Depth and somatic psychotherapy with Maura Tousignant, L.M.F.T.
How I work
I am a psychodynamic and somatic therapist, integrating both insight-oriented and body-centered modalities to lead you to growth and change. My training in depth psychology, attachment theory, mindfulness, and trauma treatment guides the therapeutic process to support you in moving through stagnation and emotional pain. My work has a focus on trauma and provides a way to move beyond the limits of traditional talk therapy by inviting in the somatic experience.
A little about me…
I attained my master’s degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Counseling Psychology. I began my clinical training at a women’s clinic, where I provided therapy to women and men for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship issues. Following graduate school, I continued my clinical training as a school based therapist with the William S. Hart Union High School District, working with high school and elementary school students, for a wide range of mental health and educationally related issues. As an associate therapist, I honed my depth psychotherapy skills in the private practice setting under supervision at Sessions Counseling Group, focusing on trauma, codependency, anxiety, grief, and phase of life transitions, and I received supervision focused on Jungian/depth psychological theory in practice.
Post-licensure, I trained in Hakomi mindful somatic psychotherapy, a body-centered therapy modality that incorporates mindfulness, somatic experiences, inner child work, meditative states, and trauma-informed theory. I have completed training in Somatic Experiencing, and I am continuing to study this modality at the intermediate level; Somatic Experiencing is a transformational approach to healing from trauma, developed by Peter Levine. I have also completed training in Brainspotting, a brain-body based trauma processing modality.
In addition to my work in private practice, I also serve as adjunct faculty at Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I teach courses in clinical practice and depth-oriented research, and as a research associate, I guide students through the process of writing and publishing a master’s-level thesis.
I draw from my background as a yoga teacher and dancer in my therapeutic work. I incorporate somatic inquiry, mindfulness, and embodiment in therapy. As a lover of academia, reading, and writing, I am always happy to engage in intellectual exploration with clients, alongside emotional and somatic work. I am happy to provide suggested reading recommendations (bibliotherapy; please see the “Resources” section for a general list) to my clients, though I never require homework.
I grew up living in several countries, including Norway, Benin, South Africa, Belgium, and the United States (as well as a few brief stops elsewhere), and my experience as a third culture kid shaped me to open to multiple perspectives from a young age. I embrace multiculturalism in my personal life, and I uphold cultural humility as a foundation in therapy. Before entering the world of psychology, I studied as an Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia, where I received my B.A. with High Distinction in Comparative Literature, Middle Eastern Studies, and Dance. Movement, mindfulness, and nature greatly contributed to my journey into well-being, and continue to inspire my work with clients.
I am oriented toward holistic approaches, and I offer the integration of spiritual and psychological perspectives. I am comfortable delving into the world of dreams and exploring the significance of symbols. I look forward to meeting you and tending to psyche together.
