Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Menlo Park, CA
See all therapists in Menlo Park
Svetlana Kreimer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Relationships can be hard. Partners struggle with communication, conflicting parenting styles, sexual expressions... Life's challenges, hurtful fights, history of
trauma
or infidelity make it difficult to sustain trust and closeness. How can you create desired connections, and not lose yourself in the process? How can you be true both to self and to your partnership? I invite you to explore these questions together with empathy and curiosity, letting go of habitual judgments, self-deprecation, and shame. I work with individuals, couples, and families. Both traditional and alternative lifestyles are welcome, and no issue is a taboo.
Christopher Sato-Perry
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified
Verified
For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological
trauma
, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (
PTSD
). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.
Not accepting new clients
Wendy Justus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a licensed psychotherapist and EMDR provider who specializes in
trauma
, depression, addiction, life change and attachment issues. I work with adults and older adolescents. I can help with the anxiety and painful feelings that proliferate when coping with challenging life experiences. I am certified to provide EMDR, (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) a powerful and highly effective
trauma
treatment which can greatly improve therapeutic outcome and expedite recovery time. EMDR works with major
trauma
as well as repetitive, "small t"
trauma
like that experienced growing up in a dysfunctional home.
Kai Briana Alexander
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I am a psychological assistant who provides individual and family therapy across the lifespan, with a focus on youth, adolescents, and young adults. I use a cognitive behavioral (CBT) and systems framework to work with individuals on issues stemming from OCD, anxiety,
trauma
, cultural stress, and low confidence. My goal is to provide a safe space for clients to be themselves and learn strategies to lower distress and gain confidence.
Waitlist for new clients
Amy C Friedman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, LMFT, MA
Verified
Verified
Although a generalist, I have specialization in: supporting young adults stepping into the next life phase; healing
trauma
(s); supporting parents including parents of adult children; helping couples understand their dynamics, heal rifts & move toward relationship fulfillment.
Older adolescents, adults & couples are all welcome to my practice. In collaboration with you, I will help guide and support you in attaining your therapy goals by understanding the patterns inhibiting your success, happiness and fulfillment. Together we will chart a therapeutic course specific to who you are and what your goals are. I invite feedback and make corrections as needed along the way. My framework is psychodynamic to which I bring training in other theories/techniques, including: Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, CBT, attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), EMDR and
trauma
focused.
Jason Magers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a licensed psychotherapist and consultant specializing in healing
trauma
. I have extensive experience in the areas of
PTSD
, men's issues, sexual abuse, and the unique challenges of first responders. I believe everyone deserves a safe, secure space that welcomes all of them. Together we will explore the parts of yourself that seem harder to navigate, and over time we can develop a new understanding of the internal walls that hold you back from significant growth and change.
Kelly Saam
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
I use an integrative,
trauma
-informed approach to therapy, weaving humanistic, systems, and attachment-based theories to inform my practice.
*Now accepting new clients for in-person therapy* Welcome, I'm glad you're here. Healing is possible for all people, especially in the context of connection and empathy. My unwavering belief in the goodness of people and the resilience of the human spirit has guided and informed my approach to therapy. I strive to build trustworthy collaborative relationships with my clients in order to find ways to heal, change patterns, and establish more fulfilling lives and relationships.
Dr. Emily Wharton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My individual specialities are OCD, anxiety disorders, and
trauma
/
PTSD
.
I feel most alive when having vulnerable conversations and when exploring identity, connection, and values-based action in the face of difficulty. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California (PSY33737) who provides individual, couples, and family therapy to adults (18+) seeking a supportive, culturally-responsive space to work through challenges and to deepen exploration. My style is collaborative, flexible, and radically genuine. Presence, growth, equanimity, and authenticity are at the heart of all I do.
Dr. Meghan Goulet
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I specialize in working with high functioning individuals who have experienced
trauma
or are experiencing increased levels of stress/anxiety and decreases in their mood.
Stressed? Overwhelmed? Exhausted? Sad? This is your mind's way of letting you know that something is not working. So often we find ourselves pushing through difficulties without taking time to understand or heal from them. Through therapy, I help folks slow down and process where they are at and what they have been through. Together we identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that are keeping you stuck. We process current and past experiences and move through avoidance. This allows you to gain new insights, function at higher levels and release stressors rather than ignoring them.
Devora Weinapple
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC, MA
Verified
Verified
As a board certified art therapist, I use art media, the creative process, and resulting artwork to help individuals, couples and families process
trauma
, reduce anxiety and depression, manage addictions, develop self-awareness, address unresolved emotional conflicts, improve social skills, and build self-esteem.
Whether you've been in therapy before, or this will be your first time; it is important to feel safe and comfortable enough to talk about things that are causing you distress. Are you experiencing life changes, decisions, challenges,
trauma
, illness, or disabilities? Are you looking for a way to cope with anxiety or depression? Do you have nightmares or trouble sleeping? Maybe you have experienced the loss of someone close to you, or a job, or a beloved pet. Or you are just plain stressed out. All the time. Talk can help, but so can non-verbal expressive therapies, in a non-threatening, non-judgmental environment.
Nicole L Bravo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
I specialize in working with
trauma and PTSD
, and I am a Certified Clinical
Trauma
Professional (CCTP).
