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...[ read more ]
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...[ read more ]
It's 3 AM and you're lying in bed, mind spinning with tomorrow's presentation, next month's rent, and that conversation from last week that you can't stop replaying. Your body is tense, your breathing is shallow, and despite being exhausted, sleep feels impossible. You're caught in what feels like an endless anxiety loop. Your mind is jumping between past regrets and...[ read more ]
This is a guest blog post by associate therapist Erin Boyle. In this post, she shares insights from her personal journey of reconnecting with her body, explores the challenges many face in feeling "body-less," and offers practical tools and therapeutic approaches to foster a deeper mind-body connection. You can learn more about Erin from this interview and see Erin's therapist...[ read more ]
As we have shared several times, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This year’s theme as outlined by Mental Health America is “where to start” and it has three action points: learn, act, advocate. We shared more about the "learn" action last week. This week, we want to expand on the "act" section. MHA expands on this single word directive...[ read more ]
Everyone has a window of tolerance within which we operate optimally. Unfortunately, various situations can throw us out of our window of tolerance. When that happens, we can go into a state of hyperarousal or a state of hypoarousal. In such states, we don't feel well, often exhibiting symptoms similar to anxiety or depression. Luckily, there are things we can...[ read more ]
We hear more and more about mindfulness as a way of staying present and regulating emotion. But finding an inviting way to connect to your own body can be a great tool to add to your toolbox. Staying connected to our bodies can help us maintain calm, move away from distracting thoughts, and feel good. Self-massage can be a great...[ read more ]