What is Shadow Work?

"If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you."

- Gospel of Thomas

"Shadow" refers to the hidden, repressed, and denied parts of our personality and unique human expression. Our shadow is like a long bag we drag behind us, which carries our unwanted emotions, instincts, inner narratives, hidden expectations, longings, repulsions, etc. As we develop our sense of identify, every part of ourselves that is not compatible with that identity, is discarded into the bag.

Our shadow may seem intimidating, but it holds the key to new possibilities and untapped energy waiting to be experienced and expressed.

Shadow work is the process of discovering and building a relationship with our hidden messages, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors that unconsciously influence how we show up in our lives. By illuminating our unconscious life, we loosen the internal tangled ball of yarn, and reclaim vital energy for living an awake and authentic life.

My name is Dr. Michael Simmons. I host a safe, judgment-free, and transformational community to support individuals discover and befriend their hidden life.

I supports clients through a blend of individual support and intentional communal engagement. Book a free 20-minute discovery call with me to learn more. Check out the Packages & Pricing I offer for different points and seasons of your journey.

Ingrid, 34 (Virginia)

After my first Zoom session with Michael, I breathed a huge sigh of relief and thought, “I’m going to be okay. I’m going to find help here.” Traditional talk therapy sessions had helped me work through some of my deep fears and mental blocks towards motherhood and femininity. However, I found myself craving a more nuanced spiritual and psychological framework than what traditional therapy provided. I wanted new questions and refreshed perspectives. Turns out, I actually wanted shadow work! My husband was benefitting from his own shadow work sessions with Michael, so I decided to give it a go myself. Working with Michael these past few months has marked a turning point in my motherhood/identity journey. Michael is deeply skilled in the craft of coaching—his professionalism provides a safe, non-judgmental space for sharing, while his warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine care for his clients infuses every question he asks, metaphor he shares, and resource he offers. He listens with gracious attentiveness, never rushes, and isn’t afraid to witness ugly crying. Thank you, Michael, for all the beautiful new words and mental models. I feel like I’m continually upgrading my ability to process my own life. What a gift!

Book a Free Discovery Call

Dr. Michael Simmons

Shadow Work Coach | Initiator | Spiritual Guide

Is Shadow Work for me?

Below are a few examples of when shadow work can be an effective process:

Navigating a major life transition
Disillusionment with long-held beliefs
Experiencing emotional flooding or numbness
Reacting with heightened emotions, such as rage or isolation, to frequent triggers
Struggling to resolve or understand conflicts with others
Feeling consistently triggered by certain people, environments, or energies
Harboring irrational fears related to God judgement or divine punishment
Struggling to recognize and embrace your worth, strengths, or inner "gold"
Falling into patterns of self-sabotage or procrastination despite clear goals
Battling persistent feelings of shame, guilt, or unworthiness
Facing difficulties in forming or maintaining healthy relationships
Feeling stuck or unable to move forward in life
Repeating negative cycles in areas like career, finances, or parenting
Feeling disconnected from your authentic life or sense of purpose
Struggling with addictive behaviors or compulsive tendencies
Wrestling with unresolved past experiences that clash with your current identity
Feeling paralyzed by the fear of failure or success
Experiencing recurring dreams or symbols that evoke strong emotional reactions
Struggling to set healthy boundaries or overextending yourself in relationships
Feeling fragmented, as though different parts of yourself are in conflict
Recurring Dreams: Patterns or repeated scenarios that leave a lasting impression.
Nightmares: Disturbing or frightening dreams that evoke strong emotions.

Book a Free Discovery Call

What you can expect from our time together

You can expect sacred and supportive space for self-discovery and transformation, in our time together. I often invite clients to begin our time with shared-silence, breathwork, body-scanning. I bring a present compassion, and a grounding presence that allows you to explore the depths of your experience with intention and care.

I incorporate intuitive and healing tools and practices like tarot and Reiki. Tarot serves as a symbolic mirror, offering clarity and uncovering hidden patterns within your psyche, while Reiki facilitates energetic balance and calm, aligning your body and mind with the healing process. Together, these practices provide a holistic approach to growth, offering guidance, healing, and a deeper connection to yourself.