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San Diego Somatic Therapists

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    Discover Your Path to Healing with San Diego Somatic Therapy Services

    We understand that life can sometimes be a bit of a challenge for San Diego residents, and we want you to know that while it’s normal to experience difficulties in various areas of your life, you don’t have to go at it alone.

    Whether you’re looking to heal from past traumas, improve your mental health, live a more mindful existence, or develop healthy relationships, we’re here to help.

    With over 25 years of experience, our team has honed the art of combining traditional and integrative approaches, in order to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients.

    Request a Free 15 min Consultation
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    Your Search for ‘Somatic Therapists Near Me’ is Over

    Empower Yourself on the Journey to Well-Being with San Diego Therapy Services

    Our team of highly trained and compassionate therapists are dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

    We work with you to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, and to empower you to make positive changes in your life, offering a range of therapy services to help you overcome even the most traumatic or complex issues and live your best life.

    We believe that everyone has the ability to heal and grow, and it is our mission to provide you with the tools and support you need to do so.

    So if you’re ready to start your journey toward a happier and healthier life, contact us today to schedule your first appointment today.

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    What People Have to Say About Authenticity Associates

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    Dr. Myron Wentz
    FOUNDER USANA HEALTH SCIENCES & SANOVIV MEDICAL INSTITUTE

    I employed Kim Ward, Ph.D. and Hilary Stokes, Ph.D. for 8 years and found them to be a dynamic team dedicated to making a positive difference in the world. During that time they developed and managed the Psychology, Spirituality and Fitness Programs at Sanoviv Medical Institute. They demonstrated commitment, integrity and the utmost professionalism. I have great confidence in their capabilities and believe they will be an asset to any individual or organization.

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    Yolanda King
    CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER, AUTHOR, SPEAKER, ACTRESS

    Hilary and Kim bring compassionate clarity and understanding to their clients. Their tools are effective in building relationship bridges and fostering authentic communication. I found their approach to be refreshing and disarming. I would recommend them to anyone seeking improvement in their relationships, personal excellence or health.

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    Dr. Christiane Northrup
    AUTHOR OF THE BEST-SELLING BOOK WOMEN’S BODIES WOMEN’S WISDOM

    I have personally worked with both Kim and Hilary. Their work is effective, straightforward and full of compassion. I recommend them without hesitation.

    Melanie Waltz
    Melanie Waltz

    I have been working with Hilary for almost two years. Our work has changed my life. The tools she employs and her innate sense of knowing exactly what I need are remarkable. Highly Recommend!!!

    Alina Grabowska
    Alina Grabowska

    After having plateaued with my CBT I needed something else to help me with my many problems related to self-confidence, self-perception, emotions management and feelings. I found brain spotting with Dr. Hilary online and thought I would give it a chance. This was 1,5 years ago and she still manages to keep me up levelling my results and help me understand myself better. She is kind, patient, non-judgemental, inclusive and so curious and funny. Really love her work and dedication. She is one of those who really care about her patients. Greetings from Luxembourg, Europe.

    Karen Dobyns
    Karen Dobyns

    I have worked with Dr. Stokes for many years now, and I am always super impressed with her broad knowledge base. She’s super smart, and has so many tools in her toolbox. She’s always calm and patient, and she’s got a good sense of humor – she doesn’t just put up with my quirks, she seems to appreciate them. She is compassionate and has great “therapeutic use of self.” She is always reliable and I’ve referred many people to her. I highly recommend her as a therapist.

    Steve Doster
    Steve Doster

    Working with Dr. Kim at Authenticity Associates has been life changing. She has helped guide me through different areas of life – family, friends, career, dating. They have so many tools and techniques. If one technique doesn’t resonate, then we try a different approach. It’s actually fun and mind-blowing what you don’t know. I always feel better after each session. Very grateful to be working with such amazing and caring people.

    Jen Morelli
    Jen Morelli

    Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend this dynamic duo for anybody wanting to reach their true potential. Kim and Hilary are not only amazing, caring, and effective educators, they possess a rare talent that is inspiring to say the least. Their holistic approach shows you a different perspective in seeking improvement and clarity in all realms of life. From personal/professional, health related issues to purely building relationships, they are wonderful, compassionate coaches who give you the tools which work with quick results!! I am truly grateful for Authenticity Associates for helping me to become the person I strive to be.

