I'm writing this as a second-year student in the 6-month Somatica training led by Celeste and…read moreDanielle - a training for people who want to become sex and relationship coaches and/or just want to access powerful info and transformational tools for themselves. I came to Somatica in the throes of the breakup of my loving yet sexually dead marriage. (Actually, I first found Somatica online when searching for help for my spouse and me, but for complex reasons, my spouse was not willing to go.) I wanted a place where I learn how to get my own sexual needs met after a very long and painful drought. I wanted to better understand why I had chosen to partner with a wonderful person with whom I never had great sex -- why we could never break through to the level of sexual joy I'd had with my other partners, and also why I stayed. When I attended the free Intro, I was especially impressed by Celeste and Danielle's combination of leadership and vulnerability. I thought "If I can learn to lead and teach from a more vulnerable place, that alone will make the training worthwhile for me." I got so much more than I even knew I wanted or could get! Leading and teaching from a place of vulnerability is still a growth edge for me, but I have a model now, and validation and encouragement. I also learned sooo much about different sexual scripts and turn-ons, which gave me so much insight about why my spouse and I hadn't connected well, and helped me become less judgmental/fearful, and much more open/playful around turn-ons different from my own. I learned how to be in charge of my own arousal and share it with others, rather than having to wait for them to elicit it in my preferred ways. I learned how easily I could share sexual energy with a wide variety of people, and reveled in the permission to do so. I got triggered and dealt with it. I had some incredibly healing and illuminating practice sessions with class members. I got help. I got challenged. I did some challenging of my own. I got humbled and freaked out at times, but I kept showing up and kept growing. I learned and integrated sooo much about attachment, which helped me finally stop taking the pain of my marriage so personally. Oh, and I learned some incredibly valuable lessons about repair, lessons that I've been able to use to, for instance, transform a tense and angry conversation with my landlord into an exchange of mutual vulnerability and connection! I also learned how to belatedly ask for - and receive - some deep attachment wound healing with my former spouse. I have become much less emotionally reactive in general, much more internally resilient. Of course, this is a path I've been on for a long time, but my experience in Somatica has greatly deepened my learning. All these specifics barely begin to scratch the surface of what I learned and how I changed. There's so much more! I appreciated the experience so much that I signed up to do it again the following year! I'm so appreciative of the curriculum Celeste and Danielle have created, the community they foster, the values they uphold, the wisdom and humility with which they teach. And OK, that said, of course no one is perfect, and no one is a perfect coach or teacher for everyone, and no single 6-month training can truly prepare someone with no prior training to navigate this difficult terrain skillfully. If you are considering working with Celeste, Danielle or anyone else, I suggest you carefully assess whether their personality, values and approach resonate with you, your values and what you seek. I haven't done one-on-one work with either of them, but from my experience in class, I'd say that I believe C&D work with great skill and integrity to try to help you create the sexual and love life you truly want -- yet like everyone, they do have their own biases, and those are bound to influence them (again, this would be true of anyone with whom you might work.) If you are considering working with a Somatica-trained practitioner, check out what other background and training they have; many of the students have enormous amounts of relevant experience, but not all do. If you are considering joining the class, know that this is wonderful, transformational work, and as such, will push you to your growth edges (that's the whole point! but of course, it can sometimes be uncomfortable.) I will say this, though: I'm a tough sell. I've been around the transformational block for a few decades, and for me to emerge from a six-month training and immediately re-up, says a lot :)

I had a terrible experience with one of the people they trained. Emailed them to report it -- never…read moreheard back. Showed me zero compassion, did not even bother to answer. What is their training worth if they won't even answer or acknowledge someone who emailed them reporting a bad experience with someone who they trained? I will not recommend them or their method to anyone. Especially if you have trauma like me.

I loved how Nicole approached working with me not only from listening open-mindedly, but also from…read morean astrological and enneagram perspective. It felt like I was being seen from a more whole, expansive view, which gave us many more angles to find clarity and actionable steps.

Working with Nicole was one of the best investments I've made in myself. She helped me create…read moremeaningful change across multiple areas of my life -- both personal and professional -- in a way that felt structured and achievable. She has a gift for listening without judgment and then translating insights into practical next steps. I appreciated how available and responsive she was, and how focused she stayed on helping me make measurable progress toward my goals. I'm incredibly grateful for her guidance and would absolutely recommend her to anyone ready to grow with intention.

My partner and I went to see Keeley because we had stopped being intimate as often as we both…read morewanted and it was causing issues neither of us wanted. She gently guided us into speaking about the deeper issues we needed to address, while still making it fun. I could not believe how knowledgeable and effective she was, and how quickly she understood what we needed to help our relationship. She seemed to know exactly where we needed to go and what was next. Others on here have said that she is really smart, that is beyond correct! But she is also really caring while being direct and getting to the point. We would not recommend anyone else but her for issues around sex and intimacy. I highly recommend her for couples counseling.

Keeley amazing, smart and caring woman. She is changing my life for the better and I could not be…read morehappier. Every week we tackle new territory, it is challenging and rewarding. I feel like I am learning about how the dating world really works - versus how I have always thought it might work. She is able to see where you are and help you grow into a better version of yourself. I could not have imagined a better fit thank Keeley for this type of material. She really knows her stuff!

