Carissa Robinson, LMFT

03/13/2026

For most of my career I’ve worked as a talk therapist, and I deeply believe in the power of talk therapy.

But over the years I started noticing something. People could gain insight, build skills, and understand their patterns… yet sometimes still feel stuck.

Talk therapy is largely a top-down process. We work through the mind and language.

But our bodies and nervous systems don’t always process life that way. They don’t always know time, and they don’t always speak in words.

Around the same time, my friend Allison Heilmann, CPT, a personal trainer, was noticing something similar in her work. While guiding clients through movement, emotions would sometimes surface. Something would unlock or release.

We started talking. A lot.

About the science. The psychology. The body. Movement. Nervous systems. Healing.

For over a year we met, dreaming about creating a space where these worlds could come together. A place where people could move, breathe, connect, and explore what it means to feel at home in their bodies. A place where healing and community could exist side by side.

That’s how Stillness in Motion was born.

We’re continuing to learn and explore the research around somatic work and nervous system health, and we’re excited to begin sharing it through classes, workshops, and gatherings here in the South Bay.

If this resonates with you, we’d love to have you follow along.

https://www.instagram.com/stillness_in_motion_collective?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

04/17/2025

Understanding Attachment Styles:

None Are Good or Bad

Attachment styles are patterns we develop early in life, shaped by our experiences with caregivers, that influence how we connect and respond in adult relationships. They’re not “good” or “bad” they’re adaptations to our unique histories, especially wounds from our upbringing.

When something triggers us in a relationship, like a partner saying something hurtful, our attachment style colors our unconscious beliefs, emotions, and protective behaviors. Noticing your style isn’t about self-judgment. It’s about recognizing your triggers so you can use skills and techniques to respond more intentionally and compassionately.

• Secure: Comfortable with closeness, able to express needs and trust partners.

• Anxious: Craves connection, worries about rejection, may become clingy or preoccupied.

• Avoidant: Values independence, may withdraw or shut down when hurt.

• Disorganized: Desires closeness but fears it, leading to confusing or unpredictable reactions.

Your attachment style is not your fault, and it’s not fixed. Awareness is the first step to healing and building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

“Your attachment style is your mind’s template for how safe you are in a relationship. The goal is to increase your personal awareness rather than to simply label yourself or your partner.”

If you notice your patterns, you can start to use new tools when triggers arise. That’s growth. That’s healing. And that’s the path to more secure, connected relationships.

03/10/2025

I wanted to share an exciting opportunity with you all. I’m collaborating with Beach Life Fitness Boutique to host a Menopause Half-Day Retreat on March 22, 2025, from 12-4 PM.

This event is designed to provide a transformative and informative experience for women navigating menopause.

Event Details:
Cost: $249 until March 8th, then $299

• Includes:
• Informative session with a certified OBGYN
•Healthy plant-based lunch
• Mini mobility & movement class
• Session on “eating for hormonal changes” by a registered dietician
• Mental Health Session: Carissa Robinson, LMFT and Pam Jacobson, LMFT, will lead a breakout session on managing emotional changes during menopause
• Sound bath healing and meditation

Refund Policy:
• Full refund if canceled by March 14th.

This event was previously postponed due to the Palisades and Eaton fires, but we’re excited to move forward now.

If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please reach out to me via email:

CarissaLMFT@gmail.com or text at 310-882-8175.

Please spread the word and support this wonderful initiative!

01/11/2025

Tonight, the sunset painted the sky with breathtaking beauty, a stark contrast to the fires that continue to devastate our communities. These photos are a tribute to resilience—a reminder that even in the face of destruction, moments of light and hope persist. My heart is with everyone affected by the fires

01/09/2025

May all beings be safe.

May the flames subside, and the winds calm their fury.

May those who have lost their homes find shelter and solace.

May the first responders be protected in their courage and service.

May families, pets, and all sentient beings find refuge from harm.

May compassion and wisdom guide us through this trial,
And may the earth heal from this devastation.

With gratitude and mindfulness, we dedicate this prayer to the relief of suffering and the restoration of peace.

12/27/2024

09/01/2024

Life is less stressful when you mind your own business. Seriously! When we focus on our own journey and let go of the need to control or comment on others, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress. Setting boundaries and prioritizing our own well-being not only creates a more peaceful life but also allows us to grow authentically. So, let’s embrace our own paths and leave the drama behind!

08/31/2024

Choosing authenticity over the need for approval has been a transformative journey for me. As a therapist, I’ve seen how many of us struggle with the desire to be liked, often at the expense of our true selves. It’s easy to fall into the trap of sacrificing our values and boundaries just to avoid confrontation or gain acceptance.

However, I’ve learned that true fulfillment comes from being genuine and staying true to who we are. It’s okay if not everyone likes us; what matters is that we honor our own feelings and needs. When we set boundaries and embrace our authenticity, we create deeper connections with those who truly appreciate us for who we are.

Let’s celebrate the courage it takes to be ourselves! Remember, your worth is not defined by others’ opinions. Embrace your uniqueness and prioritize your well-being.

08/29/2024

In every relationship, disagreements are inevitable. What truly matters is how we handle them. Instead of getting defensive or shutting down, let’s get curious with our partners. Ask questions, seek to understand their perspective, and show empathy. This openness fosters trust and connection, turning conflicts into opportunities for deeper understanding and growth. Remember, it’s not about being right; it’s about being connected.

08/28/2024

“If you look back only at your mistakes, you’d think you were an idiot. If you look back only at your wiser choices, you’d think you were infallible. But if you look back on everything, you realize you’re a human being who has been through a lot, grown a lot, is always still learning, and improving as time goes by.” - Doe Zantamata

08/26/2024

I wanted to share an eye-opening article from NPR that delves into the challenges therapists face when working with insurance companies. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I entered this field to help people, but the system often makes it difficult for both therapists and clients to get the support they need.

The article highlights how insurers frequently restrict mental health coverage, delay or deny treatment, and interfere with clinical decisions. This has forced many dedicated therapists to leave insurance networks, myself included, which makes it even harder for clients to find the care they need.

I apologize for the way the system is set up and the barriers it creates. It's heartbreaking when even my friends and family struggle to find qualified therapists who accept insurance. I hope this article helps shed light on these issues and encourages a conversation about how we can improve access to mental health care.

https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/08/24/nx-s1-5028551/insurance-therapy-therapist-mental-health-coverage?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0pOilPz9a0V_GSUoIDV2zfN4tixIOyCch5IaXI-vjvqDA8lAtysvbMq3M_aem_DRtCmceLoJbaVRf3DdpaWg&ai=