Well+Being Holistic Mental Health
Emotional Health & Wellness Tips From The Therapy Couch And Other Places
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW, is a New York State licensed psychotherapist and women’s emotional health expert whose work weaves together the science of the mind, the biology of the brain, and the art of holistic integrative wellness. With nearly two decades of clinical experience, she helps women in midlife navigate the profound emotional, hormonal, and identity transitions that often surface during perimenopause and menopause. In addition, she works with couples to improve communication, strengthen emotional intimacy, and navigate changes in sexual health, relationship dynamics, and shared life stressors. She works with men who are experiencing personal and professional crises, life transitions, stress, mood changes, or relationship challenges. Her approach blends evidence-based psychotherapy with holistic mind-body interventions, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing® techniques, mindfulness, and lifestyle medicine — to address the full spectrum of emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Disclaimer: I am a licensed and fully credentialed mental health provider, but I am not a medical doctor. The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related concerns, including perimenopause, menopause, hormone therapy, or other chronic medical conditions. Reliance on the content on this site is solely at your own risk.
Everyone Is Talking About The Vagus Nerve: Why You Should Care, And How To Keep It Healthy
The vagus nerve is so trendy right now, I half expect it to start a TikTok. But seriously—the vagus nerve isn’t just wellness hype. It’s one of the most important parts of your nervous system, acting as a communication superhighway between your brain and body. It helps regulate heart rate, digestion, mood, inflammation, and your ability to calm down after stress. When the vagus nerve is functioning well, it’s easier to feel grounded, present, and emotionally balanced. When it’s not, you might feel anxious, disconnected, or stuck in overdrive. Supporting vagal tone isn’t just about feeling relaxed—it’s about building a more resilient, regulated foundation for your mental and physical health. Of late, my NYC therapy patients are coming to psychotherapy sessions curious about the vagus nerve and interested in exploring ways to improve vagal tone.
If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, burnt out, or like your body is stuck in “survival mode,” you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. Many people who come to therapy are dealing with symptoms that don’t always make sense on the surface: racing thoughts, a tight chest, digestive discomfort, irritability, and trouble sleeping. What’s often missing from the conversation is the connection between these symptoms and the state of your nervous system. For many New Yorkers, life moves fast—too fast for the nervous system to fully keep up. Constant noise, crowded commutes, long work hours, and the pressure to always be “on” can leave the body stuck in a chronic state of high alert. Over time, this wears down the vagus nerve’s ability to regulate stress effectively. Instead of shifting back into calm after a busy day or a tough interaction, your body may stay tense, wired, or exhausted. You might notice this as anxiety that never fully quiets down, a gut that’s always acting up, trouble sleeping or feeling emotionally reactive over small things. This kind of vagus nerve dysregulation is common in fast-paced, high-stress environments like NYC—but it’s also something therapy, along with nervous system-informed practices, can help you gently repair.