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Trauma Therapy

You Don't Have to Carry this Alone

Trauma changes the way you see yourself, others, and the world.
It can leave you feeling disconnected from your body, your relationships, and even your own sense of safety.

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Maybe you’ve been through a single traumatic event that you can’t seem to shake.
Or maybe it’s the result of years of experiences that have left you feeling hypervigilant, shut down, or always “on edge.”

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You might find yourself avoiding certain places, situations, or even people you love. Or you might be doing the opposite — staying so busy and distracted that you never have to slow down and feel what’s underneath.

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Here’s the truth: trauma isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s your body and mind’s way of protecting you. And with the right support, it’s possible to heal — not just cope.

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Image by Vitaly Gariev

How Trauma Therapy & EMDR Can Help

Trauma therapy is about more than talking through the past. It’s about safely processing the experiences and memories that are still impacting your present — so you can feel grounded, connected, and free again.

I use a combination of trauma-informed approaches, tailored to you, including:

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  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) — a research-backed method that helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer trigger the same emotional or physical response.

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) — to help identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and beliefs while building coping skills that support recovery.

  • Exposure Therapy — a gradual, supported approach to reduce avoidance and anxiety around trauma-related triggers, helping you regain confidence in your daily life.

  • Mindfulness-based tools — to help you feel more present and in control when triggers arise.

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For many clients, EMDR is a turning point — helping them move from re-living trauma to simply remembering it, without the same emotional weight. I also offer EMDR intensives, both virtually and in-person in Mission Viejo, CA, for clients who want to work in a more focused, accelerated way. For many people, this can mean making significant progress in less time compared to traditional weekly sessions.

Who I Work With

I specialize in supporting:

  • Survivors of sexual trauma

  • Individuals who have experienced physical or emotional abuse

  • People living with symptoms of PTSD or complex PTSD

  • Couples whose relationships have been impacted by trauma

  • First responders, medical professionals, and others in high-stress roles who’ve experienced secondary trauma.

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What to Expect

Our sessions move at your pace. I’ll guide you through a structured process designed to keep you safe and in control while we work with the memories, beliefs, and body responses that have been holding you back.

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You’ll never be pushed to share details you’re not ready to. Instead, we’ll focus on what feels manageable for you, building skills along the way so you can handle triggers with more confidence.

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I offer virtual trauma therapy across California and both virtual and in-person EMDR intensives in Mission Viejo, CA for those who want to work in a more focused, accelerated way.

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Healing from trauma is possible. You deserve to feel safe in your own skin again — and you don’t have to get there alone.

Sexual Trauma Therapy

Every 73 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. Effects of sexual violence can last far past the initial assault. This can include PTSD, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, shame, lack of self-worth, mood swings, chronic pain, depression, sexual dysfunctions, and more. The statistics are alarming, the residual effects profound, but amidst the darkness, it's crucial to remember: recovery is not only plausible but attainable.

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Every survivor's journey is unique, and acknowledging the complexity of the healing process is the first step toward empowerment. As disheartening as the statistics are, they don't define the potential for recovery. Rather, they underscore the importance of seeking the support and guidance needed to navigate the path towards healing. Recovery is not a linear path, but it is a journey filled with possibilities, growth, and empowerment. If you're considering therapy, know that you're not alone, and it's a courageous step towards reclaiming your life. Know that I am here to walk alongside you, offering guidance, understanding, and unwavering support as you embark on this transformative journey towards healing and self-empowerment.

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Image by Crystal Zhang

EMDR Therapy 

An evidence-based approach designed to help you process traumatic experiences, reduce emotional distress, and pave the way for a renewed sense of well-being

  • EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. Experiencing trauma can affect the brain's natural ability to recover from distressing events. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories through alternating eye movements, sounds, or taps. EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and has demonstrated effectiveness for trauma.

  • Our brains have a natural way to recover from traumatic memories and events. While many times traumatic experiences can be managed and resolved spontaneously, they may not be processed without help. Stress responses are part of our natural fight, flight, or freeze instincts. When distress from a disturbing event remains, the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions may create feelings of overwhelm, of being back in that moment, or of being “frozen in time.” EMDR therapy helps the brain process these memories and allows normal healing to resume. The experience is still remembered, but the fight, flight, or freeze response from the original event is resolved.

  • EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or homework between sessions. EMDR, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue allows the brain to resume its natural healing process. EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. Part of the therapy includes alternating eye movements, sounds, or taps. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies.

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