First Responders Therapists in Petaluma, CA
My ideal clients are women, parents, and high-achieving adults who look like they’re holding everything together on the outside, but privately feel anxious, overwhelmed, burned out, or disconnected from themselves. Many come to therapy for support with anxiety, ADHD, perfectionism, motherhood, parenting stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, or the mental load of modern life.
I often work with thoughtful, capable people who are tired of pushing through and ready to understand what’s really going on underneath the overwhelm. Some are exploring late-diagnosed ADHD or wondering if anxiety has been masking ADHD for years.
My ideal clients are women, parents, and high-achieving adults who look like they’re holding everything together on the outside, but privately feel anxious, overwhelmed, burned out, or disconnected from themselves. Many come to therapy for support with anxiety, ADHD, perfectionism, motherhood, parenting stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, or the mental load of modern life.
I often work with thoughtful, capable people who are tired of pushing through and ready to understand what’s really going on underneath the overwhelm. Some are exploring late-diagnosed ADHD or wondering if anxiety has been masking ADHD for years.
I also provide treatment for first responders struggling with on the job trauma related symptoms.
I believe I offer a very no nonsense, practical supportive approach. I am told that i dont come across as judgmental which is important when coming to therapy to talk about things that might be shameful or embarrassing. I worked in the California prison system for seven years so I have pretty much heard it all and can tolerate very difficult subject matter.
I also provide treatment for first responders struggling with on the job trauma related symptoms.
I believe I offer a very no nonsense, practical supportive approach. I am told that i dont come across as judgmental which is important when coming to therapy to talk about things that might be shameful or embarrassing. I worked in the California prison system for seven years so I have pretty much heard it all and can tolerate very difficult subject matter.
Whether you're a teen navigating life’s pressures or an adult facing personal or professional challenges, finding the right support makes all the difference. With a compassionate, evidence-based approach, I am an experienced therapist who helps teens and adults build resilience, improve relationships, and manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Every session is tailored to your unique goals, creating a safe space for real growth and lasting change. Start your journey toward emotional wellness today.
Whether you're a teen navigating life’s pressures or an adult facing personal or professional challenges, finding the right support makes all the difference. With a compassionate, evidence-based approach, I am an experienced therapist who helps teens and adults build resilience, improve relationships, and manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. Every session is tailored to your unique goals, creating a safe space for real growth and lasting change. Start your journey toward emotional wellness today.
Many of the people I work with of all ages struggle with feeling like your emotions are out of control, usually as a result of traumatic experiences or history. It makes me excited help people using DBT (Dialectial Behavior Therapy), including mindfulness with EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to address past trauma. As the trauma is processed and coping skills are put in place, my clients often feel like they are more in control of their emotions, thoughts, and actions.
Many of the people I work with of all ages struggle with feeling like your emotions are out of control, usually as a result of traumatic experiences or history. It makes me excited help people using DBT (Dialectial Behavior Therapy), including mindfulness with EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to address past trauma. As the trauma is processed and coping skills are put in place, my clients often feel like they are more in control of their emotions, thoughts, and actions.
Emily Donahue Counseling
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPC 558
1 Endorsed
Petaluma, CA 94952
When feeling overwhelmed or too stressed, therapy can offer resolve. Life stages require different solutions. We change as we grow, move, have a new job, new relationship and so we match our strategies with where we are. Come meet with me and start the process. Healing happens at any age! Your recovery and rejuvenation will be supported by my trauma-informed approach. My practice offers a blend of compassion and trauma-informed approaches.
When feeling overwhelmed or too stressed, therapy can offer resolve. Life stages require different solutions. We change as we grow, move, have a new job, new relationship and so we match our strategies with where we are. Come meet with me and start the process. Healing happens at any age! Your recovery and rejuvenation will be supported by my trauma-informed approach. My practice offers a blend of compassion and trauma-informed approaches.
Building a family can strengthen your relationship and test it in unexpected ways. Whether you're wondering if parenthood is right for you, preparing for a baby, adjusting to life with young children, or navigating the ever-changing demands of family life, I help couples build strong, connected partnerships through every stage of family building. Becoming a parent was one of the most meaningful and challenging experiences of my own life, and it gave me a deep appreciation for the extraordinary demands placed on couples. I'll help you navigate your current challenges and fortify your relationship to withstand whatever comes next.
