In this video, Phoenix L. Quetzal DeLeon, MA, AMFT, a somatic therapist at the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy, explains what somatic therapy is and demonstrates how it works differently from traditional talk therapy. Using a live example of working with anxiety, Phoenix shows how changing the state of the body can shift emotional experiences—offering clients more agency and choice in...
This is a book review by Phoenix L. Quetzal DeLeon, MA, AMFT, a somatic therapist at the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy who specializes in supporting individuals working through eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, and trauma recovery. In this review, Phoenix reflects on Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationship with Food Through Myths,...
In this post, we share a video from associate therapist Phoenix L. Quetzal DeLeon demonstrating a simple yet powerful somatic practice for shoulder tension relief, and explore why our typical approach to relaxation often backfires. Plus we share some of the neuroscience behind why working with contrast, rather than against your body, creates lasting change. Why Trying to Force Relaxation...
Associate therapist Erma Kyriakos is offering an online holiday support group this year. The holidays can be tough for many reasons and it helps to have a place to connect during this time. When the Most Wonderful Time of Year Doesn't Feel Wonderful At All The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration....
This is a guest post explaining what somatic therapy really is offered by our associate therapist Phoenix L. Quetzal DeLeon. Phoenix brings more than 25 years of experience in teaching and bodywork into their therapy practice, where they specialize in supporting people working through anxiety, trauma, and body image concerns. If you’ve ever wondered what somatic therapy is, and...
Every October, ADHD Awareness Month invites us to pause and take a closer look at what it means to live with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder across the lifespan. This is a time dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and celebrating the unique strengths that often come with a neurodivergent brain. While ADHD is frequently thought of as a childhood condition,...
Social media is a defining feature of modern life. It connects communities, spreads information quickly, and provides spaces for creativity and self-expression. Yet its relationship to mental health is complicated. Researchers have identified clear links between heavy social media use and increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. At the same time, many individuals find social media to be...
In 2022, the United States launched the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a three-digit number designed to make crisis support more accessible. This development marked a major step forward in suicide prevention, ensuring that people in moments of acute despair could quickly connect with trained counselors. While 988 is a vital lifeline, it is not designed to address the deeper...
Work has the potential to provide purpose, structure, and financial stability. Yet for many people, the demands of the workplace can also create overwhelming stress. When left unaddressed, this stress can spiral into burnout, a state of emotional and physical exhaustion that erodes well-being. Understanding how workplace stress and burnout contribute to suicidal thoughts is critical for both prevention and...
Suicidal energy often feels trapped in the body as much as in the mind. For many people, despair takes the form of heaviness, agitation, or a sense of being disconnected from their physical presence. While traditional talk therapy is essential in addressing suicidal ideation, embodied approaches can provide another pathway toward relief. Movement and dance therapy as an outlet for...