Get EMDR Therapy you can count on.
Serving Montrose, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, and all cities across CA.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, I provide deeply personalized, trauma-informed care for clients seeking a thoughtful and effective path toward healing. My practice is designed to offer a calm, private, and supportive therapeutic environment where individuals, couples, and teens can engage in meaningful inner work with depth, intention, and care.
I believe therapy should be both clinically grounded and highly individualized. My approach integrates evidence-based modalities with a nuanced understanding of trauma, creating a therapeutic experience that is compassionate, attuned, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. Every aspect of care is approached with sensitivity, professionalism, and respect for the complexity of each person’s healing process.
I am committed to offering a standard of care that feels both deeply supportive and exceptionally intentional. My goal is to help clients move beyond patterns of distress and toward greater clarity, resilience, emotional balance, and lasting well-being. Through a refined, relational, and trauma-informed approach, I strive to create a space where genuine healing and meaningful transformation can unfold.
Complex trauma is a term that resonates deeply with many individuals who have faced prolonged and repeated traumatic experiences. Unlike a single traumatic event, complex trauma often arises from ongoing abuse, neglect, or other distressing situations that occur over an extended period. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we understand that navigating the effects of complex trauma can be daunting, but there is hope. One of the most effective treatments available is EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which has shown remarkable success in helping individuals reclaim their lives and heal from their pasts.
Complex trauma typically emerges from exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature. This can include experiences such as:
Unlike single-event trauma, complex trauma is characterized by its chronicity and the relational dynamics involved. The ongoing nature of these traumatic experiences can lead to a profound disruption in the individual’s sense of safety, identity, and ability to form healthy relationships. This is particularly evident in cases of childhood trauma, where the caregiver, who is supposed to provide safety and security, becomes a source of harm.
Individuals affected by complex trauma may exhibit a range of symptoms that can significantly impact their daily lives. These may include:
The symptoms of complex trauma can manifest in various ways, affecting emotional, cognitive, and physical health. For instance, the emotional dysregulation may lead to intense mood swings or inappropriate emotional responses to everyday situations. Cognitive distortions, such as negative self-talk or a pervasive sense of guilt and shame, can further entrench feelings of worthlessness.
Individuals might also experience physical symptoms, such as chronic pain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues, which are common among those with unresolved trauma. This physical manifestation of trauma underscores the mind-body connection, illustrating how psychological distress can lead to physical ailments.
Understanding these characteristics is crucial in recognizing the profound impact complex trauma can have on an individual's mental health and overall well-being. Recognizing the signs is the first step towards seeking help, which is essential for recovery. Here are some additional key aspects to consider:
Complex trauma often develops during formative years when individuals are particularly vulnerable. The brain's development, particularly the areas responsible for emotional regulation and stress response, can be significantly impacted by prolonged exposure to traumatic stress. This can lead to a range of long-term consequences, such as:
For many survivors, the lingering effects of childhood trauma can continue into adulthood, making it essential to address these issues as part of a comprehensive healing process. Therapy can help individuals reprocess these experiences and develop healthier coping strategies.
There are several misconceptions surrounding complex trauma that can hinder understanding and support for those affected:
The impacts of complex trauma can permeate all aspects of a person’s life. For instance:
Each of these areas illustrates the far-reaching consequences of complex trauma, emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions, such as EMDR therapy, to address the underlying issues and foster healing.
Recognizing the symptoms and impacts of complex trauma is the first step towards healing. Therapy can provide a safe space for individuals to process their experiences and develop coping strategies. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is particularly effective for those struggling with complex trauma. This therapeutic approach facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic memories, helping individuals to integrate these experiences into their life narrative in a healthier way.
To EMDR, other therapeutic modalities may also be beneficial:
The path to healing from complex trauma is deeply personal and varies from person to person. It is crucial for individuals to find a therapist who understands their unique experiences and can tailor an approach that resonates with their needs.
Experience compassionate trauma-informed therapy designed to support your emotional healing and recovery, helping you navigate psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress with expert guidance and understanding.
