Trauma Therapy: Work with an Experienced Trauma Therapist in California

At Cove Counseling Group, we specialize in helping individuals in California heal from trauma and emotional distress through compassionate, evidence-based therapy.

Our skilled trauma therapists provide personalized support to guide you toward recovery, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Serene beach sunset reflecting the healing journey at Cove Counseling Group, a trauma-informed therapy practice offering EMDR and nature-inspired mental health support for clients

What is “Trauma”?

Trauma can be considered as any event or experience that overwhelms you and threatens your sense of safety and well-being.

It can be something very scary, upsetting, or painful—like an accident, abuse, or losing someone close.

Trauma is not only about what happened to us—painful events, abuse, or loss—but also about what we didn’t receive, such as love, safety, validation, or emotional connection. These unmet needs can create deep emotional wounds that shape our self-perception and relationships.

How Does Trauma Affect You?

Woman with curly hair looking out at the ocean, symbolizing reflection, emotional healing, and the inner work of childhood attachment therapy at Cove Counseling Group

Trauma isn’t just about what happened—it’s about how your mind and body learned to survive it and how you are functioning in the present.

Even long after the event has passed, trauma can leave a lasting imprint on your nervous system, affecting how you think, feel, and relate to others.

You may find yourself:

  • Feeling stuck in survival mode (aka “fight, flight, freeze, or fawn” mode)

  • Experiencing persistent anxiety or panic symptoms

  • Feeling disconnected, emotionally numb, or overwhelmed

  • Struggling with relationship challenges or reactivity

  • Experiencing sleep issues, fatigue, or chronic tension

  • Suffering from unexplained physical symptoms or pain

At Cove Counseling Group, we understand how deeply trauma can impact your sense of safety, self, and connection. That’s why we go beyond talk therapy—helping you heal from the inside out, so you can move forward with strength, hope, and a renewed sense of wholeness.

client engaging in online trauma therapy with Cove Counseling Group, specializing in EMDR, parts work, and attachment-based virtual sessions

What is Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy is a specialized approach designed to help you safely process and heal from overwhelming life experiences—whether from a single traumatic event or ongoing emotional wounds.

At Cove Counseling Group, trauma therapy goes beyond talk. Our skilled therapists use proven methods like EMDR Therapy, Parts Work Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy to support deep nervous system healing and emotional regulation.

Whether you're dealing with childhood trauma, relational wounds, or chronic stress, our therapists are here to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and care. Schedule a free 15 min phone consultation to learn more about our services and how we can support you!

Benefits of Trauma Therapy

  • Reduces symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression

  • Helps process and resolve past trauma in a safe way

  • Improves emotional regulation and self-awareness

  • Enhances relationships and fosters self-compassion

  • Promotes long-term healing and personal growth

  • Strengthens the ability to form secure and meaningful connections

Woman smiling peacefully during a trauma-informed therapy session at Cove Counseling Group, specializing in EMDR, parts work, and attachment-based therapy for private pay clients

Why Choose Cove Counseling Group?

  • Expert Care for PTSD & Trauma Recovery: Our therapists are highly trained in trauma-focused therapies, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic approaches.

  • Attachment-Focused Healing: We help clients understand how trauma has shaped their relationships and work toward developing secure attachments.

  • Personalized Healing Journey: Every individual’s trauma experience is unique, and we tailor our therapeutic approach to meet your specific needs.

  • Compassionate, Client-Centered Therapy: We create a safe and supportive environment where you can process trauma at your own pace.

Peaceful ocean cove symbolizing emotional healing and safety at Cove Counseling Group, a trauma-focused therapy practice specializing in EMDR and parts work
Silhouette of woman holding the sun at sunset, symbolizing personal growth and healing through trauma therapy at Cove Counseling Group, specialists in EMDR and attachment-based care

Who Can Benefit from Trauma Therapy?

