Get Somatic Therapy you can count on.
Serving Montrose, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, and all cities across CA.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, I provide deeply personalized, trauma-informed care for clients seeking a thoughtful and effective path toward healing. My practice is designed to offer a calm, private, and supportive therapeutic environment where individuals, couples, and teens can engage in meaningful inner work with depth, intention, and care.
I believe therapy should be both clinically grounded and highly individualized. My approach integrates evidence-based modalities with a nuanced understanding of trauma, creating a therapeutic experience that is compassionate, attuned, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. Every aspect of care is approached with sensitivity, professionalism, and respect for the complexity of each person’s healing process.
I am committed to offering a standard of care that feels both deeply supportive and exceptionally intentional. My goal is to help clients move beyond patterns of distress and toward greater clarity, resilience, emotional balance, and lasting well-being. Through a refined, relational, and trauma-informed approach, I strive to create a space where genuine healing and meaningful transformation can unfold.
In the journey of healing from trauma, many individuals and couples find themselves searching for effective therapies that address not just the mind, but the body and spirit as well. Somatic Psychotherapy, a holistic approach to therapy, has emerged as a transformative option for those looking to recover from emotional distress. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we understand the profound impact that trauma can have on an individual's mental and physical well-being. in this article, we will explore how somatic psychotherapy aids in emotional healing, focusing on the benefits of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Deep Body Relaxation Therapy.
Somatic psychotherapy is an integrative approach that emphasizes the profound connection between the mind and body. This therapy recognizes that traumatic experiences can be stored in the body, manifesting as physical tension, pain, or emotional distress. By working with both the psychological and physiological aspects of trauma, somatic psychotherapy aims to help clients release these stored emotions and promote healing. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, our trained professionals specialize in delivering personalized somatic therapy, tailored to meet the needs of each client.
At its core, somatic psychotherapy is founded on the belief that our bodies hold onto memories and emotions, sometimes even when we are not consciously aware of it. This can lead to a range of physical symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and anxiety. By addressing these physical manifestations of trauma, somatic therapy offers a holistic avenue for healing that transcends traditional talk therapy methods.
One of the primary techniques used in somatic psychotherapy is body awareness. Clients are encouraged to tune into their physical sensations, thoughts, and emotions during sessions. This might involve noticing areas of tension, pain, or discomfort, and exploring their emotional significance. For instance, a client may realize that tightness in their chest corresponds with feelings of anxiety or sadness. By bringing awareness to these sensations, clients can begin to understand the underlying emotions connected to their trauma.
Somatic psychotherapy often incorporates movement and breath work as essential components of the healing process. Techniques such as deep breathing, gentle stretching, or guided movement exercises can help release pent-up energy and emotions stored in the body. These practices not only promote relaxation but also facilitate a greater connection between the mind and body, allowing clients to experience their emotions more fully and authentically.
Another key aspect of somatic psychotherapy is the use of mindfulness. Mindfulness practices encourage clients to remain present and engaged in their experiences without judgment. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma, as it helps them cultivate a sense of safety and acceptance within their own bodies. Mindfulness can be practiced in various forms, including meditation, grounding exercises, and sensory awareness techniques. For example, a therapist may guide a client through a mindfulness exercise where they focus on their breathing and the sensations in their body, helping them to stay present with their emotions and physical sensations.
Somatic psychotherapy recognizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship. The bond between therapist and client plays a crucial role in the healing process. A safe and supportive environment allows clients to explore their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. Therapists trained in somatic approaches are attuned to their clients' non-verbal cues and can provide the necessary support as clients navigate their emotional landscapes.
It's also helpful to understand how somatic psychotherapy can be particularly effective for specific populations. For instance, individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, combat trauma, or other forms of violence may find traditional talk therapy insufficient for addressing their needs. Somatic therapy allows these individuals to process their experiences in a manner that feels safe and manageable. Instead of solely relying on verbal expression, clients can engage with their bodies, facilitating a deeper release of trauma.
For those interested in trying somatic psychotherapy, it is essential to find a qualified practitioner. Look for therapists who have specialized training in somatic approaches and a strong understanding of trauma-informed care. During the initial consultation, clients should feel comfortable discussing their experiences and expectations. This is also an opportunity to inquire about the therapist's techniques and approach, ensuring a good fit for the client's needs.
