When Something Moves in You: How to Find Embodied Support in Santa Cruz

racheljordana
Jul 17
3 min read

Have you ever had a moment in yoga, ecstatic dance, or even a walk through the redwoods where something unexpected rises—tears, memories, a deep longing, or a wave of emotion you can’t quite name?

In Santa Cruz, we’re lucky to have so many body-based healing practices at our fingertips. But what happens when these practices wake something up? When the body remembers what the mind forgot?

At the Center for Embodiment Medicine, we offer trauma-informed, body-based therapy to help you integrate what’s moving through you. And if you have Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH) Medi-Cal, your sessions may be fully covered.

When the Body Speaks

You’re in downward dog and suddenly start crying.You’re dancing under the disco ball and feel rage in your chest.You’re walking along West Cliff and feel your heart crack open.

These are not breakdowns—they’re breakthroughs.They’re your body trying to tell its story.

Embodied healing isn’t just about stretching or sweating. It’s about learning to listen to your body, respond with care, and find the support you need to feel safe, grounded, and whole.

Where to Start: Embodied Practices in Santa Cruz

Here are some places to move your body and meet what arises:

Yoga & Somatic Movement

Village Yoga Santa Cruz – A welcoming community studio offering mindful yoga for all levels
Estrella Collective – Trauma-informed somatics, yoga, and breathwork
Santa Cruz Yoga – Experienced teachers in a warm community space

Ecstatic Dance & Conscious Movement

Ecstatic Dance Santa Cruz – Weekly barefoot dances for all bodies
5Rhythms – Movement journeys guided by intention and sound
Dance Circle– A safe, inclusive space for expressive dance

Nature-Based Practices

Wilder Ranch State Park – Coastal trails perfect for mindfulness walks
Land of the Medicine Buddha – Redwood trails with a spiritual touch
Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Guide – Local hiking maps and nature escapes

But What If Something Comes Up?

These spaces are beautiful, powerful—and sometimes vulnerable. They can stir grief, trauma, longing, or memories you didn’t expect.

If that happens:

You are not alone. And you don’t have to hold it alone.

Our team at the Center for Embodiment Medicine in Santa Cruz offers therapy that helps you integrate what arises through your body—not just through words.

What Is Embodied Therapy?

Embodied therapy is a form of psychotherapy that works with the nervous system, the body, and the psyche together. We combine talk therapy with:

Somatic Experiencing
EMDR and trauma reprocessing
Polyvagal-informed approaches
Expressive arts and creative practices
Nature-based therapy (eco-therapy)
Breathwork and grounding tools

Sessions can be indoors, outdoors, seated, standing, or moving. Whatever supports your healing.

Covered by Medi-Cal (CCAH)

We proudly accept Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH), the Medi-Cal provider in Santa Cruz County. If you have Medi-Cal, your therapy sessions may be fully covered.

➡️ Check your mental health benefits through CCAH here

We’ll help you confirm coverage and walk you through the process. You deserve access to embodied, trauma-informed care.

You Deserve to Feel Held

At our Santa Cruz office, we see clients of all ages, identities, and experiences. Whether you’re an artist, parent, activist, student, or seeker—your body is your teacher. We’re here to help you listen.