Psychosomatic Self-Care: A Novel Approach
A Novel East/West Mind-Body Approach
Dr. Takakjian created Psychosomatic Self-Care in 2017, an innovative therapy modality that integrates mind, body, and emotions. This groundbreaking approach addresses the root causes of suffering through emotional processing, somatic experiencing, and mindfulness training.
Mind-Body Unity
Eastern wisdom traditions like Buddhism have known about mind-body unity for thousands of years. This approach reduces physical and psychological suffering by reducing inflammation through emotion regulation and thought discipline.
Inflammation & Mental Health
Inflammation is a cause, consequence, or accelerant of all mental health conditions. Blocked emotions and negativity are potent sources of inflammation affecting depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and more.
A New Cathartic Method
This approach goes beyond traditional talk therapy by incorporating somatic experiencing. Clients learn to drop into the body, discover blocked emotions, and physically experience contractions until they dissolve—providing deep insight and lasting relief.
Zazen: Disciplining the Mind
Zen meditation (Zazen) trains the mind to unhook from destructive thinking before it generates harmful emotions. This practice decreases negativity, is potently anti-inflammatory, and increases stress tolerance.
The Wholehearted Way
This is a 12-week biopsychosocial treatment emphasizing how we describe our experiences—not just the content. Do we talk about issues in a dry, intellectual fashion, or do we express ourselves wholeheartedly and passionately, fully experiencing our feelings physically?
"Insight into the origin of our problems without a cathartic experience of them is of little value."
What Clients Say
Clinical Expertise & Approach
37 Years Experience
PhD in Clinical Psychology with extensive training in Addiction, Trauma/PTSD, and Mind/Body Disorders from Stanford VA.
Zen Integration
25-year dedicated Zen practitioner bringing Eastern wisdom to Western psychotherapy for profound healing.
Published Author
Created Psychosomatic Self-Care methodology, an innovative East/West mind-body treatment approach.
Trauma Specialist
Expert in treating PTSD with cathartic and somatic methods that process trauma at the deepest level.
Compassion-Driven
Aspires to the Bodhisattva Ideal - dedicated to relieving suffering with genuine compassion and presence.
Innovative Approach
Integrates cognitive-behavioral, somatic, emotion-focused therapy with mindfulness and Zen practices.
About Dr. Takakjian
Transformative Mind-Body Healing with 37 Years of Experience. Dr. Philip Takakjian is a licensed clinical psychologist who brings together elite training from UC Berkeley, Stanford VA, and the California School of Professional Psychology with 25 years of dedicated Zen Buddhist practice. His unique integration of Eastern wisdom and Western psychology creates profound, lasting transformation.
Creator of Psychosomatic Self-Care. Dr. Takakjian developed an innovative East/West mind-body treatment approach that addresses the root causes of suffering through emotional processing, somatic experiencing, and mindfulness training. His specialty areas include Addiction, Co-occurring Disorders, Trauma/PTSD, and Mind/Body conditions. He utilizes a biopsychosocial model informed by cognitive-behavioral, somatic, emotion-focused, and short-term relational therapy.
A Dedicated Zen Practitioner. As a 25-year Zen student, Dr. Takakjian places great value on presence, naturalness, reflection, and openness. He aspires to the Bodhisattva Ideal - the compassionate commitment to helping others deal skillfully with their suffering. His own experiences with pain and transformation have taught him resilience, courage, and self-reliance, which he brings to his therapeutic work.
Conditions Treated
Education & Training
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Takakjian is currently accepting new clients. Contact our office to discuss how his unique mind-body approach can support your healing journey.