Clients can also incorporate somatic practices into their daily lives outside of therapy sessions. Here are some practical strategies to enhance the benefits of somatic psychotherapy:
Somatic psychotherapy offers a comprehensive approach to trauma recovery by integrating body awareness, mindfulness, and the therapeutic relationship. By addressing the mind-body connection, clients can access and release stored emotions, leading to profound healing and transformation. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding clients through this journey, helping them reclaim their lives and well-being. Whether you're new to therapy or seeking a different approach to healing, somatic psychotherapy may provide the support and insight you need for lasting change.
Experience compassionate trauma-informed therapy designed to support your emotional healing and recovery, helping you navigate psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress with expert guidance and understanding.
Experience compassionate self-esteem counseling that empowers you to build confidence, enhance your self-worth, and improve your body image through personalized therapy tailored to your unique journey.
Experience compassionate anxiety therapy designed to help you manage anxiety disorders, overcome challenges, and find peace through personalized support and effective treatment strategies.
One of the key components of somatic psychotherapy is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. This method combines cognitive and somatic techniques to address trauma, focusing on body awareness and movement. Here are some of the core aspects of this therapeutic approach:
By focusing on these elements, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy not only helps clients process their trauma but also empowers them to reclaim their bodies and emotions. This can lead to a profound sense of liberation and healing.
Deep Body Relaxation Therapy is another essential aspect of somatic psychotherapy. This technique focuses on inducing a state of deep relaxation, allowing clients to release physical stress and emotional tension. The benefits of this therapy include:
Through Deep Body Relaxation Therapy, clients not only find immediate relief from stress but also cultivate a deeper connection to their bodies, facilitating long-term emotional healing.
Clear, practical answers for people considering Trauma Therapy and looking for a thoughtful next step.
Touchstone Trauma Therapy is a mental health practice located in Montrose, CA, specializing in trauma therapy. We provide personalized care to help clients navigate challenges such as trauma, anxiety, and depression through holistic, trauma-informed approaches.
Our services are designed for individuals, couples, and teens who are facing mental health challenges. Whether you are struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, emotional overwhelm, chronic stress, perfectionism, or feelings of disconnection, we are here to support you on your healing journey.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we offer a range of trauma-informed therapies tailored to individual needs. Our approaches may include EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and Somatic therapies, and other holistic methods aimed at promoting healing and resilience.
If you are experiencing persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or distress related to past experiences, trauma therapy may be beneficial. Our team can help assess your needs and guide you toward appropriate support.
During your first session at Touchstone Trauma Therapy, you will meet with a therapist who will discuss your background, current challenges, and goals for therapy. This initial assessment helps us create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Yes, therapy sessions at Touchstone Trauma Therapy are confidential. We adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure your privacy and safety, allowing you to share your experiences in a secure and supportive environment.
Somatic Therapy is a form of body-centered therapy that emphasizes the connection between the brain, mind, and body. It utilizes body awareness as a therapeutic tool to explore and resolve the somatic (physical) symptoms of psychological issues. This approach helps individuals recognize and release the physical tension that remains in the body due to past trauma and stress.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative therapeutic model of psychotherapy that helps individuals understand and harmonize the various parts within themselves. According to IFS, we all have different parts within us that carry different thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. These parts can sometimes conflict with each other and create internal struggles and difficulties in our lives. IFS is commonly utilized to work with trauma memories or difficult childhood experiences.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured approach that treats trauma by safely reconnecting individuals with the traumatic images, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations they experienced, leveraging the brain’s natural healing process—Adaptive Information Processing (AIP).
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often focuses on the traumatic event itself, EMDR targets the emotional disturbances and symptoms stemming from the trauma. The goal is to process these troubling memories, reduce their impact, and help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Through EMDR, memories are transferred from the emotional part of the brain (limbic system) to long-term storage, transforming them from intrusive relived experiences into memories of past events that no longer wield disruptive power.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we are committed to providing personalized care designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, couples, and teens facing mental health challenges. Our approach to Somatic Therapy is rooted in compassion and a deep understanding of trauma's impact on both the mind and body. Here are several compelling reasons to choose us for your somatic psychotherapy journey:
To these core benefits, there are several other reasons to choose somatic psychotherapy at Touchstone Trauma Therapy:
Somatic psychotherapy emphasizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body. Many traditional therapeutic approaches focus primarily on cognitive processes, often neglecting the body’s role in emotional health. At Touchstone, we guide clients in becoming more aware of their bodily sensations, which can reveal important insights into their emotional states. For example, you may notice tension in your shoulders when discussing certain memories, indicating unresolved stress or anxiety. By addressing these sensations, we can help you release pent-up emotions and foster a greater sense of well-being.
