Life By Design Therapy

  An emotional flashback is an intense emotional experience triggered by the memory of trauma. The emotions that arise during this flashback mimic those you felt during the actual traumatic experience. Emotional flashbacks can be so overwhelming that it is difficult to know what to do about them. Having a plan ahead of time, and anticipating your triggers, can help. Some things you can do to calm yourself down during an emotional flashback include: 💙 Remind yourself that you are safe and experiencing a flashback. 💙 Grounding yourself by naming things you can see, taste, smell, hear, and touch. 💙 Considering working with a therapist to anticipate and prevent future flashbacks. If you're ready to explore emotional flashbacks in therapy, contact Life by Design Therapy to learn more about our trained holistic therapists. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/holistic-somatic-therapists

  When we feel emotional for "no reason," there usually is a reason -- but that reason may come from the past rather than the present. Sometimes, we might feel emotional for "no reason" because we are unknowingly triggered by an event or experience. This can trigger an emotional flashback, where we feel the way we did during a previous traumatic experience. Other times, we might feel emotional because of a suppressed emotional reaction to something that happened in the past. This could have happened days ago or months ago, but because we didn't allow ourselves to feel or process the emotions, they bubble to the surface unexpectedly. How can you prevent feeling emotional for "no reason?" Processing and working through your emotions with the help of a licensed therapist can help. Contact Life by Design Therapy to learn more about therapy's role in emotional regulation. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  We often associate intrusive thoughts with disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, everybody has intrusive thoughts from time to time -- and they are also common in anxiety disorders. Intrusive thoughts can be violent, sexual, or otherwise disturbing. They are repetitive, unwanted, and cause the person having these thoughts a lot of distress. Unfortunately, fighting intrusive thoughts only leads them to come back stronger. Practicing exposure therapy, acceptance, and other psychotherapy techniques can help you learn to cope constructively with intrusive thoughts. Reach out to Life by Design Therapy today to learn how holistic therapy can help you overcome intrusive thoughts! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/holistic-therapy

  In somatic therapy , resourcing is a technique that utilizes the natural resources in our lives. These are the support systems and coping skills we already have that we can call on to improve our mental health. Sometimes, these resources are supportive people. Other times, they are mental resources, like thinking of a happy memory, using a grounding technique, or imagining ourselves doing a favorite activity. A somatic therapist can guide you through the process of identifying resources to help you improve your mental health . Contact Life by Design Therapy today to learn more about somatic therapy. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/somatic-therapy

  Humans are instinctively “wired” for touch. Even in research as far back as the 1800s, researchers noticed that babies who were not cuddled simply failed to thrive. Touch communicates on an energy level beyond what words can say. It reassures us, comforts us, and adds flair to our conversations much like a garnish on our favorite meals. Touch therapy is one part of somatic psychotherapy that can have significant benefits, but needs to be evaluated to determine if it is helpful or detrimental to your well-being. No matter what, the touch must always align with your therapeutic goals and follow proper ethical codes. Contact Life by Design Therapy today to learn more about the type of touch therapy that we practice. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  When our emotional needs aren't met in a relationship, they might show up in our lives in other ways. We can experience: 💙 Physical pain or illness 💙 Exhaustion 💙 Tension in our relationships Sometimes, our emotional needs aren't being met because we're with the wrong person. Oftentimes, however, they aren't being met because we aren't communicating them effectively. Other times, we may not even be sure what our needs are! Working with a holistic therapist can help you identify and communicate your needs in a relationship to ensure they are met. Contact Life by Design Therapy today to learn how we can help. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  What does it mean to do "shadow work" in therapy or on your own? Shadow work is a type of self-reflection requiring us to delve deeper into the parts of ourselves we typically avoid or regard as "unlovable." Integrating your "shadow self" (the negative perception of yourself) into your personal identity can help you develop a stronger sense of self and feel more comfortable with who you are. Shadow work can be an important piece of healing from mental health disorders, overcoming trauma, or simply getting to know yourself. If you're interested in navigating shadow work with a licensed therapist, contact Life by Design Therapy to learn more about how we can help you dive deeper into the recesses of your being. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/holistic-somatic-therapists