Our trauma therapists can work with individuals facing:

  • Childhood trauma and attachment wounds

  • PTSD, C-PTSD and post-traumatic stress symptoms

  • Anxiety, panic attacks, and chronic stress

  • Relationship and intimacy difficulties

  • Self-criticism, shame, and low self-worth

  • Grief, loss, and emotional numbness

  • Difficulty trusting others or forming secure relationships

Trauma Therapy in California: Online Options

We offer virtual trauma informed therapy across California, using secure, HIPAA-compliant technology so you can access compassionate, trauma-informed care from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Whether you're located outside of San Diego or simply prefer the flexibility of online sessions, our therapists are trained in evidence-based approaches like EMDR therapy, parts work, and attachment based therapy to support your healing—wherever you are in the state.

Comfortable therapy room at Cove Counseling Group with EMDR light bar and warm seating, symbolizing a safe, supportive space for trauma healing and childhood attachment work

Trauma Therapy in San Diego: In-person Options

We offer in-person trauma therapy in San Diego for individuals who value face-to-face connection and support in a calming, welcoming space. Our office is centrally located in Mission Valley, with easy access to major freeways and just minutes from neighborhoods like Hillcrest, North Park, University Heights, and other nearby communities. Whether you're looking for trauma therapy close to home or during your workday, our convenient location makes it easier to prioritize your healing. Schedule your free 15 min consultation today!

Woman engaged in a virtual therapy session from home, representing the accessibility and emotional safety of online trauma therapy and childhood attachment healing with Cove Counseling Group
Close-up of a sand dollar resting on textured beach sand, symbolizing grounding and mindfulness in trauma therapy with Cove Counseling Group, experts in EMDR and parts work

What to Expect During a Trauma Therapy Session

Each trauma therapy session is structured to support your healing process in a compassionate and effective way. Your trauma therapist will guide you through:

  • Building a foundation of safety and trust

  • Identifying and processing traumatic memories

  • Exploring attachment patterns and their impact on relationships

  • Developing coping strategies for emotional regulation

  • Strengthening self-awareness and resilience

Healing from trauma is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.

At Cove Counseling Group, our experienced trauma therapists are here to support you every step of the way.

Take the first step toward healing—contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to emotional wellness.

Meet Our California Based Trauma Therapist

At Cove Counseling Group, all of our therapists are trauma-informed—and several specialize deeply in trauma recovery, including complex PTSD and attachment wounds. Each brings a unique approach, but all share a commitment to helping you feel safe, seen, and supported.

Diana Rabban, LCSW

Specialties: Trauma, EMDR Parts Work

Diana is a licensed psychotherapist who works with adults navigating the effects of early childhood trauma, relationship wounds, and the complexities of immigrant identity and living between cultures. She integrates EMDR, parts work, and mindfulness-based approaches to help clients reconnect with themselves and feel more grounded in daily life.

Available: In-person (San Diego) & Virtual sessions across California

Leah Aguirre Barnes, LCSW

Specialties: Trauma, EMDR, Attachment Wounds, Emotionally Abusive Relationships, Dating & Self-Esteem

Leah is a licensed clinical social worker who supports adults healing from attachment wounds, emotionally abusive relationships, and the pain of feeling "not enough." She integrates EMDR therapy and attachment based therapy to help clients break unhelpful patterns, build self-trust, and cultivate more fulfilling relationships—with others and with themselves.

Available: In-person (San Diego) & Virtual sessions across California

 FAQs About Trauma Therapy

  • If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected—especially due to past experiences—trauma therapy can help. You don’t need to have a specific diagnosis or event to benefit. We’re here to explore this together at your pace.

  • The first session is all about connection and comfort. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, your goals, and any questions you have. Your therapist will also begin gently gathering background and history—at a pace that feels safe—to better understand you as a whole person. You don’t need to share everything all at once; healing happens gradually, in relationship.

  • Our office is located in San Diego, California, and we also offer virtual therapy throughout the state of California. Whether you prefer in-person or teletherapy, we’re here to meet you where you are.

  • Yes, we are in-network with Aetna and Health Net. For clients with other insurance providers, we are considered an out-of-network provider—but we can provide superbills for you to submit for potential reimbursement. Many clients are able to receive partial reimbursement depending on their specific plan.

    We accept all major forms of payment, including credit/debit cards, FSA (Flexible Spending Account), and HSA (Health Savings Account) cards.