Somatic Therapy
With Tara Arhakos, LPC
I’m a somatic therapist because I used it in my own healing journey. I know how effective it is in feeling whole again.
Do you know you’re okay but still feel on edge?
Have you talked it out and understood it, but the reaction still keeps happening?
Does it feel like your brain and your body aren’t on the same page?
Even when you know you’re safe, you still have a pit in your stomach. Maybe a small thing triggers a big reaction. Some clients shut down, doom scroll, have trouble sleeping, or struggle to be with themselves..
Sometimes understanding the problem isn’t enough. Somatic therapy starts with what’s happening in your body.
Clients Come To Me When
These are some of the reasons clients seek somatic therapy:
Feeling on edge
Overreacting
Shutting down
Doom scrolling
Trouble relaxing
Panic attacks
Poor sleep
Feeling unsafe
Somatic Therapy With Me
We lay the foundation together. Trust and understanding come first.
Somatic therapy works from the bottom up. Instead of starting with your thoughts, we start by grounding you in your body and paying attention to what your body is doing. From there, we begin to understand the connection between your nervous system, emotions, thoughts, and reactions.
I also provide psychoeducation so you understand what’s happening and why certain tools help.
My Approach
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Starts with body cues and nervous system regulation so you recognize what’s happening before a reaction takes over.
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Helps you notice sensations, thoughts, and emotions in the present moment without automatically reacting to them.
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Gives you practical ways to slow down and regulate when anxiety or activation rises.
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Uses gentle movement and rest to support body awareness and regulation.
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Helps you recognize what your body needs and respond when you’re activated or shut down.
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Helps you understand the mind-body connection and the thoughts that keep anxiety going.
Your Body Is Part Of The Conversation
You understand exactly why something happens but still have the same reaction. Somatic therapy helps you pay attention to what your body is saying so you respond with more awareness and choice.
After Somatic Therapy With Me
Clients report:
Greater body awareness
Listening to intuition
Less anxiety
Easier sleep
Increased confidence
More assertiveness
Less rumination
The work also makes it easier to say no, release shame or guilt, and stop feeling responsible for other people’s feelings all the time.
“The biggest shift is realizing you don’t have to keep fighting your own body.”
About Tara Arhakos, LPC
Hi, I’m Tara Arhakos, LPC.
Somatic therapy is closely connected to my own healing work, which is part of why I believe so strongly in working with the body, not just the story.
We’ll lay the foundation of trust together before moving into deeper work. I don’t rush clients into the deep stuff before they’re ready - I sit on the floor with clients in my office and have coffee. The relationship matters to me, and I want our work to be grounded in trust and understanding.
Outside of counseling, I’m a lover of cappuccinos, punk rock, travel, friends, family, and the New Jersey beaches.
Availability: I provide in-person therapy in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, and virtual therapy via telehealth for clients across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and South Carolina.
Education, Credentials,
and Trainings
New Jersey Licensed Professional Counselor, License #37PC00425700
Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor, License #PC020319
Nationally Certified Counselor
Registered Yoga Teacher, RYT200
Master of Science in Professional Counseling, Monmouth University, 2008
Bachelor’s in Psychology, minor in Gender Studies, Rider University, 2005
American Counseling Association
Yoga Alliance
3 Steps To Get Started
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Fill out the contact form and tell me a little about what brings you in.
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We’ll talk about your concerns and whether working together is a good fit.
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We’ll build the foundation, learn what’s happening in your body, and begin identifying the tools that work for you.