Trauma and PTSD Therapists in West Central, Pasadena, CA
See all therapists in West Central, Pasadena
Jonna Tamases
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
Life can feel so heavy and hard sometimes. Maybe you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, the effects of
trauma
, or difficulty in your relationships, and there’s a small voice inside you saying, “I’m tired. I want things to feel easier.” -------------------- I hold a space for you that is warm and open, where you are allowed to just BE. Where you can feel safe expressing and exploring what has been weighing you down. I provide talk therapy (including somatic work, mindfulness, and play) as well as EMDR for individuals, children and teens, couples, and families.

Myles Allen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified
Verified
I am also trained to utilize EMDR in the treatment of
trauma
.
My life is spinning out of control. I don’t know what to do with myself. How will I ever cope? Will this ever end? If you have ever experienced these thoughts or something similar, you are not alone. Whether finding a new job or settling down with a partner, sometimes life feels like a never-ending struggle. How you maneuver through life’s difficult circumstances can be emotionally and physically challenging. For example, moving to another country, city, or town (as I did when I migrated from London England to California) or the dramatic changes one experiences at the loss of a loved one.
Not accepting new clients

Amy Burdick
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have seen how EMDR therapy can help people move through emotional blocks with increased awareness of the effect of
trauma
in one’s body and relationships as they deepen the connection to their body.
I have been working as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 years with an underlying curiosity and hope for more in the way of true connection to the self and the other with a focus on
trauma
and attachment related issues. Connection is much more than problem solving and communication skills, but rather an ability to feel safe, secure and seen. I began my practice in community mental health and and primarily with a focus on
trauma
of all kinds (attachment, emotional abuse and neglect, physical abuse, sexual assault, and sexual abuse) with a focus on attachment and somatic responses.

Cristina Lugo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
I have over a decade of experience of supporting teens and young adults through life transitions, depression, anxiety,
trauma
and challenging relationships.
As we walk through life collecting experiences, relationships and hardships along the way, we may land in places of struggle and personal suffering. Whether you are trying to keep up with a changing world, facing adversity or social inequality, or still healing wounds from the past, I am ready to join you on this journey to help you find the path of inner growth and transformation. When we arrive in the therapy room, whether it is in person or virtual, I bring a warm, collaborative and relatable approach to meet you where you are at.

Abigail F. Schoenberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Abby is a
trauma
specialist who helps both children and adults work toward reclaiming their lives in the aftermath of difficult experiences.
Abby is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about supporting her clients on their journeys toward growth and healing. She enjoys creating collaborative therapeutic relationships with each of her clients, acknowledging that they are the experts on their own experiences. She cultivates an environment of safety and open communication, in order for clients to feel comfortable and empowered in their treatment. She prioritizes principles of antiracism and equitability in her practice.

Clara I. Aparicio, PsyD
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I specialize in treating depression and anxiety disorders,
trauma
, chronic pain management, impostor syndrome, life transitions, life and career coaching, and relationship issues.
I am a bilingual, Spanish-speaking, clinical psychologist. My clinical work has focused on providing holistic mental health care, taking into account cultural, family dynamics, spiritual, social-economic, and medical factors that contribute to mental health conditions. Life's journey was never meant to be traveled alone. Our experiences, life's highs and lows, are best lived in communion with others.
Not accepting new clients

Terese Forster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I specialize in
trauma
, anxiety, and relationship difficulties.
As a therapist, my goal is to help my clients heal from the traumas in their life to find true fulfillment and a more peaceful future. To do this, I place special emphasis on valuing the intelligence of each individual's journey. By attuning to your process with compassion, I provide a secure and nurturing environment which makes it easier to explore the challenges you face. My focus is to walk you through the process and help you to find what works best for you. I hold the space for you to become at peace with your past.
Not accepting new clients

Ryan Ashley Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I am a
trauma
informed therapist who understands what it means to have too many competing demands and not enough resources.
Starting the process of exploring challenging memories, finding ways to let light in through the cracks, and get up and meet your challenges can be a difficult task to tackle on your own. I strive to be the person to advocate, provide a safe environment, and collaborate with you during unexpected, unrehearsed times of hardship, heart ache, loss, or just confusing times. I am also an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and dedicated to providing a safe space and affirmative support. My primary goal is to establish therapeutic alliance that fosters hope, healing, personal growth, and insight to continue to get up and show up in the world.

Luke Csehak
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I work from a
trauma
-informed lens that frames my clients as blocked, not broken.
In my practice, I am fascinated by the interplay between language and becoming. Are we just the stories we tell ourselves, or is there something more? I consider it an honor to sit with a client as we explore together the unknown of who they will become, breaking through versions of themselves that, for whatever reason, aren’t working for them, into a greater acceptance of what has been and a renewed curiosity of what can be.

Ann Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from
trauma
-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or
trauma
that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.

