Somatic Psychotherapist and Founder of Life by Design Therapy. Offering therapy and mental health education for all.
01/28/2026
Emotional suppression can show up in subtle ways, like struggling to name what you’re feeling, feeling numb or disconnected, or even experiencing physical symptoms with no clear cause.
While it might feel like you’re protecting yourself, suppressing emotions often leads to overwhelm, stress, and disconnection from yourself and others.
Learning to expand your emotional vocabulary can help you recognize and process emotions instead of burying them.
It’s an amazing step toward healing, connection, and emotional freedom.
💛Remember, your emotions aren’t the problem, they’re the guide.
Which of these steps feels most helpful to you? Share your thoughts below!
01/27/2026
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 therapists 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!
01/26/2026
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 she has many years of experience and trainings that add value to the work she does!
Her warm and inviting presence supports her clients with feeling safe to just be themselves.
If you live in California and are interested in working with Krystal, click the link in our bio to book a consultation today!
01/23/2026
I’ve seen it happen so many times…two people who love each other deeply but feel stuck in the same painful patterns.
If you’ve ever thought, “Why do we keep having the same argument?” or “Why does it feel like we’re speaking different languages?”, it’s okay.
If communication feels unsafe, or misunderstandings are building into resentment, it might be time to get some extra support. Therapy isn’t about deciding who’s right or wrong, it’s about finding your way back to each other.
Here are 4 signs that couples therapy could be a beneficial step:
1. The Same Arguments Keep Happening: If you’re rehashing the same issues without any resolution, therapy can provide fresh insights into what’s really going on underneath.
2. Communication Feels Unsafe or One-Sided: When you feel emotionally unsafe or unheard, it’s hard to build a connection. A therapist can help facilitate these conversations in a safe space.
3. Emotional Distance Turns into Resentment: Unresolved misunderstandings often lead to resentment. A therapist can help you break the cycle before it deepens the divide.
4. When You Want to Repair the Disconnect: Seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you want to repair the emotional connection and move forward together.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you're not alone. Seeking support is a courageous step toward understanding each other better and healing the hurt. If you recognize any of these signs, it might be time to explore therapy together. Life By Design Therapy is here to help you both find your way back to a healthier, more connected relationship.
01/22/2026
Most people think they have no control over their own lives. It’s easy to get trapped in patterns of stress, fear, or old habits, wondering why you feel unable to move forward.
It’s like constantly being stuck in the same cycle of overwhelm, leaving you feeling powerless to make any real change in your life.
Especially in times like these, when the world feels unpredictable and overwhelming, it’s easy to feel like you’re at the mercy of forces you can’t control.
While you may not be able to control everything happening around you, you have the power to control YOU. You can choose to reconnect with yourself, nurture your body, and heal your nervous system.
Remember, your nervous system has a huge influence on how you process stress, fear, and uncertainty. By calming your body and mind, you create space for clarity, resilience, and strength.
Imagine how your life could shift if you started with YOU—your peace, your presence, your choices.
The key to regaining control starts within 💖.
01/21/2026
At Life By Design Therapy™, we believe that healing is more than just talking, it’s about feeling, experiencing, and transforming from the inside out.
Too many people seek therapy hoping for relief, only to find themselves stuck in surface-level conversations that don’t fully address their pain.
Our mission is to change that.
We provide somatic and holistic therapy that integrates the body, mind, and nervous system into the healing process.
Our approach isn’t just about managing symptoms, it’s about getting to the root of suffering and creating lasting change.
If you would like to work with a premier therapy center in Berkeley, California, or just learn more about our approach to mental health, click the link in our bio to schedule a free phone consultation.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
01/20/2026
Did you know that emotions don’t just exist in your mind, they live in your body too?
Unprocessed emotions can linger in our muscles, nervous system, and even our posture, impacting how we feel physically and emotionally.
This guide highlights 6 powerful ways to let go of emotions stored in your body:
🖊️ Journal About It: Writing helps externalize what you’re holding inside, giving clarity and relief.
🤝 Seek Support: Sharing with someone you trust or a therapist creates space to process safely.
🌳 Connect with Nature: Nature’s grounding energy can calm your body and mind.
😂 Cry or Laugh Freely: Both release pent-up energy and stress, offering emotional reset.
🎨 Get Creative: Art, music, or movement taps into your subconscious for expression.
💃 Shake It Out: Physical movement, like dancing or stretching, can literally release tension.
BUT! If you’re ready to take it further, somatic therapy can help.
By focusing on the connection between mind and body, somatic therapy uses techniques like breathwork, mindfulness, and body awareness to release stored trauma and emotions.
It’s a powerful way to process what words alone can’t express, leaving you feeling more balanced and grounded.
Did you know that Life By Design Therapy™ specializes in Somatic Therapy?
If you live in California and would like to learn more, click the link in our bio to schedule a free phone consultation!
01/20/2026
Anxiety tells us that we have to be on high alert all the time and that if we relax, we might miss something important or fail to prepare for the worst.
