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 realm of mental health therapy, understanding the connection between the body and mind is vital, especially for individuals grappling with trauma and emotional challenges. One innovative approach that has gained attention in recent years is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. This form of therapy seeks to bridge the gap between physical sensations and emotional experiences, offering a holistic pathway to healing. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we specialize in this transformative method, helping clients navigate their trauma with compassion and care.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a body-oriented psychotherapy that integrates somatic experiencing therapy with traditional talk therapy. Developed by Dr. Pat Ogden in the 1980s, this therapeutic approach emphasizes the role of the body in processing traumatic experiences. It acknowledges that trauma is not just a psychological issue but also a physical one, manifesting in bodily sensations and movements.
The core premise of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is that our bodies hold onto the memories of trauma, often leading to various emotional and physical symptoms. By focusing on bodily sensations, movements, and the integration of these experiences, therapists can help clients regain a sense of control and safety.
One of the distinguishing features of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is its emphasis on the mind-body connection. This connection suggests that our psychological experiences are deeply intertwined with our physical sensations. For instance, a person who has experienced trauma may notice that certain emotions trigger physical responses, such as increased heart rate, tension in the shoulders, or a tightness in the chest. These physiological reactions can be key indicators of unresolved trauma and emotional distress.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy aims to help clients recognize and understand these bodily responses. By doing so, individuals can learn to identify when they are triggered by past experiences and develop healthier coping mechanisms. This process is particularly beneficial for those who have struggled with conventional talk therapy, as it provides an alternative pathway to healing through the body.
The therapy typically unfolds in several phases, each designed to build upon the previous one. The initial phase focuses on establishing safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship. This is crucial, as many individuals seeking trauma therapy may have experienced significant relational trauma that affects their ability to connect with others. The therapist works to create a supportive environment where clients feel secure enough to explore their experiences.
Following the establishment of safety, the therapy moves into the exploration of bodily sensations. Clients are encouraged to pay attention to their physical experiences in the present moment. This practice often involves mindfulness techniques, which help clients become more aware of their bodies and the sensations they hold. For example, a therapist may guide a client to notice where they feel tension or discomfort in their body and explore what emotions or memories are associated with those sensations.
As clients gain insight into their bodily experiences, they learn to connect these sensations with their emotional states. This connection can be transformative, as it allows individuals to understand how their trauma manifests physically. For example, a client may realize that feelings of anxiety are often accompanied by a clenched jaw or shallow breathing. Recognizing these patterns helps clients develop greater self-awareness and self-regulation.
Another essential component of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is the use of movement. Movement can serve as a powerful tool for processing trauma, as it allows individuals to express emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Therapists may incorporate gentle movement practices, such as grounding exercises or expressive movement, to help clients release pent-up emotions and physical tension. For instance, a client might be guided to shake their hands or stomp their feet as a way to physically express feelings of anger or frustration.
Throughout the therapy process, clients are also taught grounding techniques that help them feel more connected to their bodies and the present moment. Grounding techniques can include deep breathing exercises, visualizations, or focusing on sensory experiences, such as feeling the ground beneath their feet or noticing the sounds around them. These techniques are invaluable for individuals who may feel dissociated or disconnected from their bodies due to trauma.
As clients progress through the therapy, they may begin to explore their past experiences and the impact those experiences have had on their current lives. This exploration often includes revisiting traumatic memories in a safe and contained manner, enabling clients to process these events without becoming overwhelmed. The therapist provides support and guidance throughout this process, ensuring that clients feel empowered and in control of their healing journey.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is adaptable to meet the unique needs of each individual. Therapists may tailor techniques and interventions based on the specific circumstances of the client, ensuring that the therapy is relevant and effective. This flexibility makes Sensorimotor Psychotherapy an appealing option for many individuals seeking healing from trauma.
Real-life applications of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy are diverse, ranging from treating PTSD to addressing anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles that stem from unresolved trauma. Many clients report significant improvements in their emotional well-being and overall quality of life after engaging in this therapeutic approach. For example, individuals who have experienced severe trauma may find that their flashbacks diminish, their anxiety decreases, and they develop a greater sense of agency in their lives.
