My approach to therapy is a combination of Somatic Experiencing, Neuroaffective Touch and Myofascial Release. The combination of these methods gives my clients the support and tools needed to access true healing and growth. My office is located in Pasadena, CA.

If you are in need of a reduced fee, please inquire about booking a consultation with Shelly Stover, AMFT, who I supervise.

Learn more about these therapy methods below.

Rates: $225/per 50 minute virtual or in person session

Somatic Experiencing

This form of alternative therapy, developed by Peter A. Levine, is aimed at identifying a trauma related stress responses, and treating those in both the mind and the body.

During a session, we first notice what is happening in the body when a client is discussing their traumatic experience. This can be anything from tension in the body, to labored breathing, twitching, and more. These symptoms have developed in response to the traumatic event because the body has not been able to process that the event is over and that you are now safe. Because of this, when these memories come up, the body reverts back to reliving that moment. It is at this time that we use Somatic Experiencing therapy to give the mind a new narrative of safety and calm, by using techniques that will support completing these incomplete biological responses.

When trauma is left untreated, it can manifest into numerous physical ailments such at digestive issues, insomnia, anxiety, depression etc.

Somatic Experiencing therapy is ideal for treating those who suffer with PTSD and other trauma related symptoms.

To learn more about Somatic Experiencing, watch this video

Neuroaffective Touch

Neuroaffective Touch is a body-based healing approach, which means I am interested in hearing what your mind has to say as well as what your body has to say. This is important because many of us were never taught how to slow down and listen to the felt sense that lives within.

You may be surprised to hear that the body has its own language and its own stories and that these stories often include important information that the mind wasn’t aware of. By finding these missing pieces, we are able to integrate fragmented parts of ourselves that were previously disowned.

We disown parts because of familial or societal expectations about who we should be, or how we should feel, or because we needed to disconnect from the pain or rage, resulting from abuse or neglect, that would have been too much for a young child to bear.

These disowned parts impact our adult lives because they are not linear. They became frozen at certain developmental points in time and are unaware that you are now an adult and that your circumstances have changed. That’s why they keep repeating the same behavioral patterns that worked to help you survive in the past but are no longer working as an adult.

This means we need to thank these parts for how they helped you survive and begin the process of reparenting them, while also developing internal resources that let them know they can trust the adult you have become.

What to expect:

In a Neuroaffective Touch session you will be asked to track your internal bodily experience. This will help us discover how your body holds certain memories and beliefs. Once we are able to track and name the part or parts that support these bracing patterns, we can begin to have a dialogue with them.

Many of these parts are used to living in exile and being judged by you, so it will be important for us to develop a way of being with them that is curious about their story and compassionate towards them. Curiosity and compassion are important because these parts will not open up about their own pain and how they have helped protect you unless they know it is safe to do so.

I will also teach you how to use nurturing self-touch, in order to facilitate a safe relationship with the body and for you to use as a grounding and self-regulating tool.

In order for you to get the most out of your session and to be ready for this body-based approach, I have some requests to make of you. The most important thing I need is for you to set up a comfortable area for our sessions. If you are using your phone, invest in a stand or find a way to prop it up so that your hands are free.

Also, it’s important that you are in a comfortable sitting position with back support. A comfortable chair with a high back or a couch with pillows you can lean into would be perfect.

I also recommend props. They aren’t required but many of my clients find them helpful during the session and they are also great tools for self-soothing in between sessions:

Yoga bags that you can fill with sand, rice or lentils

Hot water bottle

Weighted blanket

Microwaveable heated neck wrap

TriggerPoint foam massage ball - 5 inches

All of these items can be found on Amazon.

I look forward to hearing from you and to creating a safe place for you to explore your inner world and heal.