You’ve got your life together (or at least, that’s what it looks like from the outside). You check all the boxes—career, relationships, responsibilities—but inside? Your brain is running a 24/7 marathon, fueled by overthinking, self-doubt, and an occasional existential crisis. Sound familiar? Welcome to the world of high-functioning anxiety.

Hi, I’m Alyssa, a somatic arts therapist, and I know anxiety intimately. My personal journey with anxiety deepened after I lost vision in my right eye—a life-altering experience that shook my sense of safety, identity, and control. The fear, the racing thoughts, and the physical tension became overwhelming. I tried various approaches to ease my anxiety, but it wasn’t until I turned to somatic therapy that I truly started to heal.

If you think Pittsburgh dance clubs are the only place to get your groove on, think again. A new kind of dance experience is emerging—one that trades the strobe lights and sticky floors for intentional, conscious movement. Welcome to a space where dancing is no longer about escaping but about arriving fully in your body.

Polyvagal Informed Therapy is a therapeutic approach grounded in Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory, which explains how our autonomic nervous system influences emotional regulation, social engagement, and our ability to heal from stress and trauma. It provides a framework for understanding how the body responds to safety and threat, offering tools to move toward regulation and resilience.

Looking for unique places to dance in Pittsburgh where you won’t have to dodge spilled drinks, questionable pick-up lines, or shoe-stabbing stilettos? Welcome to 5Rhythms—a place where you can dance like nobody’s watching (because they’re not) and finally feel what it’s like to truly move your body and soul. Let’s dive into what makes 5Rhythms special, why it’s a blast, and why you’ll probably love it.

Trauma is stored in the body. This foundational truth has been the cornerstone of my journey, both as a somatic therapist and as someone who has experienced profound physical and emotional shifts. Years ago, I lost vision in my right eye—an event that transformed my life and deepened my connection to the wisdom of the body. This experience not only guided my personal healing but also enriched my professional practice, enabling me to help others heal their nervous systems from trauma.

Have you ever wished you could heal your deepest wounds while wearing your favorite sweatpants? Or wondered if it's possible to unlock the secrets of your nervous system without stepping foot outside your home? Good news: with a somatic therapist online, the future of healing is here, cozy socks and all.