Meet Stephanie -
Trauma Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Have you been to therapy before, but it felt like your therapist just didn’t get where you’re coming from—like they were talking at you, not with you?
Are you tired of explaining your experiences over and over, only to feel like your trauma isn’t fully seen or validated by the therapist you’ve worked with?
Healing is complicated, and you need a therapist who can handle the intricacies of your journey with the care and empathy it deserves.
Hi! I’m Stephanie -
I want you to know that wherever you are on your journey, you’re not alone. The path of healing, especially when it involves deconstructing old beliefs or unraveling the effects of past trauma, can feel lonely, confusing, and overwhelming. But there is hope, and there is space for you to rediscover who you truly are beneath the layers of pain, guilt, and shame.
I see you. I see the courage it takes to question what you’ve been taught, to challenge the very foundations that shaped you. And I know that this process of deconstruction isn’t just about letting go of old beliefs—it’s about rebuilding a relationship with yourself, your truth, and your peace. Whether you’re healing from religious trauma, family dynamics, or any other form of pain that’s left its mark, I’m here to walk with you.
Clients that are drawn to my work tend to be adults, queer folks, people who have experienced religious trauma, or those navigating family of origin challenges. I know that stepping into therapy can feel daunting, but together we can unravel the knots of guilt and shame, and reconnect you to a sense of wholeness and empowerment. I will help you to walk away from our time together with a clearer understanding of yourself, a deeper self-compassion, and a toolkit of practical strategies to navigate life’s complexities. We’ll navigate the messiness, the uncertainty, and the confusion—not just to help you feel better, but to help you come home to yourself.
If any of this feels like a deep breath of relief for you, book a free consultation call & let’s talk!
From my heart to yours,
Steph
Less Formally…
I am a wife, friend, cat mom, serial hobbyist, and lover of trinkets. I like to spend my free time crafting, going to hockey games, watching reality TV, or playing cozy video games.
I feel in awe of the resilience within the human experience, and truly feel moved and honored when people share their stories with me. I’ve been a listener, observer, and secret keeper for as long as I can remember. When I was in the 3rd grade, school staff nominated me to be a “peer mediator”. My family jokes that this is when I was destined for a life in the field of psychology. I love being a therapist, and look forward to working together!
Click the menu below to learn more about my education & trainings!
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Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #140513
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EMDR Training 1 & 2: Institute for Creative Mindfulness
EMDR For Spiritual Abuse: Institute for Creative Mindfulness
Reclamation as Clinical Intervention: Reclamation Collective
Spiritual Abuse Recognition and Recovery: Reclamation Collective
Religious Trauma, Spiritual Abuse and Cult Recovery: Treating the Trauma Caused by Adverse Religious Experiences: Pesi
Gender Affirming Letter Writing: No More Gatekeeping
My values as a therapist:
Authenticity
being honest, direct, genuine, real, and true to yourself and others.
Inclusivity
embracing each person equally and equitably while honoring our unique differences.
Curiosity
the desire to learn more - about ourselves, each other, and the world.
Collaboration
a sense of togetherness, teamwork, and communication to achieve your goals.
Dignity
everyone has an inherent right to be treated with value and respect, regardless of experience or background.
Vulnerability
a willingness to open ourselves to the possibility of discomfort, in the hope of allowing ourselves to be truly seen and known.