Building a family can strengthen your relationship and test it in unexpected ways. Whether you're wondering if parenthood is right for you, preparing for a baby, adjusting to life with young children, or navigating the ever-changing demands of family life, I help couples build strong, connected partnerships through every stage of family building. Becoming a parent was one of the most meaningful and challenging experiences of my own life, and it gave me a deep appreciation for the extraordinary demands placed on couples. I'll help you navigate your current challenges and fortify your relationship to withstand whatever comes next.
Clients that have a desire to live in authenticity with themselves and in their relationships are ideal clients for my practice. Taking a step into the unknown can feel intimidating, but you are searching for a reason. It has been an honor to accompany my client’s on their journey to seek their own truth and understanding, helping to restructure a life of emotional pain and confusion into an empowering experience that feels safe and full of hope. I use compassion, empathy, assertiveness and humor while in the room with my clients and I most enjoy working with individuals who are looking to expand self.
Clients that have a desire to live in authenticity with themselves and in their relationships are ideal clients for my practice. Taking a step into the unknown can feel intimidating, but you are searching for a reason. It has been an honor to accompany my client’s on their journey to seek their own truth and understanding, helping to restructure a life of emotional pain and confusion into an empowering experience that feels safe and full of hope. I use compassion, empathy, assertiveness and humor while in the room with my clients and I most enjoy working with individuals who are looking to expand self.
More Therapists Nearby
I specialize in supporting first responders and their families, mothers in all stages from preconception through postpartum, and current or former athletes working through performance pressure, identity shifts, or life after sport.
I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based approach that helps the brain process and heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. This allows me to support clients in moving beyond feeling stuck, reducing the intensity of painful memories, and building a greater sense of resilience and calm.
I specialize in supporting first responders and their families, mothers in all stages from preconception through postpartum, and current or former athletes working through performance pressure, identity shifts, or life after sport.
I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based approach that helps the brain process and heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. This allows me to support clients in moving beyond feeling stuck, reducing the intensity of painful memories, and building a greater sense of resilience and calm.
Hello,
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. I have a doctorate degree (Ed.d) in Traumatology. I work with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, or a variety of emotions due to life's challenges and circumstances.
My goal is to provide clients with all of the tools necessary to navigate through future situations and to help build resiliency.
Hello,
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California. I have a doctorate degree (Ed.d) in Traumatology. I work with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, or a variety of emotions due to life's challenges and circumstances.
My goal is to provide clients with all of the tools necessary to navigate through future situations and to help build resiliency.
I also have a special passion for helping couples rebuild after a betrayal and have extensive experience working w/ first responders.
As a trauma psychologist, I specialize in treating trauma across the lifespan by helping clients move from surviving to thriving. My work is grounded in evidence based practices, but just as importantly, in empathy, and genuine connection. I am comfortable working with complex challenges, by providing a steady, grounded presence even in the most intense circumstances. Therapy with me is both effective and human. My goal is to make clients feel understood while equipping them w/ tools to move forward independently and with confidence.
I also have a special passion for helping couples rebuild after a betrayal and have extensive experience working w/ first responders.
As a trauma psychologist, I specialize in treating trauma across the lifespan by helping clients move from surviving to thriving. My work is grounded in evidence based practices, but just as importantly, in empathy, and genuine connection. I am comfortable working with complex challenges, by providing a steady, grounded presence even in the most intense circumstances. Therapy with me is both effective and human. My goal is to make clients feel understood while equipping them w/ tools to move forward independently and with confidence.
Ready to stop feeling lost? Do you feel like life is out of control? Are you quick to cry or short tempered? Have you experienced a life changing event? You are not alone. Life and unmanaged stress can leave us wondering how we got where we are and if anything can ever be different. It is easy to walk through life feeling disconnected and numb, like you are just going through the motions. I’m am here to tell you: ‘Life can be different and the answers are within you.”
Ready to stop feeling lost? Do you feel like life is out of control? Are you quick to cry or short tempered? Have you experienced a life changing event? You are not alone. Life and unmanaged stress can leave us wondering how we got where we are and if anything can ever be different. It is easy to walk through life feeling disconnected and numb, like you are just going through the motions. I’m am here to tell you: ‘Life can be different and the answers are within you.”
