Trauma Therapist in Riverside, CA | EMDR & Parts Work Therapy for Adults
Helping you process what’s been stuck so you can finally feel like yourself again.
I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and provide trauma-informed therapy for adults in Riverside, California and throughout California who are ready to better understand themselves, feel more grounded, and experience lasting change.
Online sessions available across California. Evening and late appointments are available Monday through Thursday, 2-10pm, making it easier to fit therapy around a full work schedule.
What Happens When You've Had to Protect Yourself for Too Long
Somewhere along the way, you learned that feeling things wasn't safe. So you stopped. Now you move through your days a little numb, a little disconnected, telling yourself it's fine because at least you're functioning.
But it's not really fine, and some part of you knows that.
You want closeness, and yet when someone gets too near, something in you pulls back. You catch yourself thinking, "I don't need anyone," and you almost believe it, except for the loneliness underneath. Needing people has hurt you before. Depending on someone and being let down, dismissed, or left has a way of teaching you to stop asking altogether.
So you carry everything yourself. You figure things out alone. You rarely ask for help, and when you do, it feels uncomfortable, like you've already said too much.
That's not too much to want. It's exactly what therapy can offer. Together, we make sense of what you've been carrying and work through what's underneath so real, lasting change can happen from the inside out.
You belong here, exactly as you are
You won't be pathologized for your identity here, whether you're queer, neurodivergent, a person of color, or in a non-traditional relationship. I already understand the landscape you're navigating, so you won't need to spend our time together educating me or justifying who you are.
We move at whatever pace feels safe for your nervous system. If you need to stim, fidget, or move around during a session, that's completely welcome. Eye contact is never something I'll push for. You get to show up however feels most natural to you.
Hi, I’m Cindy.
I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC#22053, providing therapy for adults in Riverside and across California.
I help clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected gain clarity, feel more grounded, and create meaningful, lasting change.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, and the kind of life transitions that leave you wondering who you even are anymore, including those carrying high-functioning anxiety or depression that no one else around them can see. If you're not sure where to start, that's okay. Therapy gives you a place to make sense of what you're experiencing and move forward with direction.
Together, we’ll go beyond symptom relief and work on the underlying patterns shaping your thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
Modalities
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
A research-backed therapy that helps your brain finally process stuck, distressing memories so they no longer hold the same emotional charge in your daily life.
Internal Family Systems
A gentle, evidence-based approach that helps you understand and heal the different "parts" of yourself that may be in conflict, so you can feel more whole and at peace inside.
Comprehensive Resource Model
A deeply healing, body-based therapy that builds internal safety and connection so you can process even the most overwhelming trauma without becoming re-traumatized in the process.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
A well-researched approach that helps you identify and shift the deeper emotional patterns driving how you relate to yourself and others, creating more secure, lasting connection.
What to Expect
Starting therapy is a big step, and it's okay to have questions. We'll begin with a free 15-minute call that is a low-pressure conversation where you can share a little about what's bringing you in, ask anything on your mind, and get a feel for whether we're a good fit. No commitment required.
If you'd like to move forward, we'll schedule your first full session. This is a time for me to really listen, to understand your story, what you're carrying, and what you're hoping for. Together, we'll begin mapping out a path that feels right for you.
Healing isn't linear, and that's okay. As we work together, we'll regularly check in on how you're feeling, revisit your goals, and adjust our approach as your needs evolve. I'm here with you for the whole journey, not just the hard moments, but the growth ones too.
FAQs About Therapy
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can help if you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like something isn’t fully resolving. Many of my clients are high-functioning but internally anxious, exhausted, or impacted by past experiences. You don’t have to be in crisis to start therapy. You just need to be ready to understand what’s going on and feel better. If you’re unsure, we can talk through it together in a consultation.
What makes your approach different from traditional therapy?
My approach goes beyond coping skills and insight. I integrate modalities like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and the Comprehensive Resource Model to help you process the root of what’s driving your thoughts, emotions, and patterns. Therapy is collaborative, paced to your nervous system, and focused on lasting change.
How long does therapy take to work?
Many clients begin to feel some relief within the first few sessions, especially as they start to feel understood and supported. Deeper work, like trauma processing, can take more time. We move at a pace that feels safe and effective, with the goal of creating meaningful, lasting change rather than quick, temporary relief.
What can I expect in my first therapy session?
Your first session is a relaxed, collaborative conversation. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping for, and any questions you have. There’s no pressure to share everything right away. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, understood, and supported from the start.
What if I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help?
That experience is more common than it sounds, and it doesn’t mean therapy won’t work for you. Different approaches can lead to very different outcomes, especially when deeper patterns haven’t been addressed directly. We can also talk about what didn’t work before so we can approach things differently this time.
Have more questions? Read the full FAQ.
GET STARTED
Schedule a Consultation today.
A free 15-minute call, no pressure, just a real conversation about where you are and what you're looking for.