MEET STEPHANIE

Trauma Therapist in Pasadena, CA

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You want to let go of guilt, stop performing for other people’s approval, and finally feel safe in your body again… but you’re stuck in shame, fear, and old stories that tell you you’re too much, not enough, or doing it all wrong.

You’re not broken, and you’re not alone. I’m here to help you unlearn the shame, rebuild self-trust, and reconnect with the person you were always meant to be.

I’VE BEEN THERE…

I used to believe my worth came from following all the rules, and being the “good” girl. I was taught that there is value in being the one who never said no, or the one who kept quiet even when something felt wrong. I thought that if I just tried harder or stayed small enough, I’d finally feel safe and accepted.

Like you, I thought I had to earn my place in the world by being everything to everyone else, until I realized that no matter how much I performed, it was never enough.

Here’s what changed: I started listening to the quiet voice inside me instead of ignoring it like I had been doing for so long. Over time, I realized my body wasn’t the enemy, my needs weren’t too much, and I didn’t have to live in fear of disappointing others. That shift changed everything for me, and now I help my clients do the same. Together, 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.

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⟡ You might believe that setting boundaries is selfish, or that your needs don’t matter as much as the needs of others, but it’s not true.

⟡ You may feel guilty every time you say no, or worried that you’ll lose the love and connection you crave if you stop people-pleasing.

If you’re like many of my clients, you might be stuck in a cycle of trying to “fix” yourself through self-help books, over-apologizing, or striving for perfection. The truth is that healing doesn’t come from performing or pretending. It comes from unlearning shame, reconnecting to your body and intuition, and giving yourself permission to live fully, just as you are.

My Values as a Therapist

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    AUTHENTICITY

    Being honest, direct, genuine, real, and true to yourself and others.

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    INCLUSIVITY

    Embracing each person equally and equitably while honoring our unique differences.

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    CURIOSITY

     The desire to learn more - about ourselves, each other, and the world.

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    COLLABORATION

    A sense of togetherness, teamwork, and communication to achieve your goals.

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    DIGNITY

    Everyone has an inherent right to be treated with value and respect, regardless of experience or background.

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    VULNERABILITY

    A willingness to open ourselves to the possibility of discomfort, in the hope of allowing ourselves to be truly seen and known.

Less Formally

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I am a wife, friend, eldest daughter, cat mom, serial hobbyist, and lover of trinkets. I like to spend my free time crafting, making art, going to hockey games, watching reality TV, or playing cozy video games. I’m also an ex-vangelical with lived experience of both relational and religious trauma.

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 third 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!

  • Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy

    California: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #140513

    Utah: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #14216343-3902

  • 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

Services Offered

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GET STARTED

Ready to begin?

Healing starts with taking the leap. If you’re ready to stop carrying it all on your own, I’m here to help. Reach out today and let’s talk about what’s possible.