Therapy as a Ritual – In Person Sessions Now Available in Carmel By the Sea, California
Not all healing happens through a screen.
Virtual therapy sessions became the norm since 2020 but many people are tired of it.
If you’ve been craving deeper connection, more embodied presence, and a shift away from surface-level or talk-based sessions over Zoom — in-person therapy might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Whether you’re navigating big life transitions, untangling old relational patterns, or seeking a more intuitive and holistic approach to mental health — being in the room together changes everything.
Why In-Person Therapy Feels Different
There’s something powerful about shared space. When we’re in person, our nervous systems co-regulate in real time — creating a felt sense of safety that can be hard to replicate over Zoom.
You’re not just talking. We’re breathing together, moving through energy together, and tapping into subtle shifts in posture, breath, and presence that shape the entire session.
Being in person allows us to:
Use music and sound to drop into the body more deeply
Incorporate movement-based and somatic therapy practices without limitation
Working with bilateral touch instead of visuals for EMDR, using ‘buzzers’ or ‘tappers’ instead of eye movements on the screen
Work with energetic attunement, co-regulation and shared rhythm
Explore psychedelic integration in a setting that feels safe, grounded, and alive
This work is a ceremony — not in the performance sense, but in the way it invites presence, ritual, and a return to what’s real.
What I Offer
I work with creative women, spiritual seekers, and sensitive souls who are ready to experience therapy that’s not just about talking — but about true transformation.
In-person sessions in Carmel By the Sea now include:
EMDR therapy to clear stuck patterns and release old narratives
Somatic therapy to reconnect with your body’s cues and intuition
Safe and Sound Protocol for nervous system regulation through sound
Psychedelic preparation & integration to ground expanded states into your everyday life
Why I Chose This Location
Carmel By the Sea is quiet, magical, and drenched in beauty — and I wanted my office to reflect that. My new in-person therapy space is just one mile from downtown Carmel By the Sea, nestled between Monterey and Big Sur, making it accessible for clients throughout the region who are looking for something deeper.
This isn’t a sterile office building or a clinical box. It’s a space designed to hold your whole self — with warmth, texture, nature, and breath.
Who This Is For
Women seeking holistic therapy near Carmel, Monterey, or Big Sur
Sensitive creatives and entrepreneurs looking for emotional clarity
Those feeling stuck in old therapy loops and ready for a new approach
People curious about EMDR, somatic therapy, or psychedelic integration
Anyone wanting to feel safe, seen, and regulated again
If you’ve been doing the inner work, but still feel like something’s missing — this may be the missing piece.
Now Welcoming New Clients
I’m currently accepting new in-person clients at my Carmel By the Sea office for weekly, bi-weekly, or intensives-based sessions.
This work is for those who want to go deep.
Whether you’re local to Carmel Valley, Monterey, Big Sur, Santa Cruz, or visiting the area for a reset and want to drop in together — you’re welcome here.
Learn more about my background and my integrative approach by visiting somaticspiritualtherapist.com — or reach out directly to book a consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a licensed provider near you for personalized support. Ashley K. Whelan is a holistic psychotherapist in California offering EMDR, somatic therapy, and psychedelic integration for women in Carmel By the Sea, Monterey, and Big Sur. Online sessions are available throughout the state of California.
(This is not the actual office space, but a stock image. updated pics coming soon.)