Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC
Holistic Anxiety, Trauma, and Attachment Therapist in Los Angeles
Live A More Balanced Life With Somatic Therapy In Los Angeles
5 Myths About Somatic Psychotherapy, Counseling & Coaching in LA
There’s still a hefty dose of skepticism about the legitimacy of therapies that focus on the body’s role in mental health. This skepticism has fueled misinformation about somatic therapy in Los Angeles. Others may dismiss somatic therapy as unscientific without looking into the substantial research backing its effectiveness. So what is somatic therapy, and can it help you?
Myth #1: Somatic therapy doesn’t go beyond traditional talk therapy
Anxiety is more than just thoughts. It’s physiological. Your body responds to perceived threats with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This activates your “fight or flight” response. This physical reaction can happen regardless of the rationality of your thoughts.
Thoughts can also be misleading! When you’re anxious, your brain can play tricks on you, leading you to overestimate danger and underestimate your ability to handle it. Focusing only on thoughts can trap you in a cycle of rumination and worry. This actually increases anxiety rather than alleviating it.
Somatic therapy also considers the role of the subconscious: Many anxiety triggers are rooted in subconscious patterns and past trauma. Simply just addressing conscious thoughts doesn’t reach these deeper, underlying issues. It’s like slapping a bandaid on a wound that needs proper medical care.
Focusing only on your thoughts also neglects the need for behavioral change
Real progress in managing anxiety often comes from changing our behaviors, not just our thoughts. And sometimes our thoughts can talk us out of things that we want to do, or even rationalize unhealthy coping skills as a way to “feel better.” That’s where body-based strategies come into play. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and grounding exercises help calm the physiological response to anxiety.
While it’s important to acknowledge and reframe unhelpful thoughts, it doesn’t look at the entire picture. A holistic approach that also includes understanding and working with the physiological aspects of anxiety, addressing subconscious patterns, and changing behavior is often necessary for lasting change
Myth #2: Somatic Therapy Doesn't Address Trauma
Trauma is stored in the body: When you’ve been through hell, it’s not just your mind that remembers—your body does too. Somatic therapy nurtures these trapped emotions not just with words, but through bodily experiences and sensations.
Sometimes, our minds are too damn good at protecting us.
And sometimes our minds work too hard and go into overdrive, mistaking perceived threats in the environment that aren’t unsafe. Somatic therapy connects mind and body. Trauma can leave you feeling disconnected from your own body, almost like you’re living from the neck up. Somatic therapy bridges this gap, helping you get back in touch with yourself, recognizing the body as an ally rather than an enemy.
Part of the struggle with Complex PTSD is the body’s alarm system going off at random, leaving you in a constant state of fight, flight, or freeze. Somatic therapy trains you to tune into your body’s signals, and how to self soothe before it goes into overdrive. This approach puts you in the driver’s seat. It’s not about someone fixing you, it’s about you discovering your own strength and learning how to trust yourself and your body.
Myth #3: Somatic Therapy Only Focuses On the Body, So It Can't Help With Other Things Like Relationships or Insecure Attachment
Somatic therapy can seriously revamp how you handle your relationships, and here’s why:
It Reduces Unnecessary Thought Spirals: You know those times when a small thing blows up into World War III? With somatic therapy, you get to the bottom of that. It helps you recognize when your body’s gearing up for a fight over something minor, letting you take a step back and respond instead of react. Furthermore, this type of therapy reduces the sensitivity of your fight-or-flight response, so a text left on read doesn’t escalate into a full blown spiral.
Boosts your emotional radar. Ever feel blindsided by someone’s feelings because you were too caught up in your own thoughts? This therapy tunes you into your body’s signals, sharpening your ability to pick up on others’ emotional states too.
Gain access to tools that support your ability to stay present.
To thrive in relationships, it’s crucial to remain present, focused on the here and now, rather than dwelling on past conflicts or future worries. Engaging in somatic therapy trains you to balance yourself in the present moment, making you a more engaged and attentive partner, friend, or family member. It helps you be fully there, so you’re actually part of the conversation, not just physically in the room.
Teaches you to communicate what you need. Half the time, conflicts come from not saying what we really need or not knowing how to. By getting you in touch with your body’s cues, you can learn how to articulate your needs more clearly. No more expecting others to read your mind or silencing your needs until you feel like you can explode. Somatic therapy guides you tune into your body’s wisdom, helping you identify what you need, when you need it, clearly and calmly.