Our therapists utilize various trauma release techniques that can help clients process and release stored trauma. Techniques such as breathwork, grounding exercises, and gentle movement are integrated into our sessions to help clients connect with their bodies and release emotional blockages. For instance, practicing deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Similarly, movement exercises can help clients express emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally.
One of the key aspects of somatic psychotherapy is empowering clients to reconnect with their bodies and emotions. Through guided self-discovery, clients learn to listen to their bodies’ signals and understand their emotional responses. This empowerment is crucial for trauma recovery, as it enables individuals to reclaim their agency and develop healthier coping mechanisms. For example, clients often report feeling more in control of their emotional responses after engaging in somatic practices, leading to improved decision-making and relationship dynamics.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we also offer group sessions that complement individual somatic psychotherapy. These groups provide a unique opportunity for clients to connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and support. Group therapy can enhance the healing process by allowing participants to share their stories, learn from one another, and practice somatic techniques in a safe and supportive environment. This collective healing can significantly augment the benefits of individual therapy.
We understand that the journey of trauma recovery does not end when therapy sessions conclude. At Touchstone, we provide ongoing support and resources to help you maintain your progress and continue your healing journey. Clients have access to workshops, mindfulness classes, and online resources that reinforce the practices learned in therapy. This commitment to ongoing support ensures that you have the tools necessary to navigate life's challenges and continue your personal growth.
Choosing the right therapist and therapeutic approach is a critical step in your healing journey. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we believe that somatic psychotherapy offers a powerful path for those seeking to heal from trauma. By focusing on the mind-body connection, we empower our clients to reclaim their lives and embrace a future filled with possibility. Whether you are just starting your healing process or looking to deepen your understanding of your trauma, our compassionate therapists are here to support you every step of the way.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we are committed to providing personalized care designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, couples, and teens facing mental health challenges. Our approach to Somatic Therapy is rooted in compassion and a deep understanding of trauma's impact on both the mind and body. Here are a few reasons to choose us for your somatic psychotherapy journey:
Experience compassionate depression counseling and effective clinical depression therapy tailored to your needs, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you overcome major depressive disorder and mood disorders.
Experience compassionate EMDR therapy tailored for healing from PTSD, anxiety, phobias, grief, and abuse recovery, helping you navigate complex trauma and reclaim your life with confidence.
Experience healing through Somatic Experiencing Therapy, a holistic approach that combines body-oriented psychotherapy and mind-body techniques to alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting deep relaxation and emotional well-being.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, seeking support is an important first step toward healing. Whether you are navigating Trauma Therapy, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm, this is a calm place to begin with trust, care, and intention.
Talk with a trusted therapist and take the next step forward with confidence.
Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that recognizes how past trauma can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physical responses. It focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and never pressured. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, trauma-informed care means tailoring treatment to each person’s needs while using approaches that support healing at a pace that feels manageable and safe. At TTT, we utilize Evidence Based modalities such as EMDR, IFS and Somatic/Mindfulness that are effective in addressing and healing from trauma, including complex trauma.
Starting therapy begins with reaching out to schedule an initial consultation or first appointment. During that first step, we will talk about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any questions you may have about the process. From there, we can determine the best approach for your needs and begin creating a treatment plan that feels supportive, personalized, and manageable.
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. Protecting your privacy is an important part of creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space. There are a few legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, which will be reviewed with you at the beginning of therapy, but in general, what you share in session is kept private and treated with care and respect.
Somatic therapy supports trauma healing by helping clients notice and work with how trauma is held in the body, not just in thoughts or memories. Trauma can affect the nervous system in ways that lead to tension, overwhelm, numbness, or feeling constantly on edge. Through gentle body-based awareness and regulation techniques, somatic therapy helps clients reconnect with their bodies, build a greater sense of safety, and process trauma in a way that feels grounded and manageable.
