Trauma therapy for individuals, couples and new parents
Welcome
I'm a South Pasadena, California-based therapist specializing in trauma therapy and perinatal mental health. My work focuses on:
Trauma/PTSD, Complex PTSD, traumatic loss, and painful childhood experiences
Depression and Anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum
Reproductive Trauma including infertility, miscarriage, TFMR, stillbirth and infant loss
LGBTQ affirming and supportive of the many ways of creating your family.
LMFT | PMH-Certified | EMDR-Certified
Have you had a traumatic or disturbing experience and feel ready for 1:1 therapy support?
I treat many kinds of trauma and work with adults in all stages of life. My specialization is in treating childhood or attachment traumas that are resurfacing in adulthood (Post Traumatic Stress and Complex-PTSD) and traumas that occur around the time of pregnancy and childbirth. Common experiences I work with include:
Medical traumas, single incident traumas/accidents, natural disasters, pandemic
Physical or Sexual Assault/Rape
Childhood trauma, including physical, emotional or sexual abuse and neglect.
Disturbing childhood memories
fertility challenges
pregnancy loss/miscarriage
high risk pregnancy/medical complications
Complex PTSD/Attachment Trauma
Traumas that occur around the time of conception, pregnancy and childbirth
Fertility challenges
Neonatal loss/death of a baby
TFMR
NICU experience
postpartum depression and anxiety
Services
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a highly researched therapy and has been found to be effective in treating trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety and fear at any stage of life, including pregnancy.
EMDR is the primary model of therapy I use in my practice because it's so effective (supported by research), provides relief for my clients (often more quickly than traditional talk therapy). Learn more
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I offer specialized therapy for women and birthing people who are struggling with mood, anxiety and the effects of trauma/PTSD during the perinatal period (from pre-conception, through pregnancy and postpartum); and grief and loss related to infertility, pregnancy and infant loss.
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Individual therapy is a time to focus on your emotional and psychological well-being. Common therapy themes include developing a deeper understanding of yourself and how you’re reacting to the events in your life, exploring your identity, healing the lingering effects of trauma, developing coping skills to better manage emotions, or grieving a loss. Whatever your therapy goals are, this time is for you to heal, grow and change in a positive way.
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Building a family and becoming parents can be really hard. I offer therapy to couples who are struggling to feel connected and supported during the perinatal period, from pre-conception through early parenthood.
It's always a privilege to be invited into my clients' lives.
Healing and well-being happen through our relationships. That's why creating a therapy relationship with you that’s judgment-free and supportive is at the heart of my work. You're not supposed to do this alone. My work has been guided by my own parenting experiences, and I believe that support during this important stage of life is essential.
I love my work and I welcome the opportunity to support you through your healing process.
~Holly
My Specializations
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Therapy for Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Problems with depression and anxiety are common during pregnancy and postpartum. If your mood or anxiety is getting in the way of caring for yourself and your family, getting support can make all the difference.
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Trauma/PTSD
Unresolved trauma is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy. The symptoms of trauma and PTSD interfere with your daily life and change how you feel about yourself and others. Trauma focused therapies, including EMDR and Ego State Therapy (or parts work) can help. I treat many kinds of trauma, and work with adults at all stages of life.
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Birth/Reproductive Trauma
Crisis or frightening experiences that occur around the time of pregnancy and childbirth can lead to debilitating symptoms and make it difficult to function. You may be grieving a loss, struggling with fertility process, have negative feelings about your baby's birth, or feel like your body has failed you. Having a history of trauma also increases the risk of PTSD during this time.
Relevant Trainings / Certifications
Master of Arts, Psychology, Pepperdine University, 2001
Master of Science, Gerontology (the study of aging), Baylor University 1995
Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) by EMDR International Association
Certified in Perinatal Mental Health by Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR)- Trained by Dr. Laurel Parnell, who developed the model for treating complex childhood trauma.
Emotionally Focused Therapy: 4 Day Externship
Advanced EMDR Training for Reproductive Trauma-Trained by Dr. Mara Tesler Stein, Touchstone Institute
Empty Cradle, Broken Heart: A Practitioner’s Guide to Supporting Bereaved Parents- Trained by Dr. Deborah L. Davis and Dr. Mara Tesler Stein, Touchstone Institute
Easy Ego State Interventions, Robin Shapiro
Imaginal Nurturing, April Steele
Internal Family Systems (IFS) for EMDR Therapists, Bruce Hersey
Let me know when you’re ready to talk.
Reaching out for help is a big step and I want to make the process as comfortable and easy to understand as possible. To get started, just call or email me to schedule your free consultation. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Holly A. Evans, LMFT/PMH-C
phone: 626-808-5463
email: hollyaevansmft@gmail.com
Address:
1000 Fremont Ave., Suite 204
South Pasadena, CA 91030
To get started, fill out the form below or give me a call in my South Pasadena office at (626) 808-5463, and I’ll get back to you within one business day. Keep in mind that emails are not encrypted, and please try to limit personal details and information about yourself to protect your privacy.
