Living in a city like San Francisco means being surrounded by diversity, creativity, ambition—and, yes, a certain level of intensity. The city moves fast. People work hard, and there’s a vibe of progress and transformation always buzzing. But amidst the energy and evolution, many of us carry invisible weights—the echoes of trauma. If you’re looking for trauma therapy in San Francisco, I want you to know: you’re not alone, and healing is not only possible but fully within reach.

Understanding Trauma in Everyday Life

Trauma isn’t always about “big” events. Yes, it can come from a car accident, natural disaster, or violence. But trauma can also stem from childhood neglect, emotional abuse, repeated microaggressions, systemic oppression, or simply not being seen and heard over long periods of time. Trauma lives in the body. It shapes how we move through the world, how we connect with others, and even how we view ourselves.

In my practice, I work with people navigating all kinds of trauma. Some have a clear story about what happened. Others just feel anxious, detached, irritable, or stuck, without knowing exactly why. Both are valid. Both deserve care.

Why Trauma Therapy Is Different

Trauma-focused therapy isn’t about just talking through events. It’s about helping your nervous system feel safe again. It’s about building trust—in yourself, in others, and in the process. This work takes time, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

There are many therapy approaches for trauma, and we can find what fits for you:

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy helps bring gentle awareness to the present, without judgment.
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) helps shift unhelpful thinking patterns.
• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) invites us to live more in alignment with our values.
• Attachment-Based Therapy explores early relationships and how they affect us now.
• Complex Trauma & PTSD Therapy specifically targets longstanding and multilayered trauma.

What Therapy Might Look Like With Me

When you reach out, we start with a conversation. No pressure. Just a chance to connect. If it feels like a good fit, we talk about what you’re needing and how we can get there together.

Sometimes we go deep into past experiences. Sometimes we stay very present-focused, working with sensations or feelings in the body. Other times, we talk about relationships, boundaries, or coping strategies for anxiety or depression. This is your space. I’ll bring expertise, compassion, and a trauma-informed lens. You bring your lived experience and wisdom.

We can also explore:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy (which can be powerful for trauma healing)
• Online therapy if you’re more comfortable in your own space
• Intensive therapy sessions for more immersive healing work
• Care coordination to ensure you feel supported beyond our sessions

The Unique Pulse of San Francisco

San Francisco is beautiful and complicated—just like healing. We have breathtaking views and vibrant communities, but we also face housing instability, tech pressures, cultural disconnection, and burnout. These forces can deepen existing trauma or make healing feel harder.

But here’s the thing: this city also offers space for reinvention. I’ve seen people who felt completely overwhelmed find new joy and resilience right here, in this city. Therapy doesn’t make life perfect. But it can help you reclaim parts of yourself, soften the impact of trauma, and move through the world with more ease.

How to Know If It’s Time

You might be wondering if what you’ve been through “counts” as trauma. If something inside you is asking for attention—if you feel exhausted, anxious, disconnected, reactive, or like you’re constantly in survival mode—that’s enough. You deserve care, whether or not there’s a tidy label for what you’ve experienced.

Signs that trauma therapy might be helpful:

• You have trouble relaxing or feel constantly on edge.
• You avoid certain people, places, or situations.
• You feel emotionally numb or disconnected.
• You struggle with sleep, concentration, or trust.
• You’ve tried to “just get over it” and it’s not working.

Creating a Safe Space for Healing

My goal is to offer therapy that is inclusive, affirming, and trauma-sensitive. I work with clients of all backgrounds, identities, and histories. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+, a veteran, a parent, a survivor, or anything in between, I want you to feel seen, heard, and honored.

Some of the specialty areas we can explore together include:

• LGBTQIA+ and sex-positive affirming therapy
• Veteran support and substance abuse
• Divorce & co-parenting therapy
• Ketamine integration therapy

Therapy Is a Partnership

Healing trauma isn’t about fixing you. You are not broken. Therapy is about collaboration. I bring tools, perspective, and training. You bring your courage, your questions, and your truth. Together, we build something new.

You don’t have to do this alone. You don’t have to keep carrying what you’ve been carrying. If you’re curious about starting or returning to therapy, you can read more about my approach, check out my services, or just reach out. I’m here.

Final Thoughts

Trauma can shape how we experience the world, but it doesn’t have to define us. With the right support, we can find our way back to connection, safety, and even joy. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking to dive deeper, there is space for you here in San Francisco—a place that can hold both your pain and your healing.

Ready to get started? Visit my contact page to schedule a free consultation. Let’s explore how therapy might support your journey.

Warmly, Sara