Strengthens your relationship with yourself. This is the big one. Building a solid, compassionate relationship with yourself is a key focus of somatic therapy. When you’re good with you, it spills over into your relationships with others. It’s about respecting your own boundaries and worth, making it easier to respect others’ too. Healthy relationship with yourself = healthier relationships with others. With the tools provided by somatic therapy, genuine connections with the people in your life become attainable
Myth #4: It's Only For Women
Therapy that addresses the body isn’t just for women! it’s for anyone with a body and a brain—period. This idea that emotional or body-based therapies are gendered is outdated and, frankly, total BS. Here’s why somatic therapy is a game-changer for everyone, regardless of gender:
Trauma doesn’t discriminate. Life doesn’t hand out trauma with a gender checklist. Everyone, regardless of their gender identity, can experience trauma that gets lodged in the body. Body-centered therapy offers a holistic approach to releasing this trauma, focusing on the physical sensations that don’t have a gender.
Somatic therapy in LA Helps Emotion Regulation: Managing emotions isn’t a gendered skill—it’s a human skill. Somatic therapy teaches you to recognize and regulate your emotional and physical responses to stress. This is crucial for everyone looking to lead a more balanced and less reactive life.
Body awareness boosts mental health: Increasing body awareness and mindfulness can lead to HUGE improvements in your mental health and well-being. Body-focused therapy helps develop this awareness, allowing you to live more fully in the present moment and engage with life in a healthier way.
It can also help strengthen relationships across the board: Learning to understand and communicate your needs and emotions better is a win for everyone—men, women, and non-binary folks alike. Mind-body therapy can enhance empathy, communication, and connection, improving relationships of all kinds.
Empowerment doesn’t have a gender: At its core, somatic therapy is about empowering you to take control of your healing journey. This sense of empowerment is something everyone can benefit from, helping you build resilience and a stronger sense of self.
Let’s ditch this limiting stereotype that body-based or emotional therapies are just for women. Somatic therapy is a powerful tool for anyone who is sick of living in a prison of their trauma. It helps iimprove emotional regulation so you can live a more connected and mindful life.
Myth #5: You Can't Find A Good Somatic Therapist in Los Angeles
Let’s face it, LA can be intense sometimes! The traffic, the strikes in the entertainment industry, and the constant push to be “on.” Therapy that focuses on somatics can offer a break from that by helping you focus on calming the nervous system and teaching you how to find peace in the midst of chaos
Another benefit is that LA is at the forefront of therapeutic innovation. Working with a somatic therapist here means you have access to the most up to date and most effective techniques for dealing with trauma, anxiety, and attachment insecurities. Therapy that focuses on just old theories doesn’t cut it anymore.
Focusing on the body is key when healing from trauma.
Working with a somatic therapist in Los Angeles can be a transformative experience for anyone suffering with trauma, anxiety, or insecure attachment. LA’s huge and diverse population makes it easier to find a therapist who is great for YOU.
By working with a somatic therapist in Los Angeles, you’re not just addressing your trauma, anxiety, or attachment insecurity in isolation. You’re starting a holistic journey of healing that’s supported by the unique resources and vibe of the city. It’s an opportunity to transform not only how you feel internally, but how you interact with the world around you. Ready to lead a more fulfilled and balanced life?
Connect with a Somatic Therapist in Los Angeles
Meet Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC
Hi! I’m Cheryl, a therapist based in Los Angeles specializing in anxiety, trauma, and attachment therapy. My approach is rooted in the belief that healing comes from understanding and integrating both the mind and body. With a focus on somatic therapy, I help individuals navigate their journey towards wellness by addressing not just the psychological aspects of their experiences but the physical manifestations, as well.
Through my work, I aim to provide a space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive environment. I will help you tap into the wisdom of your body to form deep, lasting change. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, the impacts of trauma, or the challenges of building secure attachments, my goal is to empower you to embrace a more fulfilling life.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards healing and self-discovery, feel free to reach out! Together, we can work towards not just managing symptoms, but truly transforming your relationship with yourself and the world around you.
Ready to start your journey? Reach out today for a consultation, and let’s explore how we can work together towards your healing and growth.
Take The First Step Towards Healing By Working With A Somatic Therapist in Los Angeles
Feeling stuck in an endless cycle of anxiety? It’s time for a change. Somatic therapy offers a way forward that goes beyond traditional talk therapy, engaging both your mind and your body in the healing process. It’s about addressing the root of your anxiety, not just the symptoms. Ready to explore a holistic approach to healing? Let’s connect and begin your journey toward a more balanced and empowered life. Reach out to start transforming your relationship with anxiety today. Get in touch and let’s take the first step together.
LA-Based Resources
Looking for community-based support groups? While I do not offer group therapy options, the referrals below are low-cost options:
The Relational Center: This community-based organization provides online support groups. They are free and open to the public.
Southern California Counseling Center (SCCC): SCCC offers support groups Thursday at 7p. It is via teleconference and cost is $5.
The Maple Counseling Center: Located in Beverly Hills, The Maple Counseling Center offers affordable group therapy options.
