Frequently Asked Questions

While there are many interpretations, I believe somatic therapy is “letting the feelings and sensations in your body inform you.”
“Soma” means of the body. We begin with your body’s sensations, then notice what emotions are connected, what memories or experiences arise, and what thoughts and beliefs come with them. All of these layers together shape how you move through the world. Somatic therapy helps you become aware of these patterns so you can respond differently—rooted, connected, and whole.

Because trauma lives in the body.

When something overwhelming happens, your system goes into survival mode. The parts of your brain designed for protection — your limbic system and brain stem — take the lead. Your body is focused on safety, not digestion, clear thinking, or careful reasoning. That’s why your mind can feel foggy, your words get stuck, or you shut down. It’s not weakness. It’s your body doing its best to protect you.

This is also why you can’t simply “make sense” of trauma or talk yourself out of it. Insight is helpful, but it often doesn’t shift the old patterns on its own. Talk therapy works with the thinking brain, while trauma happens deeper — in your body and nervous system.

Somatic and experiential therapies go to the root. They help your system metabolize what’s been carried, release the pain that’s been stuck, and create new pathways of safety, trust, and connection. When we attune to your body’s wisdom, you can return to yourself — rooted, whole, and free.

My rate for private pay is $165 per 50-minute session. EMDR and Extended somatic sessions (90 minutes) are $250.

Yes. I keep a limited number of sliding scale slots open to increase accessibility. These are offered on a time-sensitive basis to ensure I can sustain my business and my own well-being as a therapist.

Yes. I currently accept Aetna and UnitedHealthcare (UHC). I can also provide a superbill if you’d like to submit for out-of-network reimbursement.

Yes, sometimes. We’ll talk about this during your consultation. I often recommend starting weekly—especially for EMDR or somatic therapy—because it helps us build the relationship, establish safety, and create momentum. Bi-weekly sessions are possible once the foundation is there. Starting bi-weekly, especially if you are working to somatically process attachment wounds and trauma, can become more catch up sessions and you actually are in therapy for longer than if you started weekly. My goal is never to keep you in therapy forever. My goal is for you to feel real, lasting change. That takes commitment—but it also shortens how long you need therapy in the long run. My client data shows that starting weekly leads to better clinical outcomes.

All sessions are held virtually, usually at the same time each week. This creates consistency, safety, and a rhythm that supports deeper work.

Traditional talk therapy works from the top down—asking “What do you think about that?” or “How did that make you feel?” It focuses mostly on your thoughts about your experiences. It helps to bring insight cognitively, which is a great step or starting point. We do need insight into our beliefs, behaviors, and patterns. It also can keep you from experiencing and moving through experiences. 

Somatic therapy works from the bottom up. We pay attention to sensations in your body, shifts in your breath, the places you tighten or collapse, younger versions of yourself that might be showing up. I might say, “I notice when you talk about this, your leg shakes and you look down. Can we pause here and notice what’s happening?” “Do you feel like your present day self or a younger version?” This brings you into the here and now of how you actually experience your life in your body. This can help you notice how you show up in situations and keep having the same patterns happen. 

This process takes time and safety. It’s common for it to take 2–4 months to feel safe enough in our relationship to be vulnerable enough to fully feel an emotion. That’s not failure—that’s your nervous system protecting you. My role is to guide you gently, so your body learns it’s safe enough to soften and release.

You don’t have to come in knowing how to do this. Most of us were never taught. Society overemphasizes thinking and rarely asks us how we feel. Feeling is a skill, just like thinking.

This therapy involves less talking and more noticing. I’ll guide you through the discomfort and help you build the capacity to feel, one step at a time. Together, we’ll create a safe space where your feelings can be welcomed instead of pushed away.

Not always. Many clients do well with 50-minute sessions. But when we’re doing EMDR or deeper somatic work, 90 minutes gives us enough time to fully process a piece of what’s coming up (in EMDR this might be a memory, belief, or body sensation) and return to calm before the session ends. Otherwise, shorter sessions can leave things feeling unfinished.

Because EMDR is structured around processing “targets” (a painful memory, belief, or body experience). Research and experience show that 90 minutes is the sweet spot: it gives your nervous system time to fully engage, process, and then settle again. It’s not about doing more—it’s about giving the process enough room to unfold safely.

That’s okay. We’ll go at your pace. Some people start with 50 minutes and add longer sessions when they feel ready. Others only use extended sessions when they know something big is coming up. You’ll never be pushed into more than what feels safe for you.

It depends. Everyone’s nervous system and story are different. Some clients work with me for a few months and notice big shifts. Others stay longer because they want deeper transformation or are working through multiple layers of trauma. My goal is never to keep you in therapy indefinitely—my goal is for you to feel different, not just think differently.

My practice is primarily focused on women, mothers, and female therapists. If you’re a man seeking somatic trauma therapy, I may be able to offer referrals to trusted colleagues who specialize in this work.

I primarily work with adult women (18+).

You’re not alone. Many of the women I work with have been in therapy for years but still feel stuck. Insight and awareness can be powerful, but without the body, change doesn’t always “stick.” That’s why I use somatic and experiential approaches—so the shifts you make aren’t just in your mind, but lived and felt in your body.

1. If i’m accepting clients, fill out contact form and schedule a free consultation by clicking here.

2. Have the consultation and ask any questions you want to know prior to becoming a client

3. If we agree we’re a good fit, we’ll schedule your first weekly standing appointment based on your needs. 

4. Fill out the paperwork (standard stuff with a somatic focused questionnaire)

5. Show up for your session with a quiet, private space, I suggest headphones, and comfy clothes…I’m always looking for opportunities for movement

6. If we decide we are not a good fit, no harm no foul, I help you, if I can, find someone who is. I’m a social worker by license, my jam is connecting people to services and people. If I’m not “it” for you…I’ll help you find them.