At Healing Arts Center, we stand as mental health advocates. We encourage therapy while offering creative support through sound, art, movement, writing, and mindfulness. Our goal is to reduce stigma, support veterans and families, and walk beside people on their mental health journey.

Poetry is like cleaning out the junk drawer in my mind—clearing away cobwebs and kicking out the ghosts that rent space in my head. My third published work explores why I write not because I'm good at it, but because it brings me joy.

Join us on September 20, 2025, for Sacred Circles and Socrates—a one-day gathering that blends ancient wisdom with modern reflection.

When I was recovering from narcissistic abuse, somatic practices became a lifeline. What began as a way to calm anxiety and reconnect with my body eventually inspired me to become a somatic coach.

That heavy feeling when everything feels like too much isn't just about having a long to-do list. Learn gentle approaches to break through overwhelm and find meaning in what you're doing, one task at a time.

Healing doesn't happen when you're being managed or fixed or pushed toward someone else's idea of progress. You need space to be where you are—to say 'I'm struggling' without being handed a gratitude journal, to feel angry without being told to find the lesson.

Healing Arts Center in Virginia Beach offers somatic mindfulness coaching, Reiki, meditation, and creative practices like art and writing. Victoria and Mark provide compassionate, client-centered support with a sliding scale for veterans, active duty, and first responders.

At Healing Arts Center in Virginia Beach, we offer trauma-informed Reiki that honors your pace, your life experiences, and your comfort.

Some dreams take longer to grow. Not because you're doing it wrong, but because they need care, not urgency. This reflection explores what can shift when you stop forcing progress and start tending to your goals with consistency and compassion.

In this honest and grounded conversation, Wendy, Victoria, and Janice explore how somatic practices, Reiki, and compassionate presence support healing—especially for those navigating cancer, caregiving, or overwhelming life changes.

Reiki should feel safe. You should leave sessions feeling peaceful, not uncomfortable or violated. Unfortunately, some practitioners cross professional lines. Red flags include inappropriate touching, pushing medical claims, sexual or romantic behavior, and creating emotional dependency.

You filtered your needs. You softened your words. You stayed polite to keep the peace — and over time, it wore you down. This piece explores what happens when self-containment becomes a habit, and how the smallest acts of expression can feel like risk.

You set a boundary, feel guilty, and cave. The cycle repeats. This guilt cycle keeps most people trapped in patterns they want to break. The guilt drives you back to old behaviors every time.

If you're always the one people turn to in crisis, you might be paying a hidden cost.

The space between letting go and moving forward isn't empty time—it's where real transformation happens.

Feeling drained from constantly showing up for others? This post explores how to care without carrying it all—offering practical, trauma-aware insights on boundaries, nervous system regulation, and staying present without burning out.

Somatic coaching offers practical, body-based tools to support nervous system regulation, reduce reactivity, and help you feel more grounded.

I’m a former teacher turned somatic coach. I help people regulate their nervous systems, move through fear, and feel more grounded in their choices.

Feeling numb isn't failure—it's your body's wisdom at work.

Alt text: Two people sitting closely, one offering a comforting double-hand hold to the other's hand, symbolizing emotional support, connection, and grounding.

“Just stay positive” sounds supportive, but for people dealing with trauma, grief, or burnout, it can shut down real healing.