Mckenna Alyse Crowley
A Queer Somatic Therapist
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #162449
Supervised by Bren J Fraser, LMFT #45649
Break free from patterns that no longer serve you
unravel automatic thoughts contributing to anxiety, depression, stress
explore what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent person
cultivate healthier patterns of connection
Connect your mind and body
Develop a relationship with your authentic self
learn to listen to what your body is telling you
create greater connection between your body and emotions
Use your body as a source of awareness and insight
identify and explore core beliefs
create space to distinguish your needs and values from the voices around you
develop greater clarity around what you truly want and need
cultivate the self-trust to listen to what feels true for you
Areas of Focus
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Identity exploration and self-discovery
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Supporting queer individuals
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Anxiety, depression, emotional overwhelm
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Neurodivergence
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Self-esteem and self-worth
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Relationship patterns and attachment
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Codependency
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Feeling stuck in recurring patterns
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Exploring core beliefs and how past experiences shape the present
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Integrating mind and body
Where I draw from...
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
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Somatic psychotherapy
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Parts work (IFS)
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Core beliefs exploration (Schema Therapy)
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Mindfulness and emotion-regulation skills
What is somatic psychotherapy?
Somatic therapy is a mind-body approach that recognizes that our experiences are not only held in our thoughts and emotions, but also in our physical bodies. Rather than focusing solely on what is happening in your mind, somatic therapy invites you to slow down and become curious about what is happening within you physically - your sensations, emotions, impulses, and patterns of response.
Our bodies are constantly communicating with us. Tension, numbness, restlessness, heaviness, a racing heart, or the urge to withdraw can all be ways your body responds to stress, relationships, and past experiences. By developing greater awareness of somatic signals, you can begin to understand yourself beyond simply thinking your way through what you're experiencing.
Somatic therapy also offers an opportunity to feel your feelings rather than only talk about or intellectualize them. Sometimes we can understand an experience on an intellectual level while still feeling stuck in the emotional or physical patterns connected to it. Instead of analyzing why you feel a certain way, we can gently turn toward the felt experience itself - allowing emotions to be noticed, experienced, and understood through the body.
In therapy, we may gently bring attention to your body and explore what you notice in the present moment. This might involve noticing sensations, movement, breath, posture, emotions, or impulses, always at a pace that feels manageable for you. The goal isn't to force your body to relax or to relive difficult experiences, but to develop a deeper sense of connection, choice, and safety within yourself.
Somatic therapy can help you move out of automatic patterns and into greater awareness - creating space to respond rather than simply react. Over time, this mind-body connection can support you in feeling more grounded, connected to your needs, and aligned with your authentic self.
Your body has its own language. Somatic therapy can help you learn to listen.
My Approach
At the core of my therapeutic approach is the belief that authenticity is essential to living a balanced, meaningful, and aligned life. When we become disconnected from our authentic selves, we may find ourselves feeling out of balance, disconnected from our values, or living in ways that no longer feel fulfilling. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore the experiences, beliefs, and patterns that may have shaped this disconnection, while creating space for deeper self-understanding, self-acceptance, and intentional growth. My hope is to support clients in reconnecting with who they truly are and cultivating a life that feels aligned with their values, needs, and sense of self.
My approach is grounded in empathy, compassion, and an appreciation for the complexity of the human experience. I understand that navigating mental health challenges, identity, and personal growth can feel overwhelming, scary, and isolating. Therefore, I value a therapeutic space where clients feel validated and deeply seen to be empowered in their own process.
Embodied
Queer
Authentic
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Person-Centered & Relational: I believe therapy is built on a foundation of trust, safety, and genuine connection. I strive to create a collaborative space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences.
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Somatic: I incorporate awareness of the mind-body connection, exploring how emotions, memories, and experiences are held within the body. This approach supports clients in developing greater awareness, regulation, and connection with themselves.
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Identity-Affirming/LGBTQIA2s+: I provide an affirming space for clients to explore identity, relationships, culture, and lived experiences. I am especially passionate about supporting queer, trans, and neurodivergent individuals in developing a deeper understanding of themselves.
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Attachment-Informed: I explore how early relationships and attachment experiences shape patterns of relating, emotional needs, self-perception, and connection with others.
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Depth-Oriented & Exploratory: I enjoy helping clients explore underlying patterns, beliefs, and emotional experiences that may influence how they move through the world.
Individual Therapy
$150 / 50 minutes
A space to slow down, turn inward, and better understand yourself, your experiences, and the patterns that shape your life. Together, we can explore emotions, relationships, identity, and the ways you’ve learned to navigate the world. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in self-exploration, authenticity, and meaningful growth.
I work with adolescents starting at age ten, fostering emotional regulation, processing, and identity development.
Couples Therapy
$180 / 60 minutes
Couples therapy offers a space to slow down, understand the patterns that shape your relationship, and reconnect with one another. Together, we’ll explore communication, emotional needs, attachment, and the dynamics that may be creating distance or conflict.
Services In-person in Santa Barbara and Telehealth within California
sliding scale options are available based on financial need.
Out-of-network provider; superbills available for potential insurance reimbursement.
Free 15 minute consultation: 805 705 9961
About Mckenna (she/her)
I identify as queer and neurodivergent, valuing the importance of fostering an affirming an inclusive therapeutic space where clients feel seen, understood, and supported. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Visual Arts from University of San Diego in 2018. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, with a concentration in Somatic Psychotherapy from Antioch University Santa Barbara in 2025. I have experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals at Pacific Pride Foundation located in Santa Barbara, CA. Through my graduate training, I developed a passion for integrating somatic awareness, identity, and embodied experiences within the therapeutic process. My work is guided by the belief that psychological and somatic integration is crucial for holistic well-being.
Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy expressing my creativity through portrait painting and experimenting with jewelry making. I find joy and grounding in spending time outdoors hiking, preparing plant-based meals, and listening to Alanis Morisette.
I must admit, I am a little hyper-focused on self-reflection and exploration which often means I find myself reading, listening to, and watching content on clinical psychology, astrology, and the many ways we understand human behavior. My curiosity about the human experience extends far beyond the therapy room, and I genuinely enjoy exploring the different lenses through which we come to know ourselves.
Fun facts about me...
Contact Me
Free 15 minute consultation
30 W Mission Street
Suite 7
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Instagram: @yourqueerpsychotherapist
Youtube: @mckennaalyse