What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy offers a profound path to healing anxious attachment and codependency by addressing the roots of these patterns within the body. Unlike traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy recognizes that emotional wounds are not just stored in the mind but also in the body. Through somatic techniques, we can release stored tension, trauma, and unhelpful patterns, leading to greater personal growth and empowerment.

Somatic Therapy operates on the principle that trauma is not just a psychological phenomenon but also a physiological one, deeply rooted in the body. Through a gentle, non-invasive approach, somatic therapy helps to renegotiate the body's response to trauma, anxious attachment, heartbreak, and any other emotional woundings, by restoring a sense of safety and regulation. By guiding women through carefully titrated experiences, Somatic Therapy facilitates the completion of the body's instinctual responses to trauma, allowing for resolution and integration.

Central to somatic healing is the recognition that emotions are not just abstract concepts but tangible experiences that manifest as sensations in the body. My approach focuses on helping you cultivate a profound awareness of these bodily sensations, especially those that evoke discomfort or distress. Rather than suppressing or avoiding these sensations, I intuitively guide you to lean into them with curiosity and compassion.

We recognize that growth often arises from discomfort, and somatic therapy provides a safe container for you to explore and navigate these challenging emotions. By gently attuning to the sensations accompanying difficult emotions, women learn to be present with their experiences without judgment or resistance. This process of befriending discomfort cultivates resilience, confidence, and security within. My clients gain a profound sense of self-awareness and self-trust, laying the groundwork for lasting transformation.

At the core of Somatic Therapy is the recognition that emotional wounds, anxious attachments, and trauma are stored in the body as incomplete survival responses. Through a process of gentle exploration and somatic awareness, the women I work with are guided to reconnect with the sensations associated with their anxious attachments, trauma, or any other form of emotional woundings,  allowing for the discharge of pent-up energy and emotions. This embodied approach empowers women to reclaim a sense of agency and confidence, which provides them more clarity and a connection back with themselves. 

In my somatic healing approach, I seamlessly integrate intuitive Somatic Therapy with Neuroaffective Touch modality, amplifying the potency of both modalities synergistically. Through the combination of gentle touch and somatic awareness, you gain more confidence, clarity, and access to your intuition, and unlocking the innate resilience that lies within.

We recognize somatic touch as a potent vehicle for communication, capable of conveying empathy, compassion, and safety. Through nurturing touch, we create a sacred space wherein you can explore your inner landscape with openness and trust. This gentle, compassionate touch serves as a conduit for releasing stored tension, trauma, and emotional blockages, increasing profound healing on a somatic level.

In addition to providing therapeutic touch ourselves, I empower my clients by teaching them how to incorporate nurturing touch into their own somatic practices.

Through guided instruction and experiential learning, my clients learn to listen to the wisdom of their bodies and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves.

What does Somatic Therapy look like?

In my somatic healing approach, we recognize that healing the nervous system is a delicate and intricate process that requires patience, compassion, and trust. As an intuitive somatic therapist, I honor the inherent wisdom of the nervous system and understand that true healing unfolds at its own pace. I intuitively guide women to deepen their connection with themselves, feel more confident, and tap into their intuition. This is an invitation to trust in the innate intelligence of your body through somatic therapy.

Healing the nervous system is not a linear journey but rather a dynamic and nonlinear process. It requires you to honor your own rhythms and timelines, allowing for the natural ebb and flow of healing to unfold. This process is about expansion and contraction. I emphasize the importance of cultivating patience and self-compassion as you navigate moments of discomfort and uncertainty on your healing journey. Through gentle guidance and unwavering support, I create a safe container for you to explore and integrate your experiences at your own pace.

Trusting the Wisdom Within You.

Somatic Healing is the belief that the nervous system inherently knows how to heal itself when provided with the right conditions and support. I encourage the women I work with to trust in the innate wisdom of their bodies, knowing that they possess the resilience and resources needed to navigate the challenges of healing. By fostering a deep sense of self-trust and self-awareness, I empower you to listen to the subtle cues of your nervous systems and trust your innate healing capacity.

The Healing Process.

Healing the nervous system requires a commitment to honoring the process, even when progress may seem slow or incremental. I remind my clients that healing is about expansion and contraction, 3 steps forward and sometimes 2 steps back, titration, and requires compassion, openness, and curiosity.  Every moment of discomfort or challenge is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery, paving the way for profound transformation and resilience.

As an intuitive somatic therapist, I walk alongside you on your healing journey, offering guidance, support, and compassion every step of the way. I hold space for your healing, acknowledging the complexity of the nervous system and the unique experiences of each individual.

Benefits of Working with Vanessa Espino, MS, LMFT:

• Grounded Intuition: Combining intuition with professionalism, I guide you through your healing journey with empathy and expertise. Drawing from years of experience and ongoing training, I provide a safe and supportive space for your growth and transformation.


• Specialized Support for Women: Women's experiences are multifaceted and unique, and I'm dedicated to addressing them with sensitivity and understanding. My focus lies in helping women navigate through anxious attachment, codependency, and breakups, empowering them to cultivate healthier relationships and emotional well-being.


• Expertise in Emotional Regulation: My therapeutic approach is centered around helping you learn how to regulate your emotions. By understanding the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, you'll gain practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and other challenging emotions.


• Accessible Sessions: No matter where you are in California, I offer video therapy sessions for your convenience and comfort. Through secure and confidential platforms, we connect virtually, ensuring accessibility without compromising on quality care.


• Education and Guidance: Understanding the nervous system and its role in emotional well-being is key to empowerment. I provide education and guidance to help you tap into your innate healing abilities. By learning about your nervous system, you can recognize and manage physiological responses to stress and trauma. Through guidance, you'll learn practical techniques to regulate your nervous system, promoting self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth.

How We Meet — Video Therapy Sessions.

In our modern world, convenience and accessibility are paramount. That's why I offer video therapy sessions, allowing my clients in Europe, Canada, and the United States to engage in therapy from wherever they are in the world from the comfort of their own home or office. Through secure and confidential platforms, we connect virtually, bridging the gap between distance and healing.


Additional Information

Healing begins with a willingness to explore and grow.  It's essential that the women I work with are open to receiving guidance, willing to learn about somatic work, and receptive to exploring new perspectives and the techniques that I have to offer. Let's connect and see how we can embark on this journey together.

Pricing.

Investing in your well-being is one of the most valuable investments you can make. It's an investment that pays dividends in self-discovery, empowerment, and profound healing.

My private pay rate for sessions is €185 EUR / ₤160 GBP / $200 USD (per session).

I accept payments via credit card, Zelle, Paypal, Venmo, Wise, and ACH bank transfers.

Insurance-based: While I am almost exclusively a private pay therapist, I sometimes also accept select insurance policies from the following insurance providers from those who are located in California:

• Aetna
  
• Anthem Blue Cross
  
• Magellan
  
• United Healthcare

Please direct any queries regarding insurance coverage to my office, and I will be happy to assist you.

Are you ready to heal from your emotional wounds?

Are you ready for positive and lasting transformation?

I invite you to contact me to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation.