Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
See all therapists in Balboa Park, San Diego
Katie Flanigan
Counselor, LPCC
Verified
Verified
Frequent areas of work:
Trauma
, Anxiety & Depression, Grief & Loss, Parenting, Coping with Life Changes, and Stress Management.
My counseling approach is based on resilience, and I strive to help people identify their own personal power. I believe that we have everything we need inside of us to rise above personal challenges and to reach our goals. I build authentic and honest relationships with my clients by creating a space that offers candor, humor, and a normalizing approach to challenges. My approach is eclectic, and I will work with you to support and understand your unique needs in a direct yet empathetic way.

Ruth Millican
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I work with individuals and couples and take a
trauma
informed approach to therapy, assisting my clients to better understand themselves and others.
Welcome! My client’s often tell me that I am genuine, kind and put them at ease, while also challenging them at the times when they need to be pushed. I strike a balance between therapy always feeling safe and comfortable, but also a place where you can be pushed to re-evaluate you needs and actions. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, as I am a part of this community and this is a passion of mine. The primary focus of my practice is
trauma
therapy, neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism), and the LGBTQIA+ community. I am also an affirming provider of all relationship configurations (polyamory, ENM, kink, BDSM).

Hannah Brooks
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
In my time as a therapist, I have assisted individuals in recovering from
trauma
, addiction, self-esteem issues, LGBTQ+ related life transitions, family conflict, relationship struggles, and much more.
You may be feeling lost, out of touch with yourself, unable to get ahold of your emotions, or perhaps experiencing immensely challenging life circumstances that no one seems to understand. Whether you are seeking change, suffering from anxiety and depression, experiencing relationship issues, or overcoming challenging situations from your past, you deserve a chance to reconnect with yourself and discover what you are capable of!

Mary (Molly) Gildersleeve
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
Welcome! Are you looking to go deeper in therapy and address the
trauma
that is at the core of some of the anxiety and depression you are experiencing? If so, we might be a fit! I work with
trauma
of all kinds, but I have a specific passion for working with sexual
trauma
. I work from a
trauma
informed lens, and I work hard to make my clients feel safe and secure with me and in my space. I work from a parts lens, helping you to understand the different parts of you in new ways, and learning to provide yourself with the comfort and safety you have always needed.

Kerri Gavin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Hi there, I'm Kerri! I have been working in the mental health field for over 30 years. I specialize in working with those with intellectual disabilities. I am compassionate, understanding, and able to meet them where they are. I like to work with the elderly with mental health challenges and those who need someone compassionate, interested in them, and able to make valuable suggestions. I work to provide coping skills, stress relief,
trauma
work, and medication referrals if needed. I use the Recovery Model, solution-focused,
trauma
-focused, and person-centered modalities.

Well-Mamas Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
We work with individuals and couples experiencing life transitions, anxiety and depression, perinatal mental health, couple/relational challenges, loss and other life distressing events (
trauma
).
Well-Mamas Counseling is accepting Sharp Health and MHN/Health Net Medi-cal plans. Hello, we are a group practice primarily specializing in working with peripartum families in the San Diego area. We have a diverse group of professionals that can meet the needs of the community including bilingual (Spanish-speaking) providers. We approach those entering therapy with compassion and understanding while integrating evidenced-based models to help create meaningful change and achieve client-driven therapeutic goals.

Melissa McCormick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I provide
trauma
informed therapy, with training in EMDR and eating disorders.
I am passionate about supporting women and teens facing the challenges of life in a way that helps them find sustained change. It is hard to live in this world and not question if our bodies, stories, and voices are “good enough.” We wonder if it is possible for us to be okay with who we are, and make different choices than we’ve made in the past. We often make decisions that are rooted in insecurity, leaving us trapped in anxiety. I value helping women learn to understand and respect their whole story on their own terms. Together we can define your own goals for change.

