Photo of Sheela Vashishtha, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94609, CA
Sheela Vashishtha
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94609  (Online Only)
I utilize trauma specific modalities such as somatic therapy and evidenced based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and mindfulness and tailor my sessions to fit the unique needs of each of my clients.
Hello and welcome. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 10+ years of experience supporting adults and adolescents with their healing journey. I specialize in supporting my client’s with childhood trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, and racial/cultural experiences Additionally, I work with first and second generation clients who are navigating bicultural and multicultural identities and experiences. I also work closely with south asian clients. I have a holistic approach that is trauma informed and social justice oriented.
I utilize trauma specific modalities such as somatic therapy and evidenced based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and mindfulness and tailor my sessions to fit the unique needs of each of my clients.
Hello and welcome. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 10+ years of experience supporting adults and adolescents with their healing journey. I specialize in supporting my client’s with childhood trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, and racial/cultural experiences Additionally, I work with first and second generation clients who are navigating bicultural and multicultural identities and experiences. I also work closely with south asian clients. I have a holistic approach that is trauma informed and social justice oriented.
(510) 984-9639 View (510) 984-9639

Somatic Therapists

How does somatic therapy work?

Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.

Is EMDR a somatic therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.

Is somatic therapy evidence-based?

Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.

What is somatic trauma therapy?

Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.