  Movement can be powerful in creating change in your physical, emotional, and mental states. It doesn't have to be formal exercise, as long as you find the time to get moving every day. Here at Life by Design Therapy, we believe in the power of movement, so much so that we practice somatic therapy: a type of therapy that harnesses the power of mind-body movement to help you heal. Contact us today to learn more about how we incorporate movement into therapy! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/getstarted

  Wellness is so much more than not being sick! According to the World Health Organization, wellness encompasses eight distinct areas of life: Intellectual, Emotional, Occupational, Environmental, Community, Financial, Spiritual, AND Physical wellness. Holistic therapy addresses all eight areas of wellness by treating the whole person. In holistic therapy, we draw upon the mind, body, and spirit to help address areas of weakness contributing to problems in a person's life. To find out how holistic therapy can help you improve your physical and mental wellness , contact Life by Design Therapy today to learn more! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/holistic-therapy

  When trauma is not addressed, it can pass down to others in your family, becoming generational trauma. In other words, "we repeat what we don't repair." Not all trauma is preventable, but generational trauma is. Working with a trained therapist to address your traumatic past can prevent trauma from becoming generational. Contact Life by Design Therapy today to learn how we can help you heal from a traumatic past to prevent it from becoming a part of your family's future. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/trauma-therapy

  You are designed for growth! 🌻 At Life by Design Therapy, we know change is possible for you. We offer holistic and somatic therapy to support you so you don’t have to dismiss, avoid or disconnect from what you truly want. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you along your journey toward personal growth. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  One of the many hobbies to become extraordinarily popular during the COVID-19 crisis has been indoor gardening and raising houesplants. As we have spent more and more time at home, many of us have looked to houseplants to beautify our living spaces, give us something to do, and create a sense of structure and routine in our lives while working from home. And, as it turns out, houseplants can have positive benefits for our mental health , too! Indoor gardening is a positive coping strategy -- and is associated with increased comfort and decreased stress, according to the Journal of Physiological Anthropology. Did you start indoor gardening during lockdown? Let us know in the comments below! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  Do you take on the emotions of others? Absorbing the emotions of others can be both a strength and a weakness. It can be a sign that you are an empath, gifted with the extraordinary ability to empathize with nearly anyone -- but it can also become exhausting and frustrating to constantly feel what others are feeling. Learning to empathize with others is a skill -- as is learning how to set emotional boundaries so that you are not constantly drained by taking on the emotions of others. Like any skill, setting emotional boundaries can be strengthened with practice. In our latest blog post, we cover exactly how to do this. Visit the link in our bio to read more! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/blog/empaths-stop-absorbing-other-peoples-emotions

  People with anxiety and other mental health issues are often told to let go of what they cannot control. But how do you go about doing that? It is often helpful to visualize your "circle of control." Things you can control -- your own thoughts, your own actions -- belong inside the circle, while things you cannot control -- other people's actions, external events -- are outside the circle. By focusing on the things within our circle of control, we can learn to let go of the things outside our control. A psychotherapist can help guide you through this process. Contact Life by Design Therapy today if you are ready to let go of what you can't control -- and focus on the things inside your circle of control. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  Have you heard of "eco-anxiety?" This term was coined by the media to describe feelings of anxiety and despair surrounding climate change. Climate change undoubtedly affects our physical health, but now it is affecting our mental health, too. From the stress associated with climate disasters (such as the wildfires in our home state of California) to the anxiety faced by youth about the state of the planet they've inherited, eco-anxiety is very real. Some anxiety about the climate change crisis can be helpful, spurring us to take action. However, if you are experiencing excessive stress or anxiety related to climate change or a natural disaster, please reach out . Holistic therapy may be able to help! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/holistic-therapy

