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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

03/10/2026

It is a common misconception that staying on the same team requires you to suppress your own feelings for the sake of peace.

In reality, true connection doesn’t ask you to ignore your frustration…

It asks you to change how you communicate it.

At Life By Design Therapy™, we believe that frustration can be a sign of a deep desire for connection that isn't being met.

When you let that frustration turn into judgment, you build walls.

But when you hold that frustration alongside curiosity, asking yourself and your partner what is truly needed, you build bridges.

Our therapists support individuals and couples in the delicate work of honoring your own emotions without losing sight of the "us.”

You don't have to choose between your own feelings and the health of your relationship.

It’s possible to hold space for your own irritation while still showing up with a full heart.

We are here to help you navigate that balance.

Read more on the blog: How to Not Lose Yourself When Supporting an Unmotivated Partner [Link in Bio]

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/blog/how-to-not-lose-yourself-when-supporting-an-unmotivated-partner

03/09/2026

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.

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

03/06/2026

It’s so easy for couples to fall into the routine of living side by side without truly connecting.

You’re sharing a space, but not much else.

And before you know it, you’re more like roommates than lovers. The intimacy fades, the emotional connection feels distant, and you’re left wondering, “What happened to us?”

As a couples therapist, this is something I see often.

It’s a painful realization, but it’s also one that many couples experience.

But what if you could go back?

What if there were a way to rebuild the spark and shift from coexisting to reconnecting again?

Guess what?

There is!

The process takes time, but it’s worth it.

Remember, you didn’t become roommates overnight, and you won’t become lovers again in one day, but with patience and intention, you can get there.

If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Therapy can help you both navigate the challenges and build a stronger, more connected relationship.

I know a few awesome therapists who can help 😉

Reach out today to find out more!

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

03/05/2026

Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try, your partner just doesn’t get you?

Maybe you’ve explained yourself over and over again, hoping that this time they’ll finally understand.

But instead, you’re met with blank stares, defensiveness, or silence.

You start to wonder: Am I asking for too much? Am I just hard to love?

Feeling misunderstood in a relationship can be one of the most painful, lonely experiences, and it’s also one of the most common.

As a couples therapist, I see this dynamic all the time.

Not because couples don’t love or care for one another, but because miscommunication, especially when fueled by underlying fears or attachment wounds, creates a wall between people who are desperately trying to connect.

Understanding your own patterns, your triggers, and your needs is the first step.
Learning how to communicate in a way that invites connection, not conflict, is the next.

You deserve to feel heard.
You deserve to feel safe.
You deserve to feel like your emotional world matters in your relationship.

If you’re feeling stuck in the cycle of being misunderstood, know that it doesn't have to stay this way.

For more tips on healing communication with your partner, check out my blog - link to read is in my bio!

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

03/04/2026

It’s hard when it feels like your partner just isn’t getting you.

Feeling misunderstood isn’t just frustrating, it can run deeper. It touches your sense of emotional safety and connection.

It can feel like you’re living in two different worlds, speaking two different languages. And even when you’re trying to communicate, the distance can quietly grow.

That feeling can create a barrier that makes it harder to feel secure and supported in your relationship.

When emotional safety starts to slip, it’s not just the arguments that sting, the quiet space between them can feel just as heavy.

The good news is, it’s possible to shift from feeling misunderstood to reconnecting, and that starts with understanding why the disconnect happens in the first place. 💫

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/marriage-counseling

03/03/2026

It can feel incredibly lonely when the person you love most pulls away.

If you are navigating a season of silence or shutdown in your relationship, please know that this is a common hurdle, and it is one that can be overcome with intention.

Our therapists support couples in identifying these patterns without shame or blame.

Helping you find the tools to rebuild your connection together.

At Life By Design Therapy™, we help couples break the cycle of disconnection by focusing on four key shifts:

✅ Notice the pattern: We encourage you to name what is happening without turning it into an attack.

✅ Assume overwhelm before laziness: What often looks like "not caring" is actually a response to burnout, fear, or sensory overwhelm.

✅ Lead with curiosity, not pressure: Connection grows when your partner feels safe, rather than judged.

✅ Stay on the same team: We support you in shifting from a "you vs. me" dynamic to an "us vs. the hard season" mindset.

Read more on the blog: How to Not Lose Yourself When Supporting an Unmotivated Partner [Link in Bio]

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/blog/how-to-not-lose-yourself-when-supporting-an-unmotivated-partner

03/02/2026

Grounding isn’t just a "self-care" buzzword.

For the high-achieving student, the busy parent, or the professional who can’t seem to switch off, it is a practical tool for survival.

It is how you find yourself again after life pulls you away.

When your nervous system is stuck on "high alert," you aren't actually present for your own life.

You’re just managing it and grounding techniques are the bridge that brings you back.

At Life By Design Therapy™, our therapists support you in moving out of autopilot and back into your body.

We often see that when you commit to these small practices, your entire quality of life shifts.

Here is what grounding techniques offer in your everyday life:

Small Signals of Safety: Teaching your brain that the "emergency" is over.

Steadiness After Stress: Finding your footing quickly after a difficult meeting or a chaotic morning.

Less Time on High Alert: Reducing that constant, braced feeling in your shoulders.

Trust in Your Body: Learning to listen to what you need before you reach a breaking point.

Presence in Small Moments: Actually being "there" for the dinner conversation or the quiet cup of coffee.

Less Autopilot, More Connection: Moving from just "getting through it" to actually feeling connected to yourself and others.

