Welcome! I’m so Glad You’re Here.

I’m Nic Despres—a ritualist, somatic practitioner, and song carrier based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

My Journey in Healing & Bodywork

Following the golden threads of holistic healing, somatic awareness, and parts work, I was led to the Vitalist Institute, where I learned trauma-informed bodywork, working with the 5 Personality Patterns, breathwork, and parts work. During this time I began learning Reiki to combine bodywork with a foundation of energy work.

As I continued my learning with the Vitalist Institute, I deepened my understanding of body-centered healing, nervous system regulation, and somatic therapy techniques through mentorship, independent study, and hands-on client work.

I began working with clients to integrate these modalities and support individuals in their healing journeys in 2023 and am committed to the continuous apprenticeship of these modalities.

Ritual and cultural emergence

Beyond individual healing, my work in culture repair led me to supporting youth rites of passage through ceremony and ritual alongside other dedicated men. This is part of a long-term vision embraced by a network of village-tenders to guide teenage boys through adolescence.

Created alongside gifted teachers, rewilders, and village-tenders, I co-guide Firetenders, a recurring 6-week outdoor program for boys aged 10-13.

🔗 Learn more about Firetenders here.

With gratitude,
Nic Despres