Pasadena Trauma Therapist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
I am a therapist specializing in trauma recovery, dedicated to guiding individuals through their transformative journey toward overcoming painful experiences.
Trauma can profoundly impact every aspect of a person’s life, from their emotional well-being to their relationships and sense of self. Whether stemming from experiences like sexual abuse, emotional neglect, or other forms of emotional and physical pain, trauma can leave lasting imprints on the brain and body. It often manifests in symptoms such as hypervigilance, intrusive memories, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty forming or maintaining healthy relationships. Many trauma survivors also struggle with dissociation, where they may feel disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or even their own bodies as a coping mechanism.
I am here to provide a supportive and informed space as you navigate your journey towards healing. I integrate a trauma-informed approach that emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment. I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a proven therapy that helps process traumatic memories, reduces emotional distress, and fosters resilience. I utilize IFS (Internal Family Systems) Parts Work, which recognizes that our psyche can fragment in response to trauma. Parts Work involves identifying and understanding the different parts of oneself — such as the wounded child, the protective adult, or the critical voice — and integrating them into a cohesive whole. This approach can help people gain insight into their behaviors and reactions, develop self-compassion, and cultivate a more integrated sense of self.
In my therapeutic practice, I strive to create a collaborative and supportive environment where we can safely explore these parts of ourselves. My approach prioritizes partnership, focusing on a client-led journey rather than a traditional expert-client dynamic. Many people come to therapy fearing judgment or misunderstanding, but I aim to foster a therapeutic process tailored to your unique needs and experiences.
In addition to trauma-focused therapy, I support clients facing a spectrum of challenges including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship struggles, life transitions, career exploration, etc. These issues often intersect with trauma, exacerbating emotional distress and impacting daily life. My therapeutic approach is grounded in creating a safe and empowering environment where people can explore these complexities and develop personalized strategies for healing and resilience.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with diverse clients and have helped them navigate unique challenges. I have supported individuals at the Southern California Counseling Center and provided critical support as a suicide counselor for the National Suicide Hotline at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. My work primarily focuses on adult trauma survivors and individuals with Complex PTSD, including those who have experienced sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse, substance abuse, and dissociation.
As a first-generation American born to immigrant parents, I bring a cultural sensitivity to my practice that honors my clients’ unique backgrounds and identities. I offer LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC affirmative therapy to ensure that all aspects of your identity are respected and validated in our work together.
As someone in recovery myself, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to my work with clients facing substance use challenges. These experiences have deepened my understanding of trauma’s widespread impact on both individuals and communities. Trauma affects cognitive and physiological functions and can reverberate through generations and communities. My work is dedicated to helping clients uncover their resilience and transform their experiences into stories of healing and strength. I believe that the most challenging topics often hold the greatest potential for growth and recovery.
I look forward to walking alongside you on this journey, helping you navigate life’s most difficult moments, and supporting you in discovering your inner strength and resilience.
Training
EMDR Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing
- Dr. Stephen Dansiger, PsyD, MFT
- Roshni Chabra, MFT
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed
- Richard C. Schwartz, PhD
Domestic Violence: Spousal, Elder & Child Abuse
- Susan Holt, PsyD
Community Resiliency Model
- Marina Compean, LCSW
- Benjamin Hall, MFT
Substance Abuse Treatment
- Wendy Harris, PsyD
Suicide Prevention
- Rebecca Russell
- Sabrina Bella
Narrative Therapy
- Charley Lang, MFT
Education
- Antioch University – Masters in Clinical Psychology
- University of Southern California – Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Cinematic Arts
