Do you find that it is too hard to tell the story of your trauma? Does retelling the details of the event cause you to feel stuck, trapped or overwhelmed? Perhaps you tried to share details before but found it to be too difficult?
When Sonia first came to therapy, she carried an invisible weight—one that shaped the way she moved through the world. On the surface, she appeared confident, composed, in control. But beneath that carefully constructed mask was exhaustion. Shame clung to her, silent and heavy, whispering that she was broken, that she didn’t belong.
Like so many survivors of trauma, especially sexual trauma, Sonia had learned to survive by pushing forward, by locking away the parts of herself that felt too raw, too vulnerable. But survival is not the same as healing.
Therapy became a space where she could begin to unravel that weight. A combination of somatic experiencing and traditional talk therapy allowed her to move at a pace that felt safe—gently, without overwhelming her nervous system.
Somatic experiencing became a bridge between her body and mind, helping her separate shame from fear, strength from survival. Slowly, she noticed shifts. She no longer felt like she was running out of time, always racing to keep up. She started to recognize her own resilience, not just as an idea, but as something she could feel in her body- and feel safely. And with that awareness came something even more profound choice.
The choice to set boundaries. The choice to listen to her needs. The choice to reclaim a life that was hers to shape. Reconnecting with her body, after so much pain, was not easy. As she worked through her trauma, she discovered something she never expected: she was whole all along.
The overwhelm made her feel trapped…
One of these approaches we use at ITC is Somatic Experiencing (SE)
SE focuses on the physiological impact of trauma to facilitate deep healing and achieve a more authentic version of yourself.
Somatic Experiencing will help you understand your nervous system and threat response system cycles. Our body automatically responds to trauma with fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.
Our body can get stuck in patterns of these different responses, which often leaves us feeling lost, helpless, or powerless. Understanding your nervous system allows for a deeper understanding of self, the ability to withstand uncomfortable emotions, and build a deeper trust with yourself.
Our first step on this journey will be the creation of a genuine experience of safety, security, and stability.
We call this the triple S experience.
When we have experienced trauma, especially childhood trauma, we strongly yearn for the triple S experience because we are left feeling powerless or vulnerable. It is our desire to provide it for you through a mutual partnership based on respect and understanding. This will take time! We strongly believe that safety is achieved slowly and by allowing ourselves to move at a comfortable pace.
Trauma is any event that was too powerful, too strong, or too fast that we could not control. To survive a traumatic event, we are often forced to push past our limitations. This was fine in the moment, because it kept you safe. However, trying to push past your limitations while healing, will only lead to feeling overwhelmed and stuck.
Therefore, we have zero expectations during our time together.
If a topic is too heavy or scary, there is no need to explore it right away. We can take our time and move at a gentle pace. Before we can ask you to be vulnerable, we need to make sure that you feel safe enough to allow your guards to come down.
Our Somatic Experiencing Providers
At ITC, Somatic Experiencing is offered by licensed therapists and trauma-informed practitioners trained through the Somatic Experiencing Institute.
Dr. Nick Monzon is an approved provider for Beginning-level SE students seeking personal sessions.
Somatic Experiencing offers a slower and scaffolded approach to encountering these intense experiences. Remember, trauma forces our system to respond with either fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.
For many trauma survivors, this experience of powerlessness can eventually become a triggering experience. This can then lead to what is known as “survival mode”.
When we are stuck in survival mode, our life becomes small.
Safety comes through trust and respect.
We will strive to cultivate a mutual partnership that facilitates a genuine healing experience. You are the expert on yourself, and you instinctively know what is best. Our job is to take our skills and combine them with your expertise.
We might begin to overwork ourselves with career, exercises, or other activities. While in survival mode, we are only focused on avoiding danger or overwhelm at all cost. This also means that we have a harder time experiencing the positive aspects of life, like joy or happiness.
Survival mode means that we are living in fear. Fear plays a large part in keeping us stuck because it is so difficult to feel strong and afraid simultaneously.
Somatic experiencing is a powerful tool that assists us to feel into the fear without becoming overwhelmed.
Start Your Journey with Somatic Experiencing (SE)
You don’t have to force yourself to revisit the past in order to heal it. Somatic Experiencing offers a gentler, body-led path forward—one that restores trust, safety, and resilience at your pace.
“Traditional talk therapy alone has limitations because trauma can be complex. Trauma impacts us on a physical and psychological level; therefore, genuine healing must include an integrative and holistic approach. ”
Typically, fight and flight are the primary options. If these are not successful, the body will move to freeze or fawn. In traumatic situations, this could lead to an experience of powerlessness.
If You’re in Crisis
If you’re in immediate crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
Our 4 Branches of Care
At ITC, we know healing isn’t one-size-fits-all.
We offer four interconnected pathways, so you can find the support that meets you where you are.
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Traditional Therapy (Telehealth & In Person for CA Residents)
Compassionate, somatically grounded therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Our clinicians specialize in trauma recovery, sexual trauma, relational healing, and intergenerational repair.
Individual • Couples • Family • Integrative EMDR • Somatic Experiencing
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Coaching & Wellness (Worldwide)
Trauma-informed yoga, nervous system education, breathwork, and somatic coaching. These offerings create accessible, non-clinical spaces for regulation, embodiment, and spiritual connection.
Somatic Coaching • Yoga & Breathwork • Psychedelic Integration
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Groups, Workshops & Retreats (Scheduled)
Practical and engaging trainings for schools, parents, and community groups. From nervous system education to burnout prevention, we equip communities with tools that support both children and adults.
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Corporate Development & Consultation
Leadership programs and organizational wellness consultations. We help businesses and teams address burnout, strengthen communication, and create cultures where both productivity and people can thrive.