Pasadena Trauma Therapist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Trauma leaves many legacies: thoughts we don’t want, body sensations we don’t like, and reactions we don’t understand. Underscoring many of these experiences is a felt sense of shame: the belief that something about us is inherently wrong, deficient, or unfixable.
At their core, our problems are relational—shame included. They form because we internalize negative beliefs about ourselves and our experiences. These beliefs are maintained by society and others around us. Even long after we have forgotten those early experiences, their effects touch every aspect of our lives.
Each of us is made up of different parts of self—some we like and others, less so. However, each part, appreciated or otherwise, is developed to serve a function. Our parts make up the whole that has allowed each of us to survive to meet the present moment. None of our parts are wrong or bad; all represent exquisitely human attempts to cope with experiences that overwhelm us. The problem then becomes: how do we manage the parts of ourselves that we are inclined to reject, dismiss, or hide? To me, the solution begins with entering into a relationship of collaborative investigation, one in which we feel safe to try things out, change our minds, and learn to live in line with our own values. In therapy, I will be walking alongside you as your advocate and ally, helping you to both uncover and embody your internal sources of strength.
As a queer cis woman, I have a particular passion for working with queer, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals. I recognize that the intersections of trauma and gender/sexual identity often create unique challenges, including experiences of marginalization, invalidation, and exclusion from both family and community. My goal is to provide a safe, affirming space where you can explore and process these layers of identity without fear of judgment. I approach this work with cultural humility, actively learning from and alongside clients as they navigate their personal journeys. The recent election cycle has been particularly challenging for members of our community; uniquely so for survivors of trauma. Whether you are navigating gender dysphoria, coming out, or facing systemic discrimination, I am here to support you in embracing your authentic self and finding healing on your own terms.
My stance with clients emphasizes the role of caring collaborator and unwavering teammate with less focus on the role of expert guide. Many of my clients have begun therapy fearful that they would be embarrassed, judged, or misunderstood while exploring their reality. In our work together you can expect therapy that is client-led and supportively self-paced. My practice is rooted in an integrative approach that values the uniqueness of each client’s experience and perspective. I work predominately with adult trauma survivors/ Complex PTSD (sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse, dissociation, incest, cult survivors, etc).
The treatment I offer is adapted based on client needs and incorporates trauma-focused ACT, IFS / parts-work, person-centered psychotherapy and existential psychotherapy. Additionally, I am trained to offer EMDR, an efficacious modality that targets present-day symptoms that are connected to past events. Finally, I have completed Master’s level coursework in secular Mindfulness practices, which I draw upon to increase clients’ awareness of present-moment experiences. The unique combination of these modalities allows me to tailor treatment to suit the needs and preferences of each individual. I aim to foster a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their experiences in a way that feels right to them.
Trauma and resilience reside concurrently and the things that are hardest to talk about can become crucial elements in our stories of healing. Much of my work has been helping clients deconstruct their identities and begin to seek meaning in their lives beyond the burdens of the past. I look forward to joining you while we work together through life’s most challenging and vulnerable moments.
Trainings:
EMDR Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing
- Michelle Gottlieb, PsyD, MFT, LPCC
- Curtis Rouanzin, PhD
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed
- Richard C. Schwartz, PhD
Survivors of Domestic & Intimate Partner Violence
- Susan Holt PsyD
Kink Affirming Care
- Ferris Oxide
Polyamory & Non-Monogamy
- Alex Blake, AMFT
Bisexuality: Not Queer Enough
- Rebecca Haws, AMFT
Competent, Affirming Practice with Older Lesbian and Gay Adults
- American Psychological Association
- Jennifer Hillman, PsyD & Gregory Hinrichsen, LMFT
Affirmative Care with Transgender / Gender Diverse Youth
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- Daran Shipman, LMFT
ASAM Modules I & II
- The Change Companies
- Alyssa A. Forcehimes, PhD
Education
- University of the West – Master of Arts in Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy
- San Francisco State University – Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
