Trauma Focused Therapists in 94901

Hi! My name is Erika Hernandez. I am a Marriage and Family therapist licensed in California and Utah. I have experience in the areas of trauma, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. My passion is working alongside my clients, which includes adolescents and adults, to help bring healing to those who have been through a traumatic or stressful experience.

Successful therapy means developing the capacity for the full range of feelings. My role is to help you to respond rather than react from an emotionally charged place. I help you release behavior patterns that may inhibit healthy growth.I support you in adding meaning and depth to your life while accomplishing your chosen goals. Somatic and trauma focused therapies and my warm, flexible, interactive approach augment our collaboration. You determine the pace of our work as I keep in mind your uniqueness and need for safety. When a problem solving approach is needed, I offer tools to combat anxiety and navigate through hardships.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for evidence-based and heart-centered work that makes a real difference in the lives of individuals that I see. Due to my specialized training and unique skill set, I am well-equipped to serve adults and adolescents struggling with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety. In my work, I focus on short-term, solutions-focused strategies in order to hone in on what concrete changes you can enact in your life immediately; allowing you to quickly experience the benefits from the time and energy you have invested into therapy.

I specialize in working with Children and Families, with a focus on building communication and cohesion within the family. How this works depends on the age of the child/youth and the needs of each family. I am currently not working with couples.

Do you have the feeling that something is missing in your life? Are you single & dissatisfied, or married but discontent? Is your social or work life not as fulfilling as it used to be, or difficult family relationships getting you down? Positive, solution-therapy can assist you to: *learn more about your unique personality type, and how you can work with it, instead of against it, to create more fulfillment in your relationships and life. *develop your ability to understand, empathize with and relate to others with ease & joy. *discover effective ways of dealing with your core issues, so you feel more fulfilled & alive.

Are life's challenges leaving you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed? Highly skilled in helping clients navigate and integrate the experience of having a chronic/serious health condition, or the loss of a loved one. Help resolving difficult or early life experiences that are affecting current relationships. Enjoy supporting women as they transition: A young adult woman finding her authentic, empowered self. A pregnant/postpartum woman managing her changing moods, preparing for this rite of passage, and adjusting to a new role. A perimenopausal/menopausal woman examining her life, finding her voice, and taking new risks.

I’ve learned that healing happens in relationship - within our own selves, with the kind presence of another, with our ancestors and guides, in the web of human community, and with the wild and tended earth. I offer compassionate, gentle relationship and guidance on your healing path, supporting your innate wholeness, inner healing intelligence and reconnection to the web of relationship.

I have extensive experience working with individuals families and couples impacted by trauma, co-dependency, addiction and co-occurring disorders. Having worked in residential drug and alcohol treatment for over 10 years I bring those years of resources and compassionate experience to my work. My focus on family systems and attachment allow me to treat the entire family, offering the best possible outcomes. I am a Certified Trauma Specialist, a Gottman trained couples therapist and I am one of the few therapists working with Internet and Gaming Addiction.

I work with my clients to deeply discover and access new resources and potentials of "self at best" both for growth and as ways beyond obstacles. I believe the quality of the relationship between the therapist and client is essential for change. I have over 17 years of spiritual practice which I incorporate using mindfulness, inquiry and dream work.

The last few years have been especially difficult and if you are feeling stressed, anxious, run down or depressed you are definitely not alone; and there is help. I support folks in navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment wounds, grief and loss, relationship issues and life transitions in order to find more balance and peace in their lives. I combine warmth, authenticity, compassion and cultural responsiveness to cultivate a space where you can feel safe to process difficult emotions, learn new skills, and increase your sense of balance between mind, body and spirit.

My approach stems from an understanding of systems theory and how it impacts individuals within a family system. I also utilize a person-centered approach, emphasizing that each person within that system has the capacity to be the expert in their own life. When forming a new therapeutic alliance with me, I begin by helping you unpack any barriers to treatment such as trauma or ongoing issues with substance use disorders. I consider the complexities that stem from the family system and how this impacts each individual, their beliefs, motivations, and past experiences in treatment.

Many of us have been affected by mental health and/or substance abuse at some time in our lives. My practice was created so that individuals, couples and families could get support from someone who is experienced in the recovery process and has a true passion to help others and help people to find the best solutions to their own recovery. My specialty areas include those who are living with anxiety, depression, trauma and supporting those going through life changes (job, relationships etc.) Addiction and Co-Dependency is also a specialty area. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and welcome you to come as you are.

I respect the courage it takes to begin psychotherapy and choose the path of healing. Most important is the building of trust. My presence is kind and authentic, with healthy boundaries. An experienced Individual and Couples therapist, I teach relational skill-building, personally and inter-personally. I'm comfortable with all kinds of trauma, relationship difficulties, major life transitions, addiction, loss & grief, spiritual, medical or psychiatric issues. I encourage clients to identify and move closer to what is really important in their lives. I've witnessed lasting change as clients become more secure, creative & alive.

Ready for change and a more satisfying and balanced life? I offer compassionate listening, practical guidance and an action oriented approach to assist you in making the changes you want in your life.

I specialize in working with tween/teenagers dealing with issues such as: school/work/social stress, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and grief. My primary focus is to establish and maintain a genuine and collaborative relationship toward a more flexible mindset, increased capacity to manage symptoms, and improved self-esteem. Additionally, I work with parents of teens dealing with stress related to parenting. I view my task as collaborating with you to set goals and keep the therapy on track toward meeting these goals.

Are you feeling emotionally exhausted by your work as a healthcare or helping professional? Has the work you once felt called to do become a source of strain and stress in your life and relationships? You are not alone. You can't pour from an empty cup. Let's refill it.

Are you seeking a compassionate and affirming space to explore your unique journey? Through a strengths-based, culturally sensitive lens I support adolescents, adults, partnerships, & families in coping with the impact of trauma, anxiety, and depression. I also enjoy supporting clients navigating life transitions and identity exploration. Together, we will establish a safe, trusting therapeutic alliance as the basis of our work together. From there, we can co-create an individualized treatment plan tailored to help you meet your goals while increasing your sense of self-worth and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

I love to help individuals, couples and parents thrive in their life/ lives together. I use an attachment based model that helps my clients experience their strengths individually and as a couple. Together, from this place grounded in your resilience, we will work with your challenges. Trauma, attachment woundings, communication issues, addiction, as well as avoidance of feelings and intimacy can block us from living the full, healthy lives we long for. I have already helped many clients find another way. I believe you can too and we can find it together.

I have helped hundreds of people over the past 25 years heal their emotional wounds and recover peace of mind, including fifteen years working as a senior staff psychologist at Kaiser Permanente. If you're finding that your daily mood and quality of life are being diminished by mental or physical symptoms related to anxiety, depression, trauma, work stress or relationship challenges, please give yourself the gift of a free phone consultation. My expertise includes an approach to healing, health and happiness based on the clinical science of positive psychology.