Trauma Focused Therapists in Rocklin, CA

Are you feeling stuck, depressed and are finding it hard to feel joy in most things? Are your nerves getting on your nerves? Do you look in the mirror and ask, “Who are you and what have you done with the happy and confident person I used to know?” Life can be challenging and when faced with adversity, moving forward can seem impossible. Even if you aren't having current feelings of anxiety or depression but find yourself going through a tough time, have sporadic feelings of overwhelm, or are frustrated by loved ones and feel powerless, you can use support. That's what I like to be for my clients, a reliable support & a safe place.

Events in our life and our relationships can leave us feeling sad, depressed, angry, hopeless, overwhelmed, anxious, or lonely. When we finally realize enough is enough, it’s time to make a change. But how do we do that? It’s easy to feel lost and stuck on how to bring about change. I help adults, children, teens, couples, and families get unstuck and find a way forward in their life and relationships. If you’re ready to make a change, let’s talk.

One of the simplest and yet most profound questions I've ever been asked is, "What's your WHY?" In a bat of an eye, I knew my WHY. I truly believe EVERYONE holds the ability to make change. I believe people are over comers and hold the power to break cycles, fight a battle so their children won't have to, discover their purpose, find freedom in forgiveness. I have seen how hard and cruel this world can be, but I have also been privileged to bear witness to radical change. No one is beyond change. No one is beyond healing. Everyone can discover their MEANING, PURPOSE, and JOY.

I have had the privilege to work with individuals, children, teens, and families to provide support for anxiety, depression, behavior issues, parenting concerns, exploration of spirituality and religion, communication challenges, and family relationship difficulties. I have been trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and enjoy encouraging and supporting caregivers as they learn how to navigate the joys and struggles of parenting. I have also been trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which allows me to help others process and find healing from past traumatic events.

Welcome! Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or disconnected from yourself and others, I'd love to work with you. I specialize in treating adolescent concerns, eating disorders & body image issues, trauma, and anxiety. I take a humanistic and person centered approach to therapy which focuses on authenticity and the importance of the therapeutic relationship. I have always believed that the most important aspect in the therapeutic process is developing a strong connection with my clients. Connection fosters a safe and trusting space. This allows for reflection on unhealthy patterns that will lead to a better sense of self.

Do you find yourself feeling on edge, overthinking or planning for situations that have not or may not even happen? Having trouble with change? Harsh self inner critic holding you back? Or maybe your past unprocessed trauma is showing up in new ways? I know what it feels like to be at war with your mind, it can feel like there is no escape or "turn off" button. I can show you how trauma focused therapy and Neurofeedback can retrain your brain out of unhealthy or negative thought patterns.

I felt called to become a marriage/family therapist when the decision to change careers didn't make sense. I ran a successful computer company, fresh off of a decade as an executive for a software company. I had a love for the study of people, and relationships, having received my bachelor's from the University of Utah in MassComm with a minor in Psychology. I was in a wonderful relationship, having a safe environment to share hopes, dreams, fears struggles... I realized that not everyone had this support in place to process highs, lows, and to learn to grow.

I offer therapy to teens, young adults and individuals struggling with life transitions, depression and anxiety. With empathy and understanding I work toward healing, change, and growth with each client in hopes that they can reach a sense of gratification in their life. My style is collaborative and solution-focused. I join my clients on a personal level to provide emotional support, with useful feedback, and walk along side them through their journey to achieve change. I have over 20 years of experience in the mental health field and conduct telehealth sessions.

I have worked with a wide variety of people over the years ranging from children, to teens, to adults. I have done groups, individual, couples, and family work, and I enjoy all of it! My clients come to see me with issues that range from everyday life obstacles and stress to serious anxiety, depression, and trauma. I believe everyone's struggles are valid and everyone's efforts to change their life for the better should be honored and supported. I have had the privilege of helping many wonderful people over the course of my career and I consider myself lucky to work in a field that allows me to help, heal, and support.

