Life By Design Therapy

  Your body holds onto so much more than you realize. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or unprocessed emotions, these experiences can get “stuck” in your body and show up as tension, discomfort, or feeling disconnected. That’s where somatic therapy comes in. By focusing on the mind-body connection, somatic therapy helps you process emotions in a holistic and effective way. ✨ Benefits of somatic therapy include: Enhancing self-regulation so you can respond to life’s challenges with more ease. Increasing emotional awareness to help you name and process your feelings. Releasing stored trauma that your body has been holding onto. Connecting your mind and body for a greater sense of balance. Reducing stress and anxiety, so you can feel more grounded and at peace. When starting any new therapy journey, it’s important to have a therapist that you feel safe and connected with. Let me introduce you to Krystal! Krystal Williams is a licensed, Somatic Therapist at Life By Design Therapy and sh...

  Your body is a powerful ally in emotional healing. Emotions are meant to move through us, but when we avoid or suppress them, they can stay stuck, impacting our body, mind, and relationships. That’s where somatic processing comes in. When you listen to your body’s messages and create space for emotions to flow, you open the door to growth, resilience, and peace. If you find it difficult, overwhelming or just don’t know where to start on your healing journey, consider working with a somatic therapist. Here at Life By Design Therapy , we have a team of therapist who specialize in Somatic Therapy and holistic based approaches to support you on your healing journey. If you’re interested in learning more or working with us, click the link in our bio to book a free phone consultation today! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/holistic-somatic-therapists

  Navigating emotions can feel overwhelming, especially when self-judgment gets in the way. Affirmations are powerful tools that help shift your mindset from judgment to compassion. They create space for you to honor your emotions without labeling them as “good” or “bad.” By repeating affirmations like the ones here, you remind yourself that all emotions are valid and part of the human experience. ✨ Here’s how affirmations can support you: They create self-compassion : Affirmations allow you to acknowledge your feelings without criticism, offering yourself the same kindness you’d give a friend. They help reframe your perspective : Instead of thinking, “I shouldn’t feel this way,” affirmations like “My emotions are valid” help you embrace what you’re experiencing. They encourage self-trust : Reminding yourself that emotions are here to guide and teach you strengthens your ability to listen to and trust your inner wisdom. Remember emotions are part of your story, not something to ...

  Meet Krystal Williams, LMFT, LPCC! 🌿 She is an expert in creating a safe and grounded space for healing. Krystal specializes in blending somatic therapy and mindfulness to help you reconnect with yourself and your needs. Whether you're managing overwhelming emotions, building inner peace, or seeking to feel more grounded in your life, Krystal is here to guide you. With her trauma-informed approach, Krystal provides: A safe and supportive environment to explore your feelings. Tools to help you manage emotions and reduce stress. Guidance to reconnect with your true self and inner strength. Healing isn’t just about fixing, it’s about feeling safe, whole, and connected. If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, Krystal is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today to learn more or book a consultation today! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/krystal-williams-lmft-lpcc

  😥 Communication Tips When Feeling Overwhelmed🙄  Overwhelm is such a common and normal experience that many people face at different times in their life. Overwhelm is a feeling of being completely inundated by tasks, responsibilities, and emotions to the point where one feels unable to cope. When overwhelmed, people may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and a racing heartbeat, as well as anxiety, irritability, and an inability to concentrate.  Overwhelm can be caused by a variety of factors, including work or school stress, relationship problems, financial difficulties, or a significant life change. Coping with overwhelm involves recognizing the triggers and taking steps to manage them, such as prioritizing tasks, seeking support from others, practicing self-care, and taking breaks when needed. With the right strategies, it is possible to overcome overwhelm and regain a sense of balance and control. Sharing your feelings when overwhelmed can prov...

  Feeling unsafe as a child often stems from the subtle (and not-so-subtle) messages we receive from the people around us. Being criticized, shamed, or silenced teaches us to question our worth, suppress our emotions, and feel like we can’t take up space. If this resonates, please know this: it wasn’t your fault. The environments that shaped you may not have been safe, but the fact that you’re here, reading this, reflecting, and seeking growth. It’s a sign of your resilience. 💛 Healing from these experiences takes time, patience, and so much self-compassion. The good news? You don’t have to navigate this alone. Therapy , supportive relationships, and small steps toward reclaiming your voice can help you rewrite the story. Which of these stood out to you the most? Let me know below, I’d love to hear your thoughts. 🌱 https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  Have you ever found yourself constantly saying "yes" to others, even when it leaves you drained or unhappy? Or maybe you've struggled with putting everyone's needs before your own, just to feel seen or appreciated. If this sounds familiar, you might be unknowingly caught in the grip of people-pleasing behaviors, which is often a response to something deeper like emotional neglect. But here’s the good news, you can break free if you want to. In my blog - Why Emotional Neglect Can Lead to People Pleasing Behaviors - I dive into where people pleasing behaviors stem from, how they affect you and how to begin healing. You can find the link in my bio! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/therapy-blog

