How Crystal Works

Somatic and Body-Based Therapy

Stress and trauma do not live only in our thoughts. They show up in the body too. Somatic approaches bring the body into the work.

How Crystal Works

Somatic Work in Plain Language

When you feel threatened, your body reacts before your mind has time to think: a racing heart, tight shoulders, shallow breath, a frozen or shaky feeling. After hard experiences, the body can stay on alert long after the danger has passed. Somatic work pays attention to those signals and helps your nervous system learn that it is safe to settle.

Sessions may include noticing sensations, slowing the breath, grounding through your senses and small movements, always at a pace that feels manageable.

What It Can Help With

Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety that lives in the body
Chronic stress and burnout
Feeling numb or disconnected from yourself
Getting overwhelmed quickly

Does It Work Over Telehealth?

Yes, many somatic practices work well by video, because you are practicing them in your own space. That can make it easier to use the same tools on a hard day at home.

How Crystal Uses Somatic Approaches

Somatic approaches are among those in Crystal's training. Trauma and anxiety work may draw from them alongside EMDR, IFS and mindfulness-based therapy. Crystal does not apply one method to everyone. Sessions may draw from this approach when it fits your goals, alongside others in her training.

Simple Grounding You Can Try

Press your feet into the floor and notice the support under you
Name five things you can see and three things you can hear
Breathe in gently, then let the exhale be a little longer
Rest a hand on your chest or stomach and notice it rise and fall
Let your eyes settle on something steady in the room

Going at Your Body's Pace

Somatic work is careful not to push. If noticing sensations feels overwhelming, the focus can shift to something neutral or comforting, like the chair beneath you or a sound outside the window. Learning where your limits are is part of the work, and it is always your choice what to explore.

Getting Started

Somatic practices can feel unfamiliar at first, and it is fine to ask questions about any exercise before trying it. Sessions are held by secure telehealth for people located in Arizona or Oregon, beginning with a free consultation of about 15 minutes. Individual sessions are $200 after a $250 intake.