Client types that this is useful for: highly responsible adults in their work that have high demands on them, people who have difficulty saying no to others, adult children of narcissists, adult children of alcoholics/dysfunction, first responders with vicarious trauma, trauma victims, PTSD, family members of suicide, TBI and family members of TBI.
One of the biggest hindrances to starting therapy is the thought of having to talk about the most painful part of our world. What if there was a way to do therapy where we didn't have to go into your most painful wound? The good news is there's lots of ways to do therapy that can bring comfort and relief right now without having to go into the trauma. There are new ways to start healing without having to dredge up old wounds and re-examine them needlessly. I also work in integrative therapy spaces utilizing plant medicine and ketamine. This has had AMAZING effects for my clients.
Client types that this is useful for: highly responsible adults in their work that have high demands on them, people who have difficulty saying no to others, adult children of narcissists, adult children of alcoholics/dysfunction, first responders with vicarious trauma, trauma victims, PTSD, family members of suicide, TBI and family members of TBI.
One of the biggest hindrances to starting therapy is the thought of having to talk about the most painful part of our world. What if there was a way to do therapy where we didn't have to go into your most painful wound? The good news is there's lots of ways to do therapy that can bring comfort and relief right now without having to go into the trauma. There are new ways to start healing without having to dredge up old wounds and re-examine them needlessly. I also work in integrative therapy spaces utilizing plant medicine and ketamine. This has had AMAZING effects for my clients.
Living well - mind, body & spirit - is the goal many strive for daily. However, sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you find it hard to keep all the balls of life going.
Working as a professional Social Worker for many years in hospitals and various other settings has afforded me the opportunity to have extensive experiences with clients that have had multiple needs. My specialties include: general life adjustments, crisis intervention, grief and loss, substance abuse, trauma, mild to chronic medical conditions and illnesses, interpersonal violence (Domestic Violence, Abuse and Sexual Assault), community violence, re-entry and adoption/foster care issues.
Living well - mind, body & spirit - is the goal many strive for daily. However, sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you find it hard to keep all the balls of life going.
Working as a professional Social Worker for many years in hospitals and various other settings has afforded me the opportunity to have extensive experiences with clients that have had multiple needs. My specialties include: general life adjustments, crisis intervention, grief and loss, substance abuse, trauma, mild to chronic medical conditions and illnesses, interpersonal violence (Domestic Violence, Abuse and Sexual Assault), community violence, re-entry and adoption/foster care issues.
Welcome to somatic therapy!
As a clinician, I practice integrative, somatic, holistic trauma therapy, tailored to meet your needs and context. I am adept with a number of theoretical orientations and modalities, and work comprehensively with myriad issues.
Finding your own center of gravity and agency, understanding your relationship with yourself, and how you've learned to navigate life in survival is where we begin. Finding a connection to your own wholeness and metabolizing fear is some of the work we will do. Transforming limiting patterns, self judgment, that diminish your capacity to participate in life is our aim..
Welcome to somatic therapy!
As a clinician, I practice integrative, somatic, holistic trauma therapy, tailored to meet your needs and context. I am adept with a number of theoretical orientations and modalities, and work comprehensively with myriad issues.
Finding your own center of gravity and agency, understanding your relationship with yourself, and how you've learned to navigate life in survival is where we begin. Finding a connection to your own wholeness and metabolizing fear is some of the work we will do. Transforming limiting patterns, self judgment, that diminish your capacity to participate in life is our aim..
As a psychologist and nurse practitioner, I understand both the physical and emotional impact of a change in health: whether a new symptom or a worsening of a previous condition. A single symptom, medical or dental, if severe enough can 'bring anyone to their knees.' Symptom management, resilience, and coping skills improve quality of life in the face of a persistent health challenge. I'll help you understand the problem, the treatment options offered by your team, & help you make decisions that reflect your values, needs, and comfort requests.
As a psychologist and nurse practitioner, I understand both the physical and emotional impact of a change in health: whether a new symptom or a worsening of a previous condition. A single symptom, medical or dental, if severe enough can 'bring anyone to their knees.' Symptom management, resilience, and coping skills improve quality of life in the face of a persistent health challenge. I'll help you understand the problem, the treatment options offered by your team, & help you make decisions that reflect your values, needs, and comfort requests.
