Somatic Therapists in Louisiana

Find the right therapist for you. Each profile lists the insurances the provider takes, typical costs per session, and how to get in contact.
3 Providers Matched
M
Mechelle Pollard
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Online & In-Person
How does somatic therapy work and how can it help?
Somatic therapy is a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes the connection between the body and the mind. It operates on the understanding that emotional and psychological experiences are often stored in the body, not just the mind. By focusing on bodily sensations and experiences, somatic therapy helps individuals process and release trauma, stress, and unresolved emotions. How Somatic Therapy Works: Awareness of Bodily Sensations: The therapist helps clients tune into physical sensations, such as tension, tightness, or discomfort, which may indicate stored emotions or trauma. Grounding and Regulation: Techniques like breathwork, grounding exercises, and movement are used to help regulate the nervous system and bring the client into the present moment. Exploring Triggers: Clients explore how specific sensations relate to emotions, memories, or thoughts. This can help uncover the root of trauma or stress that may be causing physical or emotional symptoms. Release and Integration: Through intentional exercises, clients can release trapped energy, process trauma, and integrate new, healthier patterns of response to stress. Building Resilience: Somatic therapy also involves creating tools and practices to build emotional resilience and improve the mind-body connection over time. How Somatic Therapy Can Help: Healing Trauma: Trauma often manifests in the body as chronic tension, pain, or dysregulation of the nervous system. Somatic therapy can help release these stored patterns. Reducing Stress and Anxiety: By focusing on bodily sensations and grounding exercises, somatic therapy helps clients develop tools to manage anxiety and stay present. Improving Emotional Regulation: Clients learn to recognize and process their emotions in a way that feels safe and manageable. Enhancing Self-Awareness: Somatic therapy strengthens the connection between mind and body, helping clients better understand their needs and reactions. Promoting Physical Well-being: Releasing stored tension can improve physical symptoms like chronic pain, headaches, or digestive issues linked to stress or trauma. Building Empowerment: By reconnecting with their body, clients gain a sense of control and empowerment, fostering greater confidence and self-compassion.
We all feel alone at times, like no one around us truly understands. That disconnection can lead us to withdraw from the people and activities we love. Whether it’s challenges at work, struggles with family or relationships, or a battle within yourself, I want you to know: you’re not alone. I’m here and I care. It’s okay to not be okay, and it’s perfectly fine to not have all the answers. Life is a journey, and while it can be rewarding, it’s not always easy. Sometimes, we find ourselves off course or without the tools we need to move forward. That’s where I come in. I'll provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can be vulnerable and authentic with every part of you; even the ones you don't like. Together, we’ll explore challenges, unpack burdens, and build tools to help you navigate life with awareness and self-compassion. I'll hold all of your pieces as you rebuild yourself into who you want to become. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Your pain deserves a voice, and your healing journey deserves the utmost care. Call or email me today so we can take that next step together. Don't suffer in silence for a moment longer. Let me help you, find you. (For a faster response, please email me!)
I
Ilsa Araki
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online & In-Person
Ilsa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-S, LPC-A), Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCPT-II), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Board-Approved Supervisor. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Relational Bodywork and Somatic Education (BASE), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dynamic Attachment Repatterning experience (DARe), Brainspotting, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Ilsa is also a Certified Animal-Assisted Play Therapist, Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and Certified SYMBIS Facilitator. In addition, Ilsa is a member of Somatic Experiencing International and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). Ilsa is a trauma-informed counselor with extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and First Responders presenting with anxiety, depression, sexual trauma, childhood trauma/attachment issues, complex trauma, PTSD/C-PTSD, and relationship conflicts. Ilsa works in collaboration with her clients, creating a safe space, towards desired goals. She believes that all individuals have within themselves the capacity for growth. She provides a holistic integrative approach, tailored to the client’s unique needs, that promotes wellness and facilitates healing through somatic and attachment-based work. Clients move from chaos towards a sense of agency & internal safety. Providing an environment of acceptance, warmth, and understanding, Ilsa supports and empowers clients to build on their strengths and attain the growth needed to address challenges and experience a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
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