Online Somatic EMDR for Women in California & Texas | Walking Therapy in Berkeley, CA

Harmonize Mind and Body

Unleash Healing

Yearning for transformative healing?

Are you ready for a method that dives deeper than just talking?

You might be a good fit for Somatic EMDR if:

  • You're open to exploring the connection between your mind and body in healing.

  • You've tried traditional talk therapy but haven't seen the progress you desire.

  • You're seeking a holistic approach that addresses emotional, physical & energetic aspects of trauma.

  • You're committed to actively engaging yourself, exploring new avenues for growth and transformation.

  • You're motivated to cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness, increase resilience, take better care of yourself, stress less and feel better.

What is Somatic EMDR Therapy?

Somatic EMDR combines two powerful approaches to therapy: somatic therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Let's break it down:

First, somatic therapy focuses on the connection between your body and your emotions. It acknowledges that trauma can be stored not just in your mind but also in your body. Through techniques like mindfulness and breathwork, nervous system resonance, and sensation awareness, somatic therapy helps you become more aware of how your body holds onto stress and trauma, gaining access to releasing stored trauma, promoting greater resilience and emotional regulation.

Now, EMDR is a type of therapy that helps you process and heal from past traumatic experiences. It does this by engaging your brain's natural healing processes while you focus on distressing memories and experiences, allowing for the reprocessing of traumatic events on both cognitive and emotional levels. This involves utilizing bilateral stimulation, such as moving your eyes from side to side, tapping or movement. This enables you to integrate past traumas and move towards resolution.

So, when we talk about Somatic EMDR, we're talking about a therapy that combines these two approaches, offering a synergistic approach to trauma treatment. It means we'll work together to explore how your body holds onto trauma, and then use somatic & EMDR techniques to help your brain and body process and release that trauma.

It's a way to address both the physical and emotional aspects of your healing journey.

It’s highly effective and quite powerful!

Diving Deeper into the Unification of Somatic Therapy & EMDR

During Somatic EMDR sessions, techniques are seamlessly integrated to support you in staying grounded and connected to both resources and bodily sensations throughout the process. This integration allows for a deeper exploration of the mind-body connection, facilitating more profound healing and transformation.

Benefits of Somatic EMDR Method:

  • Comprehensive approach addressing both mind and body aspects of trauma

  • Enhanced grounding and stabilization through somatic techniques

  • Facilitates deeper processing and integration of traumatic memories

  • Promotes greater self-awareness and emotional regulation

  • Supports holistic healing and long-term resilience

Somatic EMDR represents a cutting-edge approach to trauma therapy, offering a powerful synthesis of somatic work and EMDR techniques. By addressing the complex interplay between body and mind, you are empowered to heal from past traumas, reclaiming your sense of safety and agency, and moving towards a more fulfilling life.

Here’s how it works:

  • By integrating somatic therapy techniques with EMDR, I provide a holistic approach to healing. This means we'll work together to explore how your body and mind are interconnected in your healing journey. We’ll incorporate resourcing with higher self wisdom and allies of strength and support. We’ll talk about your lifestyle and environment and how these influence your health and wellbeing.

  • Somatic techniques help you become more aware of how your body holds onto stress and trauma. This awareness allows us to access the wisdom stored in your body and integrate it into the healing process.

    The body holds ancient wisdom and with this work, we begin to learn the language of our body and how to harmonize and make more aligned choices in relationship to that wisdom.

  • EMDR techniques are then used to help your brain process and release traumatic memories. By engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps, we facilitate the reprocessing of these memories, allowing you to move towards resolution. We may incorporate movement such as rocking, swaying, shaking, dancing, singing, or other forms that call forth in the moment to support the release of stored trauma and/or stagnant energy.

  • As you work through your trauma with this approach, you'll develop greater self-awareness and resilience. You'll learn to regulate your emotions more effectively and cultivate a sense of empowerment in your life. You’ll cultivate a deeper self-acceptance, more gratitude, and compassion for self and others.

  • Ultimately, my goal is to help you achieve the specific outcomes you're seeking, whether it's reducing anxiety, improving relationships, or finding greater peace within yourself. Through my collaborative and integrative approach, I’ll support you every step of the way towards your healing journey. All I ask is that you remain open to the process.

You can expect a collaborative and supportive therapeutic environment where all of you is honored and respected.

What to Expect with Somatic EMDR:

  • We'll begin with an initial assessment to understand your history, treatment goals, and any specific concerns you may have. This lays the foundation for our work together and helps me understand your foundations and where you’re starting from.

  • I’ll provide you with information about a multitude of things such as boundaries, nervous system awareness, regulation, and resonance, energy hygiene, grounding techniques, and much more throughout our time together.

    I’ll always explain things and ask for permission during sessions. This helps creates a safe and productive environment and helps you feel informed and empowered in your healing journey.

  • This is worth repeating and having its own section. Before delving into trauma processing, or any depth oriented process, we'll focus on establishing a sense of safety and stability. I’ll help you cultivate inner resources and access your innate wisdom. I will teach you grounding techniques and coping skills to ensure you feel supported throughout the process.