We are complex; we go through iterations of ourselves. It's a healthy part of being human. My job is not to judge you but to make space to encourage your next iteration. In our lifetime we will be messy and beautiful; kind and mean; complicated and simple. We are allowed to change & grow - it's not always easy. I'm a straight shooter who will tell it like I see it and compassionately challenge you. You're not "too much" for me. I don't see your challenges as deficiencies, but rather as coping skills that are no longer working for you. I'm client focused and I allow you to set the pace, flow, and tone. I meet you where you are.
We are complex; we go through iterations of ourselves. It's a healthy part of being human. My job is not to judge you but to make space to encourage your next iteration. In our lifetime we will be messy and beautiful; kind and mean; complicated and simple. We are allowed to change & grow - it's not always easy. I'm a straight shooter who will tell it like I see it and compassionately challenge you. You're not "too much" for me. I don't see your challenges as deficiencies, but rather as coping skills that are no longer working for you. I'm client focused and I allow you to set the pace, flow, and tone. I meet you where you are.
Welcome. I am dedicated to helping people reconnect with themselves and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. I believe therapy should feel authentic, supportive, and empowering, and I strive to create a space where pts feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are.
Welcome. I am dedicated to helping people reconnect with themselves and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. I believe therapy should feel authentic, supportive, and empowering, and I strive to create a space where pts feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are.
Do you feel stuck in the same argument with your partner, or find yourself shutting down and avoiding instead of saying what's actually wrong? I work with couples in crisis and with emotionally avoidant men who were never taught how to name what they feel and are suffering because of it. I'm PACT trained, using attachment-based work to help you repair old wounds, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect, with your partner and with yourself. I'm kind and direct: I won't just listen and nod along. Virtual therapy throughout California
Do you feel stuck in the same argument with your partner, or find yourself shutting down and avoiding instead of saying what's actually wrong? I work with couples in crisis and with emotionally avoidant men who were never taught how to name what they feel and are suffering because of it. I'm PACT trained, using attachment-based work to help you repair old wounds, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect, with your partner and with yourself. I'm kind and direct: I won't just listen and nod along. Virtual therapy throughout California
Welcome! Our clients are as young as 5-years-old to adults of all ages. They are motivated to invest time and energy into their well-being in order to transform their experience and improve their quality of life. The challenges our clients face may be needing to learn how to navigate their emotions and manage their stress, needing to increase their self-awareness so they can articulate their experience and advocate for themselves, resolving trauma from their past, finding meaning in their lives, or general support as they live out their lives. Your goals determine what we work on to achieve the results you want for your life.
Welcome! Our clients are as young as 5-years-old to adults of all ages. They are motivated to invest time and energy into their well-being in order to transform their experience and improve their quality of life. The challenges our clients face may be needing to learn how to navigate their emotions and manage their stress, needing to increase their self-awareness so they can articulate their experience and advocate for themselves, resolving trauma from their past, finding meaning in their lives, or general support as they live out their lives. Your goals determine what we work on to achieve the results you want for your life.
Whether you're trying to navigate pregnancy, postpartum anxiety or depression, a career transition, a recent medical diagnosis, anxiety or stress, menopause, separation, divorce, or some other type of loss ... we're here to help. Life is full of ups and downs. But you don't have to go through any of them alone. Big Life Change Therapy is a diverse group of counselors, therapists, and mental health professionals that are here to answer your questions and provide the emotional support you need and deserve, as you explore who you are, what you're going through, and chart a path forward that feels right for you.
Whether you're trying to navigate pregnancy, postpartum anxiety or depression, a career transition, a recent medical diagnosis, anxiety or stress, menopause, separation, divorce, or some other type of loss ... we're here to help. Life is full of ups and downs. But you don't have to go through any of them alone. Big Life Change Therapy is a diverse group of counselors, therapists, and mental health professionals that are here to answer your questions and provide the emotional support you need and deserve, as you explore who you are, what you're going through, and chart a path forward that feels right for you.
See more therapy options for Petaluma
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for Petaluma
- Corte Madera
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- San Anselmo
- San Rafael
- Santa Rosa
- Sausalito
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First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.