Stephanie Raducha Brown
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
I believe that by focusing on
trauma
at the root of unhealthy coping, and improving coping skills, many problems can be reduced or eliminated for a better quality of life, however each individual defines that.
I specialize in treating adults who have been diagnosed with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating), anxiety, depression, and substance-use disorders. I also have a wide range of experience with active-duty Service Members and Veterans, particularly
trauma
survivors struggling with
Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (
PTSD
), sexual assault, and moral injury.

Marion Kvasnicka
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Trauma
is passed down from generation to generation until an individual with Hope of a better future is willing to put in the hard work to heal themselves and break the cycle(s) of abuse they are experiencing.
Do you feel like you've lost Hope?! Do you often feel like what's the point? Do you feel like you are just surviving? Hope! Hope; noun; 1 - A feeling or expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. 2 - A feeling of trust. Hope; Verb; Example: - I Hope therapy helps me and I Hope I learn the skills I need to move through this experience. I truly believe as a therapist that hope is the catalyst for change. Hope propels us to keep trying. When we feel stuck due to
trauma
holding us back, our thought distortions, or our self-sabotaging, HOPE still is present and propelling us to move forward. Step by Step.

Encomium Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
S Marine, I've witnessed the impact of
trauma
and pain in the lives of veterans and their families.
Dr. Adeniranye is a dually licensed clinical psychologist. Using a combination of DBT, postmodern, and psychodynamic approaches, Dr. Adeniranye tailors treatment specific to the needs of his clients. Dr. Adeniranye works with adult clients 18 and over in search of individual sessions. Dr. Adeniranye also conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations which can be requested for myriad reasons including but not limited to diagnostic clarification, specific court proceedings, and appropriate treatment recommendations.

Miranda Millican
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
7 Endorsed
Verified
7 Endorsed
I am a
trauma
informed therapist, and my number one goal is for you to feel safe and secure in our counseling relationship.
Welcome to my practice! My specialty areas include
trauma
, relationships and body image issues. As a queer and neurodivergent therapist, my passions include working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and neurodiverse clients (ADHD, autism, other neurotypes). As a neurodiversity affirming provider, I see all neurotypes as equal, and not an issue that needs "treatment". Rather, it is a process of finding your way back to yourself and who you really are. Additionally, I work with the ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, and kink/BDSM community. I work with both couples and individuals and enjoy working with all relationship structures.

Sara Alkhedairy
Counselor, APCC
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I provide couples therapy and individual therapy using a
trauma
informed lens and use evidenced based
trauma
treatments to support my clients to have better relationships with all parts of themselves and their emotions.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here and ready to take the next step towards finding support! I specialize in working with non-monogamy, polyamory, and kink/BDSM communities, racial
trauma
and adult children of immigrants. As a child of Arab immigrants and member of the polyamorous community myself, I love helping clients to rewrite their personal narratives and recognize the influence they have over their lives. Additionally, I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodiversity (Autism, ADHD and other neurotypes) from an affirming lens.

Victoria Grutz, Neurodiversity Affirming Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I have experience working clients questioning their sexual or gender identities and those healing from religious
trauma
.
Welcome to my profile! Are you seeking a therapist who specializes in working with Autistic clients and clients with ADHD? If so, we might be the right fit! As an autistic therapist with lived experience with both autism and adhd, my life's passion is working with neurodiversity. I am a neurodiversity affirming therapist, which means I do not see Autism or ADHD as problematic or something to be treated, I see them as a form of diversity. I work with neurodiverse clients to own their identity, heal from
trauma
, and work through internalized ableism to lead their most genuine and joyful lives.