In practical terms, if you're considering Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, it is essential to find a qualified therapist who is trained in this specific approach. Look for professionals who have completed specialized training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and have experience working with trauma. During your first session, you can expect to discuss your history, current challenges, and goals for therapy. This initial consultation is an opportunity to assess whether the therapist’s approach aligns with your needs.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy offers a holistic approach to trauma treatment by integrating the body and mind. It empowers individuals to reconnect with their bodies, understand their emotional responses, and cultivate a sense of safety and control. By addressing the physical manifestations of trauma, clients can embark on a transformative healing journey, leading to lasting change and improved mental health.
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.
In traditional talk therapy, clients often explore thoughts and feelings without addressing the physical manifestations of those emotions. This can lead to a disconnection between what is felt emotionally and how it is experienced physically. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, on the other hand, emphasizes the significance of connecting feelings with physical sensations, thereby promoting a holistic approach to healing. This integration is crucial because it addresses the whole person rather than just fragmented parts of the experience.
Here are several key reasons why integrating body and mind is essential in the context of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy:
The integration of body and mind is not just about awareness but also about the methods used to facilitate this connection. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy employs various techniques that promote this integration effectively:
For those new to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, it might be helpful to understand how these techniques can be applied in real-life scenarios. Here are some practical examples:
Imagine a client who has experienced a traumatic event and finds themselves frequently overwhelmed by anxiety. Through Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, the therapist may guide them in a mindfulness exercise where they focus on their breathing. As they become aware of their breath, they might also notice the tightness in their chest. The therapist can then assist the client in exploring what that sensation represents emotionally. Is it fear, sadness, or something else? This exploration can lead to insights that help the client understand the connection between their emotional state and physical sensations, promoting healing.
A client struggling with chronic pain may find that certain emotional triggers exacerbate their discomfort. in therapy, they might learn to identify these triggers and develop coping strategies. For example, if they notice that stress leads to increased pain, they can practice relaxation techniques or movement exercises during stressful times, thus creating a proactive approach to managing their symptoms.
Integrating body and mind also supports long-term recovery and resilience. Clients who engage in this holistic approach often report feeling more balanced and grounded. They learn that emotions and physical sensations are interconnected, leading to a more profound understanding of themselves. This awareness can foster healthier relationships, improved self-esteem, and overall well-being.
Research supports the effectiveness of integrating body and mind in therapy. Studies have shown that somatic therapies can lead to significant reductions in symptoms of PTSD and anxiety. By addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of trauma, clients can experience more comprehensive healing, making Sensorimotor Psychotherapy a valuable approach in the field of somatic therapy.
The importance of body and mind integration in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy cannot be overstated. By fostering awareness, enabling release, and promoting empowerment, this therapeutic approach helps clients navigate their emotional landscapes with greater clarity and confidence. Through various techniques and practical applications, clients can learn to cultivate a deeper connection with their bodies, leading to lasting healing and transformation.
As a holistic therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy offers several benefits, particularly for those dealing with trauma:
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 utilize a variety of techniques within the framework of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to facilitate healing:
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with:
This approach is suitable for individuals, couples, and teens who are seeking support in overcoming their mental health challenges. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we understand that everyone’s journey is unique, and we tailor our services to meet the individual needs of our clients.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we specialize in Trauma Therapy and provide personalized care that focuses on healing the whole person. Our team is dedicated to offering holistic, trauma-informed therapies, including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, to help you overcome the challenges of trauma, anxiety, and depression. Located in Montrose, CA, we are committed to guiding you on your journey to healing.
We believe in creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions and experiences without judgment. Our experienced therapists are here to empower you to reclaim your life, build resilience, and foster a deeper connection between your mind and body.
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.
If you’re ready to explore how Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can assist you in your healing journey, we invite you to reach out to us. Our compassionate team at Touchstone Trauma Therapy is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your path to recovery.
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.