    Nikaya Kipp
    Nikaya Kipp

    Kim Ward and Hilary Stokes are a dynamic, compassionate, and transformative team. They are truly holistic in their approach, and seek to help people find balance and health in all areas of their lives; mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. They customize their approach to uniquely suit each individual to help them make profound breakthroughs in their lives.

    Learn how can we help you on your path of healing
    Request a Free 15 min Consultation

    Take Back Control of Your Mental Health

    Somatic Therapy Services in San Diego

    what is Brainspotting

    Brainspotting

    Brainspotting is a somatic therapeutic technique developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003.

    It is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals like yourself to process and resolve traumatic experiences and emotional distress. The theory behind Brainspotting is that trauma and emotional pain can be stored in specific areas of the brain, known as “brainspots.”

    During a Brainspotting session, your therapist will use eye position to help you access and process the emotions and experiences stored in these brainspots. Your therapist will guide then you to focus on a specific physical sensation or image, while also paying attention to your emotional and physiological responses.

    This process can help to release pent-up emotions and resolve traumatic experiences, leading to improved mental health and well-being.

    Brainspotting has been used to treat a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, and relationship issues. It has also been effectively used in combination with other forms of therapy for a more holistic approach to treatment.

    INQUIRE ABOUT BRAINSPOTTING

    EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. This technique is used to help individuals like yourself process and resolve traumatic experiences and emotional distress.

    EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic memories and experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, leading to negative thought patterns and behaviors. During an EMDR session, your therapist uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds, to help the client process these experiences. This process can help to release pent-up emotions and resolve traumatic experiences, leading to improved mental health and well-being.

    EMDR therapy has been found to be effective in treating a variety of mental health concerns, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias. It has also been used to successfully treat a range of physical conditions (such as chronic pain) that are related to psychological stress.

    EMDR therapy is typically performed in a series of sessions at our offices, and is tailored to each individual’s specific needs and goals. It is a non-invasive therapy that does not require individuals to relive traumatic experiences in a detailed and explicit manner. This can make it a more accessible and comfortable option for some individuals who may be hesitant to engage in more traditional forms of therapy.

    INQUIRE ABOUT EMDR
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    Holistic therapy

    Holistic therapy

    Holistic therapy is a form of somatic therapy that considers the whole person – body, mind, spirit, and emotions – in the treatment of mental health and well-being. Unlike more traditional forms of therapy, which may focus on specific symptoms or behaviors, holistic therapy seeks to address the underlying causes of mental health concerns and to promote overall health and well-being.

    Holistic therapy may incorporate a variety of approaches, including mindfulness, meditation, yoga, nutrition, and other complementary therapies. The goal of holistic therapy is to help individuals achieve balance and harmony in all aspects of their lives, and to support the healing process from within.

    INQUIRE ABOUT HOLISTIC THERAPY

    PTSD Therapy

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, combat, sexual assault, or other life-threatening situation. Symptoms of PTSD can include recurring intrusive thoughts or nightmares about the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the event, and increased anxiety and irritability.

    PTSD therapy is a form of therapy designed to help those suffering from trauma and struggling with symptoms of PTSD to manage their condition and live a normal, fulfilling life. The goal of PTSD therapy is to help individuals process and resolve traumatic experiences, and to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. 

    Authenticity Associates utilizes a holistic therapy approach that blends somatic therapy techniques and traditional counseling as needed to help heal PTSD.

    INQUIRE ABOUT PTSD THERAPY
    PTSD Therapy
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    Trauma Therapy

    Trauma therapy is a form of therapy that is uniquely tailored to help individuals who have experienced serious traumatic events, such as natural disasters, combat, sexual assault, or other life-threatening situations. The goal of trauma therapy is to help individuals process and resolve the traumatic experiences, and to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability.

    INQUIRE ABOUT TRAUMA THERAPY

    We offer counseling & coaching using
    advanced mind-body approaches

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    Kim and Hil

    About Our San Diego Therapists

    Whether you are looking to heal trauma, improve your mental health, live mindfully, or create healthy relationships, we can help. We bring more than 25 years of experience applying the best of traditional and integrative approaches.

