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If you’re constantly on edge, running on fumes, or feeling like your mind is racing while your body can’t relax—you’re not the only one.

So many of us are living in a near-constant state of stress or shutdown, wondering why things we know are good for us—like yoga, meditation, or rest—don’t always seem to help.

Here’s the truth: it’s not about trying harder. It’s about your nervous system.

That’s where this work comes in.

Using the science of Polyvagal Theory, these sessions help your body shift out of survival mode and into a state of safety, presence, and connection. We do that through a combination of gentle movement, breath, self-touch, and nervous system education designed to help you understand—and support—yourself from the inside out.

This isn’t talk therapy. And it’s not just yoga.

This is embodied, practical support for anyone who’s tired of coping and ready to feel something different.

Hi, I’m Alyssa Thompson Tolosa—research therapist, trauma-informed somatic practitioner, certified yoga and barre instructor, vegan weightlifter, mom of two, writer, and business owner.

And while that might sound like a lot, really—I’m just a woman who knows what it’s like to hold it all together while trying to find moments of peace. I blend the science with the soul, the movement with the meaning, and I meet people where they are—messy, magical, and everything in between.

In this space, I bring together everything I know about the nervous system, movement, and emotional healing to help you feel more grounded, connected, and at home in your body. Whether I’m guiding breathwork, teaching a somatic flow, or holding space for stillness, my goal is always the same: to help you regulate, reset, and remember who you are beneath the overwhelm.

In addition to these sessions, I also run a private therapy practice for California residents, where I offer trauma-informed, mind-body psychotherapy rooted in nervous system healing and relational repair.

How it works
Step 1: Let’s start with a free 20-minute consultation

If you’re curious but unsure, start here.
In this free, no-pressure call, I’ll ask thoughtful questions to get a sense of what your nervous system is currently navigating. You’ll get a feel for how I work, and we’ll explore whether this approach is a good fit for you.

Step 2: First 60-minute session
We begin with a nervous system check-in and move into a guided, customized practice. You’ll learn about your unique stress patterns and how to gently interrupt them using tools like movement, breath, and touch.

Step 3: Ongoing support
You’re welcome to continue with single sessions or on a rhythm that fits your life—weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Each session deepens your self-awareness and regulation skills. You’ll also receive integration guidance to help you carry the work into your daily routine.
What to expect in a session
Every 60-minute session includes:

Gentle movement to reconnect with your body’s natural rhythms
Breathwork to bring regulation and ease
Self-touch & sensory awareness to build internal safety
Education about your nervous system and how to support it
Integration practices to carry with you between sessions

This work is cumulative—each time you return to it, your system learns something new about what it means to feel safe, clear, and grounded.

Session Length: 60 minutes
Rate: $135 per session
(Sliding scale available for those who need it—because support should be accessible. Just reach out if you need a different rate. We’ll find something that works.)
Is this right for you?
This might be for you if:

You’re constantly doing—but still feel like it’s never enough
You’re exhausted but can’t seem to shut your brain off
You feel tense, scattered, or like you're always bracing for something
You try to rest, but don’t actually feel rested afterward
You feel disconnected from yourself, your needs, or your emotions
You want to feel more grounded in your body, but don’t know where to begin

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to be “into yoga.” You don’t even need to know exactly what you’re feeling.

Just come as you are. We’ll start right there.
What you might notice
You feel more grounded and less like you're spinning all the time
You're able to slow down without feeling guilty or uncomfortable
Your body feels less tight, tense, or reactive
You start noticing your needs and honoring them without overthinking it
You feel more like yourself again—calm, clear, and connected
You have real-life tools that help you stay steady when life gets overwhelming
Where sessions happen
In-person sessions are available at LaBarre Studios in San Jose—ideal if you enjoy being in a calming space with real-time, face-to-face connection. These are limited and best for those who want a break from their usual environment.

Virtual sessions are open to clients across the U.S. and internationally, since these offerings are wellness-based and not psychotherapy. You’ll be guided from the comfort of your own space—often the exact place where your nervous system needs the most support.

Both formats are effective. Let's choose what works best for your body, your life, and your comfort.

Come join me on Substack at Letters From the Nervous System

This is where we press pause together.

Every week, I share real talk, nervous system wisdom, and simple somatic tools you can actually use when life feels like too much. Think: grounding voice notes, gentle body-based practices, and reflections that make you whisper, "Wow, I needed that."

Whether you're in sessions or just trying to hold it together on your own—this space is here to steady you.

Because you're not too sensitive. You're not doing it wrong. You're just human with a beautifully responsive nervous system—and it deserves care.

Let this be your weekly exhale.