Miranda Millican, Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
6 Endorsed
Verified
6 Endorsed
I work with couples where one or both partners has experienced
trauma
and help them gain insight into how they can be healing to each other.
Welcome! I work with communication issues, trust issues, infidelity, intimacy issues, and pre-marital counseling. I specialize in LBTQIA+ couples and couples practicing ENM/polyamory. I also work with couples practicing kink/BDSM. I have specialized experience working with ADHD and autism in the context of relationships and mixed-neurotype couples. I love to see my couples walking out of my office holding hands, looking at each other with more gratitude, with a new hope for the future. I have a
trauma
informed approach that helps my couples understand the origins of their thoughts and behavior within the relationship.
Not accepting new clients

Linda Erwin-Gallagher, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CEAP
Verified
Verified
I provide tele therapy for individuals, and couples for CA residents. I do not have a physical office in CA. I also offer treatment for
trauma
.
In today's world we are all finding that after working full time there isn't enough time to eat right, exercise, take care of errands, help the children with homework, and spend quality time with your significant relationships. What we end up with is exhaustion, feeling "burned out", anxious, and maybe even depressed. You are not alone.
Don't suffer any longer. It's time to address your issues and get your life back.

Barbara Morett
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
5 Endorsed
Verified
5 Endorsed
I am a relational and
trauma
focused therapist and I see all of my clients through a
trauma
informed lens.
Welcome to my practice! Have you been looking for a therapist to support you in your healing process who is affirming of your multiple identities? If so, I might be the right fit for you! I work with the LGBTQIA+ community, and have experience working with trans, non-binary and gender fluid clients. Additionally, I work with neurodiversity in my practice, specifically with Autism and ADHD. I work from a neurodiveristy affirming lens, meaning I see all neurotypes as equal and give them the respect they deserve in the therapeutic space. I provide sessions in English and Spanish and provide in person and virtual sessions.

Mary (Molly) Gildersleeve, Couples Therapist
LPC Intern, APCC
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Welcome! I love to help couples to reach their highest levels of trust, intimacy and safety together to create the relationship they have always wanted. I take a
trauma
focused approach, as these traumas and attachment issues can affect relationship dynamics and communication. I work with couples practicing BDSM/kink and also specialize in neurodiversity (ADHD and autism) and mixed neurotype couples. My practice works with LGBTQIA+ couples and polyamorous couples. I am part of both of these communities which makes for a safe and inclusive space.

Elevation Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CEAP, SAP
Verified
Verified
Hello, My name is Hermin Youssefian Phd, LMFT, CEAP, SAP. I am a LMFT (LIC 45270). I began my training as a psychotherapist in 1994, with a focus on working with couples, children and families, particularly clients with a history of
trauma
and significant losses. I obtained my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and my Master's Degree in Marriage Family and Child Therapy in 1998. Since then I have acquired 25+ years of experience in the field and can say I am truly living out my purpose. I am genuinely passionate and extremely dedicated to helping couples, families and children grow and heal from their pain and live fulfilling lives

Emily Kron
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
My main areas of focus include relationship and attachment issues, eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, family conflict, gender identity, and
trauma
.
Welcome to a safe space where you can tell your story, be seen and heard, and embark on a journey towards healing and becoming whole again. I know that starting therapy can be a difficult decision, so congratulations on taking this first step! I am a warm, compassionate, authentic therapist who is open and collaborative with clients and dedicated to helping others. I provide a welcoming and non-judgmental environment and will work with you, wherever you are at, to create a unique treatment plan based on your specific needs. I will work with you to cultivate hope and resilience through a client-centered, strengths-based approach.

Shannon Kaye Fanucchi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SH, CHT
Verified
Verified
Also experienced in: Relationship Issues,
Trauma
& Abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related Issues, Eating Disorders, Loneliness, Divorce, Life Changes, Moving, Financial Stress, Finding Hope, Evaluating Big Decisions, Creating a New You, & Prioritizing.
My belief as a therapist and as a person is that all people, no matter where they are in life, are equipped with the innate ability to experience mental health. I do not see people as “broken”, rather, at some point in life, all people will find themselves “stuck” for one reason or another. My focus is to create a safe environment to educate and support clients while assisting them in meeting and exceeding their stated life goals.
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.