Trusted EMDR Therapy
for You in Montrose, CA

Get EMDR Therapy 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.

EMDR Therapy in Montrose, CA

Overcoming Anxiety: How EMDR Therapy Can Help

Anxiety is a common yet often debilitating condition that affects millions of individuals and couples. The relentless cycle of worry, fear, and panic can feel overwhelming, leading to challenges in daily life and relationships. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we understand the complexities of anxiety and the profound impact it can have on your emotional well-being. This article explores how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can offer effective relief from anxiety and panic attacks, helping you regain control and find peace.

Understanding Anxiety and Its Symptoms

Anxiety manifests in various ways, and recognizing its symptoms is the first step toward seeking help. Common symptoms of anxiety include:

For many, these symptoms can significantly interfere with daily activities and quality of life. The feelings of anxiety can be isolating, often leading individuals to avoid social situations or responsibilities due to fear of experiencing symptoms in public or high-stress environments. This avoidance can lead to a cycle of increased anxiety and decreased functioning, making it crucial to seek treatment.

Understanding the root causes of anxiety can be complicated, often involving past traumas, stressors, or unresolved emotional conflicts. Research indicates that anxiety disorders can be linked to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. For instance, individuals with a family history of anxiety disorders may be more susceptible to developing similar issues. Significant life events such as loss, trauma, or chronic stress can trigger or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

The brain's chemistry plays a significant role in anxiety. Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, are essential for regulating mood and anxiety levels. Imbalances in these chemicals can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. This biological perspective highlights the complexity of anxiety and the need for comprehensive treatment approaches.

This is where EMDR therapy can play a crucial role in the healing process. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that has been found to be particularly effective for individuals dealing with trauma-related anxiety. EMDR helps clients process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing individuals to move forward with their lives.

During EMDR sessions, a trained therapist guides clients through a structured process that involves recalling distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. This dual focus can help reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their intensity and allowing individuals to reframe their experiences. Research has shown that EMDR can lead to significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, making it a valuable tool for those struggling with panic attacks and anxiety disorders.

For example, a person who has experienced a traumatic event may find that memories of the event trigger severe anxiety, leading to panic attacks when faced with reminders of the trauma. Through EMDR therapy, this individual can work on the emotional responses tied to the memory, gradually diminishing the power it holds over their daily life. Clients often report feeling a sense of relief and increased emotional stability following EMDR sessions.

To EMDR, it's essential for individuals experiencing anxiety to engage in self-care practices that promote emotional well-being. These practices can include:

It's important to remember that recognizing and understanding anxiety is a critical first step, but it is equally important to seek appropriate help. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, reaching out to a mental health professional can provide the guidance and support needed to navigate these challenges. EMDR therapy, alongside self-care strategies, can empower individuals to reclaim their lives from the grip of anxiety, fostering resilience and emotional stability.

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.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. It was developed in the late 1980s and has since gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating various mental health issues, including anxiety and panic disorders.

The core principle of EMDR is that by processing traumatic memories, individuals can reduce the emotional charge associated with those memories, leading to significant anxiety relief. EMDR utilizes a structured eight-phase approach, which includes:

How EMDR Addresses Anxiety and Panic Attacks

EMDR therapy provides an effective framework for addressing the underlying causes of anxiety and panic attacks. By processing traumatic memories, clients often experience a reduction in the intensity of their anxiety symptoms. Here’s how EMDR can help:

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.

Take the First Step Towards Healing

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety or panic attacks, know that you are not alone. EMDR therapy at Touchstone Trauma Therapy offers a compassionate and effective path towards recovery. Our dedicated team specializes in trauma therapy, providing personalized care tailored to each individual's needs. We are here to support you on your journey to emotional stability and healing.

Understanding the impact of anxiety and panic attacks is crucial. These conditions can manifest in various ways, including persistent worry, physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and feelings of impending doom. Many individuals feel overwhelmed by their experiences, leading to avoidance behaviors that can further isolate them. Recognizing these feelings is the first step towards healing.

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a highly effective treatment method for trauma-related stress, including anxiety and panic attacks. The therapy focuses on reprocessing distressing memories and beliefs that contribute to anxiety. By addressing the root causes of anxiety, EMDR helps individuals gain a new perspective, allowing them to move forward in their lives.

Taking the first step towards healing can be daunting. Here are some practical steps you can take to begin your journey:

During your EMDR therapy sessions, you will work closely with your therapist to identify distressing memories and negative beliefs related to your anxiety. The therapist will guide you through a series of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation techniques while you focus on these memories. This process helps to reprocess the memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing for healthier coping strategies.

Many individuals report feeling a sense of relief after just a few sessions of EMDR therapy. For example, someone who previously experienced debilitating panic attacks might find that they can now manage their symptoms more effectively and face situations that once felt overwhelming. This newfound sense of control can be life-changing.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s healing journey is unique. Factors such as the severity of anxiety, personal history, and individual coping mechanisms can influence the pace of recovery. Some individuals may experience rapid improvements, while others may take longer to process their feelings. Patience and perseverance are key components of this journey.

Besides EMDR therapy, consider integrating additional therapeutic approaches into your healing process. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another effective treatment for anxiety. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, complementing the work done in EMDR. Combining these therapies can enhance your overall results and provide a more holistic approach to managing anxiety.

Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in your healing. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are essential for mental and emotional health. Activities like yoga and meditation can also help reduce anxiety levels and promote relaxation.

Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can further support your healing journey. Mindfulness encourages you to stay present and aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This awareness can help you identify anxiety triggers and respond to them more effectively, rather than reacting impulsively.

If you are still hesitant about beginning EMDR therapy, consider reaching out for a consultation. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we offer initial assessments to discuss your concerns, answer your questions, and determine the best therapeutic approach for you. Taking this step can provide clarity and motivation to move forward with your healing.

Don’t let anxiety control your life any longer. Reach out to Touchstone Trauma Therapy today to learn more about how EMDR therapy can help you overcome anxiety and reclaim your peace of mind. Together, we can navigate the path to healing, empowering you to take control of your life and embrace a brighter future.

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.

Take the First Step Towards Healing

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety or panic attacks, know that you are not alone. EMDR therapy at Touchstone Trauma Therapy offers a compassionate and effective path towards recovery. Our dedicated team specializes in trauma therapy, providing personalized care tailored to each individual's needs. We are here to support you on your journey to emotional stability and healing.

Don’t let anxiety control your life any longer. Reach out to Touchstone Trauma Therapy today to learn more about how EMDR therapy can help you overcome anxiety and reclaim your peace of mind. Together, we can navigate the path to healing.

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.