Trauma is not what happens to us, but what remains inside us when we have no safe place to bring what happened.

Trauma Therapy in San Diego

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals heal from painful or distressing experiences that continue to affect their emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Unlike traditional talk therapy, trauma-focused therapy integrates both the body and nervous system, addressing how trauma is stored physiologically, not just mentally. It focuses on helping the brain and body process what once felt overwhelming, so that painful memories lose their emotional charge and can be integrated safely.

One of the most effective and well-researched approaches used in trauma therapy is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR is an evidence-based therapy supported by decades of scientific research and recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for the treatment of PTSD and trauma-related disorders. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess stuck or fragmented traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds). This process mimics the brain’s natural healing mechanisms—similar to what happens during REM sleep—allowing memories to move from a place of distress to one of resolution and calm.
I am trained in both Level I and Level II of EMDR and am currently working toward full EMDR certification, deepening my expertise in helping clients reprocess and release traumatic experiences safely and effectively.

Another powerful and complementary approach I use is Internal Family Systems (IFS), which views the mind as made up of different “parts” or subpersonalities. Some of these parts hold pain or protective roles formed during trauma. IFS helps clients develop compassion for these parts, rather than trying to silence or fight them, leading to greater self-understanding and integration.

Together, EMDR and IFS provide a holistic, evidence-based, and deeply compassionate path toward healing. My approach to trauma therapy in San Diego focuses on helping clients restore a sense of safety, connection, and wholeness — so they can move beyond survival and start living fully again.