Verónica Cervantes Wefers
Somatic Psychotherapist
Hello...
Welcome! I'm so glad you are here, taking the time to read more about me and my practice. This tells me you're ready to embrace change, even when it feels overwhelming and scary. Perhaps you're down or anxious, uncertain about a relationship, or just not living the life you believe you were meant to lead. These feelings and thoughts are valid, and it's okay to seek support to gain perspective.
Therapy is a journey of growth and self-discovery. There is no right or wrong way to approach it--therapy is your space to explore, develop new skills, or strengthen the skills you already have, and begin to thrive. It's a path toward self-healing and learning to love yourself. You, and only you, will determine what self-determined healing means to you and the depth of self-love you wish to cultivate.
As your therapist, my priority is your well-being and mental support. Together, we'll go beyond the surface to uncover what truly matters to you, helping you navigate life's challenges with curiosity, attention, and care you deserve. I will also provide you feedback to support your growth and offer different perspectives to enrich your journey.
Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support.
I was born and raised in Southern California to immigrant parents from Jalisco, México. As the youngest of eight children and the first in my family to be born in the U.S. and receive a college degree, my journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. I lived in foster care during my tween and teen years, which was a deeply traumatic and life-changing experience. Despite the hardships, my family and I were determined to stay connected and strengthen our bond, which remains a source of strength for me. Connection to my family gave me access to understand my cultural heritage and a path to reconnect with my ancestral roots, particularly the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Growing up in a complex environment with moments of joy, love, and hardships, I developed an empathic and intuitive disposition that drives my ability to relate and connect with others. My personal experiences, my connection to my ancestral roots, my experience working with youth as a teacher, and my curiosity about human development and psychology led me to explore somatics and embark on a journey of self-exploration and healing through my own therapy. This journey has profoundly shaped my personal life and professional work.
Education has always been a pivotal force in my life, providing me with opportunities for growth and exploration. I began my academic journey at Orange Coast College, where I received an Associate degree in Fine Arts. This was a time of self-discovery, where I began to explore my passions and consider my future career path. I then transferred to UC Davis, where I double-majored in Linguistics and Spanish, receiving a Bachelor's degree, which deepened my understanding of language and culture. Shortly after, I entered a teaching credentialing program, which led to several years of working with yourth--a role that profoundly shaped my understanding of human development.
Over a decade later, my journey took a new direction. I attended massage school, where I began to explore the connections between the body and mind. This experience ignited my passion for somatics, ultimately leading me to pursue a Master's degree in Somatic Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). These years in school were transformative, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally, and solidifying my path as a therapist.
Over the years, therapy participants I work with have described me as intuitive, grounded, straight-talking, quirky, and kind. I would add introspective, insatiably curious, nerdy, and a deep listener. I find immense joy in assisting people to realize their full potential, guiding them to explore, empower, and tap into their wise selves.
My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where participants can explore their own paths. I believe in the power of the body-mind-spirit connection and I am committed to supporting others in tapping into their innate wisdom to lead a more fulfilling lives. Additionally, I aim to expand my therapeutic practice by integrating my cultural heritage into my work and continuing my personal growth through ongoing education. ¡Adelante!
I am a relational somatic therapist, which means that being real matters, and the relationship that develops between us is important. Building trust and cultivating an alliance is a fundemental part of the therapy process. The work we do together involves a sincere effort to explore your inner experiences and communicate them. We will discuss your challenges and identify ways you can influence them. When you share a difficult experience, I will encourage you to describe any sensations and emotions you are currently experiencing. I may offer or demonstrate simple somatic-emotional exercises to help us both understand how you handle your experiences--whether they involve emotions, thoughts, beliefs, images, memories, or self-talk--all of which are types of behaviors learned throughout life. Together, we will work towards developing capacity for new perspectives, ways of being, or solutions that lead to a more satisfying life.
My approach is rooted in the belief that we have access to nurture our emotional empowerment by attuning to our bodily experience from within (somatic awareness) and connecting them to our emotional thought processes. I offer interventions, exercises, and strategies skills to help you trust and honor your 'wise-self'--your spirit. Additionally, I may provide psycho-education to help you gain insight into your unique somatic responses.
In facilitating your process, I draw from the following modalities:
Jack Santos aka Jackie became part of my family in 2018 through the Milo Foundation. He's a charming mixed chihuahua-terrier who has quickly become a beloved member of our therapy space. Jack loves the beach, traveling, cuddling, and spending time with clients in the office.
Jackie is a sweet and intelligent dog who attunes to feelings quickly. If you want to earn his trust, the best approach is to simply ignore him at first--this gives him the space to decide if he feels safe and comfortable around you. He does not like when people approach him by putting their hands or fingers in front of his face, so it's best to let him come to you on his own terms. Once that trust is established, offering a treat is the surest way to win his attention (maybe his heart)!
Please note: While Jack adds warmth and companionship to our space, those with severe pet allegeries may find my office unsuitable.
Verónica Cervantes Wefers, LMFT #119658, SEP, HSP, CNMT