You don’t need more coping skills. You need to feel safe in your own body.
Therapy for young adults (19+) navigating anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and burnout. In-person in Berkeley; virtual anywhere in California.
Recognized for Excellence
Work with a therapy center recognized for our trauma-informed, mind–body therapeutic approach in Berkeley & online.
You’ve talked it through. You’ve read the books. You’ve journaled. You’ve tried to “think differently.”
And somehow you still feel anxious, reactive, drained, or disconnected.
You’re NOT doing life wrong.
When your nervous system is stuck in fight, flight, or freeze, insight alone isn’t enough. Your body needs support learning a new way to respond to life’s challenges.
A Therapy Team Young Adults Trust
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"Melody Wright and her team at Life by Design Therapy are exceptional therapists who truly care about their clients. I highly recommend this practice and their commitment to ethical standards, social justice, and mental health education around the importance of the mind-body connection." ~ Privately Disclosed
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"It's hard to find a therapy practice that truly understands the power of somatic therapy that incorporates both body and therapy, but I finally found it with this team. They provide a safe and nurturing environment and are skilled in guiding clients through a healing process."
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"What sets this counseling center apart is their unique approach to therapy, which incorporates the mind-body connection. They really care about their clients … I would highly recommend this team of therapists and their holistic approach."
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"I highly recommend Life by Design Therapy to anyone seeking a supportive and transformative therapeutic experience. The exceptional team's dedication, expertise, and genuine care for their clients truly set them apart. If you are looking for a safe space where diversity is embraced, you should definitely check out Life by Design Therapy."
- Privately Disclosed
What Starts To Feel Different
You move through your day with more steadiness, authenticity, and confidence instead of being controlled by your moods.
Our therapists use proven holistic, trauma-informed, and somatic-based approaches rooted in nervous system regulation, attachment theory, and experiential work.
Many clients begin noticing subtle but meaningful shifts within the first few sessions.
You’ll learn simple mind-body tools you can actually use in real time: at work, in relationships, and at home.
You’re doing “fine” … but it doesn’t feel fine.
◆ You cancel plans because your anxiety spikes, then feel guilty all night.
◆ You overthink texts, tone, and whether you were “too much.”
◆ Some days you’re numb. Other days your chest is tight and your emotions take over.
◆ You hold it together all day then crash and scroll at night.
◆ You want to set boundaries but freeze when it matters.
◆ If you don’t feel motivated, everything stalls.
Why This Method Works
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Talk therapy and coping skills work for many people. Insight does matter.
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But when anxiety and emotional patterns live in your nervous system, thinking your way out isn’t enough.
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That’s why our therapists use holistic, somatic-based approaches that look at the full picture: your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and the signals coming from your body.
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Nothing is forced or rushed. Our work is collaborative, paced, and grounded in trauma-informed care.
A Simple, Supportive Way to Begin
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Free 15-Minute Consult
Get clarity on whether Life by Design Therapy™ feels like the right fit for you.
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Early Wins & Relief
Start noticing your patterns and learning tools that help you regulate anxiety in real time.
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Breakthrough Framework
Through holistic, trauma-informed care that honors the whole person—mind, body, relationships, and lived experience—you’ll build emotional flexibility, not just coping strategies.
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No Pressure
If it’s not aligned, we’ll help point you in the right direction. Your well-being matters more than filling a spot.
Hey… we’re really glad you found your way here.
If you’ve been scrolling through therapist profiles at midnight wondering why nothing has quite clicked, we see you.
Melody Wright, LMFT
Founder of Life by Design Therapy™
Alongside our team of licensed and associate therapists, we support young adults navigating anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, burnout, and unhealthy relationship dynamics.
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Erica Casco, AMFT
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Jhane Vargas, AMFT
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Krystal Williams, LMFT, LPCC
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Rachel Eisenstat, AMFT, APCC
Life by Design Therapy™ was founded to offer holistic, somatic, and culturally responsive care to the diverse Bay Area community. We create a safe, affirming space where young adults and individuals from all backgrounds can build emotional awareness, strengthen relationships, and heal.
FAQs
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We don’t only analyze your thoughts. Our approach is holistic, looking at the full picture: your mind, body, relationships, and lived experiences.
Through conversation, somatic awareness, and experiential tools, we help you notice what’s happening internally and gently shift it, so change feels real and lasting … not just something you understand intellectually.
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Not at all. It simply means we pay attention to your nervous system and help you build practical regulation skills you can use anywhere.
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No — this is not a touch-based therapy practice. Our work is conversational and experiential, grounded in holistic care that considers the mind, body, and nervous system.
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Yes. We offer both in-person sessions in Berkeley and virtual therapy anywhere in California. Virtual currently has more availability.
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Each therapist on our team has their own rates, typically ranging from $165–$205 per session, depending on experience and availability.
Each of our clinicians also offer a limited number of sliding-scale spots.
We’ll go over options during your free consultation and help you find a therapist on our team who feels like the right fit for both your needs and your budget.
Openings Now for Young Adults in Berkeley & Virtual Across California
We keep a limited caseload so sessions remain depth-oriented, responsive, and personalized.
Please fill out the form below ↓ to reserve a free 15-minute consultation.
If you are in crisis, call 988 or 911 immediately. Do not share confidential or emergency details here.
Melody Wright, LMFT and team practicing in-person in Berkeley, CA and virtual anywhere in California.
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You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of what your services may cost.
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