Conversations with Erin Doty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Doty.

Hi Erin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Erin, I am the founder and facilitator of ShatterStress. I am a nationally certified counselor, certified career counselor, certified breathwork facilitator, and certified in Reiki 2. Growing up I received messages that “I shouldn’t be emotional or have needs”, I needed to “stay small”, and “put others before myself”. Those messages don’t align with me and shouldn’t be put on anyone. As I started going against those messages in my healing journey, I needed a place to feel safe to express myself in ways that were true to me. Releasing emotions physically is so important to me. I’ve had the idea for ShatterStress for over a decade, and I knew I wanted it to be unique, not another rage room. I didn’t feel ready to pursue a business (more on that later) so I focused on developing my career. I have a Master’s degree in counseling and am a full-time Career Counselor. The pandemic hit and I, similar to many others, thought about what I really wanted to do in life, and ShatterStress has been a spark that’s never dimmed. I’ve dedicated my life to supporting and listening to others. As a certified counselor, I hold nonjudgmental space to empower people to honor and release their emotions and break forward on a path of healing. This is my approach when working with clients in a counseling setting, and this is also the foundation of ShatterStress.

I created ShatterStress which offers a nonjudgmental space for people to express themselves and their emotions through a variety of creative modalities. ShatterStress hosts letting-go ceremonies through breaking plates and Reiki-infused breathwork. We shatter parts of ourselves that no longer serve us by being vulnerable with ourselves, so we may feel empowered and break forward on a path of healing.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
With the messages I received about putting others first, staying small, etc., it’s been hard to accept help and pursue my business on my own. The hardest part I’ve had to learn (and continue to learn) is to get out of my own way. As I was becoming certified in Reiki and breathwork, I went deeper into my healing journey and really worked on getting out of my own way. A lot was illuminated on how I have held myself and my business back by not believing in myself.

This also came out in comparing myself to other practitioners doing similar work. I had to realize everyone brings something unique to the table and there is room for all of us, including me. Accepting and asking for help has been hard, and the most rewarding. ShatterStress would not be where it is today without the help of Jessica Munson (@ThatWitchFromWork). She has helped with many ideas and events behind the scenes. Owning a business is hard work, and it’s been the most rewarding thing I’ve done because I am fulfilling my purpose.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Are you ready to ask yourself, “What part of your life needs to shatter in order to begin healing?”

This is what we focus on at ShatterStress. We hold a variety of intentional letting go ceremonies through breaking plates and Reiki-infused breathwork, and we collaborate with other practitioners offering yoga, sound baths, and more.

What sets ShatterStress apart from others is not just that we break plates. It’s the intention behind what we do at our events and sessions. Anyone can go to a rage room and smash things until they are blue in the face. And research shows that isn’t a healthy way to manage emotions.

Connecting to yourself, setting intentions, expressing what is needed to let go through writing/art, and working to believe it, makes smashing the plates a cathartic and impactful letting-go experience. That is why we treat it as a ceremony. I also have a master’s degree in counseling and use tools and techniques to work with clients in meaningful ways to help them understand themselves deeper.

ShatterStress aims to help people understand themselves deeper, and explore and understand ways they manage their stress. We have journals and planners with thoughtful questions to do just that. We host group events, one-on-one sessions, and couples sessions for breaking plates and Reiki-infused breathwork.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to all the events I am collaborating with other practitioners on! I’ve met amazing people and feel so lucky to partner with them so clients can experience different forms of healing.

Also in the works is a plan for a multiple-day retreats out of state. This will allow people to experience deeper healing over multiple days. We also have plans to expand and host events and retreats for companies. We are excited about the potential for ShatterStress to expand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shatterstress.com/
• Instagram: @ShatterStress
• Facebook: @ShatterStress
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erindoty/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/shatterstress

Image Credits:
Bailey Ashlynn