Safety is the foundation of effective somatic coaching. This article explains how nervous system safety shows up in sessions, what protection responses look like, and what to expect from an ethical, trauma-informed coach.

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We don’t accept tips at Healing Arts Center. Here’s why we’ve chosen an approach that removes pressure and guesswork so clients can focus fully on their experience.

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Mark and Victoria founded Healing Arts Center in Virginia Beach to provide holistic support that honors the mind-body connection. Through art-based coaching and somatic practices, they empower clients to make choices that serve their happiness and cultivate inner peace.

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Anger does not disappear when it is ignored. When expression is blocked, the body carries the activation through tension, pain, and nervous system strain. This article explores where anger is held in the body, how suppression affects physical health, and how somatic approaches support safe release.

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Big goals don’t close the gap between what you value and how you live. Small, moment-by-moment intentions do.

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Planning once kept me safe. This reflection explores how hyper-planning becomes a nervous system strategy—and what it looks like to slowly create space for spontaneity, ease, and presence again.

Alt text:Sunset view of the Manhattan Bridge stretching across the East River toward the New York City skyline, reflecting a moment of openness and transition.

Feeling stuck can happen even when you’re doing everything right. This piece explores why overthinking keeps people trapped and how making something simple can restore movement, perspective, and self-trust.

Blank sketchbook and pencil symbolizing creative practice when feeling stuck

Burdenism is the belief that your needs take up too much space. This post explores where that belief comes from and why asking for help can feel unsafe, even when support is available.

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Each session is tailored to what you’re carrying that day, with compassionate support to help you move toward more ease and presence in daily life.

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Somatic resourcing offers gentle practices that help you return to yourself when life pulls you away. This post explores how grounding, tracking, and pendulation support a more connected internal experience.

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This episode explores how somatic coaching, self compassion, and early body awareness help you pause before overwhelm.

Promotional graphic for the Light Heart Vision Podcast featuring Victoria Duarte. The design shows Victoria seated and smiling, with text announcing her episode titled “Kindness Matters Including With Yourself,” hosted by Julia and Nathaniel. Purple starry background with gold accents.

Finding the right holistic provider can feel overwhelming. This guide helps you understand what to look for in somatic, mindfulness, and integrative care so you can choose support that feels safe, grounded, and aligned with your life.

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

"I asked if they could change the music, but they just ignored me," a client told me about a previous Reiki experience. "Then they used aromatherapy after I specifically told them certain smells are triggering for me. When I became uncomfortable, the practitioner told me I 'needed to get over what triggered me' and that 'if I loved myself more, I wouldn't be so easily irritated.'"

Description of image: This image shows a close-up view of two people's hands clasped together in what appears to be a supportive gesture. One person, wearing a blue button-up shirt and what looks like an orange/rust-colored shawl or cardigan, is having their hand held by another person wearing a light brown/beige ribbed sweater.