    I am highly trained in providing trauma-sensitive and safe spaces. Your wellbeing is my utmost priority and we’ll go at the pace that your nervous system allows us to.

  • Together, we'll identify specific memories or experiences to focus on during EMDR processing. These focal points are selected based on their relevance to your treatment goals, the level of distress they evoke and the impact they’re having on your current life.

  • Prior to processing traumatic memories, we'll ensure you have the necessary resources and coping strategies in place to manage any distress that may arise. This may include strengthening your grounding skills and developing a safe place visualization amongst many other things we’ll build together.

  • During EMDR processing, you'll focus on the targeted memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This may involve following my fingers with your eyes (or using a simulated visual) or alternate forms of bilateral stimulation such as tapping or auditory tones, or bilateral movements. We’ll find what feels aligned for you.

  • Following each processing session, we'll take time to integrate the experiences and insights that arise. This may involve reflecting on your thoughts and emotions, identifying any shifts or insights, and processing any residual feelings that may linger.

  • At the end of each session, we'll ensure you feel grounded, resourced, and stable before concluding. We'll also discuss any insights or experiences that emerged during the session and plan for future sessions as needed.

Each session is guided by your unique needs and progresses at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you.

When you engage yourself courageously, transformation becomes an embodied reality.

Somatic EMDR Can Help You:

  • Identify patterns of emotional and physical distress linked to adaptive stress and past trauma.

  • Improve your ability to regulate emotions and manage stress.

  • Reconnect with your body and cultivate a sense of safety and trust within yourself.

  • Process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and finding new perspective.

  • Increase self-awareness and understanding of the mind-body connection.

  • Develop skills, tools, and resources to navigate challenges and move through the world more freely.

  • Enhance your capacity for connection, self-compassion, self-care, relaxation and mindfulness.

  • Cultivate sovereignty, resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity.

  • Strengthen relationships by fostering greater emotional intimacy and communication.

  • Experience a sense of relief and liberation as you release the grip of past trauma, re-membering who you truly are.

Together, let's unlock the power of healing within you.

 FAQs

  • Traditional EMDR primarily focuses on processing traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, whereas Somatic EMDR integrates somatic therapy techniques alongside EMDR. This means Somatic EMDR considers the role of the body in trauma and incorporates techniques to address physical manifestations of trauma.

  • Somatic EMDR recognizes that trauma can be stored in the body, leading to physical symptoms such as tension, pain, and discomfort. By incorporating somatic techniques such as breathwork, body awareness, and movement, Somatic EMDR helps individuals release tension, regulate their nervous system, and alleviate physical symptoms associated with trauma.

  • Somatic EMDR can be beneficial for a wide range of traumas, including single-incident traumas, complex traumas, and developmental traumas.

    I work with multiple forms of trauma including: developmental trauma (ie. childhood trauma - including emotional neglect & betrayal trauma), sexual trauma, medical trauma, and complex trauma.

  • The timeline for experiencing results with Somatic EMDR can vary depending on individual factors such as the severity of trauma, readiness for therapy, and commitment to the process. Some individuals may notice significant improvements after just a few sessions (or after one), while others may require more time to achieve their treatment goals.

  • Yes, Somatic EMDR can be beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic pain or somatic symptoms related to trauma. By addressing the underlying emotional components of physical symptoms, Somatic EMDR can help individuals reduce pain, improve functioning, and enhance overall well-being.

    Additionally, I am trained in energy medicine and utilize plant medicines, including flower essences as adjunctive therapeutic support for addressing complex challenges.

  • The number of sessions required for Somatic EMDR varies depending on individual needs and treatment goals. Some individuals may achieve significant progress in a relatively short period, while others may benefit from ongoing therapy to address complex trauma and related issues. I will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

    Additionally, let me know what you’re looking for. I’m open and flexible with treatment options (ie. short and longer term options).

  • Walk and talk therapy, also known as outdoor therapy or walk therapy, is a form of psychotherapy where sessions take place outdoors while we walk together. Instead of sitting in a traditional office setting, we’ll engage while walking in a natural environment such as a park, beach, or hiking trail.

    The concept behind walk and talk therapy is rooted in the belief that movement and nature can have therapeutic benefits. Walking side by side in a natural setting can create a more relaxed and open atmosphere compared to the formality of an office setting. The physical activity of walking can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve mood.

    During walking therapy sessions, you have the opportunity to process your concerns, explore your thoughts and feelings, and work through challenges with the support and guidance of myself and nature as your container. The movement and change of scenery can often stimulate creativity and insight, leading to deeper self-reflection and emotional processing.

    Walking therapy is suitable for a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and relationship difficulties. It may be particularly beneficial for individuals who feel uncomfortable or restricted in traditional therapy settings or who prefer a more active approach to therapy.

    Overall, walking therapy offers a unique and refreshing alternative to traditional office-based therapy, providing you with the opportunity to connect with nature, engage in physical activity, and receive support through nature and movement.

    *Walking Therapy is only available in the East Bay, California.

    **Online sessions are available all throughout California & Texas