Being compassionate with our self is important when we undertake personal change. Our internal critic and negative thoughts can leave us feeling defeated. When we're disconnected from our authentic self or from others, we suffer. Disconnection can result from many circumstances, for example living by other's expectations at the expense of pursuing our own goals. Or, the busy pace of life can leave people feeling disconnected and alienated. When we re-connect with our self and other people, we're more able to manage life's stressors using healthy means and live a more peaceful and contented life.

We all need support from time to time. My goal is to guide you in learning and practicing healthy coping skills to manage life challenges, gain insight from past experiences, to feel successful in your relationships and life, and develop a deeper understanding and connection in the relationships that mean the most to you.

For the past 10 years, and after completing her graduate degree from Santa Clara University, Esmeralda (Esme) Valencia has been providing therapy for those facing a variety of personal and mental health difficulties. Esme specializes in working with individuals on their journey toward personal growth or as they face struggles with relationships in their life. A primary focus of Esme's work has been in working with with parents, youth, and families as they face a multitude of barriers among them concerns over communication struggles, depression, anxiety, intimacy problems, parenting, working with teens, trauma, grief and loss.

Filled with shame, guilt and doubt? Can't stop unwanted behaviors? Feel like your bombarded with messages that you're not good enough or don't have what it takes? Feel like giving up? Feeling stuck, overwhelmed and not sure how to move forward? My hope is that through the counseling process you find relief and freedom from your pain and struggle, you’re able to connect with others better and live a life with more meaning and purpose.

I believe therapy is a choice to invest in yourself and your relationships. Through therapy I offer a chance to invest in the quality of your relationships and in your life. Relationship/Marital troubles, Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse related issues, Trauma, Self-Esteem Issues? I can help you to heal, grow,cope more effectively, improve your relationships, and become more satisfied in your life resulting in a happier you! My goal is to help clients strengthen self-awareness, rebuild relationships, and guide clients towards a healthier approach to life, relationships, and self. I offer empowering solutions and guidance!

When the relationships we have with our self, others & perhaps God are disturbed enough that we find ourselves resorting to behaviors that we struggle to refrain from, we know change has to happen. We are meant to have fulfilling, purpose filled lives and relationships. Therapy helps you with skills & tools to get yourself out of the pit. Through education, accountability & support, I meet you where you are and help you go where you want.The tools that I'll provide you with are direct, focused and immediate for helping people like you. My goal for you is to leave each session, feeling able to manage the symptoms you are experiencing

Parenting today is no easy task! There is so much to balance on a day to day basis for children and teens. As a result, many may struggle with learning how to manage their emotions. As a parent, you want the best for your child and want to see them happy. I can help your child/teen learn the tools they need to better manage their stress, sadness, and/or anxiety. I will also provide you with tools you can use to support them on their journey towards a better mental health. If you are interested in getting started give me a call or email me for more info.

If you're in a relationship (family, friend, significant other) that feels uncomfortable for any reason, you may need to learn how to communicate more effectively to get your needs met. Do you often find yourself feeling defensive, shamed, or judged? Often, difficulties arise from a lack of conflict resolution skills. The good news is, those can be learned. Or maybe you've been through a traumatic experience that you've been avoiding talking about, but you know deep down it's somehow getting in your way. That can be overcome as well. If you're looking for closer relationships or deeper meaning in your life, I'd like to help.

Most of us strive for a happy and harmonious life, yet there are times when life can be a challenging process. Commonly, the people who contact me are looking for help with the distress that is currently occurring in their lives. While some feel depressed or anxious, others feel trapped by patterns of frustrating or destructive behaviors or symptoms from chronic illness. Some are struggling to navigate the on-going distress in their lives by themselves, while others need help dealing with an immediate crisis. Some clients have just ended a romantic relationship, while others are just beginning one.

I believe in the pursuit of a lifelong journey of growth for myself and my clients. For over 35 years I have been helping children, adolescents, families and individuals address and work through their issues by identifying, exploring and creating new and healthier belief systems founded on acceptance and mindfulness. I specialize in treating attachment issues in children and adolescents as well as emotional, psychological and behavioral manifestations of PTSD in youth and adults, including active duty military men and women and their families. I am an LBGTQ+ ally.