AN INTEGRATIVE, HOLISTIC APPROACH TO EMOTIONAL AND NERVOUS-SYSTEM HEALING
Support in the most GENTLE, SAFE, NATURAL way possible.
Compassion over correction
Safety first, always
Whole-person care
Integrity & clarity
Lived-experience informed
EMBODIMENT THERAPY PRACTITIONER • HOLISTIC HEALTH EXPERT • 27 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Meet Alicia Le Van
Serving clients in York, Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire (in-person and remote)
EDICATION & CREDENTIALS
• Master’s degree in Art Therapy
• Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
• Additional training in somatic-informed + holistic approaches
• 27+ years of professional experience supporting emotional and mind-body wellness
I integrate art therapy principles, nervous-system education, reflective conversation, body-based awareness, and holistic-wellness tools into a supportive, non-clinical environment.
My practice is rooted in a simple truth: our emotional life doesn’t live only in our mind, it lives in our body. Our tissues carry our experiences and trigger nervous system responses to memories. We react in our relationships in the ways we have subconsciously learned to protect ourselves. Real support means making space for working with all of this, with kindness and respect, so real inner growth can happen.
Over the past three decades I’ve studied psychology, creative and expressive therapies, somatic-focused practices, nervous-system regulation, bodywork, holistic wellness, and trauma-informed approaches. I bring these threads together into steady, compassionate one-on-one counseling for people who feel deeply, care deeply, and are ready to foster intimacy with themselves so they can experience more connection and joy in their lives independently from others, which in turn creates more positive relationships.
A bit of my story
Like many of the people I work with, I grew up with some less than ideal role models for self care and healthy relationships. I had to grow up fast… I walked through crisis, grief, trauma, loss, and major life transitions. I was always the sensitive one, intuitive, caring, overly aware of others, while quietly holding more than could process- without the guidance I needed.
I am an empath, and this comes with many gifts, but with gifts come challenges. In my spiritual core I could see and feel what real love and happiness looked like- my friends all saw me as a strong, independent positive force. But in my romantic relationships I my compassion was for others was hurting myself, I attracted narcissists and other forms of emotional dysfunction, and stayed too long with them hoping they would change. I had to learn to change this pattern, I had to change myself.
Learning to slow down, listen to my body, identify my feelings and regulate my nervous system, and to fully accept myself changed everything. It gave me steadiness, agency and strength - a way to come home to myself, and find profound peace there. I no longer fell prey to victimizing behavior, I knew how to recognize what was unhealthy for me, how to disarm this kind of behavior, how to let go and move on.
This is why the work matters to me, it is born from my personal experience, anchored in real life results, backed by specialized professional training with evidence based practices, and seasoned with wisdomyears of client care.
Where I practice
I have a comfortable counseling office with an attached studio for somatic work and movement. This is a space your defenses will soften, your nervous system can relax. Where every part of you is welcome, and you can exhale deeply. You are not broken; you just need to find your balance point.
I offer in-person sessions in:
266 York St, York, ME
426 Middle St, Portsmouth, NH
and online sessions for eligible clients who prefer remote work.
If you’re here, you’re already doing something brave
Reaching out for support takes courage, especially for people who are used to being the strong one. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected from your body, or simply ready to meet yourself with more compassion…