    Our San Diego somatic therapy practice specializes in Brainspotting, Mindfulness, and EMDR. Whether you are dealing with an unexpected change, trauma, anxiety, health challenges, relationship stress, depression, or other mental health issues, having a trusted guide on the path can make all the difference. Over the past 25 years we have found mind-body therapies such as Brainspotting, somatic therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness get to the root of where we get stuck and allow for positive change. Together we will explore what is most important for you to feel better and identify a path of healing. We are committed to creating a space of healing with compassion, warmth, and authenticity. Reaching out for support is a courageous step.

    Statistics About San Diego Mental Health

    4.3%
    of adults live with a serious mental illness (SMI)
    7.5%
    of children exhibit a severe emotional disturbance (SED)
    18.54%
    of adults in California had a mental illness within the last year (Mental Health America)
    8.12%
    of California adults have a substance use disorder
    13.71%
    of youth ages 12-17 experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year
    8.7%
    of California youth suffer from major depression
    100,000 residents
    3.8 counselors
    48 social
    workers
    71 family
    therapists
    1.1 psychiatric
    nurses
    52 psychologists

    For every 100,000 residents, San Diego has 3.8 counselors, 48 social workers, 71 family therapists, and marriage counselors, 1.1 psychiatric nurses, 52 psychologists, and 16 psychiatrists

    Learn how can we help you on your path of healing
    Request a Free 15 min Consultation
    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
    California Department of Mental Health
    • California Regulations
    Board of Behavioral Sciences
    • Statutes and Regulations Relating to the Practices of Professional Clinical Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Educational Psychology, and Clinical Social Work

    Our Certifications

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    Brainspotting Certified Therapist transparent graphicemdr-trust-symbolsstens-corp
    IEA-Accreditation-Mark-2020-Professional2-300x300TFTTICC Emb

    Organizations we work with

    Martin Luther King Family logoMattel logo in grayscaleUsana logo in grayscaleThe Institute for Functional Medicine logo in grayscaleSanoviv Medical Institute logo in black and white

    Learn More About the San Diego Counseling We Offer

    As kindred spirits in search of authentic happiness, our approach is compassionate, authentic and open-hearted.

    Life Coaching & Counseling

    Are you ready to let go of the past and live in the present with joy and happiness?

    Learn More

    Enneagram Personality and Team Coaching

    Imagine if you had a system for knowing what makes people tick.

    Welcome to the Enneagram! It is a dynamic system of nine personality styles that provides this insight and knowledge.

    Learn More

    Brainspotting Trauma Therapy

    Advanced Mind Body Therapy

    Brainspotting is a powerful technique for reprocessing trauma and negative experiences. It rebalances the nervous system, heals emotional reactions and restores natural vitality.

    Learn More

    Personal Growth and Development

    Manifesting Mindset - Online Personal Growth & Development Program

    Learn More

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    About the Authors

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    Hilary Stokes Phd

    Dr. Hilary Stokes is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in San Diego, California. Dr. Hilary received her PhD in psychology with a specialty in transpersonal psychology from San Diego University for Integrative Studies, a master’s degree in social work from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in Sport Psychology from San Jose State University. She is a certified brainspotting therapist.

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      In addition to her private practice, she has experience working in integrative medical facilities such as the world-renowned healthcare facility Sanoviv Medical Institute, treatment centers for addictions and PTSD including Casa Palmera Treatment Center, psychiatric hospitals, schools and universities, correctional facilities, and business organizations.

      Dr. Hilary specializes in a mind-body approach to healing trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, coping skills, self-esteem, addictions, eating disorders, relationship challenges, life transitions, purpose in life, and performance anxiety.

      She has published several articles and co-authored two books, The Happy Map: Your roadmap to the habit of happiness and Manifesting Mindset: The 6-step formula for attracting your goals and dreams. She is currently furthering her knowledge and expertise in attachment focused EMDR and somatic therapy. In addition to a love of learning about neuroscience and mind body healing, Hilary can be found meditating, hiking, surfing, scuba diving, and spending time with her pets, family, and friends.

