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5 Ways Body Physically Shows Emotions

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  Your body is always speaking to you, are you listening? Emotions don’t just exist in your mind; they show up in your body as physical sensations. These sensations are your body’s way of processing what you’re experiencing and signaling what it needs. For example, a racing heart might be your body’s way of saying, “I feel anxious,” while a lump in your throat could mean, “I’m holding back sadness.” By learning to tune into these signals, you can begin to understand your emotions on a deeper level and respond with care. 💡 Here’s the truth, ignoring your body’s messages can lead to tension, burnout, or feeling stuck. But when you take a moment to pause, notice, and name what you’re feeling, you create space for healing and self-awareness. You can read more about ways to process emotions on my blog, How to Recognize and Process Emotions When You Were Never Taught How . The link to read is in my bio! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

Somatic Therapy & Processing Emotions

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  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...

Tips for Healthy Mental Health

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  Many of us have been conditioned to judge or suppress our emotions, mistaking them for weaknesses instead of the wisdom they hold. However, when we take the time to reframe how we see them, emotions become valuable tools for growth and understanding. Here’s why this shift matters: ✨ Curiosity over judgment : When you approach emotions with curiosity, you’re inviting self-compassion into the process. Instead of labeling an emotion as “bad” or “wrong,” curiosity allows you to explore its purpose without shame or guilt. ✨ Messages, not problems : Emotions are your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something needs attention here.” Ignoring or suppressing them often leads to bigger issues, like stress or burnout. When you listen to their message, you take the first step toward healing. ✨ Your body’s language : Emotional awareness often starts in the body. Whether it’s a tight chest, a racing heart, or a lump in your throat, these sensations are clues. Learning to connect these physical sen...

Best Counseling Services in Berkeley CA

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  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 ...

Licensed Somatic Marriage and Family Therapist

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  Meet Krystal Williams , LMFT, one of the incredible clinicians on our team, and someone we’re excited to highlight because of the care, presence, and grounded support she brings to every client she works with. Krystal has a natural gift for helping people feel deeply seen and understood. Her approach is warm, insightful, and steady, making her a great fit for clients who want a therapist who truly listens and helps them create meaningful change in their lives. A few fun facts about Krystal: 🍂 Autumn is her favorite season 🙏 She is a certified Kundalini Yoga instructor 🌲 Her favorite childhood memory is camping with her family If you’re looking for a therapist who is compassionate, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in your growth, Krystal is currently accepting new clients. 💛 Book a consultation through the link in our bio to get started with her. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/krystal-williams-lmft-lpcc

Color Breathing Exercise

  It’s 2 p.m., the inbox is full, the meetings keep coming, and your body has been in go-mode since morning. Burnout rarely starts with exhaustion; it begins with disconnection. The mind keeps pushing forward while the body quietly falls behind. One of the simplest ways to reconnect is through color breathing , a brief somatic tool you can use right at your desk. 🌿 Inhale a color that feels calm or grounding. 🌫 Exhale a color that represents tension leaving your body. This gentle practice signals to your nervous system: you’re safe enough to slow down. At Life By Design Therapy ™ , our clinicians use somatic and holistic approaches to help professionals manage stress, prevent burnout, and restore balance from the inside out. Regulation isn’t about pushing through; it’s about learning to listen. 💛 Save this for the days work feels like too much. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

The Post-Holiday Slump

  There’s something about the quiet after the holidays that can feel both peaceful and heavy. The lights come down, the house feels still, and all that energy that carried you through December starts to fade. You might notice a dip in motivation or find yourself feeling flat, restless, or even a little lost. And you might have caught yourself wondering, Why do I feel this way after such a joyful time? Many people experience what’s often called the post-holiday slump, which is an emotional crash that follows after weeks of anticipation, connection, and constant stimulation. After running on adrenaline and social energy, your nervous system is simply recalibrating. So don’t worry about starting the year off wrong. Instead, remember that you’re actually coming back into the normal rhythm of everyday life. However, understanding why you feel off can help you meet yourself with compassion instead of pressure. Read the full blog to find out the seven reasons this slump happens and how...