But here’s the truth, constantly being on edge doesn’t make the world any safer.
It only drains our energy, making it harder to think clearly, take action, or find peace.
Joy, connection, and rest are not distractions.
They are essential for resilience.
By intentionally making space for joy and rest, you’re not ignoring your responsibilities, you’re replenishing your capacity to handle them.
Here are a few simple ways to invite more ease and balance into your day:
- Step outside and take a deep breath of fresh air: Even a few minutes in nature, whether it’s a park, your backyard, or simply standing outside, can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
- Listen to music that soothes or uplifts you: Music has a direct impact on our mood. Create a playlist of songs that bring you comfort, peace, or energy, depending on what you need at the moment.
- Spend time with people who make you feel safe and supported: Connection is a powerful antidote to anxiety. Whether it’s a quick call, a heartfelt conversation, or simply sitting in the presence of a loved one, human connection can bring a sense of grounding and warmth.
- Engage in something creative, even if it’s just doodling for a few minutes: Creativity shifts the brain out of stress mode and into a state of flow. Whether it’s painting, writing, playing an instrument, or cooking a new recipe, engaging in creativity can bring a sense of calm and enjoyment.
Joy doesn’t have to be big or extravagant.
Even small moments of peace can be enough to remind you that life still holds good things.
If you would like to learn more about navigating anxiety in the midst of all the uncertainty in the world, click the link in our bio to check out my blog - How to Cope With Anxiety When the World Feels Overwhelming
01/19/2026
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!
01/16/2026
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 be judged.
Using affirmations as a practice of self-compassion helps you navigate them with greater ease and grace.
✨ What’s one affirmation that has supported you through difficult emotions? Share in the comments!
01/15/2026
“Don’t cry!”
“Stop being so sensitive.”
Do these sound familiar?
When kids are taught to suppress their emotions, they carry those lessons into adulthood.
Emotional suppression in childhood often stems from well-meaning but misguided messages.
Over time, these messages can shape how adults navigate their emotions and relationships, often leading to:
Believing their feelings don’t matter.
Struggling to ask for help or set boundaries.
Over-apologizing or over-sharing in an effort to connect.
The good news? Awareness is the first step toward healing.
As adults, we can learn to reconnect with our emotions, validate our experiences, and break the cycle of emotional suppression.
If this resonates, know you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Therapy can provide a safe space to explore these patterns and build healthier connections with yourself and others.
If you live in California and desire to design the life you want, click the link in our bio to book a free phone consultation today!
01/14/2026
Do you feel like your energy disappears as soon as the days grow shorter?
You’re not imagining it.
Winter has a real impact on your body and mind. Here’s why:
✨ 1. Less Sunlight = Less Energy
Sunlight plays a key role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle and boosting serotonin (the “feel-good” chemical). With shorter days, your body might struggle to stay energized and balanced.
✨ 2. Your Body Wants to Hibernate
Our natural rhythms shift in the winter, making us crave more rest. While it’s normal to slow down, modern life often demands the same productivity year-round, and it can leave you feeling depleted.
✨ 3. The Cold Affects Motivation
When it’s freezing outside, it’s tempting to stay cozy indoors. Reduced activity levels can make you feel sluggish and lower your mood.
✨ 4. Emotional Stress is Higher
Winter can bring added challenges like holiday pressures, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and loneliness, all of which drain emotional energy.
💡 What Can You Do?
Get light exposure: Spend time outdoors or try a light therapy lamp.
Stay active: Gentle movement can boost energy and improve your mood.
Rest intentionally: Honor your need to slow down without guilt.
Stay connected: Reach out to loved ones or a support network for encouragement.
Feeling tired in winter isn’t a failure, it’s your body responding to the season. By tuning into your needs and making small adjustments, you can find balance and nurture your energy until brighter days return. 🌟
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Melody Wright, Somatic Psychotherapy:
Hi, I’m Melody Wright, LMFT. I am the Founder of Life by Design Therapy and a Licensed Somatic Psychotherapist.
I enjoy working with adults and couples and I’m passionate about supporting clients in healing old wounds, connecting with their deepest desires and creating lasting change that has the potential to impact generations to come.
I also support therapists, coaches and entrepreneurs struggling to feel empowered around money and their practice. I utilize 18+ years worth of business ownership, tax and bookkeeping knowledge to support you in creating a business that brings you joy and abundance!
Meet Our Therapy Team
Melody Wright, LMFT #107069 - Founder and Somatic Therapist
Ashley Gregory, LMFT #110299 - Somatic Therapist
Dr. Nia Saunders, PSY#31472 - Clinical Psychologist
All psychotherapy services are provided by Life by Design Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc. DBA Life by Design Therapy
Disclaimer: Any information provided is for educational, informational and discussion purposes only. The information provided should not be a substitute for obtaining professional advice or diagnosis or treatment of any kind from a licensed mental health professional in your state and does not constitute a client/therapist relationship. Melody Wright and Life by Design Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc. assumes no liability for use or interpretation of any information provided. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your specific situation.
