Trusted Grief and Loss Counseling
for You in Montrose, CA

Get Grief and Loss Counseling you can count on.
Serving Montrose, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, and all cities across CA.

Support

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.

Empowerment

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.

Growth

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.

Grief and Loss Counseling in Montrose, CA

Grief Recovery Therapy: Steps Toward Emotional Healing

Experiencing loss can be one of the most profound challenges in life. Whether it’s the passing of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or any other form of loss, the effects can be overwhelming. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we understand the complexities of grief and the importance of healing. Our approach to Grief Recovery Therapy is designed to guide individuals through their emotional journey, helping them to find peace and resilience after loss.

Understanding Grief Recovery Therapy

Grief Recovery Therapy is a specialized form of counseling that focuses on helping individuals process their grief in a supportive environment. It combines various therapeutic techniques to facilitate emotional healing, allowing clients to express their feelings, confront their pain, and ultimately, learn to live with their loss. This therapy is not just about coping; it’s about recovering and rediscovering joy in life.

At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we believe that everyone’s grief journey is unique. Our trained professionals provide personalized care tailored to each client’s specific needs. We utilize trauma-informed approaches to ensure that clients feel safe and supported throughout their healing process.

Grief Recovery Therapy is grounded in the understanding that grief is a natural response to loss, but it can be debilitating if left unaddressed. The therapeutic process often involves several key components designed to guide individuals through their grief:

To illustrate the transformative power of Grief Recovery Therapy, consider the story of Sarah, a client who lost her mother unexpectedly. Initially, Sarah felt overwhelmed by her emotions, struggling with feelings of anger and guilt. Through therapy, she learned to articulate her feelings in a safe environment. Her therapist guided her through the stages of grief and helped her confront the pain associated with her loss. By expressing her emotions and sharing her memories, Sarah began to find solace.

Sarah discovered the importance of building a support system. Her therapist encouraged her to join a local grief support group, where she connected with others who had experienced similar losses. This connection not only provided her with a sense of community but also allowed her to share her story and hear others’ experiences, which helped her feel less alone in her grief.

As therapy progressed, Sarah developed coping strategies that became essential to her healing process. She began practicing mindfulness and journaling, which allowed her to process her emotions daily. Over time, she set goals for herself, including volunteering at a local animal shelter, which reignited her passion for caring for others and helped her rediscover joy in her life.

Grief Recovery Therapy is not a linear process; it varies for each individual. Some may find relief relatively quickly, while others may take longer to navigate their grief. This is why personalized care is crucial. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, our trained professionals conduct thorough assessments to understand each client’s unique experiences and grief responses. Based on this understanding, a tailored therapy plan is developed, ensuring that clients receive the support they need at every step of their journey.

We recognize that grief does not follow a set timeline. It is a deeply personal experience influenced by various factors, including the nature of the loss, the individual's personality, and their support system. Therefore, flexibility in therapy is essential. Our therapists continuously check in with clients, adjusting the therapeutic approach as needed to best support their evolving needs.

Incorporating family members into the therapy process can also be beneficial. Family therapy sessions can help loved ones understand the grieving individual’s experience and foster a supportive environment at home. Encouraging open communication within families about grief can alleviate feelings of isolation and promote collective healing.

Grief Recovery Therapy is a comprehensive approach designed to help individuals navigate the complexities of grief. By providing a safe and supportive environment, therapists empower clients to express their emotions, confront their pain, and ultimately find a path toward healing and renewed purpose. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, consider reaching out to a qualified professional who specializes in grief counseling. You don’t have to go through this journey alone; help is available, and healing is possible.

Trauma Therapy

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.

Self-esteem Therapy

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.

Anxiety Treatment

Experience compassionate anxiety therapy designed to help you manage anxiety disorders, overcome challenges, and find peace through personalized support and effective treatment strategies.

Testimonials: Real Stories of Healing

Many individuals have walked the path of grief and found solace through Grief Recovery Therapy at Touchstone Trauma Therapy. Here are a few testimonials from our clients, illustrating their journeys toward emotional healing and the transformative impact of therapy.

"After losing my mother, I felt completely lost. The team at Touchstone helped me understand my grief and gave me tools to cope. I can now remember her with love instead of pain." - Sarah M.

Sarah’s story is a testament to the profound changes that can occur when one engages in Grief Recovery Therapy. Initially, she felt overwhelmed by her emotions, unable to process the loss of her mother. Through guided sessions, Sarah learned about the stages of grief and was introduced to various coping mechanisms. These included journaling her feelings, participating in group therapy sessions, and engaging in mindfulness practices. Each tool helped her navigate her grief in a healthy way.

In therapy, Sarah discovered the importance of honoring her mother’s memory. Together with her therapist, she created a memory box filled with photos, letters, and mementos, allowing her to celebrate her mother's life rather than just mourn her death. This shift in perspective was crucial for Sarah’s healing process, showing how Grief Recovery Therapy can empower individuals to transform their pain into a meaningful remembrance.

"I didn’t think I could ever feel normal again after my divorce. Through therapy, I learned to express my feelings and found a new sense of purpose. I’m grateful for the support I received." - James T.

James faced not just the end of a marriage but also the loss of dreams and expectations that came with it. The emotional turmoil left him feeling desolate and unsure of his identity. During his therapy sessions, James learned that grief doesn't only stem from death but can also arise from significant life changes, such as divorce. This realization was pivotal in his recovery.