  What is holistic therapy? Modern medicine tends to approach common counseling issues such as past trauma, relationship issues, and mental illness with a medical approach. At Life by Design Therapy, we take a whole-person approach to psychotherapy, known as holistic therapy. This means we address three major areas: MIND The mind-body connection is a powerful one. Your thoughts can control your actions as well as restrict them. BODY Oftentimes, traditional psychotherapy tends to neglect the body, concentrating solely on the mind. But things like trauma, anxiety, depression, and insomnia can all take their toll on the body, too. SPIRIT Many people, even those who may not ascribe to a particular religion, dismiss the power that one’s spirit has on their overall wellness. More than just pure willpower or mental fortitude, your spirit also needs to be nourished. If you're ready to learn more about holistic psychotherapy , contact Life by Design Therapy to begin the healing process toda

Happy Best Friends Day! Today, we celebrate the special friendships that improve our lives -- and make the world a better place. Our social connections are essential to maintaining our mental health. Having a supportive social network can protect against mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Best Friends Day is a great time to show your support for your friends' mental health . Use this day to reach out to your closest friends and remind them that you are there for them and ready to listen when they need it! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/  

  Is trauma exposure changing you? The term “vicarious traumatization” arose in the mid-1990’s when Laurie Anne Pearlman and Paula S. Mac Ian studied the effects of working with traumatized clients on therapists. They defined vicarious traumatization as “a transformation in the helper’s inner experience, as a result of empathetic engagement with traumatized clients and their traumatic experiences, coupled with a commitment or responsibility to help.” Since then, conversations and awareness around “secondary” or “vicarious” trauma have increased and expanded. Life by Design Therapy's latest blog post by Ashley Gregory LMFT contributes to that conversation & awareness. Check out the post to learn more -- link in bio ! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/blog/is-trauma-exposure-transforming-you-5/2021

  Hello! My name is Krystal Williams (pronouns she/her/hers) and I am a Licensed Somatic Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor. My background includes working with diverse communities including adults, children, teens, and families in various settings. I work holistically blending multiple forms of therapy including mindfulness, expressive art, and nature, with a focus on the mind-body connection. I strive to create a safe working relationship built on a foundation of trust where your truest self is welcomed and accepted. By working with me, you can create the space and time to feel understood and supported leading to capacity for change, healing and wellness. You are the expert on your life, and it would be my honor to join you on your journey of discovering the strengths and resilience already inside you so you can be the person you are meant to be and achieve the life you truly deserve. TRAUMA LENS I work from the perspective that most of us have exper

  June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month. At Life by Design Therapy , we pride ourselves on being culturally sensitive and inclusive of people from all backgrounds. To support the LGBTQ+ community in the Bay Area and its mental health, consider donating to our scholarship fund this month. With these donations, we are able to help non-white, non-heterosexual individuals afford therapy services. Visit the link below to make your donation today 💙 https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  5 TIPS FOR NAVIGATING PANDEMIC-RELATED STRESS by Melody Wright, LMFT Now that the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 lockdown has come and gone, many of us are reflecting on the ways our lives have changed as a result of the pandemic. Some of those changes may be positive, such as spending more time on hobbies while we're at home. However, many of them may be the result of pandemic-related stress that we're still navigating, more than 365 days later. Our children's schools may not have reopened, so we may still be watching them, or we may still be adjusting to working from home. And, with the vaccine becoming more widely available, many of us are facing renewed anxiety around COVID-19. There are dozens of questions on our minds: when will we be able to get vaccinated? When will we be able to stop wearing a mask? Will we be able to go on our summer vacation? In other words, just because there is hope on the horizon does not mean that pandemic-related stress is going to d

  WE'RE HIRING! 💻 Life by Design Therapy is looking to add a licensed clinician to our team. Candidates must have a Master's degree and valid license in the state of CA, and be available to hold at least 20 sessions per week. We are dedicated to hiring clinicians who are experienced in helping BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ clients, as well as interracial couples and families. WE PROVIDE: Competitive compensation  Semiannual Bonuses Quarterly Productivity Bonuses  Paid Sick Time 401(k) with up to 4% company matching  Annual CE Allowance Supportive team environment  Comfortable and modern office space conveniently located in Downtown Berkeley and Richmond (currently telehealth) Dedication to professional development with in-house training  Opportunities for full-time employment (with health and dental) *Opportunities for future growth within the company To learn more, visit  www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/clinician-employment  + follow the directions on the page to apply!