploring our inner and outer landscapes
instinctual & devotional living
and at the heart of it all - unraveling what it means to be human.
Each week, potentially more if the muse calls for it, I will share what has been on my heart, or things I am presently traversing. I will also share stories from previous chapters not currently present, but that hold valuable insights and lessons that I believe can support those who may find resonance with my words.
You will find varied posts here - essays, poetry, and audio recordings - all with the shared intention of exploring the messy and beautiful parts of being human. Some posts will be more narrative in nature, while others more educational and informative. Each week, free subscribers will receive my weekly post, and paid subscribers will receive additional essays, audio recordings, resources, zoom gatherings, and Q&A sessions.
This is a place for folks who are curious about the human condition, who desire to explore themselves more intimately, and who value community and connection.
This is a place for you to feel, to reflect, to learn, to grow, to connect, and to belong.
This is a place for psyche, soma, soul & nature to commune.
When your eyes meet my words, my hope is that it invites a deeper exhale, a softer landing, and a welcomed smile. I hope this space feels nourishing, meaningful, and insightful in ways that feel important for you. I also hope it invites curiosity, contemplation, and consideration for new perspectives or deeper inquiry into parts of yourself you have yet to meet. Of most importance, I hope it becomes a space for you, and us, to cultivate compassion and gently tend to yourself in ways that honour your needs and desires, with nervous system restoration at the forefront.
SOME PREVIOUS POSTS:
Write What’s Honest, Not What’s Trending: The Intersection of Authenticity, Attachment & Artistry
WHY SUBSCRIBE?
The written word has saved my life on more than one occasion, either through the expression of my own words or through reading another’s in times of change or challenge. Words hold value, and words heal. And in a society that is trying to pull our attention in every direction towards quick and easily digestible videos, I desire to create slowly, with intention, and to reclaim long form writing that not only provides ease for our nervous systems to take in, but also honours artists for their work and in a space that also values reciprocity for creatives.
Subscribing to Wildly Unraveled gives you more than just words on a page, it provides you with an experience - to think deeply, to feel honestly, and to deepen your relationship to Self. It gives you the space, the opportunity, and the insights to support you on your own, wildly unraveled, path. We are communal beings, we were never meant to traverse life on our own in isolation, and now you don’t have to. You will be welcomed into our community like an old friend, and there is always a seat at our communal table for you.
SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS:
FREE $0/Month:
Weekly essays
PAID $8/Month or $85/year:
Weekly essay
Audio recordings
Resources
Q & A sessions
Zoom gatherings
FOUNDING MEMBERS $150/year:
Everything
My heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your devotion and trust in me, my work, and my words.
My name is Laurita (my name comes from my two grandmothers - Laura & Rita), and I am a woman of Celtic ancestry and find myself being drawn deeper into my roots and lineage. I am a Somatic Psychotherapist, writer, poet, passionate dancer, beginner musician and theatre performer, forest dweller, avid hiker, and lover of long walks on diverse landscapes.
I was born and raised in Canada, but currently live in Australia with my kiwi partner, whom I met in India (a story for another day). After spending over ten years working in Social Work, I took a one-year sabbatical to backpack around the world by myself - one year turned into two, and I never did return to that community mental health job.
I have worked in the mental health field for 20 years now and I am deeply passionate about the work that I do, it is a privilege to hold space for folks during their most tender times - something I don’t take lightly. I have had quite a professional journey that has led me to where I am today, and a lot of post-secondary education (nine years later) that has informed my work. I have many degrees - SSW, BSW, MSW - and still think about going back to school for my PhD (someone stop me, please). I have more continuing education certificates than I can count, but notably I have completed the three-year Somatic Experiencing program by Dr. Peter Levine. I love offering consultation within workplaces, supervision for students and colleagues, and teaching people and professionals at conferences. My work has been featured on Positively Positive, Thought Catelog, Elephant Journal, and The Huffington Post. I know some stuff, and I write about some stuff - but there is a whole lot more that I don’t know.
But, underneath all the fancy theories and titles, what I am most interested in is what makes us human, what helps us feel alive, and how we navigate the difficult terrain we may find ourselves in. I believe the more we can embrace the complexity of what it means to be human without always pathologizing or fixing ourselves (because we aren’t broken), the more we can move towards radical wholeness.
Behind the therapist title, I, too, am a human who has had my own wild journey of being alive. I am still learning, a lot, about myself and I don’t believe we arrive at an end destination of being “healed”, but rather, we collect insights and increase capacity to meet new edges along the way that allow space for more compassion, ease, and connection.
Thanks for being here, with me.
Laurita
ps. If you’re into Instagram, you can follow me here.
pps. If you dig podcasts, you can listen to some of my episodes here.
Things that bring me joy:
Dogs, all kinds, at all times of the day (I also happily accept dog videos, memes and photos).
Going for a challenging hike up to a viewpoint overlooking the ocean - it's always worth the huffing and puffing to get up there.
Walking in the woods, preferably when it rains
Playing around on my ukelele and jamming with my partner.
Having a games night with my family, Pictionary never gets old.
Sitting on my deck overlooking the valley, sipping on a matcha (usually iced over here in Australia), and listening to birdsong.
That rush of energy that flows through my body when the creative muse is turned ON.
Laughing with my friends until my tummy hurts (or until I snort, whichever comes first)
Some fun, or weird, things about me:
I cry a lot, mostly at dog videos and love stories.
When I get off a plane, I like to wait around in the airport so I can witness loved ones reunite (and secretly shed a tear).
I have lived in four different countries and haven’t returned home to live in Canada since I left in 2015 for a solo backpacking trip that didn’t come to an end.
My favourite food is a dosa, and after living in India I know a good one when I taste it.
I’m a dancer, I don’t just wear cardigans in the therapist office.
I dreamed of performing in theatre as a kid, but the camp I signed up for when I was 12 years old was cancelled and I never got to live out that dream. So, in January 2023, I auditioned for my very first show, got a part, and performed a solo song in front of hundreds of people over 6 shows.
