trauma therapy in Los Gatos
Heal from trauma, transform negative beliefs, and feel safe returning to your authentic, shame-free self.
Trauma
Trauma doesn’t always look the same for everyone. For some, it comes from overwhelming or life-threatening events, such as accidents, abuse, or sudden loss. For others, it builds over time through experiences that may not seem as obvious from the outside—like repeated criticism, bullying, feeling unseen, lack of attachments, or ongoing stress in relationships or at school. Each of these experiences is a form of trauma that matters and is worthy of support.
Living with trauma can feel like being stuck in the past, even when you want to move forward. You may notice feeling disconnected, on edge, or unable to be fully present in your day-to-day life. As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains in The Body Keeps the Score, “Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body.” Trauma is carried in both the body and nervous system, often showing up through physical symptoms, emotional triggers, or patterns that feel hard to break.
Therapy provides a safe space to begin releasing the weight of these experiences. Using evidence-based approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), we can help the brain and body reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel overwhelming or “stuck.” Instead of reliving the past, EMDR allows the nervous system to complete the unfinished processing of trauma, helping you feel more grounded, calm, and connected to yourself.
Most importantly, healing is possible. You don’t have to carry the weight of trauma forever or face it alone. Research shows that EMDR can significantly reduce trauma symptoms—many clients report noticeable relief in a shorter period of time compared to traditional talk therapy. While each person’s journey is unique, trauma therapy offers a path forward: one where painful memories lose their grip, and you can begin to feel emotionally safer, steadier, and more hopeful in your daily life.
Anxiety and Trauma Therapist
With years of experience working in multiple mental health settings—and my own journey through anxiety and trauma—I bring both expertise and personal understanding. This allows me to meet clients with deep empathy and create a compassionate space where clients feel supported.
I believe therapy should be tailored to each person’s unique needs. My work integrates evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to support deeper healing and growth. With children and teens, I often incorporate play and art interventions to create a safe and engaging way to express emotions and build skills. By blending these approaches, I aim to provide compassionate, effective care that helps clients of all ages move toward resilience, self-understanding, and lasting change.