  These tips are life changing if you’re on a mental health journey! Sometimes, small actions like taking a social media break, journaling your thoughts, or moving your body for fun can make a big difference in how you feel. These practices may not replace therapy, but they complement it beautifully by helping you nurture your emotional well-being between sessions. At Life By Design Therapy, we believe healing is about finding what works best for you . Whether it’s creating a safe space in therapy or discovering supportive habits like these, we’re here to guide you on your journey to mental wellness. Ready to take the next step? Reach out to learn how therapy can fit into your life and work alongside the tools you’re already using to care for yourself. 📅 Book a consultation today through the link in our bio! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/therapy-phone-consultation

  Did you know your childhood could still be influencing your relationships and self-perception today? Growing up with emotionally unavailable parents can leave invisible marks that show up in subtle but powerful ways in adulthood. These traits aren’t flaws, they’re actually adaptations that helped you survive. Swipe through to uncover 5 Hidden Traits of Those Who Grew Up with Emotionally Unavailable Parents and learn how they might be shaping your experiences. If you would like to learn more, check out my blog - How Growing Up with Emotionally Unavailable Parents Still Affects You And How to Heal. You can find the link to read in my bio! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/blog/10-signs-you-grew-up-with-emotionally-unavailable-parents-amp-how-to-start-healing

  Do you ever feel like you’re carrying so much but don’t know how to let it out? Processing and expressing emotions can feel challenging, especially if you were never taught how. There are healthy ways to work through your feelings, and you don’t have to do it all alone. Here are 6 ways to start: 📝 Try Journaling : Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you organize them and process what’s happening inside. No need to overthink it, just let the words flow. 🗣️ Talk with Someone : Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can help you feel seen and understood. You don’t have to carry everything alone. 🎨 Find Creative Outlets : Expressing yourself through art, music, or any creative activity allows you to process emotions in a non-verbal, freeing way. 🎶 Listen to Music : Music has the power to mirror our emotions. Whether it’s calming tunes or an upbeat playlist, it can help you connect with your feelings and shift your mood. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Pract...

  Have you ever felt invisible, like your feelings didn’t matter? 💔 Having emotionally unavailable parents or partners often goes unnoticed and it can leave lasting scars on how we see ourselves and connect with others. Swipe through to learn: ✨ What emotional neglect is ✨ How it can show up in your life ✨ The impact it has on your self-worth ✨ And the good news, healing is possible You deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. If you would like to know more about emotional neglect and how it affects you, check out my blog - How Growing Up with Emotionally Unavailable Parents Still Affects You And How to Heal. You can find the link to read in my bio! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/therapy-blog

  🛑 Do you find yourself pushing people away even when you want them close? 🛑 Fear of abandonment can show up in ways you might not even realize, often keeping you in a cycle of worry and self-protection. Here’s what it might look like: Needing constant reassurance: You frequently seek validation from loved ones, fearing they might leave if you’re not “good enough” or if things feel uncertain. Struggling to trust, even when it’s earned: Even with safe and reliable people, you find it hard to let your guard down. You might assume they’ll eventually let you down or leave. Feeling panicked over small changes: A delayed text, a different tone, or a canceled plan can feel like rejection, triggering intense anxiety or overthinking. Sabotaging relationships: You might test people’s loyalty or push them away, believing it’s better to end things on your terms than risk being abandoned. Here’s the truth, these behaviors don’t make you unworthy of love, they’re survival strategies your...

  Life can be full of highs and lows, and sometimes, it can feel like your body is carrying the weight of it all. Rachel is here to remind you that you don’t have to navigate this alone, and your body holds the key to healing. Rachel has a deep passion for supporting young adults and students who are feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or out of touch with themselves. Through a somatic approach, she creates a space where you can reconnect with your body, process stored emotions, and build tools to feel more grounded and resilient. With warmth and compassion, Rachel helps you tune into your body’s signals, explore your challenges with curiosity, and uncover your inner strength. Whether you’re working through anxiety, self-doubt, or life transitions, Rachel will meet you where you are, emotionally and physically, and walk with you toward growth, healing, and self-discovery. Rachel is offering online and in-person sessions at our Berkeley office, just down the street from UC Berkeley!...

  Is it just the winter blues, or could it be something more? If winter is leaving you feeling drained, unmotivated, or unusually low, you might be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s more than just “winter blues”—it’s a form of depression triggered by seasonal changes. ✨ Signs of SAD to Watch For: Low mood or persistent sadness that’s hard to shake. Loss of interest in things you enjoy, even your favorite winter activities. Changes in sleep patterns, like oversleeping or struggling to wake up. Low energy or fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. Cravings for carbs and significant weight changes. Difficulty focusing or staying motivated. Feeling isolated or withdrawn from friends and loved ones. ✨ What Can Help? Try light therapy to mimic natural sunlight. Move your body daily, even with gentle activity. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Talk to a trusted friend, counselor, or doctor about how you’re feeling. SAD can feel isolating, but you’re not alo...