Experience compassionate self-esteem counseling that empowers you to build confidence, enhance your self-worth, and improve your body image through personalized therapy tailored to your unique journey.
Experience compassionate anxiety therapy designed to help you manage anxiety disorders, overcome challenges, and find peace through personalized support and effective treatment strategies.
EMDR therapy is a structured therapeutic approach that facilitates the processing of traumatic memories. The treatment involves eight phases that guide individuals through their healing journey:
This method allows individuals to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and enabling a healthier perspective. The bilateral stimulation involved in EMDR is thought to facilitate the brain's natural healing processes, making it a powerful tool in trauma-informed care.
EMDR therapy offers numerous benefits for those who have endured complex trauma. Some of the most significant advantages include:
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we specialize in providing trauma therapy that is tailored to each individual's needs. Our team is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences and begin to heal.
Clear, practical answers for people considering Trauma Therapy and looking for a thoughtful next step.
Touchstone Trauma Therapy is a mental health practice located in Montrose, CA, specializing in trauma therapy. We provide personalized care to help clients navigate challenges such as trauma, anxiety, and depression through holistic, trauma-informed approaches.
Our services are designed for individuals, couples, and teens who are facing mental health challenges. Whether you are struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, emotional overwhelm, chronic stress, perfectionism, or feelings of disconnection, we are here to support you on your healing journey.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we offer a range of trauma-informed therapies tailored to individual needs. Our approaches may include EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness and Somatic therapies, and other holistic methods aimed at promoting healing and resilience.
If you are experiencing persistent feelings of anxiety, depression, or distress related to past experiences, trauma therapy may be beneficial. Our team can help assess your needs and guide you toward appropriate support.
During your first session at Touchstone Trauma Therapy, you will meet with a therapist who will discuss your background, current challenges, and goals for therapy. This initial assessment helps us create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Yes, therapy sessions at Touchstone Trauma Therapy are confidential. We adhere to strict ethical guidelines to ensure your privacy and safety, allowing you to share your experiences in a secure and supportive environment.
Somatic Therapy is a form of body-centered therapy that emphasizes the connection between the brain, mind, and body. It utilizes body awareness as a therapeutic tool to explore and resolve the somatic (physical) symptoms of psychological issues. This approach helps individuals recognize and release the physical tension that remains in the body due to past trauma and stress.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative therapeutic model of psychotherapy that helps individuals understand and harmonize the various parts within themselves. According to IFS, we all have different parts within us that carry different thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. These parts can sometimes conflict with each other and create internal struggles and difficulties in our lives. IFS is commonly utilized to work with trauma memories or difficult childhood experiences.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured approach that treats trauma by safely reconnecting individuals with the traumatic images, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations they experienced, leveraging the brain’s natural healing process—Adaptive Information Processing (AIP).
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often focuses on the traumatic event itself, EMDR targets the emotional disturbances and symptoms stemming from the trauma. The goal is to process these troubling memories, reduce their impact, and help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Through EMDR, memories are transferred from the emotional part of the brain (limbic system) to long-term storage, transforming them from intrusive relived experiences into memories of past events that no longer wield disruptive power.
Understanding complex trauma is the first step toward healing. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals seeking to overcome the challenges associated with complex trauma. EMDR therapy stands out as a powerful tool that can facilitate profound healing, helping individuals move beyond their past and embrace a brighter future.
Complex trauma often stems from prolonged exposure to distressing events, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or violence, which can leave deep emotional scars. Unlike single-event trauma, complex trauma affects individuals on multiple levels—psychologically, emotionally, and even physically. It can lead to a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, dissociation, and difficulties in relationships. The journey to recovery can be daunting, but EMDR for complex trauma offers a beacon of hope.
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process and integrate traumatic memories. By using bilateral stimulation—typically through guided eye movements—EMDR allows the brain to reprocess trauma in a way that diminishes its emotional charge. This can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms, allowing individuals to respond to triggers more effectively and live more fulfilling lives.
