How Embodied Therapy Supports Long-Term Emotional Growth

In an increasingly fast-paced world, many people are seeking therapy that goes beyond surface-level symptom relief. They are looking for something that feels tangible, grounded, transformative, and deeply personal. This is where embodied therapy can offer lasting emotional growth. As a solo therapist (a mental health professional who runs my own private practice and provides services to clients, independent of any venture capital company or insurance company oversight), someone well-trained in a range of integrative modalities—including somatic experiencing, internal family systems theory, drama therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy combined with exposure and response prevention—I offer a unique and personalized approach tailored to each client’s needs.

What Is Embodied Therapy?

Embodied therapy, often referred to as somatic therapy, focuses on the integration of the body and mind in the healing process. It recognizes that emotional experiences are not only stored cognitively (in your thoughts and beliefs, as might be assumed by tone who practices strictly traditional talk therapy), but also physically—within our nervous systems, muscles, and even posture. By bringing awareness to physical sensations, movements, and patterns, clients begin to access deeper layers of their emotional landscape. Within this emotional landscape is where deep and sustaining change can take place.

This therapeutic approach is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it evolves with each client’s unique experiences, emotional triggers, and life history.Therefore, you need someone with extensive experience, both with clients and in this mode of treatment, to guide the way. The work we do together is shaped by your story, your comfort level, and your goals.

How the Body Holds Emotional Memory

Emotional responses are not solely a mental process. When you feel anxious, your heart races. When you’re angry, your jaw may tighten. These physical responses are deeply connected to past experiences and unresolved emotions. Embodied therapy invites you to notice these sensations, explore their origins, and develop more adaptive ways to respond.

For instance, when working with someone who experiences anxiety, I may notice them using a gesture or making.a statement that escapes their conscious awareness. Together, we may consider and explore its meaning. Sometimes I incorporate grounding exercises that help clients reconnect with the safety of the present moment and the wisdom of the body. When trauma is stored in the body, we approach it gently, using techniques from somatic experiencing or internal family systems therapy to trust the body’s wisdom and timing, in order to safely process and integrate those memories.

Personalized Treatment That Evolves With You

Each client’s journey is different. Some may benefit from developing more empowerment and self-care through role-play and assertiveness practice,, while others may benefit more from techniques rooted in internal family systems theory, involving dialogue between parts of the self and leadership from “the self” part, Still others need to reject and combat intrusive and faulty thinking through the technique of narrative therapy. For clients managing obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, I will likely integrate cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP), which is considered the gold standard of treatment for OCD. With each approach, my extensive training in drama therapy allows me to introduce these techniques with expertise and a natural and comfortable style, so any awkwardness is quickly dispelled. I am always by your side, ready to join you and lead you in serious and intentional play, at times using humor along the way.

There is no preset formula. Instead, I collaboratively design a treatment plan that aligns with your needs, preferences, and goals. It takes an expert with extensive experience in these methods to discern which modalities and techniques are called for, and when and how to use them effectively, The goal is always to offer you a meaningful and empowering therapy experience.

The Intake Process: What to Expect

Beginning therapy can feel daunting, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. I start with a free 30 minute consultation call. This informal conversation gives us a chance to briefly explore why you’re seeking therapy, answer any initial questions, and determine if working together feels like a good fit.

If we choose to move forward, I’ll send you secure online intake paperwork to complete before our first full session. The first session lasts 50 minutes and takes place on a secure video platform. During this session, we’ll dive deeper into your current challenges, relevant history, and goals for therapy. Based on this information, I may suggest a treatment structure or pathway to guide our future sessions.

What Ongoing Therapy Looks Like

Once we establish a working relationship, sessions are typically held weekly, though some clients may shift to biweekly based on progress or preference. In these sessions, we explore your emotions, behaviors, thoughts, (and sometimes accompanying bodily sensations0 in a structured and supportive space.

I offer tools that you can practice both in and between sessions, including:

• Grounding and mindfulness techniques

• Communication and boundary-setting skills

• Emotional regulation strategies

• Creative expression and role-play for insight and healing

Therapy becomes a collaborative process. You are encouraged to share openly about what’s helpful or not, and we periodically check in on your progress and goals. This adaptability ensures that our work remains aligned with your evolving needs.

Why Embodied Therapy Facilitates Long-Term Change

While talk therapy alone can offer relief and insight, embodied approaches add a layer of depth that supports long-lasting change. By involving the body in the healing process, clients often experience a greater sense of integration, resilience, and emotional clarity.

For example, clients who have long struggled with anxiety may begin to recognize physical cues early and use body-based tools to self-regulate. Those processing grief or trauma often find that addressing their pain somatically allows them to move forward without becoming overwhelmed.

Because embodied therapy addresses the root of emotional distress, rather than just symptoms, it lays the foundation for meaningful, sustainable growth.

My Experience and Focus Areas

With 25 years of experience in children’s mental health, I’ve supported clients through a wide range of complex and challenging situations. In addition to my work with individual adults, children, and families, I have specialized training in family therapy, addiction treatment, child development, and parenting education—particularly for families navigating divorce or major transitions.

This extensive background allows me to draw on a broad toolkit of therapeutic approaches, tailoring each session to your specific needs and background. Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, navigating family dynamics, or simply looking to understand yourself more deeply, I aim to create a space where healing and insight can unfold at your pace.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re curious about embodied therapy and how it might support your personal growth, I invite you to reach out and schedule a free consultation. Let’s explore whether this approach aligns with what you’re seeking.

Hi! I’m Julie Weigel, and I’m a Licensed Therapist in California who specializes in relationships, family therapy, and child/adolescent therapy.

Call today to schedule your free consultation.