what can I expect from my first appointment?

Your first session is a gentle beginning. We’ll talk about what brings you in, what feels most important to you, and what support your nervous system may need right now. There is no pressure to tell your whole story or have the perfect words. The goal is simply to begin creating safety, trust, and a sense of direction.

how many sessions will I need?

Healing is not one-size-fits-all. Some people notice shifts early, while deeper change takes time and consistency. We will move at a pace that feels manageable and check in along the way about what is working. There is no expectation that you commit to a fixed number of sessions upfront.

do I need a specific diagnosis to begin therapy?

No. You do not need a label to deserve support. Many people come in knowing they feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or unable to fully settle, even if they do not have a formal diagnosis. If something in your life or body feels like it is asking for care, that is enough to begin.

i've tried talk therapy before and it didn't help. will this be different?

Most likely, yes. My work is body-based and experiential, which means we are not relying only on conversation to create change. Instead, we work with the nervous system, the body, and the emotional patterns held beneath the surface. Many clients find this approach reaches places talk therapy never quite touched.

what is somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy is a body-based approach that pays attention to how stress, trauma, and emotion live in the nervous system. We use breath, grounding, awareness, movement, and sensation to help the body release tension and move toward regulation. The work is gentle, paced, and centered on helping you feel safer in yourself.

what if I don't know how to explain what I'm feeling?

That's exactly why we don't start with words. Art, movement, and body-based practices give your experience a channel that doesn't require you to explain anything perfectly. Many clients, especially those who have always struggled to articulate their inner world, find this the most relieving part of this work. You don't need the right language here. We'll find it together in a different way.

what is ocean therapy?

Ocean therapy is an optional, body-based form of experiential support that brings the healing presence of the sea into the therapeutic process. For some people, the ocean offers rhythm, grounding, spaciousness, and a felt sense of being held. It may include shoreline presence, breath, sensory awareness, or intentional engagement with water, depending on the client and the work.

is ocean therapy required?

No. Ocean therapy is simply an option for clients who feel drawn to it and whose goals, comfort, and circumstances make it a good fit. We can do deeply meaningful work without it. If it is included, it is always approached thoughtfully and at your pace.

do you offer Telehealth?

Yes. Telehealth sessions are available throughout Florida, making it accessible for clients who find in-person settings overwhelming, prefer the comfort of their own space, or simply live outside the Daytona Beach area.

how can I contact my therapist in between sessions?

If this is a medical emergency please dial 911 or visit your nearest Emergency Room. For non-urgent correspondence you can email sheffield.kimberly.msw@gmail.com or call the office 386-243-9072. Please allow 24-48 hours for us to respond.