When your body won’t let go—even when your mind understands

A steady, body-based approach to therapy that helps you process what’s stuck and begin to move forward—without forcing yourself to “just think differently.”

You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

Virtual sessions for adults in California · EMDR and trauma-informed therapy

Dr. Caelan Soma, clinical psychologist

This is a good place to start if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for something to shift.

Start here if you'd like to schedule a free consultation.
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A brief, no-pressure call to see if this feels like a fit.

What happens next:

I’ll respond within 24 hours

We’ll schedule a brief consultation

You can decide if this feels like the right fit

You don’t have to push through or figure this out on your own.

I’m Dr. Caelan Soma, a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma and nervous system–based therapy.

Together, we work at a pace your body can handle—so change actually lasts.

You don’t need to have the right words to begin.

We start with what your body is already holding.

A slower, steadier pace.

Therapy moves at the pace of your nervous system — not at the pace of pressure or expectation.

You don’t need to have the “right words.” We can start wherever you are.

Who this work is for

This practice is designed for adults who are thoughtful, motivated for change, and interested in doing meaningful healing work.

Many of the people I work with are used to holding it together on the outside while feeling overwhelmed internally.

Clients I often work with

  • Professionals, parents, and high-functioning adults who feel overwhelmed internally
  • People who tend to carry a lot of responsibility for others
  • Those who have insight into their patterns but still feel stuck
  • Adults who notice stress or past experiences continue to affect how they feel or react
  • People wanting therapy that addresses both the mind and the nervous system

This is a specialized trauma practice with a limited number of clients at a time in order to provide thoughtful, focused care.

This may be a good fit if:

  • You’ve tried to “talk it through,” but still feel stuck
  • Your body reacts before your thoughts can catch up
  • You feel overwhelmed, shut down, or on edge without knowing why
  • You want a different kind of therapy—one that works with your nervous system

Trauma therapy for high-functioning adults

Many of the adults I work with are capable, thoughtful people who are used to managing a lot on their own. On the outside, life may look successful — but internally it can feel overwhelming.

You might notice:

  • chronic stress or anxiety that won’t turn off
  • feeling emotionally overwhelmed or burned out
  • difficulty relaxing even when things are going well
  • unresolved trauma or painful past experiences
  • patterns in relationships or parenting that keep repeating
  • feeling disconnected from yourself or others

These experiences are often connected to how trauma and chronic stress affect the nervous system. Trauma therapy can help your body and mind process what has been carried for too long so that you can begin to feel more stable, regulated, and present in your life.

What healing from trauma can look like

  • feeling calmer and less reactive to stress
  • being able to relax without feeling on edge
  • experiencing greater emotional balance
  • feeling more present in relationships and parenting
  • less intrusive memories or emotional triggers
  • a stronger sense of internal stability and safety

Healing often happens gradually, but once the nervous system settles, life can feel more manageable and connected.

Virtual EMDR therapy in California

I provide virtual EMDR therapy for adults throughout California, allowing you to access trauma therapy from anywhere in the state. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-supported trauma therapy that helps the brain process distressing experiences so they no longer feel overwhelming.

EMDR can be helpful for:

  • trauma and unresolved past experiences
  • anxiety and chronic stress
  • emotional overwhelm
  • burnout in professionals and parents
  • feeling stuck despite insight or self-awareness

Sessions are conducted through secure telehealth, allowing you to access therapy from the privacy of your own home.

Why work with me

I am a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience specializing in trauma and nervous system regulation. My work focuses on helping adults understand how stress and trauma affect the nervous system and how healing can occur when the body begins to feel safe again.

I often think of this as creating a “nest” for the nervous system: a place where the body can settle, experiences can be processed, and stability can be rebuilt.

I have also:

  • written books and training materials on emotional regulation
  • created courses for parents, professionals, and graduate programs
  • presented nationally to thousands of professionals and families
  • worked extensively in trauma-informed clinical practice including EMDR

What therapy looks like

Therapy is collaborative, thoughtful, and paced according to your needs. Our work may include:

  • assessing your strengths and protective factors
  • understanding your nervous system and stress patterns
  • identifying experiences that shape current responses and beliefs about self
  • EMDR therapy with bilateral stimulus (BLS) to process unresolved trauma
  • building practical regulation tools
  • developing a greater sense of safety and stability

About bilateral stimulation (BLS)

Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is a therapeutic technique involving rhythmic, alternating stimulation of the brain's left and right hemispheres, primarily used in EMDR therapy to process trauma and reduce stress.

It engages the brain through visual (eye movements), auditory (tones), or tactile (tapping) methods. Sessions are conducted via secure telehealth for adults located in California.

Therapy details

Location: Virtual therapy (telehealth)

Clients: Adults located in California

This is a private-pay practice focused on depth work—not brief or app-based therapy.

This practice is designed for adults who are thoughtful, motivated for change, and interested in doing meaningful healing work.

Session options & fees

  • 50-minute therapy session — $300
  • 90-minute EMDR therapy session — $450

Extended sessions are often recommended for EMDR work. I do not accept insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Do you provide EMDR therapy virtually?

Yes. EMDR therapy can be effectively conducted through secure telehealth. Many clients appreciate being able to participate from the comfort and privacy of their home.

Do you only work with trauma?

My practice focuses primarily on trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.

Do you accept insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider. Many clients are able to submit receipts to their insurance for partial reimbursement.

Who do you work with?

I work with adults located anywhere in California.

If you are interested in working together

You can request a brief consultation to see if this approach feels like a good fit. Starting therapy is an important decision. A consultation allows us to discuss what you are looking for, answer questions about the therapy process, and determine whether this approach feels right for you.

Please do not include detailed private or medical information in your initial message. Email is not a fully secure or HIPAA-compliant form of communication.

Call to schedule a free consultation to see if this is a good fit for you.

drcaelansoma@gmail.com

I will respond with information about next steps and scheduling.

If you are in immediate crisis, please call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.