Somatic & Nervous System Therapy in Henderson & Across Nevada
Have you ever found yourself thinking,
"I know why I feel this way...so why can't I just move on?"
Many people come to therapy with a great deal of insight. They understand where their anxiety comes from. They recognize how past experiences have shaped them. They know their reactions don't always match what's happening in the present.
Yet despite that understanding, their body continues to respond as though the danger is still here.
• Their shoulders stay tense.
• Their jaw clenches.
• Their heart races.
• Their stomach knots.
• They struggle to relax, even when they desperately want to.
Helping Your Mind and Body Heal Together
Helping Your Mind and Body Work Together
"Am I safe?"
Your nervous system asks that question thousands of times each day, often without your awareness.
When the answer feels uncertain, your body naturally prepares to protect you.
You may notice:
• Racing thoughts
• Tight muscles
• Difficulty relaxing
• Feeling emotionally overwhelmed
• Digestive issues
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling constantly "on"
• Emotional numbness
• Wanting to withdraw from others
These responses are not signs that something is wrong with you, but they are signs that your nervous system has been working hard to protect you.
Many of the concerns people seek therapy for- including anxiety, trauma, burnout, and perfectionism- are deeply connected to the nervous system.
When we understand that, we can approach healing with greater compassion instead of self-criticism.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Why Does the Nervous System Matter?
Many of the concerns people seek therapy for, including anxiety, trauma, burnout, perfectionism, and OCD, are deeply connected to the nervous system.
healing doesn't happen only through the mind.
It also happens through the nervous system.
The word somatic simply means relating to the body.
Somatic therapy recognizes that our experiences aren't stored only as memories or thoughts. They also influence our breathing, posture, muscle tension, emotions, and the way our nervous system responds to the world around us.
This doesn't mean trauma is literally "stored in the body." It means our bodies learn patterns of protection just as our minds do. Sometimes those protective patterns continue long after they're needed. Somatic therapy helps us become curious about those patterns instead of fighting them.
Together, we learn how to better understand what your body is communicating and how to gently support your nervous system in developing new, more flexible ways of responding.
• Anxiety or chronic worry
• Trauma or PTSD
• Burnout
• Panic attacks
• Chronic stress
• Emotional overwhelm
• Perfectionism
• Difficulty relaxing
• Physical symptoms related to stress
• Feeling disconnected from yourself
It can also be beneficial for anyone who feels like they understand their struggles intellectually but continue to react in ways they don’t fully understand.
I integrate somatic approaches with evidence-based therapies including EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and, when appropriate, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Sometimes healing happens through conversation and sometimes it happens through noticing a breath you've been holding.
Sometimes it happens by understanding why your body reacts the way it does and responding with compassion instead of frustration.
As a licensed mental health therapist, EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500), and clinician completing advanced certification in yoga therapy, I've pursued additional training because I believe healing happens most effectively when we recognize the connection between the mind, body, and nervous system.
What does "somatic" actually mean?
What does "somatic" actually mean?
Do I need to understand my nervous system before starting therapy?
Do I need to understand my nervous system before starting therapy?
Can this help if my anxiety feels physical?
Can this help if my anxiety feels physical?
Do you offer Somatic & Nervous System Therapy in Henderson or virtually?
Do you offer Somatic & Nervous System Therapy in Henderson or virtually?
Learn more about yoga groups
Yoga and mindfulness are powerful tools for enhancing mental and physical wellness. These practices can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving cardiovascular health, flexibility, and balance. Through mindfulness techniques and controlled breathing, individuals can cultivate greater self-awareness, compassion, and resilience. These practices can be tailored to suit different lifestyles and abilities, making them accessible to all people. Incorporating yoga and meditation into a therapy plan can complement other forms of treatment and support overall well-being.
Group Therapy and Yoga: Group yoga therapy offers a supportive and communal space for individuals to explore holistic well-being. Through shared experiences and guided practices, participants can harness the collective energy of the group, fostering personal growth, stress reduction, and enhanced self-awareness. The group dynamic provides a sense of community, making the journey to well-being both enriching and collaborative.
How do you incorporate mindfulness and yoga into sessions?
How do you incorporate mindfulness and yoga into sessions?
Mindfulness and yoga can be powerful tools for managing stress, reducing anxiety, and improving overall well-being. If you're interested in incorporating mindfulness or yoga into your therapy sessions, we can discuss ways to integrate these practices into your individual treatment plan. This might involve practicing mindfulness exercises or gentle yoga poses during our sessions, or developing a mindfulness or yoga practice to use outside of therapy.
Do I have to do yoga in session?
Do I have to do yoga in session?
No, you don't have to do yoga in session if you don't want to. While yoga can be a helpful tool for managing stress and improving overall well-being, it's not a requirement for therapy. If you're interested in incorporating yoga into your treatment, we can discuss ways to integrate it into your therapy plan in a way that feels comfortable and manageable for you.
What if I do want to do yoga?
What if I do want to do yoga?
That's great! If yoga is something you're interested in, we can absolutely incorporate it into our work together. Depending on your goals, we may integrate yoga postures, mindfulness, meditation, breathing practices, relaxation techniques, or other yoga-informed approaches to support your emotional well-being and nervous system.
I also offer an in-person women's yoga-informed therapy group in Henderson, Nevada. Many clients enjoy participating in both individual therapy and group, while others choose one or the other depending on their goals. If you're interested, I'd be happy to help you decide which option (or combination of options) would be the best fit for you.
Start taking steps towards achieving your goals today.
Schedule your FREE consultation
Experience Change
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I will work with you to put your personalized treatment plan into action, using evidence-based techniques and interventions to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. This stage involves regular sessions, progress monitoring, and adjustments as needed to ensure you get the most out of therapy.
Assess and Plan
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In the assessment and planning stage, I'll ask you questions about your life history, current challenges, and goals. This will help us develop a plan for therapy that is tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. We will also discuss any past events or trauma that may be impacting your life now.
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Book a consultation
step 1
During our initial consultation, we'll discuss your concerns and goals for therapy. This session will help us get to know each other and determine if we're a good fit to work together.