Question 1

What exactly is somatic therapy and how can it help me?

Accepted Answer

I like to describe it as embodied talk therapy.

Many of us are used to shoving down the body's signals when they're inconvenient or uncomfortable. Instead we overwork, overeat, use substances or our phones to numb out, or make our schedules so busy that we don't have time to feel.

Somatic therapy goes beyond talking to provide you space to gradually reconnect with your body's messages. This is more than just a nice-to-have. 
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​​​​Our emotions are experienced in the body. If you want to shift emotional patterns, reactivity, and move beyond habitual ways of relating to yourself and others, you can’t just leave the body out. Most of the time, talking simply isn’t enough to create lasting change on its own.

Question 2

But will I still get to talk?

Accepted Answer

Processing with words will be an important part of our work together. In fact, many of my client sessions look a lot like traditional talk therapy from the outside. But you’ll feel the difference.
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​I might invite you to begin our session by pausing to connect with your body and breath. This gives you the space to check in and figure out what is most important for our work that day.
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As the session continues and you share something that’s a bit more charged, I may encourage you to pause and bring your attention to what you’re feeling on a body level. ​What you observe (e.g. “I feel tension in my throat and my face is getting hot.”) may help you identify something you didn’t consciously realize was going on (“Wow, I didn’t realize I felt angry that my voice was being stifled in my relationship.”).
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These new insights - compliments of your body - are the beginning of creating a shift.
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As we continue to practice these skills of observing what's happening in your body, mind, and emotions in session, you'll soon discover you can do it in everyday life, too.

Question 3

How do you approach therapy sessions?

Accepted Answer

While my somatic therapy training is the basis of my work, I balance that embodied approach by sprinkling in helpful ways of thinking from the more logical, rational Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) method. I also incorporate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) when clients are struggling with a disturbing or persistently upsetting memory or set of beliefs. When working with couples, I draw from my training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which is designed to help couples learn their patterns of relating so they can shift the dance of their relationship to find greater harmony and satisfaction. Whatever approach I'm taking, my top priority is always connecting with you in the moment to support you in finding greater ease and whole person wellbeing.

Question 4

What is your rate?

Accepted Answer

Please contact me for my current rate.

I want everyone to be able to experience the benefits of therapy. If my current rate does not fit your budget and I do not have sliding scale spots available, I would be happy to provide you with referrals.

I offer a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation for new clients to see if we are a good fit and to talk through logistics. Contact me (https://www.kerrymaiorca.com/contact)to schedule.

Question 5

Do you offer a sliding scale?

Accepted Answer

I believe therapy in making therapy more accessible to all.

I maintain three sliding scale slots for those who are interested in therapy and have a financial need that would prohibit them from paying the full rate. My sliding scale slots are currently full.

I am also proud to partner with Spark the Change Colorado's Mental Wellness Program (https://www.sparkthechangecolorado.org/mentalhealth.html)to offer one pro-bono slot.

Contact me (https://www.kerrymaiorca.com/contact)to inquire about being added to the sliding scale wait list.

Question 6

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

I do not accept insurance. If you have out-of-network benefits, I can provide you with a receipt (also known as a superbill) each month for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. You will still pay me upfront and then you are responsible for filing the superbill with your insurance.
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Why don't I take insurance? Most importantly, I believe that you and I, as client and therapist, should be making decisions about how to best support your wellbeing. Insurance companies dictate how often you can receive therapy services, how long sessions can be, and how many sessions you get per year. They also require a medical diagnosis. Many of my clients don't meet criteria for diagnosis, and that's okay! You still deserve to get the help you're seeking.

Question 7

Are sessions in-person or virtual?

Accepted Answer

I offer both options, depending on which works best for you. In-person sessions are hosted at my sunny office in Boulder, CO. Virtual sessions (for Colorado residents) happen via a secure telehealth platform. You are welcome to choose the virtual option even if you live in Boulder. For some clients, the convenience of being in the comfort of their own home is preferable. For others, the in-person connection better supports their process. It's your choice, and we can discuss the options during our consultation.

Question 8

What is EMDR and how can it help me?

Accepted Answer

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy and it was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. The method has been extensively researched since and has been found to be very effective for working with a variety of issues.