      Companies and organizations we have worked with:

      Presentations, Doris Howell Foundation, Institute of Functional Medicine, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, Nissan, Compass Real Estate Sharp Health Institute, Mattel, Usana Health Sciences, Youth and Family Assistance, MLK Family, Decorus, Odessy, Ariix, Casa Palmera Treatment Center, EVCI, Interboro, DEMA, GSDBA, LGBTQ Center San Diego

      Websites and social featuring our publications:

      • Mind Body Green
      • Psych Central
      • Cure Joy
      • SD voyager
    read more
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    Kim Ward Phd

    Dr. Kim Ward received her PhD in psychology with a specialty in transpersonal psychology from San Diego University for Integrative Studies. She also holds a master’s degree in transpersonal psychology from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, California. Dr. Kim is a certified trauma-informed coach and life coach in private practice in San Diego, California. She is a certified brainspotting therapist.

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      In addition to her private practice, she has experience working in integrative medical facilities such as the world-renowned healthcare facility Sanoviv Medical Institute, treatment centers for addictions and PTSD including Casa Palmera Treatment Center, psychiatric hospitals, schools and universities, correctional facilities, and business organizations. Dr. Kim specializes in an integrative approach to dealing with trauma, anxiety, and depression, making peace with the past, transforming stress, healing relationships, living with purpose, and rewiring your brain for happiness.

      She has been featured in several articles and co-authored two books, The Happy Map: Your roadmap to the habit of happiness and Manifesting Mindset: The 6-step formula for attracting your goals and dreams. Given the powerful healing experiences she witnesses with Brainspotting, she is presently advancing and deepening her skills in both Brainspotting and somatic therapy. Outside of her love for helping people, Kim has a passion for exercise, all animals, spending time in nature, meditating, and connecting with her family and friends.

      Companies and organizations we have worked with:

      Presentations, Doris Howell Foundation, Institute of Functional Medicine, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, Nissan, Compass Real Estate Sharp Health Institute, Mattel, Usana Health Sciences, Youth and Family Assistance, MLK Family, Decorus, Odessy, Ariix, Casa Palmera Treatment Center, EVCI, Interboro, DEMA, GSDBA, LGBTQ Center San Diego

      Websites and social featuring our publications:

      • Mind Body Green
      • Psych Central
      • Cure Joy
      • SD voyager
    read more
    Learn how can we help you on your path of healing
    Request a Free 15 min Consultation

    Latest Posts

    images of 9 female faces showing emotional expression

    Emotions Are Energy : The bodymind connection and e-motion

    Updated: April 7, 2022 Discover key neuroscience discoveries that offer new insights into the truth about emotions and how to effectively express them. What are emotions? Let’s start by exploring a basic understanding of emotions that will likely be dramatically different than what you have believed up to this point. What we think of as […]

    Read More


    Therapist smiling at her patient at therapy session

    Comparing Brainspotting vs EMDR in Psychotherapy and their Therapeutic Approaches

    What is Brainspotting? Brainspotting is an advanced mind body therapy for healing from developmental trauma, PTSD, trauma, performance anxiety, stress, depression, panic attacks and many other psychological issues. It has roots in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and similarly allows for the reprocessing and releasing of negative experiences. It is based on the premise that […]

    Read More


    A man and a woman meditating in a cross-legged position on a rug, with a serene expression, in a bright, minimalist room.

    What Is The Difference Between Somatic Therapy And Brainspotting

    Somatic therapy involves releasing the build-up of stress in the body and mind. It is the process of connection with a felt sense or body sensations that store and carry emotional energy. As sensations of contraction, tension or residue stress are felt and experienced they tend to unwind and release pent-up emotional stress. This results […]

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    An african american man holds a notebook and listens attentively to another person who is partially visible in the foreground.

    What to Expect from a Brainspotting Therapy Session

    Brainspotting allows you to process unresolved issues, transform unwanted habits, breakthrough addictions, heal pain, forgive and release hurts, regulate your nervous system and let go of unwanted patterns. It can be helpful to identify areas you would like to work on and heal. You do not have to have specific memories or incidents in mind, […]

    Read More


    Contact Us
    Contact us

    Teletherapy sessions available nationwide via Zoom and FaceTime.

    Our office is located in Carlsbad, CA 92009. We also do nationwide online therapy sessions.

    We are offering a FREE 25 minute consultation

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