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Monday 9am - 8pm Tuesday 9am - 8pm Wednesday 9am - 8pm Thursday 9am - 8pm Friday 9am - 7pm Saturday 10am - 7pm Sunday 10am - 6pm

Life by Design Therapy

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United States
Berkeley, CA
Life by Design Therapy

Life by Design Therapy offers Holistic and Somatic Psychotherapy In-Person and Online for those in CA

01/23/2026

I have clients sit with me and tell me they have talked in circles with other therapists but can’t understand why they don’t feel better!

They could understand the behavioral patterns in their life but fell short with seeing the deeper healing they were seeking.

Here’s the truth, traditional talk therapy can provide great insight, but healing requires more than just words.

Your body, nervous system, and subconscious patterns all play a role in lasting change too.

That’s why holistic and somatic therapy go beyond just talking, they help you feel the shifts, not just understand them.

When we integrate the body and nervous system into the healing process, we address the root causes of anxiety, trauma, and emotional pain, rather than just managing symptoms.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in therapy, it’s not because you’re broken or incapable of healing.

It’s because true transformation happens when we connect with the body, not just the mind.

You deserve a healing approach that works with you, not against you. Are you ready to experience therapy in a way that finally makes sense? Let’s talk!

Click the link in my bio to schedule your free no-obligation call today!✨

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

01/22/2026

The world is a lot to hold right now, and if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted, please know you are not alone.

Your feelings make sense.

You care deeply, and that’s a beautiful thing.

But remember you don’t have to carry everything on your own.

It’s okay to step back when you need to.

It’s okay to take care of yourself.

It’s okay to find peace, even when the world feels chaotic.

You are doing the best you can, and that is enough.

If you’re looking for expert support, Life By Design Therapy™ is here for you. As a top-rated therapy center, we provide personalized, holistic care to help you navigate anxiety and reclaim a sense of peace. Book a free phone consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Click the link in our bio to get started!

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

01/21/2026

Did you know that your body remembers what your mind tries to forget?😨

Trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress don’t just live in your thoughts, they live in your body.

Our nervous system is designed for survival, not just memory.

When we experience a distressing or overwhelming event, especially one that feels life-threatening or emotionally unbearable, our body and brain work together to keep us safe.

If we can’t fully process or release the experience in the moment, the trauma gets stored in the body instead.

It can manifest as physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and even dissociation.

Holistic and somatic therapy help you break free.

Instead of just talking about what’s wrong, these approaches guide you through body-based healing techniques like breathwork, movement, and nervous system regulation.

This allows your body to finally release stored tension, shift out of survival mode, and reconnect with a sense of safety.

At Life By Design Therapy™, we specialize in holistic and somatic approaches that go beyond traditional talk therapy.

Our team of expert therapists is here to help you regulate your nervous system, release stored trauma, and create real, lasting change.

Take the next step toward deep healing.

Click the link to book a free call with us!

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/holistic-somatic-therapists

01/20/2026

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/

01/19/2026

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!

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/krystal-williams-lmft-lpcc

01/16/2026

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 sensations to your emotions is a powerful tool for processing and release.

When you take time to listen and respond to them, you create space for healing, growth, and self-understanding.

To learn more about emotions and how to process them, check out my blog, A Guide to Recognizing and Processing Your Emotions When You Were Never Taught How.

The link to read is in my bio!

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/therapy-blog

01/15/2026

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!

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

01/14/2026

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

01/13/2026

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/

01/12/2026

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 to recover with gentleness and care.

Link in Bio!

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/blog/the-post-holiday-slump-why-you-feel-off-after-the-holidays-and-how-to-recover

01/09/2026

Meet Rachel Eisenstat, AMFT 🌿

Rachel creates a calm, grounded space for clients to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and explore what’s beneath the surface.

Her work blends warmth, curiosity, and somatic awareness, helping clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and bodies.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, or a season of transition, Rachel supports you in building awareness, regulation, and self-trust.

She offers in-person and online sessions and is currently accepting new clients.

If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, this might be your sign to reach out and begin your next chapter of growth and healing. 💛

✨ Learn more about Rachel and schedule a consultation at the link in bio.

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/rachel-eisenstat-amft-apcc

Address

2140 Shattuck Avenue
Berkeley, CA
94704

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 8pm
Tuesday	9am - 8pm
Wednesday	9am - 8pm
Thursday	9am - 8pm
Friday	9am - 7pm
Saturday	10am - 7pm
Sunday	10am - 6pm

Telephone

+15106460046

Website

http://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

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Offering Well-Rounded Healing with Holistic and Somatic Psychotherapy

Life by Design Therapy was founded out of the need to bring holistic and somatic (body and mindfulness-based) psychotherapy to our diverse Bay Area communities. Our therapists value cultural and sexual diversity and we aim to provide our clients with a safe and supportive environment for growth, healing, and transformation. We have office locations in Downtown Berkeley and Richmond (near Hilltop). Please visit our website to learn more about holistic and somatic therapy can support you in creating a life you love.

Meet Our Team Melody Wright, LMFT #107069 - Founder and Somatic Therapist Ashley Gregory, LMFT #110299 - Somatic Therapist Dr. Nia Saunders, PSY#31472 - Clinical Psychologist Life by Design Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc. DBA Life by Design Therapy www.lifebydesigntherapy.com