One of the remarkable aspects of EMDR therapy is its structured approach. The therapy typically unfolds in eight phases, ensuring a comprehensive and safe process for clients:
This structured approach not only provides a clear roadmap for therapy but also empowers clients to take an active role in their healing journey. Many individuals report feeling a sense of relief, clarity, and emotional freedom after just a few sessions of EMDR therapy.
EMDR is particularly beneficial for those with complex trauma due to its focus on the underlying emotions and beliefs associated with traumatic experiences. For instance, a survivor of childhood abuse may carry deep-seated beliefs of worthlessness or helplessness. Through EMDR, these beliefs can be addressed directly, allowing for the installation of more positive and empowering beliefs, such as self-worth and agency. This shift in perspective is crucial for long-term recovery and resilience.
Incorporating EMDR with other therapeutic modalities can enhance its effectiveness. For example, combining EMDR with mindfulness techniques can help clients stay present and grounded during the processing of traumatic memories. Mindfulness practices encourage individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, which can be particularly helpful in managing anxiety that may arise during EMDR sessions.
Support systems also play a vital role in the recovery process. Family members and friends can provide the emotional support necessary for individuals healing from complex trauma. Educating loved ones about the effects of trauma and the benefits of EMDR can foster understanding and encourage a supportive environment. Clients may also benefit from support groups where they can connect with others who have faced similar challenges, sharing experiences and coping strategies.
It is important to note that EMDR therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each individual’s experience with complex trauma is unique, and therapy should be tailored to meet specific needs. Therefore, finding a qualified EMDR therapist who understands the nuances of complex trauma is essential. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, our trained professionals are equipped to provide personalized care, ensuring that each client’s journey is honored and respected.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of complex trauma, we invite you to reach out to us at Touchstone Trauma Therapy. Our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you on your journey toward healing. Contact us today to learn more about how EMDR therapy can benefit you. Remember, the path to recovery is not a solitary journey; with the right support and tools, healing from complex trauma is not only possible but achievable.
Experience compassionate depression counseling and effective clinical depression therapy tailored to your needs, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you overcome major depressive disorder and mood disorders.
Experience compassionate EMDR therapy tailored for healing from PTSD, anxiety, phobias, grief, and abuse recovery, helping you navigate complex trauma and reclaim your life with confidence.
Experience healing through Somatic Experiencing Therapy, a holistic approach that combines body-oriented psychotherapy and mind-body techniques to alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting deep relaxation and emotional well-being.
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, seeking support is an important first step toward healing. Whether you are navigating Trauma Therapy, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm, this is a calm place to begin with trust, care, and intention.
Talk with a trusted therapist and take the next step forward with confidence.
Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that recognizes how past trauma can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physical responses. It focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and never pressured. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, trauma-informed care means tailoring treatment to each person’s needs while using approaches that support healing at a pace that feels manageable and safe. At TTT, we utilize Evidence Based modalities such as EMDR, IFS and Somatic/Mindfulness that are effective in addressing and healing from trauma, including complex trauma.
Starting therapy begins with reaching out to schedule an initial consultation or first appointment. During that first step, we will talk about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any questions you may have about the process. From there, we can determine the best approach for your needs and begin creating a treatment plan that feels supportive, personalized, and manageable.
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. Protecting your privacy is an important part of creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space. There are a few legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, which will be reviewed with you at the beginning of therapy, but in general, what you share in session is kept private and treated with care and respect.
Somatic therapy supports trauma healing by helping clients notice and work with how trauma is held in the body, not just in thoughts or memories. Trauma can affect the nervous system in ways that lead to tension, overwhelm, numbness, or feeling constantly on edge. Through gentle body-based awareness and regulation techniques, somatic therapy helps clients reconnect with their bodies, build a greater sense of safety, and process trauma in a way that feels grounded and manageable.
That is completely understandable. Not every therapy experience is the right fit, and a previous approach that did not feel helpful does not mean therapy cannot be meaningful for you now. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, I offer a personalized, trauma-informed approach tailored to your unique needs, goals, and pace. Together, we work to create a safe and supportive space that feels more aligned with the healing you are seeking.
