Trauma Therapy in Pasadena, California
What Is Trauma?
Trauma can be defined as a distressing or overwhelming experience that impacts the nervous system, often leading to emotional, physical, and relational challenges. In my work providing trauma therapy in Pasadena, I support individuals in understanding how these experiences shape their thoughts, emotions, and sense of safety.
Over the past two decades, there has been a growing awareness of how trauma affects the nervous system, relationships, and overall well-being. As a trauma therapist in Pasadena, I help clients make sense of these responses in a compassionate and non-pathologizing way.
Trauma responses are not signs that something is “wrong” with you, they are survival mechanisms. The fight, flight, or freeze response is the body’s natural way of protecting you during moments of perceived danger. In therapy, we work together to gently understand these patterns and begin regulating the nervous system at a pace that feels safe.
Many clients come in feeling “broken” after trauma. In our work together, I help reframe these experiences as adaptive responses that once served a purpose. Through trauma-informed therapy in Pasadena, we focus on creating safety, building awareness, and supporting your nervous system in moving toward healing and stability.
Types of Trauma
Traumatic experiences can take many forms, and in trauma therapy in Pasadena, I work with clients who have gone through a wide range of life events. You may hear terms like “capital T” and “lowercase t” trauma, which refer to the different levels of intensity and impact these experiences can have on the nervous system and overall well-being.
As a trauma therapist in Pasadena, I support individuals in understanding how both major and more subtle experiences can shape emotional responses, relationships, and patterns over time.
Traumatic events may include:
- Natural disasters, such as pandemics, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires
- One-time accidents, such as car crashes, plane crashes, or train derailments
- Physical or sexual assault
- Domestic violence, including emotional, physical, financial, and psychological abuse
- Childhood neglect or abuse
- Military combat or exposure to war
- Vicarious trauma, or exposure to others’ trauma
- Terrorism or mass violence
- Generational and systemic trauma
- Medical trauma, such as serious illness, injury, or medical procedures
- The unexpected death of a loved one
- Witnessing or experiencing frightening events, such as a crime
In trauma-informed therapy in Pasadena, we work together to understand how these experiences may still be affecting you today, and begin the process of healing in a way that feels safe, supportive, and collaborative.
What is “Trauma-Informed” Therapy?
In an ideal world, all therapy would be trauma-informed. However, due to differences in training, cultural competency, therapeutic approach, and experience, the quality of care can vary. In my work providing trauma therapy in Pasadena, I prioritize a trauma-informed approach that centers safety, collaboration, and respect for each client’s unique experience.
As a trauma therapist in Pasadena, I integrate core principles of trauma-informed care to create a supportive and non-pathologizing environment where clients can begin to heal at their own pace.
Safety
A trauma-informed therapist creates both emotional and physical safety. In our work together, this may include clear boundaries, a strong focus on privacy and confidentiality, and regular check-ins about your comfort and the therapeutic relationship.
Collaboration
Many trauma survivors have experienced power imbalances or loss of control. That’s why I approach therapy as a collaborative process valuing your voice, your pace, and your input every step of the way.
Nervous System Focus
Trauma often lives in the body. I use a nervous system-informed approach that helps you understand and regulate physiological responses, reducing overwhelm and supporting emotional stability.
Trauma-Specific Interventions
In trauma-informed therapy in Pasadena, I draw from evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, somatic practices, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy to support healing and integration.
Trustworthiness
Building trust takes time. I work at a pace that feels safe for you, often checking in, asking for consent, and creating a transparent and supportive therapeutic space.
Resilience
Healing from trauma is not just about processing pain—it’s also about recognizing your strengths. I take a strength-based approach, helping you reconnect with your resilience, resources, and capacity for growth.
By integrating these elements, trauma-informed therapy in Pasadena offers a safe, collaborative space where you can process past experiences, regulate your nervous system, and move toward lasting healing.
Schedule Trauma Therapy in Pasadena
IN THE ROOM WITH ME
My Approach to Trauma Therapy in Pasadena
I have intentionally chosen to focus my clinical career on trauma and crisis intervention. My work began with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault at Peace Over Violence, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles. I fell in love with trauma-focused work because it is collaborative, warm, non-pathologizing, and integrative. This aligns well with my belief that people are doing their best and do not want to have a dysregulated nervous system.
As a lifelong musician with a background in somatic (body based) practices, I also appreciate the use of non-talking modalities in trauma therapy. These modalities include havening, guided breath-work and visualization, grounding exercises, tapping, and singing for trauma. With this in mind, I launched the first Music Intervention Processing Group at Peace Over Violence to help clients connect, ground, and process their emotions.
Many clients struggle with Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) as a result of attachment injuries and adverse childhood experiences. To help these clients make sense of cognitive dissonance, cultivate internal harmony, and generate self-compassion, I use an Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) framework with many clients. Given that a lot of trauma stems from systemic power imbalances, trauma, and narratives, I also use Narrative Therapy techniques in sessions.
Finally, I have received training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based intervention that reprocesses traumatic events and experiences. This training has enhanced my ability to provide effective trauma treatment and has broadened the range of interventions I can offer to my clients.
In the therapy room, I work collaboratively with my clients to determine which interventions will be most effective for them. As a trauma therapist in Pasadena, I believe therapy should be a highly collaborative process and welcome ongoing feedback and input. My clients know that I regularly attend trainings, pursue advanced certifications, and stay current with the latest trauma research.
LINKS
LOCATION
Danielle Palomares, LMFT
Couples Therapy & Trauma Therapy
Office in Pasadena, CA
By appointment only
CONTACT
(626) 209-9055
danielle@palomarestherapy.com
