It has been three years since I began guiding individual therapy sessions in my “sunshine room” as a part-time Licensed Clinical Social Worker (returning to this field after a long hiatus). This month I celebrate the sweet milestone of a 1000 sessions offered and thirty-eight clients served since 2023. I can only do this supporting role with God’s leading wisdom, and the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through me… thank you, Lord!
I wanted to share a few key insights gained from my combined work as a mental health therapist, yoga teacher, workshop leader and retreat facilitator.
1. The key to changing your life is in your nervous system.
The more you resolve unfinished survival responses that live in the body, the more safe and ready you’ll feel for major changes and upgrades in your life. A regulated nervous system is an essential environment for healing and growth in body, mind and spirit.
2. Therapy can help you discover and heal unconscious patterns that have been sabotaging you for years.
Most of those patterns were created to protect you or to help you cope with a difficult emotion or situation. But over time they became unhelpful or destructive.
For example, “I have to be strong. I can’t rely on anyone.”
You may have learned early on that being capable, independent, and emotionally contained was the safest option. Needing help might not have felt available – or safe – at the time. This pattern helped you survive and stay functional. Over time, though, it may leave you feeling exhausted, lonely, or unable to truly receive support, even when it’s there.
Or, “I’m always thinking, scanning, and preparing.”
You might notice your mind constantly analyzing, anticipating, or replaying situations. This likely developed in an environment where staying alert helped you avoid conflict, danger, or emotional pain.
This vigilance once protected you. Now, it may keep your nervous system from resting, showing up as anxiety, tension, sleep issues, or a feeling of never fully switching off.
Or this one, “I disconnect or go numb when things feel too much.”
You may notice moments where you feel distant from your emotions, your body, or even other people – especially when stress or intensity rises.
This was a wise response when feelings felt overwhelming or unsafe. Later in life, it may also dull joy, pleasure, creativity, and a clear sense of what you need or want.
None of these patterns are flaws.
In somatic work, we don’t try to get rid of them – we learn to see and feel them, gently unravel them, and help your body discover it has more options now.
3. Healing often feels subtle and natural, not dramatic.
Instead of fireworks, you may notice better sleep, easier breathing, less reactivity, more presence – and realize later how much has shifted.
Practice Tip: 2-Minute Good Morning Nervous System Reset
Upon waking up in bed:
• Place hands on the sides of the neck
• Gently massage just behind the earlobes
• Slowly trace down the sides of the neck using soft, circular motions.
That’s it.
It feels amazing – but more importantly, it does something incredibly powerful.
First: it stimulates the vagus nerve (the longest nerve in your body, connecting your brain to your gut and vital organs). Parts of it sit close to the surface of the neck.
By massaging here, you tell your body:
You’re safe.
Your nervous system regulates. Cortisol stays balanced. Stress doesn’t even get a chance.
Second: it supports the lymphatic system – and the brain.
During the night, the brain does a deep clean and dumps metabolic waste into the neck area. But the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like your heart – it needs movement.
This gentle massage helps flush that waste out, keeping the brain fresh and the system clear (bonus points if you also move your body after).
So in just a few mindful minutes, you’re:
-> calming your nervous system
-> supporting brain health
-> setting the tone for your entire day
Are you desiring a deeper level of healing and wholeness? I encourage you to seek out additional support and encouragement. If you reside in the State of Arizona, I have availability for another client or two. Please contact me with interest or questions.
In my own healing journey from childhood trauma, nervous system regulation has been a beautiful catalyst for inner and outer restoration, and continues to guide my ongoing wellbeing. Through spiritual practices, therapy, breathwork, yoga, healthy social connections, and all experiences encouraging peace, joy, and a sense of aliveness… I thrive!
How are you thriving? What experiences bring you peace, joy, and a sense of aliveness?
Maybe a retreat vacation is just what you need. 💛
If you are in the market for a high-end all inclusive adults only resort in Isla Mujeres, Mexico (Cancun), I will be the guest Wellness Professional for the week of April 13-April 18, 2026 at Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets. Join me for a variety of offerings and practices as I share my passion in paradise!
Or, join Hanan and me as we Breathe In Budapest, Hungary, September 17-24, 2026. We’d love to have you adventure with us!
Find joy in something new.
These are the days of discovery. You will discover me in hidden places and in previously unknown ways. I am calling you into new experiences. Into adventures of life and spirit. Life isn’t meant to be boring and monotonous. It is yours to enjoy! I want you to ask me to lead you into these times and places of adventure – both great and small.
It’s time to step away from the security of what you’ve known. Do something new. Embrace radical change. Challenge yourself and become comfortable with discomfort. Look at fear and laugh in its face. Do things you’ve been too afraid to attempt. Separate with procrastination once and for all. Take the risk. You may find exactly what you’re looking for in the very places you’ve been afraid to go. Do you feel me prompting you? Don’t ignore the nudges of my Spirit. You will find me in the most unlikely places. You will find joy in the unknown. Be bold and do something new!
From I Hear His Whisper, by Brian Simmons
So much love & gratitude,
Heather
✨Love ~ Serve ~ Inspire✨ 