Somatic & Polyvagal Therapy
Rewiring the Nervous System for Deep, Lasting Healing
Healing Starts Here.
Most traditional therapy focuses on thoughts and emotions, but true healing must include the body. Trauma, stress, and chronic emotional struggles aren’t just psychological—they’re stored in the nervous system, shaping the way we experience safety, connection, and regulation in daily life. Somatic and polyvagal-informed therapy helps rewire the body’s response to stress, restore balance, and build resilience, so that healing isn’t just something you talk about—it’s something you feel.
At Michigan Wellbeing, we specialize in therapies that work directly with the nervous system, helping clients move from survival mode into a state of greater regulation, connection, and well-being. Whether you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, dissociation, sensory sensitivities, or emotional dysregulation, somatic therapy provides a pathway to healing that goes beyond just talking about what hurts—it helps you process and release what’s been stored in your body.
How the Body Holds & Processes Trauma
Trauma isn’t just a memory—it’s a physiological imprint left on the nervous system. When the body perceives a threat, it responds by activating fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. In an ideal situation, the body processes the event and returns to a regulated state. However, when stress or trauma is overwhelming, unresolved, or repeated over time, the nervous system remains stuck in survival mode, leaving individuals feeling anxious, disconnected, on edge, or emotionally shut down.
This dysregulation can show up as:
Chronic anxiety or hypervigilance
Feeling emotionally numb or dissociated
Unexplained physical symptoms such as tension, digestive issues, or fatigue
Difficulty relaxing, sleeping, or feeling safe in your own body
Emotional overwhelm or difficulty managing stress
Sensory sensitivities, particularly in neurodivergent individuals
Still have questions?
How Somatic Therapy Works
Rather than relying solely on cognitive processing, somatic therapy reconnects the mind and body through techniques that engage the nervous system directly. At Michigan Wellbeing, we use somatic experiencing, polyvagal-informed approaches, and Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) to help clients restore regulation, process unresolved trauma, and develop deeper body awareness.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) – A body-based approach that gently guides clients through releasing stored survival responses, allowing the nervous system to recalibrate and find balance.
Polyvagal Theory & Nervous System Regulation – Understanding and working with how the vagus nerve governs emotional and physiological states, helping individuals transition from states of hyperarousal (anxiety, stress) or shutdown (numbness, dissociation) into greater regulation.
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) – A sound-based intervention designed to retune the nervous system for safety and connection. Originally developed for trauma survivors and neurodivergent individuals, SSP is highly effective for ADHD, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional dysregulation.
Breathwork & Somatic Mindfulness – Using breathing techniques, movement, and grounding exercises to help clients shift out of survival states and build self-regulation skills.
Curious about insurance?
Meet the Team
-
George Khamis, MA, LLP
Therapist & Clinic Director
-
Ashley Legel, MSW, LCSW
Therapist & Supervisor
-
Jazminne Silva, LLSW
Therapist
-
Esther Guak, LLMSW
Therapist
-
Chloe Mitchell, LLMSW
Therapist
-
Sonia Khaleel, LLMSW
Therapist
-
Courtney Hall, LLMSW
Therapist
-
Matt Nieto, LLPC
Therapist
-
Dr. Jeffrey Karp, LP
Supervisor
-
Christy Stiles, LLMSW
Therapist
-
Emily Thomas, LMSW
Supervisor
Who Can Benefit from Somatic & Polyvagal Therapy?
Because trauma, stress, and dysregulation impact the nervous system regardless of the cause, this therapy can be life-changing for individuals facing a wide range of challenges.
Trauma & PTSD – Helping the body release stored trauma responses and reestablish a sense of internal safety.
Anxiety & Chronic Stress – Teaching the nervous system how to shift out of hypervigilance and into calm.
Neurodivergent Individuals (ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, Sensory Processing Sensitivities) – Supporting sensory regulation, emotional balance, and executive function.
Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) & Empaths – Helping to manage sensory overwhelm, emotional flooding, and nervous system exhaustion.
Chronic Pain & Somatic Symptoms – Addressing how unresolved trauma can manifest as muscle tension, digestive issues, fatigue, and pain.
Depression & Emotional Numbness – Reconnecting individuals with a felt sense of presence and vitality.
Dissociation & Disconnection – Integrating mind and body to restore a sense of wholeness and self-awareness.
At-Home Music Therapy
The Safe and Sound Protocol
At Michigan Wellbeing, we integrate The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) into our work with both trauma survivors and neurodivergent individuals. This evidence-based, sound therapy method is proven to improve emotional regulation, sensory processing, and social engagement by stimulating the vagus nerve through carefully filtered music.
The Safe and Sound Protocol can benefit individuals of all ages who experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, emotional dysregulation, or challenges with focus and connection. It’s especially effective for those who are neurodivergent, including individuals with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing differences, as it helps create a foundation of safety and calm within the nervous system. Whether you’re navigating trauma, heightened stress responses, or simply seeking greater emotional balance, SSP offers a gentle and non-invasive pathway to improved well-being and resilience.
What To Expect From Therapy at Michigan Wellbeing
A Thoughtful, Individualized Approach – Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand your experiences, your history, and the ways you relate to yourself and others.
A Whole-Person Perspective – We integrate relational therapy, somatic work, self-regulation techniques, and evidence-based interventions to address challenges from multiple angles.
Practical Tools for Everyday Life – Therapy is not just about insight—it’s about gaining the tools and strategies to navigate emotions, relationships, and daily life with confidence.
Deep, Root-Cause Healing – Instead of just managing symptoms, we work to understand and shift underlying patterns so that real, lasting change can happen.
A Flexible, Evolving Process – As you grow, your therapy evolves with you. We adjust the approach based on what’s working, ensuring that each session remains impactful and aligned with your needs.
💡Therapy is about more than just coping—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient, and more connected version of yourself. Whatever challenges you’re facing, we are here to help you move through them with care, expertise, and a truly integrative approach to healing.
Healing Starts in the Nervous System
If you feel stuck in cycles of stress, anxiety, or disconnection, somatic therapy can help you find balance, regulation, and a sense of internal safety.
Insurance, Fees & Access
We're a fully virtual practice, so you can meet with us from wherever you are in Michigan.
In-network: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and Priority Health.
UnitedHealthcare and HAP PPO are coming soon. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Self-pay: $165–185 for a 53-minute therapy session, depending on clinician credentials. Ask us about sliding-scale options if cost is a concern.
Related Therapy Services
Explore how our specialized therapy services can support your healing journey. Let us know how we can help or point you in the right direction.
Many clients also explore:
Contact Us
If you’re interested in therapy, we invite you to get started here. You can explore our therapists, request a consultation, and find care that fits your needs.
Our sessions are virtual, so you can work with us from anywhere in Michigan.
Prefer Another Way to Connect?
Email info@miwellbeing.org or call/text (248) 266-5775.
You’re also welcome to send us a message using the form below. We look forward to connecting with you.
FAQs
-
For therapy services, we currently accept most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, including BCBS Federal Employee Program, Blue Care Network, Aetna, and Priority Health Insurance. For individuals that are out-of-network we are able to provide you with a superbill for reimbursement. Out-of-pocket costs start at $145 a session.
-
MI Wellbeing offers therapy services through telehealth which can be done through your phone or computer in the comfort of your own home. Therapy services can occasionally include home visits, office visits, or nature-based Walk & Talk Sessions. Therapy clients must be physically located in MI. Coaching services are offered to individuals who do not reside in MI.
-
To schedule an appointment with MI Wellbeing, click the ‘Book Now” button at the top of this page. Additionally, texting our phone number or emailing us is the fastest way to reach us.