Kristen Wheldon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I have specialized experience with those affected by
trauma
including veterans and first responders.
At the core of the human experience are questions. Who am I? Who am I in relevance to others? We live our lives as an expression of that narrative. If you've found yourself struggling to navigate life's challenges, let's work together to ask the hard questions and find ways to improve your quality of life. I work with individuals, couples, and families using evidence-based psychological interventions. Over the years, I have seen my clients break through old and unhealthy patterns to develop new perspectives and confidence for the future.
Waitlist for new clients

Glenda Corstorphine
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I help people understand the triggers that lead to anxiety, depression and
PTSD
.
I enjoy working with people who are open to looking at themselves in new and different ways. I help clients explore how their issues develop and how to make healthy choices toward change. I believe we are all influenced by our most important relationships and in therapy I help clients figure out how past relational patterns are being repeated right now. When we can understand that, we can create new relationship possibilities that work better. I enjoy working with graduate students and professionals in the community. I love helping clients who are involved in the arts (musicians, actors, painters, dancers).

Michael Modresky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
I am EMDR trained and I integrate
trauma
awareness across all my work with clients.
Changing your life can be hard. Figuring out what you want can be overwhelming. Staying stuck is harder. My passion is helping people figure out what they want, what’s getting in the way, and how to move forward. Together, let’s figure out what’s keeping YOU from getting closer to the life you want. Whether it’s looking at your work, love life, family relationships, or a mix of everything, I’m ready to support you in this process.

Dr Emily Hu, PhD - Thrive Psychology Group
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I specialize in treating
trauma and PTSD
as well as other life struggles including addictive behaviors, relationship difficulties, perfectionism, life transitions, and grief.
Thrive Psychology is the premier therapy & counseling center dedicated to women’s wellness. We empower clients to overcome life’s toughest challenges and reach their highest potential. Thrive has helped thousands of clients live their best lives through a growing network of in-person and online services. Thrive therapists are the top of their field and use only the most advanced evidence based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unfulfilled, reach out to us and let us help you THRIVE.

Cathy Trenary
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified
Verified
Our life experiences can lead us to question our identity and purpose in the world we live in. This can lead us to anxiety, depression, and
trauma
. Do you want to improve how you face challenges, function in your relationships, and face overwhelming feelings? I place heavy importance on addressing
trauma
.
Trauma
disintegrates the parts that make up your whole self, which can leave aspects of who you are hidden from your awareness. Left unaddressed, anxiety and depression can worsen, which can rob you of the necessary connection that all human beings need to thrive. I aim to help you process unresolved
trauma
.

Jeremy C O'Brien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
12 Endorsed
Verified
12 Endorsed
I work primarily with clients suffering from family
trauma
(physical/emotional/sexual abuse, domestic violence, attachment, neglect, incest) to re-author their story.
Are you living with the effects of
trauma
or an abusive relationship? It IS possible to move beyond difficult experiences. Therapy is a safe space to tackle the symptoms instead of yourself. Through collaboration we discover strengths inside you that will bring you healing. A traumatic childhood can shape the story you have about yourself and your ability to achieve healthy connections. Unhealthy/Unwanted romantic or sexual relationships can effect how you view love and what you deserve. Let's work together to rediscover YOU, understanding your experience in a way that brings relief, moving beyond events that cause pain.

Sara Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Are you struggling with anxiety, unresolved
trauma
, addiction, fears or relationship problems that interfere in your life? I recognize firsthand the complexities of these issues and am a consistent advocate for those who seek growth and recovery. One day at a time, miracles happen and I have been blessed to be actively involved in 12 step programs for over 32 years. I utilize a variety of cutting edge therapies including EMDR, motivational and other innovative techniques to improve the lives of individuals seeking change. I encourage people to build on their strengths, discover their gifts and live the life of their dreams.

Chantal Daley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
Verified
Do you find yourself having a difficult time coping with anxiety, depression, and
trauma
? Do you have a hard time communicating and setting boundaries with others? Life is full of obstacles and hardships that may be difficult to overcome without the right tools, resources, and, guidance leading to the manifestation of these symptoms. I specialize in working with adults, couples, and adolescents using a Psychodynamic approach to explore unconscious thoughts and behaviors. In doing this, we are able to collaboratively recognize old ineffective patterns and process unresolved feelings and
trauma
.

Britney C. Spell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who graduated from University of La Verne and has a variety of experiences working with children, families, and individuals throughout their lifespan. I work collaboratively with clients to assist them in moving towards healing and integration, acknowledging and validating the struggles along the way while also reorienting clients towards their strengths. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and
trauma
using evidence based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Chelsea Walsh-Rosenn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have found that in addition to working beautifully for
trauma
, EMDR is incredibly effective for the treatment of anxiety, depression, self-esteem and other issues and can be a wonderful complement to traditional talk therapy.
Seeking the support of a therapist can be a powerful step toward increasing self-awareness and the ability to change patterns that are no longer working. Change in therapy happens through a process of increased self-understanding, practicing new ways of engaging (with yourself, with others, with a particular problem or set of issues), and development and practice of coping strategies. I collaborate with my clients to identify and work toward treatment goals, using a combination of practical skills and deeper work to explore and repair root issues that may be contributing to current problems.
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.