44. Creative and Curious: Expressive Arts as A Path to Coming Home with Rosario Sammartino

Welcome to the Compromised to Alchemized podcast with my guest, Rosario Sammartino.

Rosario is a registered Somatic Movement Therapist and Educator, an artist, and a holder of a doctorate in depth psychology with an emphasis in somatic studies. At the core of her practice is the Tamalpa Life/Art Process, a revolutionary approach to movement-based expressive arts therapy. Our connection began eight years ago when I attended a workshop she and her husband led—a moment that deeply influenced my own path.

In this conversation, Rosario shares her journey from working with individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, to becoming a former co-director of the internationally recognized Tamalpa Institute. We explore how movement, art, and embodied presence can address trauma, unlock creativity, and help us feel safe in our body.

1. [7:36] Rosario’s journey began by working in a hospital in Argentina with people diagnosed with schizophrenia, an experience that shaped her approach to somatic healing.
2. [11:08] The pivotal shift from studying with renowned therapist Natalie Rogers to the Tamalpa Institute.
3. [16:31] A core belief that we are all creatives at our essence, and how movement can be a powerful channel for this innate creativity.
4. [22:45] I reflect on a key moment when I realized that I would help people through my own movement practice.
5. [30:10] What to do when our bodies feel unsafe, and practical ways to re-establish a sense of security and presence.
6. [35:45] How you can work with Rosario and experience the transformative power of the Tamalpa Life/Art Process.
7. [42:12] A tribute to Anna Halprin, describing her as "the most curious being" and a foundational figure in movement therapy.
8. [56:00] The profound connection between posture and our emotions—how we hold ourselves literally affects how we feel.
9. [1:1:29] A look at Returning Home.
10. [1:6:45] Rosario’s deeply personal definition of her personal legend.

This episode is for anyone who believes in the power of movement and art to heal the mind, body, and spirit.

Connect with Rosario:

1. Website
2. Instagram
3. Tamalpa Institute

🎵 like the music? Check out lunaluxe

Thank you Toshi for the design work!

🙋Sign up for updates on the Floor Four and more!

📷 Follow me on Instagram for glimpses of my integrative practice and conversations I’m having with other practitioners @drneelbulchandani

🎙️ Tune into my podcast via Apple or Spotify and watch on YouTube to engage in conversations around transformation and healing with the theme of Compromised to Alchemized

📚 Get my self-guided digital course, Tongue Press, to free your mouth and body tension. Use TONGUETIME to get it for ONLY $20.

🙋 Jump into my practitioner-level course, Floor of the Mouth: Interconnectivity Unveiled. It’s composed of 6 modules (90 minutes each).

Subscribe to Compromised to Alchemized and leave a review to help us reach more people on their healing journey!