Healing is not only about understanding what has happened to us. It can also mean becoming curious about how our experiences continue to show up in the present, through our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and bodies.
This connection between the mind and body is at the heart of somatic therapy and much of the work we value at Embodied Therapy. Based in Orange County, California, Embodied Therapy offers a space for people who are looking for an approach to therapy that considers the whole person.
Therapy gives us an opportunity to slow down, pay attention, and begin noticing ourselves with greater curiosity and compassion. Sometimes, simply becoming aware of what we carry and how we carry it can be the beginning of meaningful change.
Hello, I’m Paola
I’m so happy you’re here.
My name is Paola Abicic, founder of Embodied Therapy. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Yoga Therapist, and Certified Brainspotting Practitioner.
My deep appreciation for creative movement has had a meaningful influence on the way I approach therapy. I value the connection between our thoughts, our lived experiences, and the ways those experiences can show up within our bodies.
For me, therapy is not simply about talking through what has happened. It is also about creating space to notice what is happening within us right now.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy brings awareness of the body into the therapeutic process.
Our past experiences can influence the way we move through the present, sometimes in ways we do not immediately recognize. They can shape our relationships, our emotional responses, the way we see ourselves, and even what we notice happening physically within our bodies.
Clients who work with me often begin developing a greater awareness of these connections. Together, we can explore how the past may be affecting the present, how certain experiences continue to live within the body, and what might begin to shift with awareness and support.
This is one of the reasons somatic psychotherapy is such an important part of my work.
When we become curious about both the mind and the body, we may begin to notice things that are difficult to reach through words alone.
We do not always need to have an immediate answer.
Sometimes, noticing is enough to begin.
A Somatic Approach to Therapy in Orange County
One of my intentions as a therapist is to provide a secure, stable, and open space where you can become curious about your own experience.
Therapy does not have to begin with trying to change something about yourself. It can begin with simply paying attention.
What am I experiencing right now?
What do I notice happening in my body when certain emotions come up?
Are experiences from my past influencing how I respond today?
What might happen if I approached these parts of myself with curiosity instead of judgment?
These questions can help us better understand ourselves and the patterns we have developed over time.
My experience as a Certified Yoga Therapist and Certified Brainspotting Practitioner also informs the way I approach this work, particularly my appreciation for movement, awareness, and the connection between our internal experiences and our bodies.
Therapy That Honors the Whole Person
No two people come to therapy with the same story.
Our culture, relationships, environments, identities, and life experiences all play a role in how we understand ourselves and the world around us. I believe those parts of a person deserve to have space within therapy too.
As a bilingual therapist offering services in both English and Spanish, my own exposure to adversity and my appreciation for diversity have helped shape the multicultural perspective I bring to my practice.
My goal is not to assume what healing should look like for you.
Instead, I want to meet you where you are and create a space where you can explore your experiences openly, at a pace that feels right for you.
Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?
You might be curious about somatic therapy because you want to better understand patterns from your past. Maybe you want to feel more connected to yourself and your body. Or perhaps you are simply looking for a different way to approach therapy.
You may not know exactly what you need yet, and that is okay.
You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy.
Sometimes, curiosity is enough of a place to begin.
If you are looking for somatic therapy in Orange County and are interested in learning more about working with Embodied Therapy, I invite you to reach out for a free 15 minute consultation. We can connect, talk through any questions you have, and explore whether working together feels like the right fit.
Thank you for being here.
With gratitude & love,
Paola
