Who are the Best Trauma Therapists in Irvine?
Have you been carrying the weight of old wounds for too long? Maybe you feel on edge, disconnected, or stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break. Trauma can show up as anxiety, perfectionism, or feeling like you're never good enough, and it can take a toll on your relationships and sense of self. Thankfully, trauma therapy can help. Here, I’ll share more about my approach and introduce you to some colleagues so you can find the right fit.
Therapist highlight: Dr. Adrianna Holness
I'm Dr. Adrianna Holness, a clinical psychologist who specializes in trauma therapy in Irvine for women navigating generational, cultural, and developmental trauma. I understand how identity and lived experience shape the healing process, and I’m here to offer a supportive, culturally attuned space to help you reconnect with yourself.
At my practice, Worth and Wellness Psychology, I use a blend of evidence-based methods like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) combined with warmth, empathy, and even a bit of humor to support your healing. If you’re looking for an experienced trauma therapist who also shows up authentically, we could be a great match.
Offers trauma therapy: ✓
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY #31501)
Clientele: Adult and college-aged women
Location: Irvine, CA 92612
Virtual therapy? Yes
Additional recommended Irvine trauma therapists
Finding the right therapist is deeply personal, and what matters most is that you feel safe, seen, and supported. If you’re exploring options and want to consider other clinicians, here are a few trusted colleagues whose work I deeply respect. Each has a unique approach to trauma healing, and I’m confident you’ll be in good hands with any of them.
Dr. Seda Terzyan, PhD
Seda brings together deep expertise in both neuropsychology and psychotherapy, specializing in trauma, anxiety, cognitive challenges (like ADHD and TBI), and complex co-occurring psychological and brain-based conditions.
What I respect most is her commitment to identifying root causes—not just suppressing symptoms, so that the treatment is as precise as you are. If you’re navigating trauma alongside cognitive or medical factors and want a clinician who understands both the brain and the heart of it, Seda is a great choice.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Neuropsychologist
Clientele: Children, adolescents, adults
Location: Newport Beach, CA (near Irvine)
Virtual therapy? Yes
Dr. Katherine Dautenhahn, PhD
Katherine has spent over a decade supporting clients through life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship struggles, and perfectionism. As a queer-identifying clinician, she brings affirming, inclusive care that deeply values cultural context, body-mind health, and the full complexity of identity.
If you’re looking for a therapist who meets you where you are, with compassion, structure, and an eye toward reclaiming joy and authenticity, Katherine is someone I highly recommend.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Clientele: Adults
Location: Los Angeles, CA (serving all of California virtually)
Virtual therapy? Yes
Dr. Rachel Dore, Psy.D., CEDS
Rachel is a dual-licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist who specializes in treating body image concerns, disordered eating, and the underlying trauma that often accompanies these issues. She has EMDR training and previously served as Clinical Supervisor and Program Director at Center for Discovery in Newport Beach.
I refer clients to Dr. Dore when eating disorders or body image concerns are a primary focus of treatment. Her specialized training in eating disorder treatment makes her an excellent resource for clients whose trauma manifests in their relationship with food and their bodies.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist
Clientele: Adolescents, teens, adults
Location: Irvine, CA 92612
Virtual therapy? Yes
FAQs about trauma and PTSD therapy
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Trauma isn’t just what happened to you; it’s how your mind and body responded when something felt overwhelming, unsafe, or too much to handle. It can come from a single event like an accident or loss, or from ongoing experiences like childhood neglect, cultural oppression, or growing up in a home where emotional safety wasn’t available.
Trauma often lingers in the nervous system long after the event has passed, showing up as hypervigilance, anxiety, perfectionism, or a sense of disconnection from yourself and others.
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You might benefit from trauma therapy if you feel stuck in patterns you can't break, have intrusive memories, avoid certain places or people, or feel like you’re always on edge. People often describe feeling “too much” or “not enough,” or like they’re going through life on autopilot.
Sometimes trauma shows up quietly—in people-pleasing, numbing out, or struggling with boundaries. If past experiences are getting in the way of the life you want, therapy can help you process and heal in a supported way.
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I specialize in working with women who are navigating developmental trauma, generational and cultural trauma, and PTSD from specific events. I often work with clients dealing with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, or the aftermath of abusive relationships or identity-based oppression. My work is deeply informed by how trauma intersects with culture, family, and systems, especially for women of color and those with marginalized identities.
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My approach to trauma therapy in Irvine is holistic, relational, and body-focused. I believe trauma shows up in the mind and in the body, so I incorporate modalities that address both, like EMDR, CPT, and Prolonged Exposure. I also weave in attachment-based frameworks, mindfulness, and feminist therapy principles. Above all, I work at your pace and prioritize building a safe, trusting relationship where your emotions are respected and your story is honored.
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Healing from trauma is a journey, and we’ll take it one step at a time. Early on, we’ll focus on building safety, clarity, and coping skills. Once you feel ready, we’ll gently process the experiences that are keeping you stuck, using evidence-based techniques to help your mind and body release what’s been held for too long. Throughout this process, I’ll support you in reconnecting with your inner wisdom, challenging old narratives, and building healthier patterns in relationships and in your daily life.
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Trauma therapy is most effective when you feel truly seen and supported. I may be a good fit if you're a woman (adult or college-aged) who’s ready to do the deep work of healing, especially if you're a high achiever, a caregiver, or someone navigating burnout, anxiety, or identity-based stress.
Many of my clients are women of color or individuals of biracial heritage who seek a culturally affirming space where all aspects of themselves are welcome. If you're looking for personalized care from someone who combines the science and humanity of therapy, I’d love to meet you.
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Starting therapy can feel like a big leap, but you don’t have to do it alone. The first step is to book a complimentary consultation call—we’ll discuss what you’re going through, explore your goals, and determine if working together feels right. From there, we’ll schedule your first session and begin building a plan tailored to your needs. You've already taken the first step just by being here. If you’re ready for the next one, I’m here to support you.
