Anca Amariei-Stanculescu: Balance and Well-Being Through Somatic Therapy

Anca Amariei-Stanculescu discovered the strength to change her career during her maternity leave, a time that clarified her mission and desire to inspire, energize, and support people on their path to balance. This pivotal moment led Anca to transition from the corporate world to the realm of somatic therapy and personal development, culminating in the establishment of Eka Center.

Her journey taught Anca that change, while challenging, is achievable. She learned the importance of surrounding herself with trustworthy people, seeking professional support, and adjusting expectations to avoid disappointment. The transition from employee to entrepreneur offered her valuable lessons about resistance to change, fear of instability, and the importance of emotional balance.

Anca’s core values-passion, inspiration, and energy-drive her to overcome obstacles, inspire others, and seek inspiration in return. This is why her advice to young people is to stay curious, seek opportunities to learn, and believe that anything is possible.

C&B: Maternity leave was a moment of reflection for you, one that clarified your mission. How did this period influence your transition from the corporate world to somatic therapy and personal development?

Anca Amariei: Maternity leave gave me the chance to detach, something that would have been very difficult while immersed in the corporate environment. At the same time, I will always be grateful for the over 15 years I spent in the corporate world, as they provided me with the discipline and structure so essential in entrepreneurship.

On the other hand, becoming a parent raised the question, “What do I want to leave behind?” It also ignited a strong desire to show my son what it means to work with passion, driven by a greater purpose, such as the health and well-being of those around us.

C&B: You founded Eka Center out of a desire to support and energize people. How did you manage to transform your personal vision of balance into a center dedicated to well-being and personal development?

Anca Amariei: I achieved this with the help of people and a strong team. First and foremost, my husband, Matei Stănculescu—a psychotherapist, coach, and trainer—was there for me. His energy and determination kept me going through many challenging moments. Equally important was the passion and support of our partner, Diana Iosu from DiFine PR.

Then, there are the over 20 specialists on our team, experts in mental, physical, and relational health, without whom this vision would have remained just an idea on paper. The truth is, their dedication in the therapy room makes the concept of Eka as a “Home of Therapy” a reality.

C&B: You’ve mentioned the importance of having professional support and trustworthy people around you. How have these factors influenced your career success and personal life?

Anca Amariei: Recently, I’ve learned how essential it is for me to feel a connection with people. I can’t work like a robot, driven solely by numbers—emotions, intuition, and chemistry weigh heavily in my decisions. So, I believe my success depends greatly on these energetic and emotional connections with others.

C&B: Change can be difficult, especially when it involves professional life. What advice do you have for those who fear instability and stepping out of their comfort zone?

Anca Amariei: Equip yourself with the emotional skills needed to navigate the unpredictable and to build immunity to change. Connect with people who are already doing something similar to what you aspire to, and who have the experience to guide you. Surround yourself with mentors, coaches, therapists, and a strong social circle that can support you during intense times.

C&B: Emotional balance and professional performance seem to be two of your core values. How can we cultivate a “work smart, play hard” mindset in daily life without compromising our well-being?

Anca Amariei: The key lies in the “play hard” part. By this, I mean we shouldn’t forget to play, even as we aim for business success and professional performance. A playful mindset helps us stay less rigid and more detached.

When I used to do improv theater, there was a principle we followed: “Make your partner look good.” If we apply this mindset to our interactions—with colleagues, partners, suppliers, collaborators, or employees—we naturally bring a sense of play into our work.

This approach influences how we speak to people, how we make offers, write emails, and handle conversations. Our well-being often stems from viewing every interaction with generosity and gratitude. When positive emotions underpin these interactions, even the hardest work becomes a source of positive energy.

C&B: On your journey to entrepreneurship, what have you learned about resistance to change, and how do you manage the fear of instability in your business?

Anca Amariei: I manage the fear of instability by nurturing the mindset that change is constant. This expectation reduces resistance and increases resilience. I continuously think about backup scenarios, resourceful people, and, most importantly, I frequently “zoom out” from the business to regain clarity.

C&B: As a somatic therapist and coach, how do you help your clients discover their own balance between professional and personal life, especially during stressful and uncertain times?

Anca Amariei: I meet my clients where they are, focusing on their “here and now.” Together, we create small anchors to ground them amidst their busy, complex lives. We work on taking small but consistent steps rather than setting grand, long-term goals that might become discouraging.

We also develop practices around mental discipline and emotional hygiene. With clarity in these areas, people can make more conscious decisions about their lifestyles.

C&B: What are the most important lessons about balance and well-being that you’ve learned throughout your career, and how do you apply them in your daily work?

Anca Amariei: I’ve learned that the “always on & always busy” culture we live in is incredibly damaging. We need to relearn how to live simply, disconnect from the “to-do” list, and reconnect with the “to-be” mindset.

These are principles I strive to cultivate more in both my personal and professional life. With the shift to entrepreneurship, the boundaries have become increasingly blurred, and the risk of burnout feels greater. By embracing these principles, I aim to foster a healthier and more sustainable approach to balance and well-being.