Somatic Therapists in San Diego

We understand that life can sometimes be a bit of a challenge and we want you to know that while it's normal to experience difficulties in various areas of your life, you don't have to go at it alone.

Whether you're looking to heal from past traumas, improve your mental health, live a more mindful existence, or develop healthy relationships, we're here to help.

We have over 25 years of experience combining traditional and integrative approaches, in order to provide the best possible support for our clients.

Brainspotting is a somatic therapeutic technique developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003.

It is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals to process and resolve traumatic experiences and emotional distress. The theory behind Brainspotting is that trauma and emotional pain are stored in the mind and body.. Brainspotting uses specific eye positions that correlate with unconscious, emotional experiences stored deep within the brain. By focusing on an eye position linked to a distressing issue, individuals can access and release the emotional and physical stress held within that memory. This method reaches parts of the brain that are not typically accessed in traditional talk therapy or most other forms of therapy, allowing for deeper healing. This process can help to release pent-up emotions and resolve traumatic experiences, leading to improved mental health and well-being.

Brainspotting has been used to treat a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, and relationship issues. It has also been effectively used in combination with other forms of therapy such as talk therapy, somatic therapy, internal family systems, and inner child work for a more holistic approach to treatment.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. This technique is used to help individuals like yourself process and resolve traumatic experiences and emotional distress.

EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories and experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, leading to negative thought patterns and behaviors. During an EMDR session, your therapist uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds, to help the client process these experiences. This process can help to release pent-up emotions and resolve traumatic experiences, leading to improved mental health and well-being.

EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in treating a variety of mental health concerns, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias. It has also been used to successfully treat a range of physical conditions (such as chronic pain) that are related to psychological stress.

EMDR therapy is typically performed in a series of sessions and is tailored to each individual's specific needs and goals. It is a non-invasive therapy that does not require individuals to relive traumatic experiences in a detailed and explicit manner. This can make it a more accessible and comfortable option for some individuals who may be hesitant to engage in more traditional forms of therapy. Body based or somatic interventions such as EMDR get to heart of trauma stored in physical sensations as well as non verbal and subconscious memories.

Holistic therapy is a form of somatic therapy that considers the whole person – body, mind, spirit, and emotions – in the treatment of mental health and well-being. Unlike more traditional forms of therapy, which may focus on specific symptoms or behaviors, holistic therapy seeks to address the underlying causes of mental health concerns and to promote overall health and well-being.

Holistic therapy may incorporate a variety of approaches, including mindfulness, meditation, yoga, energy psychology, brainspotting, and other complementary therapies. The goal of holistic therapy is to help individuals achieve balance and harmony in all aspects of their lives, and to support the healing process from within.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a trauma event or series of events. Symptoms of PTSD can include recurring intrusive thoughts or nightmares about the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the event, feeling highly sensitive and increased anxiety and irritability.

Trauma informed therapies are designed to help those suffering from trauma and struggling with symptoms of PTSD and developmental trauma. The goal of trauma informed therapy is not only to help reduce symptoms of trauma but also to have people feel safe in their own bodies again, repair broken trust, and reconnect with their innate strength and worth.

Authenticity Associates utilizes a holistic therapy approach that blends somatic therapy techniques and traditional counseling as needed to help heal PTSD.

Trauma informed therapy is a form of therapy that is uniquely tailored to help individuals who have experienced events or circumstances that are so distressing that they feel too overwhelmed to cope. It is rooted in the awareness that healing requires more than talking about and analyzing what happened. It involves working with the body, emotions, and nervous system to release stored survival responses and restore balance. The goal of trauma therapy is to help individuals process and resolve traumatic experiences, and to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance. Trauma informed therapies are essential on the journey of healing developmental trauma and complex trauma.

Whether you are looking to heal trauma, improve your mental health, live mindfully, or create healthy relationships, we can help. We bring more than 25 years of experience applying the best of traditional and integrative approaches.

Our somatic therapy practice specializes in Brainspotting, Mindfulness, and EMDR. Whether you are dealing with an unexpected change, trauma, anxiety, health challenges, relationship stress, depression, or other mental health issues, having a trusted guide on the path can make all the difference. We have found mind-body therapies such as Brainspotting, somatic therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness get to the root of where we get stuck and allow for positive change. Together we will explore what is most important for you to feel better and identify a path of healing. We are committed to creating a space of healing with compassion, warmth, and authenticity. Reaching out for support is a courageous step.

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• Statutes and Regulations Relating to the Practices of Professional Clinical Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Educational Psychology, and Clinical Social Work