EMDR harnesses your brain's natural ability to move towards healing. When you get a cut or injury, your body naturally springs into action to heal that wound. The theory behind EMDR is that your brain is similarly designed to move towards repair. One of the ways that your brain conducts repair on a daily basis is through REM sleep, during which your eyes move rapidly.

If you have had a traumatic experience in the past and you're having difficulty "getting over it" or "moving beyond it," EMDR theorizes that this memory or experience was improperly processed by the brain. By using bilateral stimulation through eye movements (or alternating tapping), it is believed that EMDR helps you to shift your relationship with that memory or traumatic event.

Question 9

What's the emptying nest? How can you support me as my child leaves home?

Accepted Answer

As a parent you care for your child on a daily basis for a very long time. At times it may have seemed like it would be that way forever. But as you're helping your child through college apps, comforting them through college rejections and celebrating acceptance letters, and watching them pack up their childhood room, you suddenly realize your parental role as you've known it is finite, just like all things in life. The realization that you won't share daily hugs or even feel the presence of this human you raised is often experienced by the body as much as the mind and emotions. Heavy, right?
 
A somatic approach to therapy can help you process these complex emotions so can be more present with your child during their last weeks and months at home, and you can begin to conceptualize the way you'd like to see your role and identity shift. And you'll have more capacity to experience the full range of feelings that come with the emptying nest transition (beyond just sadness or anxiety). Working with simple breath techniques, gentle movements, and moments of mindfulness while processing whatever is coming up for you in the moment supports your nervous system and your ability to regulate strong emotions.
 
Plenty of parents go with the strategy of ignoring the emptying nest transition until it's upon them. They often describe "crying for months." You don't have to do it that way. Get support and discover how beautiful and rich this transitional moment of parenthood can be.

Question 10

Sandwich generation? Feels more like a sloppy joe

Accepted Answer

If you're doing the tricky dance of managing your career and family ​as your own aging parents need more care and support, the tidiness evoked by a BLT may not properly encapsulate how you're feeling.
 
The persistent stress and fatigue that comes with being constantly needed may have you feel like you're spilling out.
 
Add to this the grief of seeing your parents struggle with aging and mortality, then sprinkle in a little irritation with mom and dad that harkens back to your teen years, and you may feel like a giant clump of ground beef and tomato sauce that plops out of the bun and onto a favorite white top.
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Make space for processing any stress, anxiety, grief, or depression that is emerging during this demanding time so you can be more available for your children, partner, and parents, and more compassionate with yourself.

Question 11

I'm interested in couples therapy. What if my partner isn't good at talking about their emotions?

Accepted Answer

If you and our partner are willing and committed to coming to therapy, we can work with a variety of processing styles.
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My couples work is based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which supports couples in understanding the dynamic of the dance that is their relationship in order to gradually shift the music and moves. We'll work together to uncover how each of you plays into the negative cycle in your relationship, and over time we'll practice shifting that in session so you can bring those changes home.

I understand talking about emotions doesn't come naturally to everyone. I'll meet you and your partner where you are and support you in gradually navigating the emotional terrain you need to explore in order to work on your relationship.

Question 12

Can we "walk and talk?"

Accepted Answer

Do you get some of your best ideas and clarity while you're out on a hike? If you process best while you're in motion, I'm happy to take our session outside! I'll suggest a few a favorite local trails that are not too strenuous, we'll meet at the trailhead, then we'll get moving.

Question 13

Can a session combine yoga and/or a sound bath with therapy?

Accepted Answer

Many clients find that bringing in a little bit of yoga or working briefly with the Himalayan singing bowls can enhance the processing work they're doing. I'm happy to incorporate just a few minutes of yoga or bowls into a standard 50-minute session, or we can schedule a longer session to offer more time for each. Reach out and together we'll design your ideal session.

Kerry Maiorca

Somatic Therapy
Yoga, Mindfulness & Sound Baths

Frequently Asked Questions

Kerry Maiorca, MA, LPCC

Let's connect!

Kerry Maiorca

Somatic Therapy Yoga, Mindfulness & Sound Baths

Frequently Asked Questions

Kerry Maiorca, MA, LPCC

Let's connect!

Somatic Therapy
Yoga, Mindfulness & Sound Baths