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Yolanda Padilla, LMFT #147174   ••   "It's never overreacting to ask for what you want and need." – Amy Poehler

Approach

Approach
& Services

Specialties

Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
Self-Esteem

Expertise

Women’s Issues
Boundaries
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues
Coping Skills
Depression
Domestic Abuse
Grief

Understanding Trauma & PTSD

Trauma is any deeply distressing or overwhelming experience that leaves a lasting emotional impact. It can result from a single event, such as an accident or loss, or from ongoing experiences like childhood neglect, abuse, or unstable relationships. When trauma isn’t fully processed, it can linger in the body and mind, leading to emotional and physical distress long after the event has passed.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs when trauma overwhelms the nervous system, making it difficult to feel safe, regulate emotions, or move forward. Symptoms can include anxiety, intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, and difficulty trusting others. But even without a PTSD diagnosis, unresolved trauma can affect how you see yourself, form relationships, and respond to stress.

How Childhood Trauma Affects You Today

The effects of childhood trauma often extend far into adulthood, shaping the way you navigate relationships, handle emotions, and view yourself. You may struggle with low self-esteem, people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, or a deep sense of guilt and shame. Old survival patterns—like avoiding conflict, suppressing emotions, or staying in unhealthy relationships—can continue long after the original trauma occurred.

The good news is that healing is possible. Through compassionate, evidence-based therapy, I help clients identify and process the lingering effects of trauma, build self-awareness, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. You don’t have to stay stuck in old patterns—together, we can work toward healing, empowerment, and a renewed sense of self.

Teens/Young Adults

I work with teens and young adults clients to help them build self-esteem, explore and embrace their identity, and navigate the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) transitions into adulthood. I know this stage of life comes with a lot of pressure—figuring out who you are, what you want, and where you belong can feel daunting. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions freely. Together, we will work on building confidence, clarifying your values, and developing the tools to handle life’s challenges. Whether you’re struggling with social anxiety, family dynamics, or the stress of big decisions, I’m here to guide you with compassion and clarity.

EMDR

EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a powerful, evidence-based approach that I use to help clients process and heal from trauma. The goal of EMDR is to help you reframe and heal from past traumatic experiences by accessing memories and emotions in a safe, structured way. We use bilateral stimulation, like guided eye movements, to help your brain process these memories, reducing their emotional charge. This allows you to shift from feeling stuck or overwhelmed by past events to a place of understanding and healing. Throughout the process, I will be with you every step of the way to provide support and create a safe space for you to explore and process difficult emotions. See video in the FAQ page.

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