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Toni Richter LCSW Somatic Therapist and Yoga Teacher

More About Me

Watching loved ones become parents, I became intrigued by their experiences—their joys, struggles, and the profound shifts in their lives.

 

I initially thought these changes were mostly logistical, like less free time or being tired. But when I became a mother, I realized their transformation ran much deeper. Their values, priorities, and needs had shifted, often shaped by their own childhood experiences, in ways I hadn’t fully understood.

 

I spent years discussing with my partner the kind of mother I aspired to be, determined to break away from the patterns I witnessed growing up.

 

Have you ever had an experience that made you INTENSELY aware and CONSCIOUS of something and you couldn't ignore it anymore? 

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“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate” -Carl Jung

 

Well...that's what happened to me!

 

My body is literally screaming at me...You can't keep going like this. If you want to be the mother you truly want, you have to make a change

 

I’m intimately familiar with the insecurities, confusion, and fear of repeating past mistakes. I’ve walked that path, wrestling with the belief that I would inevitably fall into the same damaging cycles. I understand the hard work, accountability, and self-compassion it takes to break free and the grief that comes with shedding relationships and habits that no longer serve us.

 

For those wondering if I know what I’m doing, the answer is yes. I’ve been through it. Your journey will be uniquely yours, but I am here to guide you. For me, motherhood has meant confronting my unhealed wounds and repressed emotions—a daunting but beautiful opportunity for self-healing.

 

As a therapist, I advocate for a body-based approach to healing because our bodies hold our truths. Our society often disconnects us from our bodies, keeping us in a constant state of stress, overwhelm, or shutdown. We lose touch with ourselves, caught between endless to-do lists and societal pressures. Reconnecting with our bodies can feel awkward, but it’s essential to discovering our authentic selves.

 

In therapy sessions, we will work on regulating your nervous system and cultivating a sense of safety and self-awareness. We’ll shift focus away from the negative thought patterns that hold you back, fostering a harmonious connection between your mind and body. This isn’t about fitting into societal expectations; it’s about honoring your unique values and experiences.


I’m here to help you explore your identity without shame and transform your aspirations into reality. Whether you’re working through past trauma, redefining your role as a mother, or seeking a deeper connection with yourself, I am here to support you on your journey.

 

Motherhood is not just about raising children; it’s a profound opportunity to heal, grow, and redefine how we live our lives. Together, we can navigate this transformative path, honoring the body’s wisdom and embracing the person you are meant to become.

Education and Non-exhaustive Trainings List

While my main focus and specialties for therapy modalities are attachment and somatic (body-based) modalities, I do draw from others (CBT, TF-CBT, ACT, Suicide Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, and DBT) to help meet your needs. I strive to operate from an intersectional feminist, anti-racist, and de-colonial lens that I work to unlearn, cultivate, and expand daily.  

I utilize trauma-conscious yoga practices from my 2018 200-hr YTT and 25-hr Trauma Conscious Yoga Teacher Certification I (2020) and II (Currently Pursuing), Trauma Conscious Yoga for Reproductive Health Certification (2021), mixed with Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (multiple levels of training). I am also EMDR, Level I, and II Trained (2018 and 2019), and can discuss EMDR therapy services as well.  

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2018 (#2018021292) and hold a Master's Degree in Social Work (2015) and a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Women's Studies, Peace/War Studies, and Political Science, 2011). ​

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