I began working with Darshana to better understand my relationship with intimacy and the experience…read morehas been incredibly meaningful. Darshana is kind, gentle, and creates a space that feels safe and supportive from the very beginning. Darshana's guidance is clear and intentional, helping me not just follow steps, but truly understand what's happening internally. All the while setting boundaries. Through our work together, I've been able to connect more deeply with myself and explore areas of growth that I hadn't fully acknowledged before. Which has also helped me become a better partner. What stood out most is how much Darshana genuinely encourages self-work and personal reflection. This isn't surface-level healing it's deep, thoughtful, and transformative. Darshana holds space in a way that feels both grounding and empowering. If you're looking to heal, reconnect with yourself, and explore your sexual spirit in a safe and guided way, I highly recommend starting with an intake, taking a class, signing up for her emails or engaging in one-on-one sessions with Darshana. It's an investment in yourself that's truly worth it.

Darshana has deeply impacted my life, my heart, and my leadership. The way I show up across all of…read moremy relationships, from the personal to the professional, has fundamentally shifted because of her. Her integrity and commitment to cultural sensitivity challenged me in ways no one else was willing to. Because she said the hard things, my entire company and my heart are better for it. Darshana is a true ally. You can feel the depth of her care and her willingness to show up with honesty and integrity. There is an immediate sense of trust with her, especially for those who have not always felt seen or respected. Because of her, I am learning how to be that kind of ally as well. Her work meets you at the core and expands how you show up in every part of your life. -- Melisa Keenan Intimacy Mentor and Founder of the Heart Open Publishing Enterprise

Megan is truly a gem! I consider her to be the #1 dating and sex expert in the Bay Area and…read moreprobably beyond! In a few words, her sessions are deeply empowering, fun, and healing. I found her website over a year ago when I was going through difficulty in my dating life. I bought her package deal and in a few months time, I felt empowered, newly in touch with my feminine energy, and ready to have great experiences. Megan is extremely warm, empathetic, and knowledgeable. Everything she shares is always heartfelt and tailored to the individual. She has equipped me with the tools I need to succeed in my romantic life. Moreover, her sessions are always a blast because of the Somatica element. Her sessions go far beyond what a person can gain in traditional talk therapy settings. She also offers supportive coaching during Covid, which goes a long way!

I am extremely grateful for the therapy I received from Megan. I think I speak for a lot of people…read morewhen I say that having an open, honest discussion about relationships, love, and sex can be very difficult. Personally, there is a lot of intricate and sensitive emotions that come with these topics, so finding someone I trust is extremely important. I'm very glad that I found Megan because she provided a non-judgemental and soothing environment for us to work together. It didn't take long for me to open myself up and trust her. Megan is experienced and wise, and throughout the course of our sessions, she also proved herself to be someone who can adapt on the fly. While she possesses a wide range of great qualities, I believe that her strongest attribute is her empathy - she is extremely skilled in immersing in the "world" of others and emerging with unique perspectives to offer. This is a hallmark trait of a very good therapist. Megan is also someone who has the ability to sit with her own emotions - good and bad - and steer the course of her thoughts in the most optimal way possible. These are rare qualities that many of us have yet to master (or even realize we struggle with). All of this is to say, she lives the truth that she speaks. If you are someone who is considering therapy, I highly recommend reaching out to Megan. You will not be disappointed!

I worked with her some time ago. She was aggressive with me because I was five minutes late (Told…read moreme "she will let me off the hook this time". Yikes!) I told her I didn't like the way she was talking to me, then she got angry and refused to apologize and it turned into an angry fight. She felt like a very judgmental and unsafe person to me. Being attacked for being 5 minutes late? Really? I would not recommend working with her to anyone, that was a horrible experience. Stay away! Especially if you come from a trauma background like me.

Anya holds a beautiful and safe space for you to open up and dive deeper into your inside world. I…read morefeel blessed to have found so many hidden pieces of myself with the help and guidance of Anya. After our ten sessions I certainly feel more liberated and closer to my desires!

Anya is amazing! She listens and provides so much support and thoughtful expertise. We worked with…read moreher for a year and she was able to help us deepen our relationship and become better partners for each other. She creates a space where it is easy to talk about things that aren't necessarily easy to talk about. Thank you Anya!

Did not have a good experience as she was unable to meet with us for several weeks halfway through…read moreand my husband and I paid her over $1,000 for the few sessions we did meet....we did not get the results she mentioned we would achieve.

I found Alison after looking for a relationship / dating coach after being out of the game for 12+…read moreyears and having some pretty bad experiences. Alison has a direct communication style which Im a big fan of, and made a lot of really good points that still stick with me today. I find most therapy sessions to be hit or miss but I felt all of my 1:1s with Alison I left with something to mull over and a new perspective on something I was thinking through. Shes well versed in Bay Area dating dynamics and id highly recommend for other busy professionals looking for feedback

Alison has a great understanding of relationships, human sexuality and interpersonal dynamics…read morebetween partners. She also understands current dating trends as well. Easy to talk to, and non-judgmental, I recommend Alison highly.