About

Renata Malinauskas

Hi I’m Renata! I am a body-centred therapist, insight meditation teacher, and guide for those on a journey toward healing, freedom, and embodied wisdom. My work centers on deepening your connection to the body and supporting you in developing trust in its innate intelligence.

I believe the body knows its way forward in life—all we need to do is listen deeply and allow its organic unfolding to happen naturally, in its own time and pace. My approach is compassionate and holistic, drawing from a rich tapestry of tools and traditions, including Buddhist philosophy, somatic practices, and modern trauma healing methods.

My Approach

Our time together focuses on creating a safe and supportive space where the body can relax and guide the process toward wholeness. We use somatic tools and practices to ground you in the body, followed by somatic inquiry—a process of attuning to the subconscious mind through the felt sense. This allows access to memories, traumas, and early relational patterns that shape how we experience life.

A deep willingness to not know is essential in this work. When we can linger in the unknown, real and lasting change can occur. I believe in the transformative power of embodied presence—how simply being with ourselves and inquiring into our present-moment experience can lead to profound healing and growth.

My Background & Influences

For over 15 years, I have immersed myself in Buddha-Dharma teachings and practices, participating in and teaching week-long silent retreats and facilitating Dharma inquiry groups. My work is deeply informed by the integration of somatic awareness with spiritual practice, honoring both the body and mind in the healing process.

I have been profoundly influenced by the work of Eugene Gendlin, creator of Focusing—an incredible tool for accessing the deep wisdom of the body through the felt sense. I have also worked closely with Western Insight Meditation teachers and have been shaped by the teachings of J. Krishnamurti, A. H. Almaas, Rob Burbea, Reginald A. Ray, and Pema Chödrön amongst many others.

My professional training includes certifications as a Psychosomatic Therapist, Hakomi Graduate, Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher, Insight Dharma Teacher, and TRE® Provider. I am also a qualified Nutritionist and Fitness Trainer, which gives me a unique perspective on holistic health, supporting every dimension of well-being—physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Working Together

In my work with clients and students, I bring a grounded, compassionate presence, helping people reconnect with their body’s innate intelligence. Using somatic therapy, mindfulness practices, and experiential techniques, I create a space where you can explore, heal, and integrate. Whether you are navigating life transitions, engaging in deep self-discovery, or healing from trauma, this is a space where you are free to be yourself, let go of external expectations, and uncover what it means to live authentically.

People often describe me as reliable, wise, and deeply present. I hold space for each individual with a strong commitment to their growth, always respecting their autonomy and unique journey. My work is rooted in self-empowerment—helping you reclaim your capacity to navigate life with clarity and trust in yourself.

I currently offer one-on-one therapy sessions and teach at day and weeklong Insight Meditation retreats. Feel free to get in touch or sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events.

My Values

Integrity

I honour your unique process and respect and honour your insight and intuition as we walk together on the healing journey. 

Honesty

I am committed to authentic action and honesty as a pathway to enabling healing and recovery. 

Safety

I place your safety, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual at the heart of everything I do.

Empowerment

My dream is to help you to be empowered to create a more authentic, harmonious and balanced life. 

My Qualifications and Certifications

  • ISITTA - Innate Somatic Intelligence Trauma Therapy Approach (Level I and II) - Embodywise - Sydney, NSW, Australia (2019-2022)

  • Insight Dharma Teacher Training and Mentoring Program - Insight Meditation Institute - Sydney, NSW, Australia (2021 - 2025)

  • HAKOMI Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy - Napier, New Zealand (2019-2021)

  • TRE (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises) Certification Training - TRE Australia - Sydney, NSW, Australia (2019-2020)

  • Mindfulness and Compassion Teacher Training - Insight Meditation Institute - Sydney, NSW, Australia (2019 - 2020)

  • Cert III in Psychosomatic Therapy - Psychosomatic Therapy College (PTC) - GC, QLD, Australia (2018)

  • Cert III and IV in Fitness - TAFE - SYD, NSW, Australia (2013-2014)

  • Sports Nutrition and Supplementation Specialisation - Sao Paulo University (USP) - SP, Brazil (2012)

  • Bachelor Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics - Sao Camilo University Centre - SP, Brazil (2008-2012)

  • Punchfit Trainer (2013) 

Extra Courses/ Self Development 

  • Eugene Gendlin - The Philosophy of the Implicit - Sydney, NSW, Australia (2019 - current)

  • Diamond Approach - Ridhwan Foundation - (2018 - current)

  • Tremor Revolution - TRE Australia - Sydney, NSW, Australia (2019)

  • Internal Family System (IFS) - IFS Training Australia - Sydney, NSW, Australia (2019)

  • Vipassana/Insight Meditation Silent Retreats - Over 500 days (2013-current)

  • Focusing Level I and II - Conscious Directions - Byron Bay, NSW, Australia (2018)

  • Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Foundation Training - Conscious Directions - Byron Bay, NSW, Australia (2018)

  • TRE (Trauma Release Exercise) workshops - TRE Australia - SYD, NSW, Australia (2018)

  • Hakomi Workshop - Sydney, NSW (2018)

  • Nutritional/ Herbal Technical Training - Herbs of Gold - SYD, NSW, Australia (2016)

  • RehabFx Sydney (2013) 

Volunteer Experiences 

·       Still Water Insight – Founder and Teacher – (2020-current)

·       Insight Meditation Institute (2021-current)

·       Sydney Insight Meditators  (2016-2023)

 

Stay Connected @_somawisdom

View fullsize This one-day meditation retreat is an opportunity to reconnect with your true nature using the body as a vehicle for awakening and freedom. Meditation offers a means to become more present in our lives and more aware of what’s happening in ou
View fullsize My next Tension and Trauma Release TRE® Workshop coming up tomorrow - Saturday 15th March - at @onespace_collective in Mona Vale, NSW. TRE® is a wonderful method that supports the release of deeply held patterns of tension, stress and even t
View fullsize Dear friends, I am delighted to let you know that I will be teaching at Golden Wattle Sangha this coming Thursday in Paddington. This session is a follow-up to a talk I gave last year on Embodied Awakening. Whether you attended last time or are new
View fullsize Friends I’m delighted to share a few news and offerings I have coming up in this first half of 2025. At the heart of these offerings is a deep wish to co-create a safe space for deep listening and to support your organic unfoldment toward t
View fullsize Becoming a witness to our thoughts and feelings, instead of automatically acting on them or projecting them onto the outer world, is how we begin to create a fully free and authentic life. Watching the world of experiences simply come and go can be
View fullsize I am delighted to be offering a dharma talk tomorrow at the Golden Wattle Sangha in Paddington, NSW. The theme for the talk is on ‘Embodied Awakening’. Below is a short description on what to expect: ∼ ‘Awakening is the pro