James’ therapist introduced him to a structured approach to understanding his emotions. They utilized cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to help him challenge negative thoughts and reframe his perspective on his situation. For instance, instead of viewing his divorce as a failure, he began to see it as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Through exercises such as goal setting and self-reflection, James found a renewed sense of purpose, which is a common outcome for those engaged in Grief Recovery Therapy.

"The caring environment at Touchstone made it possible for me to talk about my loss. I’ve learned to honor my father’s memory in a way that celebrates his life." - Emily R.

Emily’s experience highlights the significance of a supportive therapeutic environment. After losing her father, she struggled to communicate her feelings, often bottling them up, which only intensified her grief. The empathetic approach of her therapist at Touchstone allowed her to open up gradually. Emily learned that expressing her emotions was not a sign of weakness but a vital part of the healing process.

Through various therapeutic techniques, Emily was guided to create a legacy project for her father. This project involved gathering stories from family and friends, compiling them into a book that celebrated his life and contributions. This process not only helped Emily find closure but also reinforced her father’s lasting impact on those who loved him.

Emily participated in grief workshops that provided her with practical skills to cope with her emotions. These workshops included activities such as:

These stories exemplify how Grief Recovery Therapy not only aids in processing loss but also assists individuals in rediscovering joy and purpose in their lives. Each person's journey through grief is unique, and the testimonials shared here reflect the diverse ways therapy can foster healing. By engaging with skilled therapists and utilizing various therapeutic techniques, individuals can find the support and guidance needed to navigate their grief, ultimately leading to emotional recovery and personal growth.

At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we believe that sharing these stories is crucial in helping others understand that they are not alone in their grief. Each testimonial serves as a beacon of hope for those who may feel trapped in their sorrow. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, consider reaching out to a qualified therapist who specializes in Grief Recovery Therapy. Together, you can embark on a journey toward healing and emotional restoration.

Testimonials: Real Stories of Healing

Many individuals have walked the path of grief and found solace through Grief Recovery Therapy at Touchstone Trauma Therapy. Here are a few testimonials from our clients:

"After losing my mother, I felt completely lost. The team at Touchstone helped me understand my grief and gave me tools to cope. I can now remember her with love instead of pain." - Sarah M.

"I didn’t think I could ever feel normal again after my divorce. Through therapy, I learned to express my feelings and found a new sense of purpose. I’m grateful for the support I received." - James T.

"The caring environment at Touchstone made it possible for me to talk about my loss. I’ve learned to honor my father’s memory in a way that celebrates his life." - Emily R.

Helpful Answers

Questions before you begin.

Clear, practical answers for people considering Trauma Therapy and looking for a thoughtful next step.

01

What is Touchstone Trauma Therapy?

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.

02

Who can benefit from your trauma therapy services?

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.

03

What types of therapy do you offer?

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.

04

How do I know if I need trauma therapy?

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.

05

What can I expect during my first session?

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.

06

Is therapy confidential?

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.

07

What is Somatic Therapy?

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.

08

What is Parts Work (IFS)?

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.

09

What is EMDR Therapy?

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.

Depression Therapy

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.

EMDR Therapy

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.

Somatic Therapy

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.

Call Today to Schedule Your First Session

A Path to Healing and Happiness Start Here.

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.

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Book Your First Session—Start Here

Talk with a trusted therapist and take the next step forward with confidence.

Common Questions Answered

What is trauma-informed care?

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.

How do I start therapy?

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.

Are sessions confidential?

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.

How does somatic therapy support trauma healing?

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.

What if I have tried therapy before and it did not help?

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.

What can I expect during my first therapy session?

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.

Internal Family Systems Therapy

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.

PTSD Treatment

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.

Relationship Trauma Therapy

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.

Grief and Loss Counseling

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.

Stress and Emotional Overwhelm Therapy

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.

Life Transitions Therapy

Experience compassionate Life Transition Counseling with Touchstone Trauma Therapy, offering tailored Adjustment Disorder Therapy and Transitional Support Therapy to help you navigate life's changes and embrace new beginnings.

Contact Touchstone Trauma Therapy for Support

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, know that you are not alone. Grief Recovery Therapy can be a powerful tool in your journey toward emotional healing. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized support to help you navigate your grief.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Contact us today at 626-824-8572 or visit our website at touchstonetraumatherapy.com for more information about our services. Together, we can take steps toward healing and rebuilding your life after loss.

Follow us on Facebook at Touchstone Trauma Therapy and on Instagram at @touchstone_trauma_therapy to stay updated on our services and community support.

Remember, healing is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Let us help you find your way back to emotional well-being.

Diverse Approaches to Foster Deep, Lasting Healing.

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.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Experience transformative mindfulness-based therapy that fosters inner peace, reduces stress, and promotes healing through meditation and compassionate counseling tailored to your unique journey toward emotional well-being.

Common Questions Answered

What is trauma-informed care?

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.

How do I start therapy?

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.

Are sessions confidential?

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.

How does somatic therapy support trauma healing?

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.

What if I have tried therapy before and it did not help?

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.

What can I expect during my first therapy session?

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.

Remarkable Trauma Therapy in Major Areas

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.

Diverse Approaches to Foster Deep, Lasting Healing.

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.