That is completely understandable. Not every therapy experience is the right fit, and a previous approach that did not feel helpful does not mean therapy cannot be meaningful for you now. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, I offer a personalized, trauma-informed approach tailored to your unique needs, goals, and pace. Together, we work to create a safe and supportive space that feels more aligned with the healing you are seeking.
Your first therapy session is an opportunity for me to begin building a thoughtful understanding of your experiences, concerns, and goals. I will guide the conversation with care, creating space to discuss what brings you to therapy, your personal history, and any questions you may have about the process. This initial session is designed to help you feel at ease while laying the foundation for a therapeutic approach that is personalized to your needs.
Experience transformative healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy, a compassionate approach that nurtures your inner parts, promoting personal growth and resilience through effective trauma healing and self-led therapy.
Experience compassionate and evidence-based PTSD treatment, including trauma-focused therapy and clinical counseling, designed to support your journey towards healing and recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Experience compassionate relationship trauma counseling that focuses on healing interpersonal wounds, fostering secure attachments, and promoting resilience through specialized attachment-based therapy tailored to your unique journey.
Experience compassionate grief and loss counseling that supports your healing journey, helping you navigate bereavement, cope with loss, and find peace through specialized therapy tailored to your needs.
Experience compassionate support with our Stress and Emotional Overwhelm Therapy, designed to help you manage stress, regulate emotions, and overcome burnout through effective techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Somatic psychotherapy offers a powerful pathway for individuals and couples seeking to heal from trauma. By addressing both the mind and body, this therapeutic approach can lead to profound emotional healing and personal growth. If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, anxiety, or depression, we invite you to reach out to us at Touchstone Trauma Therapy. Our dedicated team is here to guide you on your journey to recovery, offering the support and tools you need to reclaim your life.
Contact us today to learn more about how somatic psychotherapy can benefit you. Together, we can work towards a brighter, more resilient future.
Individual therapy for clients ages 14 and older offers a personalized space to work through life's challenges, deepen self-understanding, and support lasting emotional well-being.
Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that recognizes how past trauma can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physical responses. It focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and never pressured. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, trauma-informed care means tailoring treatment to each person’s needs while using approaches that support healing at a pace that feels manageable and safe. At TTT, we utilize Evidence Based modalities such as EMDR, IFS and Somatic/Mindfulness that are effective in addressing and healing from trauma, including complex trauma.
Starting therapy begins with reaching out to schedule an initial consultation or first appointment. During that first step, we will talk about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any questions you may have about the process. From there, we can determine the best approach for your needs and begin creating a treatment plan that feels supportive, personalized, and manageable.
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. Protecting your privacy is an important part of creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space. There are a few legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, which will be reviewed with you at the beginning of therapy, but in general, what you share in session is kept private and treated with care and respect.
Somatic therapy supports trauma healing by helping clients notice and work with how trauma is held in the body, not just in thoughts or memories. Trauma can affect the nervous system in ways that lead to tension, overwhelm, numbness, or feeling constantly on edge. Through gentle body-based awareness and regulation techniques, somatic therapy helps clients reconnect with their bodies, build a greater sense of safety, and process trauma in a way that feels grounded and manageable.
That is completely understandable. Not every therapy experience is the right fit, and a previous approach that did not feel helpful does not mean therapy cannot be meaningful for you now. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, I offer a personalized, trauma-informed approach tailored to your unique needs, goals, and pace. Together, we work to create a safe and supportive space that feels more aligned with the healing you are seeking.
Your first therapy session is an opportunity for me to begin building a thoughtful understanding of your experiences, concerns, and goals. I will guide the conversation with care, creating space to discuss what brings you to therapy, your personal history, and any questions you may have about the process. This initial session is designed to help you feel at ease while laying the foundation for a therapeutic approach that is personalized to your needs.
Our services are designed for individuals, couples, and teens seeking support for mental health challenges.
Whether you are dealing with trauma, relationship issues, or self-esteem concerns, Touchstone Trauma Therapy is here to guide you on your journey to healing.
TTT offers services to the cities of Montrose, Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada, Burbank and Pasadena. TTT also offers remote video sessions throughout the state of California.
Individual therapy for clients ages 14 and older offers a personalized space to work through life's challenges, deepen self-understanding, and support lasting emotional well-being.