Your first therapy session is an opportunity for me to begin building a thoughtful understanding of your experiences, concerns, and goals. I will guide the conversation with care, creating space to discuss what brings you to therapy, your personal history, and any questions you may have about the process. This initial session is designed to help you feel at ease while laying the foundation for a therapeutic approach that is personalized to your needs.
Experience transformative healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy, a compassionate approach that nurtures your inner parts, promoting personal growth and resilience through effective trauma healing and self-led therapy.
Experience compassionate and evidence-based PTSD treatment, including trauma-focused therapy and clinical counseling, designed to support your journey towards healing and recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Experience compassionate relationship trauma counseling that focuses on healing interpersonal wounds, fostering secure attachments, and promoting resilience through specialized attachment-based therapy tailored to your unique journey.
Experience compassionate grief and loss counseling that supports your healing journey, helping you navigate bereavement, cope with loss, and find peace through specialized therapy tailored to your needs.
Experience compassionate support with our Stress and Emotional Overwhelm Therapy, designed to help you manage stress, regulate emotions, and overcome burnout through effective techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Understanding complex trauma is the first step toward healing. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective support to individuals seeking to overcome the challenges associated with complex trauma. EMDR therapy stands out as a powerful tool that can facilitate profound healing, helping individuals move beyond their past and embrace a brighter future.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of complex trauma, we invite you to reach out to us at Touchstone Trauma Therapy. Our team of experienced professionals is here to guide you on your journey toward healing. Contact us today to learn more about how EMDR therapy can benefit you.
Individual therapy for clients ages 14 and older offers a personalized space to work through life's challenges, deepen self-understanding, and support lasting emotional well-being.
Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that recognizes how past trauma can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physical responses. It focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and never pressured. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, trauma-informed care means tailoring treatment to each person’s needs while using approaches that support healing at a pace that feels manageable and safe. At TTT, we utilize Evidence Based modalities such as EMDR, IFS and Somatic/Mindfulness that are effective in addressing and healing from trauma, including complex trauma.
Starting therapy begins with reaching out to schedule an initial consultation or first appointment. During that first step, we will talk about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any questions you may have about the process. From there, we can determine the best approach for your needs and begin creating a treatment plan that feels supportive, personalized, and manageable.
Yes, therapy sessions are confidential. Protecting your privacy is an important part of creating a safe and supportive therapeutic space. There are a few legal and ethical limits to confidentiality, which will be reviewed with you at the beginning of therapy, but in general, what you share in session is kept private and treated with care and respect.
Somatic therapy supports trauma healing by helping clients notice and work with how trauma is held in the body, not just in thoughts or memories. Trauma can affect the nervous system in ways that lead to tension, overwhelm, numbness, or feeling constantly on edge. Through gentle body-based awareness and regulation techniques, somatic therapy helps clients reconnect with their bodies, build a greater sense of safety, and process trauma in a way that feels grounded and manageable.
That is completely understandable. Not every therapy experience is the right fit, and a previous approach that did not feel helpful does not mean therapy cannot be meaningful for you now. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, I offer a personalized, trauma-informed approach tailored to your unique needs, goals, and pace. Together, we work to create a safe and supportive space that feels more aligned with the healing you are seeking.
Your first therapy session is an opportunity for me to begin building a thoughtful understanding of your experiences, concerns, and goals. I will guide the conversation with care, creating space to discuss what brings you to therapy, your personal history, and any questions you may have about the process. This initial session is designed to help you feel at ease while laying the foundation for a therapeutic approach that is personalized to your needs.
Our services are designed for individuals, couples, and teens seeking support for mental health challenges.
Whether you are dealing with trauma, relationship issues, or self-esteem concerns, Touchstone Trauma Therapy is here to guide you on your journey to healing.
TTT offers services to the cities of Montrose, Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada, Burbank and Pasadena. TTT also offers remote video sessions throughout the state of California.
Individual therapy for clients ages 14 and older offers a personalized space to work through life's challenges, deepen self-understanding, and support lasting emotional well-being.