At Life By Design Therapy™, we believe that how you end your day teaches your body how to live.

By integrating these techniques, you aren't just resting.

You are retraining your system for a more vibrant life.

🌿 Ready to trade autopilot for connection?

If you are in California and ready to feel more like yourself again, we invite you to reach out. Book a free phone consultation via the link in our bio to explore our therapy options.

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

02/27/2026

Feeling completely powerless can be paralyzing.😰

But when we take even small actions that align with our values, we remind ourselves that we do have influence over our own lives, our communities, and the way we show up in the world.

This shift in perspective can ease anxiety and bring a sense of stability, even in uncertain times.

Here’s what you can do -

1️⃣Identify small, meaningful actions you can take
You don’t have to change the world overnight, but small steps matter.
Ask yourself:

Can I support a cause I care about by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness?

Are there conversations I can have with friends or family to bring awareness to an issue?

Can I make choices in my daily life (where I shop, who I support, how I spend my time) that align with my values?

2️⃣Redirect your energy toward what feels grounding and meaningful If you find yourself stuck in an anxiety spiral about things beyond your control, try gently shifting your focus to something tangible:

Engaging in hobbies that bring a sense of accomplishment (gardening, cooking, writing, etc.)

Spending time with loved ones and nurturing personal connections.

Setting small, achievable goals that bring a sense of progress.

3️⃣Create daily habits that support emotional stability

Routines can provide a sense of normalcy in chaotic times.
Ask yourself:

What habits help me feel my best—mentally, physically, or emotionally?

Can I create a morning or evening routine that brings comfort and structure?

Are there small rituals (journaling, meditation, reading) that help me feel more in control of my own experience?

By focusing on what is within our reach, we shift from helplessness to empowerment, allowing us to show up in the world with more clarity and resilience.

You have more power than you think. 🌿

At Life By Design Therapy™, we help you move from anxiety and helplessness to a place of empowerment by teaching you how to reconnect with your body, regulate your nervous system, and create meaningful change in your life.

Ready to shift from survival mode to intentional living? Let’s do this together. Book a free no-obligation call with us today. 💛

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

02/26/2026

Finding safety in stillness can feel counterintuitive when you are used to a fast-paced life.

At Life By Design Therapy™, we believe that learning to slow down is a vital part of caring for your nervous system.

Our therapists support individuals in moving through these three steps to help the body feel safe in the quiet moments:

🌟Step 1: Notice your body. Start by simply observing what is happening physically without trying to change it. At Life By Design Therapy™, we often see that bringing awareness to your breath or the feeling of your feet on the ground can be the first step toward calm.

🌟Step 2: Acknowledge the discomfort. If slowing down feels uneasy, acknowledge it. We understand that for many, stillness can feel vulnerable. Our goal is to help you recognize these feelings with compassion rather than judgment.

🌟Step 3: Find a "glimmer." Identify one small thing in your current environment that feels neutral or pleasant, a soft texture, a calming sound, or a warm cup of tea. These small anchors help signal to your brain that it is safe to rest.

We are here to help you navigate these transitions and design a life that feels both balanced and grounded.

Are you ready to practice finding safety in the slow moments?

Reach out to us at Life By Design Therapy™ to begin your journey toward restorative rest.

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

02/25/2026

There are days when my mind feels scattered and my body carries a weight I can’t quite name.

That’s when I know it’s time to pause, not to escape, but to reconnect.

I’ve learned that somatic breaks aren’t just about relaxation.
They’re about regulation.

They’re how I remind my nervous system that’s it’s safe.

A gentle sway, a deep breath, a hand on my heart, these simple moments help me come back to myself.

Not to be more productive, but to be more present.

If today feels like too much, maybe you don’t need to push through.

Maybe you just need a somatic break. 🌿

Save this as a reminder when your system needs support, not strategy.

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

02/24/2026

I know how unsettling it can feel when believing you’re worthy doesn’t come easily.

When your body has learned to stay in survival mode, it’s not focused on helping you feel confident or calm, it’s focused on getting you through.

That constant scanning, shutting down, or going numb?
That’s your body’s way of protecting you.

But protection isn’t the same as peace.

With support and somatic practices, it’s possible to shift out of survival and into safety.

And that’s where self-worth begins to take root, not just as a thought, but as something you feel in your body. 💛

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

02/23/2026

Overwhelm isn’t just a sign that you have too much to do.
It’s a signal from your nervous system that it’s carrying more than it can safely hold.

When your body is stuck in survival mode, it doesn’t need more pressure, it needs regulation.

Here are 6 somatic hacks I use (and share with clients) to help shift out of overwhelm and back into a sense of steadiness:

🌿 Start with grounding, not scrolling – Begin your day with breath, touch, or movement before diving into stimulation.
🌿 Anchor your day with regulation breaks – Tiny pauses between tasks help your system reset before it crashes.
🌿 Move your body in gentle, consistent ways – Think swaying, stretching, or slow walks. Not intensity, but connection.
🌿 Prioritize safety cues in your environment – Soothing light, soft textures, grounding scents…all of it matters.
🌿 Include transitions for emotional decompression – Create space between roles. Let your body exhale before shifting gears.
🌿 End the day with self-soothing – Whether it’s tea, journaling, or stillness, choose what helps your body release the day.

These aren’t just feel-good habits.
They’re nervous system interventions; tools to help you move from shutdown or chaos into calm.

https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

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