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 a world where mental health is increasingly recognized as a vital component of overall well-being, innovative therapies are emerging to address the complexities of trauma and anxiety. One such approach is Somatic Therapy, a holistic method that emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we specialize in Somatic Therapy, helping individuals, couples, and teens navigate their healing journeys. This article delves into the essence of Somatic Therapy, its techniques, and how it can facilitate profound healing.
Somatic Therapy is a transformative approach to psychotherapy that recognizes the intricate connection between the mind and body. It seeks to heal psychological distress not just through verbal communication but by engaging the body in the therapeutic process. The word "somatic" is derived from the Greek word "soma," which translates to "body," highlighting the therapy's focus on body awareness and its role in emotional and psychological well-being.
While traditional talk therapies often emphasize cognitive processes and verbal expression, Somatic Therapy broadens this scope by integrating physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts. This holistic approach allows individuals to access deeper layers of their experience, which can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with trauma and anxiety. By tuning into bodily sensations and movements, clients can uncover the underlying issues that contribute to their emotional struggles.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we emphasize the importance of understanding how unprocessed trauma can manifest physically in the body. Many individuals carry unresolved emotional pain that has been stored in their muscles, tissues, and overall physical structure. This can lead to chronic tension, pain, and a host of other physical ailments. Somatic Therapy provides a pathway to release this stored tension, enabling clients to reconnect with their bodies and achieve a sense of safety and grounding.
Somatic Therapy incorporates various techniques that promote body awareness, such as:
One of the fundamental principles of Somatic Therapy is that the body holds onto memories and experiences. For example, a person who has experienced a traumatic event may find that their body reacts in certain ways when reminded of that experience—even if they are not consciously aware of the memory. This can manifest as tightness in the chest, a racing heart, or feelings of anxiety. Somatic Therapy helps individuals explore these sensations, allowing them to process and release the emotions associated with them.
Consider the example of someone who has suffered from chronic anxiety. Through Somatic Therapy, they might learn to identify how anxiety manifests physically—perhaps as tension in their shoulders or a tightness in their stomach. By focusing on these sensations during sessions, they can begin to understand the connection between their physical experience and their emotional state. As they work through these feelings, they may experience a reduction in anxiety and an increase in overall well-being.
Another key aspect of Somatic Therapy is the emphasis on safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship. Clients are encouraged to communicate their needs and boundaries, fostering a sense of empowerment. This is particularly important for individuals with trauma histories, as they may have experienced violations of trust in the past. A supportive therapeutic environment allows clients to explore their feelings at their own pace, facilitating healing without overwhelming them.
For those considering Somatic Therapy, it can be helpful to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to explore the physical aspects of their experiences. Here are some practical tips for getting started:
Somatic Therapy offers a unique and effective approach to healing by emphasizing the mind-body connection. By recognizing the role of the body in processing trauma and emotions, individuals can access deeper levels of healing and personal growth. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we are committed to helping clients explore their physical sensations and experiences in a safe and supportive environment, paving the way for profound transformation and healing.
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.
Somatic Therapy encompasses several fundamental principles and techniques that set it apart from traditional therapeutic modalities. Here are some key aspects:
Somatic Therapy employs a variety of techniques tailored to each individual's needs. These methods are designed to enhance body awareness and facilitate the healing of trauma and anxiety through physical sensations and emotional processing. Below, we explore some of the most effective techniques used in Somatic Therapy, providing insights into how they work and what clients can expect.
To these core techniques, Somatic Therapy may incorporate other practices that enhance the therapeutic experience:
As clients engage with these techniques, they often find that Somatic Therapy not only addresses their immediate concerns but also fosters long-term resilience and well-being. The process encourages a deeper connection between mind and body, allowing individuals to reclaim their bodily autonomy and emotional health. By learning to listen to their bodies, clients can develop tools to manage stress and anxiety effectively, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these techniques can vary from person to person. What works for one individual may not resonate with another. Therefore, a skilled somatic therapist will assess each client’s unique situation and adapt their approach accordingly, ensuring that the therapy is personalized and effective. This tailored approach not only enhances the healing process but also builds trust and rapport between the therapist and client, creating a safe space for exploration and growth.
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.
Somatic Therapy employs a variety of techniques tailored to each individual's needs. Some common methods include:
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 or someone you know is grappling with trauma, anxiety, or emotional challenges, consider exploring Somatic Therapy as a powerful path to healing. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized care designed to meet the unique needs of each client. We offer a supportive environment where individuals can safely explore their experiences and begin their journey toward healing.
Whether you are an individual seeking personal growth, a couple navigating relationship issues, or a teen facing emotional struggles, our Somatic Therapy services are here to support you. We believe in the transformative power of healing through the body, and we invite you to take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilled life.
Ready to embark on your healing journey? Contact Touchstone Trauma Therapy today to schedule a consultation and discover how Somatic Therapy can help you heal from trauma and anxiety through body awareness and holistic practices.
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.
