What is somatic therapy for anxiety?
A blog series featuring the many faces of mental health.
After two decades in mental health I am still surprised by the different jobs my profession has. I also get asked often what therapy is, what kinds of therapy there are, what’s the difference between a counselor, a psychologist, a coach, a psychiatrist, a social worker, etc., what do mental health workers actually do, and where do mental health workers work? I’ve held many different mental health jobs throughout my career, and now I’m going out and interviewing other mental health professionals to learn even more about what types of mental health care are out there so that you -whether you are seeking mental health services or are interested in a career in mental health- can get to know more about it, what resources are out there, and even get to know some of the amazing people doing this work
Lynlee Weber is a licensed independent clinical social worker in Olympia, WA
Meet Maya Gengarelli Ribot, LCSW in Worcester, MA
What is your current role as a mental health professional?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice.
Where do you provide services?
I have a private practice in Central Massachusetts; Worcester County, serving the communities of Auburn, Charlton, Grafton, Harvard, Holden, Millbury, Northborough, Oxford, Southborough, Sutton, West Boylston, and Worcester with online therapy.
I provide in-person sessions or walk and talk therapy at my office located at The Felter’s Mill 22 West Street, Suite 24, Millbury, MA 01527.
What kind of services do you provide? Any special populations or certifications?
I provide individual anxiety and trauma therapy for stressed out, overthinking adults using a somatic, body-centered approach.
How does your service help people live mentally healthy lives?
I have found that most people tend to “think” their feelings rather than truly feeling them. When we attach stories, judgements, and opinions to our feelings, we can get stuck in them for longer. It also feels a lot safer for us when we can understand something because then we can try and control it.
Somatic therapy helps folks build a tolerance for uncomfortable emotions by tracking body sensations and building capacity with discomfort which allows them to move through feelings in a deeper and more productive way.
What kind of people do you love working with?
I love the deep feelers and thinkers; high achieving helpers. I love working with folks who want to take deep dives into their emotions; folks who are willing to look at what their bodies are doing when they are experiencing an emotional trigger.
Why did you decide to become a mental health professional?
I've always been a deep thinker and feeler. I also run on the more anxious side and have found that paying attention to what my body is saying has helped me understand myself and others. I've found that this way of walking through the world has made it possible for me to help others do the same.
What do you wish people knew about services with you?
I wish everyone knew what was possible with somatic therapy because it's really an incredible super power that we all have access to. Somatic therapy isn't just guided meditations and breath work. It's the ability to learn what body sensations are telling you about what you need, what your triggers are, and have a language to be with feelings.
What is your favorite way to take care of your mental health?
I feel like garbage if I don't move my body so I try to do something every day to move whether that's a walk on my lunch break or a dance party with my 5 year old.
How can people contact you to learn more about your services in Massachusetts?
You can learn more about me and my practice by checking out my website at www.treeringcounseling.com
What is your website address or online directory link?
What are one to three resources or coping skills that you like to recommend for mental health?
My go-to coping skill is box breathing for quieting anxiety because it's easy, inconspicuous, and you can use it anywhere.
Maya is an LCSW and has a solo practice in Massachusetts. She graduated with her Master of Social Work from Wheelock College (now a part of Boston University) and her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
She has spent most of her career working as a clinician and clinical supervisor in public, therapeutic, and residential schools, community mental health centers, community based acute treatment centers, and outpatient day programs.
She's now found her happy place in private practice where she can hone in on individualized treatment for her clients at their own pace.
If you are a mental health professional, or provide services that support mental health and wellbeing, and would like to be featured in this series, please fill out my contact form, or you can submit a form directly at: wellness-focused business or mental health practitioner.If you are looking for a mental health provider like the one featured above, or would like to start counseling services and connect with the message above, please reach out directly to the provider above.
If you are interested in trauma or relationship counseling for women in Tacoma, WA or online in Washington state, you can contact me, Katie Lorz, for a free 15-minute consultation. I will see if I can help, and if not, I will do my best to get you to someone who can. My goal is to help you find the mental health care you need to achieve your wellness goals.
