You know why you struggle to say no, what makes you shutdown, what makes you feel tense, shaky, or far away. Now, hope is here to help you fully heal from it.
At Hayfield Healing, Dr. Maria Niitepold offers somatic trauma therapy in Gulf Breeze, Florida and online throughout Florida and New York. Somatic trauma therapy makes room for both what you understand and what you feel.
Through evidence-based methods like EMDR, Brainspotting, and the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), we'll explore what continues to affect you and help things to finally shift.
What Is Somatic Therapy, and How Does It Help With Trauma?
You may understand exactly why you feel anxious, shut down during conflict, or expect rejection and still find yourself reacting the same way. Somatic trauma therapy focuses on those automatic emotional and physical responses. Over time, our aim is for you to feel more present, less overwhelmed by reminders of the past, and more able to respond in ways that reflect what you need today.
EMDR, Brainspotting, and the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM) are highly-effective types of somatic therapy that help you work through distressing experiences with attention to how they affect you now. My approach begins with building a felt sense of support and stability. We also develop resources that help you stay present, using tools such as grounding, breathwork, imagery, and supportive internal experiences.
Does Any of This Sound Familiar?
Do you recognize yourself in any of the following thoughts? If so, you might benefit from somatic trauma therapy. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to begin. We move at a pace comfortable for you. With proper support, many of my clients see significant improvement in their mental health within months.
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“Everyone thinks I'm doing well. Why am I so exhausted?”
Being dependable comes with pressure to ignore your own needs. We can explore perfectionism, overworking, and the fear of letting people down.
“Why do I go blank when I need to speak up?”
When words disappear during conflict, we can get curious about what happens before that moment and work toward having more choice in your response.
“Why do I know I'm safe but still feel on edge?”
We can explore reminders of past experiences and what helps you feel more present when alarm takes over.
“I left the relationship. Why do I still doubt myself?”
After manipulation, betrayal, or controlling behavior, rebuilding trust in your judgment can take professional support.
“Was my childhood really that bad?”
Childhood emotional neglect and generational trauma can be difficult to recognize. There is room to explore what you needed back then and how those experiences affect you now.
“I've talked about it so much. Why does it still hurt?”
Your previous work matters. We can explore what remains distressing and whether a somatic approach would be useful.
Somatic Therapies Available at Hayfield Healing
We'll discuss your goals, previous treatment, preferences, and readiness, then consider an approach together. I'm trained in the somatic therapies methods below. These are distinct treatments that help you process trauma stored in your body and nervous system. Over time, my clients report feeling more present with others, less triggered by reminders of the past, and more confidence setting boundaries and making decisions.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a somatic trauma treatment that uses bilateral stimulation to help you process distressing memories and their associated beliefs, emotions, and sensations. You usually don't need to give a detailed spoken account of every event.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting can help you access and process experiences that may feel difficult to explain, especially when your response is physical or instinctive. If you feel that talk therapy hasn’t helped you process certain emotions, Brainspotting can offer a more direct path into nervous system healing.
CRM
The Comprehensive Resource Model, or CRM, focuses on building enough internal safety and support before moving into painful material. This can include breathing and grounding practices, visualization, and other supportive techniques to help you avoid dissociation.
Trauma Therapy Intensives In Florida & New York
If you're interested in longer sessions, Hayfield Healing offers EMDR, Brainspotting, and CRM intensives in half-day, full-day, and multi-day formats. An intensive creates extended time around an agreed treatment focus, with preparation, breaks, and integration support. This a great option if you have 1 - 2 specific concerns and are ready for concentrated work. It can also complement ongoing therapy.
Meet Your Somatic Therapist
Dr. Maria Niitepold, Licensed Psychologist in FL & NY
I'm Dr. Maria Niitepold, PsyD, a licensed psychologist in Florida and New York and a Marine veteran. I am a doctoral-level psychologist trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, and the Comprehensive Resource Model.
My approach is direct, evidence-based, and focused on real change. We don't meander. We identify what is driving the patterns and we work on it at the level where change is actually possible. I work with adults from all backgrounds who often appear capable and self-reliant while carrying considerable distress privately.
Somatic Therapy In Gulf Breeze, FL and Online Across 40+ States
I offer somatic therapy both in-person and online, If you're looking for a somatic therapist in the Pensacola area, you can meet with me at my office in Gulf Breeze. It's a short drive away from Pensacola, Navarre, Pace, and Milton. Telehealth is available to adults located throughout Florida, New York, and 40+ other states through PSYPACT. It can make specialized services like somatic therapy more accessible.
Address
3000 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Suite 19
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
Hours
Monday through Friday
10 AM to 7 PM
Phone
Address
117 Dobbin St #205a,
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Hours
Monday through Friday
10 AM to 7 PM
Phone
Frequently Asked Questions
About Somatic Therapy
What happens during somatic trauma therapy sessions?
We may focus on a particular experience, a recurring belief, or an emotional or physical response that affects your daily life. I check in with you throughout the process, and you can ask to pause, change focus, or share what feels uncomfortable.
How will I know if somatic trauma therapy is helping?
Progress could look different for each person. For example, you might feel more present in relationships, recover more easily after a trigger, or set boundaries with less guilt. Your goals guide how we assess progress together, allowing for difficult days along the way.
Can somatic trauma therapy bring up difficult feelings?
Yes. Working with painful experiences may bring up distress during or between sessions. Preparation, pacing, and check-ins help us respond to that. Let me know about changes you notice so we can adjust the plan and discuss additional support when needed.
How long does somatic therapy take?
There isn't one timeline; everyone heals at their own pace. The concerns you're addressing, your history, current circumstances, goals, and response to treatment all matter. We'll review your progress together and discuss session frequency and whether the approach continues to fit.
What if I'm dealing with more than one thing?
You don't need to separate your experiences into neat categories. Trauma, grief, relationship concerns, anxiety, and self-doubt may overlap. We'll look at how your concerns connect and agree on priorities so treatment feels manageable.
What if I feel numb or uncomfortable focusing on my body?
We can adjust to your needs. We may begin with noticing the room, your connection to a chair, or another resource that feels more accessible. You don't have to force sensations or continue an exercise that feels unmanageable.
Do I need a diagnosis to start somatic therapy?
You don't need to arrive with a diagnosis or know whether the word “trauma” fits your situation to start somatic therapy with me. You can begin with what you're currently noticing in your daily life.
Do you offer therapy in person and online?
Yes. In-person appointments take place in Gulf Breeze, FL, near Pensacola. Online therapy is available throughout Florida and New York. We'll discuss your location, privacy, technology, and clinical needs when deciding on a format.
How much does somatic therapy cost?
A standard 55-minute individual therapy session is $225. We accept VA Community Care Network (VA CCN). Longer sessions and intensive programs have separate pricing.
Do I have to describe every detail of what happened?
Usually, no. We need enough information to understand your concerns and plan treatment, but you won't automatically be asked to recount everything in detail. Tell me if discussing a particular experience feels overwhelming so we can consider how to proceed.
Healing Doesn't Have to Be Hard. It Just Has to Start.
a final word
You may know exactly what you want to work on, or you may only know that you're tired of feeling this way. Either is enough to begin a conversation. If you're seeking a trauma therapist near Gulf Breeze or online somatic therapy in Florida or New York, reach out and let's talk.
— Dr. Maria Niitepold, PsyD
Trauma & Somatic Therapist
Gulf Breeze, FL · Online in Florida and New York · PsyPact authorized