I am passionate about helping clients access the best versions of themselves by creating a safe and non-judgmental space where they feel comfortable learning new skills and gaining new perspectives. My style is conversational and collaborative. I take time to understand the core values, beliefs, and passions of my clients to best guide them to their desired outcomes. Clients often describe me as calming, intuitive, and supportive. During sessions, I am interactive and well-engaged. I enjoy the process of getting to know each of my clients and adapt my work to fit their individual needs.
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Sean Sprigle
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified
Verified
My specialties include substance abuse (dual diagnosis),
trauma
/
PTSD
, codependency, dysfunctional family dynamics, anxiety, and depression.
Before I was a therapist I was a client struggling with addiction,
PTSD
, and other issues as well. My journey of healing led me to becoming a therapist to help others heal as well. My clients find me to be compassionate, non-judgmental and informative. I tend to work intuitively, while using my training and experience as a guide. I am focused on helping my clients navigate their own healing journey as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
Patricia E Lund
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Have you recently received a medical diagnosis that has thrown you "off your path?" Do you have an upcoming surgical procedure that has you frightened, and you want to be as prepared as possible? Are you scheduling an elective procedure that will make your life better, but that has inherent risks? Or perhaps you need help in healing from a disturbing medical procedure? One of my specialties as a psychotherapist is to help you manage and heal from such events. I have spent 30 years helping people diagnosed with breast cancer, other forms of cancer, and medical crises as well as life transitions, depression, anxiety,
PTSD
, and grief.
Christina Lansdown
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
Thank you for viewing my page! Therapy with me is relational, dynamic, reflective and responsive. You can expect to be challenged, in a warm and supportive environment. Curiosity about relationships and how family history gets carried forward into the present guides my work with children & adults of all ages. I've worked with clients aged 0-101 with an emphasis on connection, authenticity, and mindful self-awareness to overcome a variety of conditions, including low self-esteem, depression, anxiety,
trauma
, grief, phase-of-life and relationship problems. As a Somatic psychotherapist, I also utilize body-based techniques like mindfulness & movement.
Not accepting new clients
Dr. Elizabeth Weiss
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Humans have an amazing capacity to overcome tremendous adversity, yet sometimes a
trauma
or ongoing challenge is so severe that people have difficulty moving past it.
Sometimes life brings challenges that require us to learn and grow in unforeseen ways. These challenges can take the form of an illness in ourselves or a loved one, death, the loss of dreams held dearly, and trials that are part of living and maturing. I work collaboratively with individuals, families, and couples to help them overcome the stressful events they face.
Katherine Hohbach
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Trauma
and its related challenges can cause anxiety and sadness. You might wonder, will this ever get better? How long can I tolerate this bravery? I welcome supporting you. If complicated life themes tend to show up unexpectedly in your relationships, substance misuse, transitions, getting along with colleagues, distancing yourself, public speaking and more, I can help. Let’s collaboratively explore this knotted chain, which is really a portal into what blocks self confidence and connection. We'll find new solutions, reduce or resolve triggers that effect your everyday life in a way that is paced.
Dr. Jean Schellenberg, Psychologist, Inc.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Since 1998, I've used EMDR to treat performance anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, eating disorders, and
trauma
due to divorce, surgeries, accidents, job loss, grief, and abuse.
For years, I have served as a supportive psychologist, teacher, and artist. I specialize in
trauma
and developed a Recovery Model to heal emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The Model also addresses healthier adult sexuality and intimacy. In 1998, the APA gave me an honorary award for my research. My art work is featured in: Transformation of the Psyche: by Drs. Joseph Henderson and Dyane Sherwood. I provide in-depth adult psychotherapy using creative, cognitive, and transpersonal methods. I encourage patient healing through visualization, body/mind/spiritual connection, transpersonal psychology, and dream work.
Renee Burgard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I offer mindfulness-based psychotherapy, with a warm and non-judging approach, for people who are experiencing anxiety, panic, depression,
post-traumatic stress
, infertility, seizure disorders (including atypical seizures) and people with pain and other chronic medical conditions. Sessions involve mostly talking therapy, and may also include (depending on your needs and interests): breathing & body sensation awareness practices; emotional regulation & distress tolerance training; simple yoga & meditation; and compassion, acceptance, gratitude, and loving-kindness practices; and interactive guided imagery.
Dayna Reader
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, C-EMDR, CHT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
PTSD
/ C-
PTSD
/ anxiety/depression do not have to be a life sentence! You can heal completely: mind, body and spirit.
I believe in the innate power of human beings to heal & grow. You don't have to live with the pain of old experiences weighing you down or keeping you stuck; healing is possible & within reach. Are you struggling in relationships or at work? Are you trying to be the parent, friend, or person you want to be, but missing the mark? Do you want to finally learn to accept (& love) yourself fully & unconditionally, & allow others to love you as well? Counseling can help you find freedom & clarity and let go of what's holding you back. I'm certified in EMDR & can offer this modality for healing in addition to traditional talk therapy.
Sheryl Pliskin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Sheryl is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is dedicated to helping adults, adolescents and families recover from
trauma
, loss and thrive while coping with chronic medical conditions. Trained in transpersonal psychology,
trauma
focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR, she uses a holistic approach and is skilled in individualizing the care she offers. Serving in local nonprofit agencies and private practice, Sheryl has offered extensive support to foster and adoptive families and to individuals ready to deepen their personal relationships. Sheryl is able to help individuals reduce anxiety, improve their mood, restore hope, and reconnect with their community.
See more therapy options for
Trauma and PTSD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.