Trauma Focused Therapists in Newport Beach, CA

Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences that leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.

Childhood is the single most important predictor of well being in human development. Many of us have buried memories into our subconscious, the painful and the good. By approaching the issues holistically, we will help you live the life you want. Wellness, in its literal definition means a healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit. My role as a therapist is to guide you toward finding that balance and connection to self. We will explore how your thoughts, emotions, body, childhood experiences, relationships, and current environment are contributing to your distress and healing.

I am dedicated to helping clients gain more insight, balance, and happiness in their lives. Together we can uncover underlying reasons for symptomatic behaviors and emotions and address those to learn healthier, more productive and beneficial ways to deal with challenging situations. As a transpersonal therapist, my goal is to help clients gain greater self-knowledge and richer inner lives. Identifying areas of concern and learning ways to heal and triumph adversity can be challenging; however, I believe that together we can produce meaning from them and become resilient.

Ms. Sarah Escalante is a Licensed Therapist practicing in Newport Beach. Sarah has over 8 years’ experience providing psychotherapy to pre-school and school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults in outpatient and public school settings. Sarah provides a safe space in therapy through empathy and compassion and she tailors each client's treatment to their specific individual needs. She is dedicated to assisting her clients in meeting their goals, improving their lives, and making lasting changes toward wellness.

You love your child, but raising them is a different story. They are falling behind in school, they are sneaking out, and they refuse to listen. There is chaos in the house and the arguments seem never ending. Respect is gone and the power struggle continues. Judgement and shame comes from friends and family members and you are at a loss of what to do because no matter what you've done, nothing seems to work. You must be overwhelmed and exhausted. Don't blame yourself for your child's out of control behavior!

I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking licensed psychologist who uses evidence-based approaches working with children, teens, and young adults. I utilize cognitive-behavioral (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy for adolescents (IPT-A), and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) to develop collaborative relationships and reach my clients' goals. I specialize in providing a culturally sensitive approach to treating anxiety, depression, and stress/trauma. I have specialized training in treating chronically ill youth by providing support with new diagnosis, adjustment to treatment, and managing health behaviors.

Join me on a journey to better your relationships, communication, and support system. We can partner together to process hurt, grief, and relationship issues. If you feel like you are running out of options, your relationships are strained, or you need a solid foundation with skills that you can use, then I commend you for taking this step. I teach couples and individuals science-based tools for communicating to improve your relationships and keep them strong. I also provide a safe space that is free of judgement where you can explore your past, present, and future on your own terms, at your own pace.

I know that traditional therapy can be intimidating and unaffordable for many. After spending thousands of hours over the past decade helping clients from all ages, profiles and backgrounds, this is what I’ve learned: We all have meaningful and complex stories. We carry pain, trauma, and wounds with us from our past in our own respective way. We’ve adopted unhealthy patterns from our past relationships and unique family systems that we tend to bring with us into our present life. And we crave many of the same things: healing, transformation, and healthy, thriving relationships with our partners… and ultimately — ourselves.

Seeking help can be scary and exciting, and it takes a lot of bravery and courage to take the initial step. You may be feeling like you are depressed and anxious due to your trauma. I aim to meet you where you are mentally and emotionally and help you grow, learn skills, and adapt to new changes. We can work together to identify your goals and needs and address the emotional and behavioral challenges you experience.

I am so happy that you have decided to seek help for your child, adolescent, or young adult. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S). I am also certified in Trauma Focused -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I worked for the County of Orange where I provided mental health services using play, sand, and art therapy to help clients express themselves in a trusting and safe environment. I am able to help my clients with a variety of issues and problems related to childhood abuse, trauma, bullying, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Dr. Ibrahim completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Arizona State University, with an emphasis on clinical child and health psychology. She then completed her clinical internship at the UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and post-doctoral fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Dr. Ibrahim flexibly uses evidence-based modalities backed by research to guide her treatment, adapting the approaches to each individual’s needs. She is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Orange County and online for residents of California. I provide therapy for people with expansive and challenging experiences of intimacy, relationships, struggles with mental wellness, trauma, grief and loss. ​

"At the center of your being, you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want." -Lao Tzu. I believe this to be true for all individuals, though depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms can obscure this understanding, leaving us lost and confused along the way. I work with individuals and couples who have deviated from or lost sight of their values, and are looking for guidance in defining and living a life of peace and purpose.

At time, life provides us with the opportunities that enable us to grow and accomplish. However, at times it also presents itself in the form of a challenge. These life events can take a toll on our mental health and leave us feeling hopeless, unmotivated, lost, and stuck. I am passionate and confident in my ability to make a difference in the life of my clients. Having been through many touch patches myself, I understand well the importance of regaining one's own sense of purpose, strength, and dignity. I have experiences working with both children and adults using individual and family therapy modalities.

We live in a complicated world! Maybe you are seeking tools to manage a temporary challenge...or perhaps are coping with issues that have persisted for some time. No matter the obstacle, we all have the capability to problem solve. However many of us feel unprepared, alone and overwhelmed when facing emotional burdens. That's where it really helps to have a professional available to guide and support us.

Congratulations on taking the first step toward emotional healing and reclaiming your inner power. There is a misconception that something is wrong with us if we need therapy. But the truth is that humans need other humans; we thrive in community and support. Therapy is a place to find support, to go inward and connect with yourself. My framework of practice is eclectic, using CBT, trauma-focused and culturally sensitive interventions, mindfulness and a systems approach—together we can find a more hopeful future & start living more fully in the present moment as you regain agency in your life.

Do you feel stuck in a rut? Have you tried what feels like everything and it still is not working? I am here to help. The therapy room is a great place to explore yourself and find growth. My style is warm and accepting, and I like to work from my clients' perspective.

Sometimes the world seems dark, troubling, overwhelming. As humans we are faced with so many choices, possibilities are endless and there are so many unknowns. In the midst of uncertainty, it may seem daunting to reach out for help. Buried deep within the unknown, the darkness, the overwhelm, is the spark of inner light. You know it is there but may appear just out of reach. The light of clarity, of purpose and forward movement is a possibility, and you are ready to come out of the darkness and turn towards this light. We are dedicated to helping you uncover the layers of darkness, and find this inner light.