Hi there!
My name is Skukura Woods (pronounced: shoe-coo-ruh), and I am a therapist, activist, educator, and artist who finds her work at the intersection of spirituality, identity and psychology. I aim to co-create and hold a brave space that allows you to critically analyze and understand your life’s experiences, be supported through your journey of awakening, unlearning and developing; and provide guidance to honor your most authentic Self – confidently and lovingly. I value the principles and ideas of intentional living, self-acceptance/self-love, somatic connections/sacred intimacy, and community care.
Educational and Professional Background
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, but have stationed myself in Pittsburgh (PGH). I first came to Pennsylvania to attain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing and Intercultural Communication from Juniata College. After spending 3 years working in higher education as a mid-level diversity, equity and inclusion administrator, I decided to take what I learned about my Self from that experience, and further pursue my passions in a more fulfilling way. I chose to start that leg of my journey by receiving a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree from Chatham University. I am now a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), credentialed in PA.
Since delving into this career path, I have had the pleasure of serving various populations such as elders, young adults, teens and children facing a variety of co-occurring distresses such as or related to: life transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief/loss. Currently, I work full-time as a trauma-informed college and employment coach for a PGH-based non-profit, which specializes in neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, giftedness, etc.). For more on my professional background, please feel free to visit my LinkedIn profile.
In addition to my degrees, I am also Green Dot and Safe Zone certified, and a trained intergroup dialogue/relations and Sanctuary Model facilitator, all of which also influence my work. Lastly, I am a registered yoga teacher, having obtained my RYT200 certification through MyVinyasa Practice’s Tantra Yoga Teacher Program, and aim to continue developing my knowledge and skill as a yoga practitioner.
In 2020 – mere weeks before the COVID pandemic began – I founded Intimate Ascension, LLC as a foundational, structured pathway to engage in self-actualization for myself and those who seek my particular assistance. I am humbled by each and every individual and group that I have had the opportunity to work with. Thank you for joining me on this path!
A Note from Skukura:
I, myself, am a multi-faceted being. I strive to be impeccably intentional about fulfilling my purpose, growing and self-actualizing. Life is not always what we’ve made it to be, and it doesn’t have to be harmful. I am healing and on a journey to see, understand and walk in my divinity; in my greatest authenticity. I do not seek or believe in perfection; yet, I have faith in uncovering and expressing the highest version of my Self. I accept, without judgement, my full Self – the past, present and future; the sensual, intellectual, and spiritual; the physical and emotional bodies; my quirks, kinks, and curiosities. I am always also continuing my own journey of unlearning, uncovering, and healing generational trauma so that I may experience the sacredness of joy, passion, restoration, creativity, love, clarity and liberation.