Journey to Wellness Counseling

Trauma Therapy in California

Therapy to move you through what’s been holding you back

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You’re holding it all together, but it’s exhausting, and you’re ready for something to shift

Journey to Wellness Counseling offers trauma informed therapy in California for people who are ready to face what’s been weighing them down, work through it, and start experiencing real change.

Trauma therapy in California can help if you:

Feel stuck in old patterns that no longer serve you.
Crave clarity, balance, and the ability to move forward with confidence.
Know change is possible – you just need the right support to make it happen.
Don’t want to keep white-knuckling your way through.

Whether you’re looking for childhood trauma therapy, complex PTSD therapy, or just want support managing difficult life experiences, I can help.

Hi, I’m Lisa Franks

Your capacity for growth is greater than you might realize, and I’m here to help you tap into it.

With me, trauma counseling in California is a space to begin moving forward. Here you’ll uncover insights, shift perspectives, and build the tools you need to create meaningful change.

My approach is client-focused, trauma-informed, and solution-oriented. This means I’ll meet you where you are, create space to heal at a pace that feels right for you, and focus on practical strategies that can make a difference in your everyday life.

My trauma counseling services

Whether you’re looking for weekly therapy or more concentrated trauma work, we’ll find a format that fits what you need right now.

Individual therapy

As your trauma therapist in California, I use a blend of evidence-based and experiential approaches to help you process past trauma. These approaches include Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), CBT, DBT, ACT, and attachment-based strategies to equip you with skills for making lasting change.

You might be seeking trauma therapy because of a specific experience. Or perhaps you’ve realized that old patterns are still affecting your relationships, emotions, or sense of self. Regardless, I’ll tailor your trauma-informed therapy to where you are and what you want to change.

Therapy intensives

If you’re looking to go deeper, I also offer six-hour individual trauma therapy intensives using ART and/or EMDR intensives designed for deep, focused healing. This extended format gives us more dedicated time to work through a particular experience or concern without being limited to the length of a traditional weekly session.

Online counseling

Not everyone can make it to a therapy practice, and that’s okay. If you’re balancing work, family, and a busy schedule, online counseling gives you access to the same trauma-informed care without the added layer of stress a commute involves. I offer both weekly online trauma therapy and virtual therapy intensives throughout California, so you can choose the format that best fits you.

Licensed Psychotherapist in California

My specialties

My approach to trauma therapy helps clients facing a range of emotional, relational, and life challenges. I place a particular focus on trauma, anxiety, high-stress experiences, and the patterns that can keep you feeling stuck.

Trauma

Trauma has a way of following you into places you may not expect. It can show up as patterns you recognize but struggle to change in your relationships, anxiety levels, self-esteem, reactions to stress, and ability to trust.

Trauma-informed therapy in California gives you a place to understand these patterns and begin processing what you’ve been carrying so they have less power over your life now.

Anxiety

You may look capable and composed on the outside while your mind never really stops.

If worry, overthinking, tension, or feeling constantly “on” has become exhausting, we’ll work on both understanding what drives your anxiety and building practical ways to respond differently.

Women’s issues

Expectations around relationships, work, motherhood, caregiving, identity, and your own needs can create a tremendous amount of pressure. Trauma-informed therapy gives you a place to step out of these roles for a moment and focus on what you need.

First responders

When your job requires you to see and manage things most people never encounter, simply “leaving work at work” may not be realistic. Trauma and PTSD treatment for first responders can provide a confidential space to process experiences and develop practical ways of managing their impact.

Entrepreneurs/high-stress jobs

You can be successful but still running on empty.

Trauma-informed therapy in California can help you identify patterns contributing to burnout, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or feeling as though you can never fully switch off.

Relationships

Old experiences often influence how we communicate, trust, handle conflict, set boundaries, and connect with the people closest to us. Trauma therapy can help you recognize these patterns and begin responding differently.

Why choose Journey to Wellness Counseling?

I know there are a lot of trauma-informed therapists you could choose from. But the best trauma therapist isn’t just about credentials and treatment types. The best trauma therapist for you is the one whose way of working makes sense and feels right to you. Trauma therapy in California with me is:

Direct, but warm: As your trauma therapist, I won’t sit quietly and leave you wondering what I’m thinking. Together, I’ll help you notice patterns, make connections, and move forward.
Focused on real change: Trauma counseling doesn’t last forever. My solution-oriented approach is both meaningful and effective. Together, we’ll focus on giving you practical strategies that you can begin applying to your emotions, relationships, boundaries, and everyday challenges.
Built around you: There’s no one specific trauma-informed therapy formula that works for everyone. Rather than trying to fit you into a predetermined treatment plan, my approach focuses on you – your concerns and goals.

With Journey to Wellness Counseling, trauma counseling in California works with your history, your needs, and your goals rather than fitting you into a one-size-fits-all approach.

Ready to Take Your Next Step?

A place to heal in California

Journey to Wellness Counseling offers online trauma therapy across California.

Wherever you’re based in California, I offer online trauma therapy and virtual therapy intensives, making it easier to access support around work, family, travel, or other commitments.

If you’ve been searching for “trauma therapy near me,” proximity can matter, but the right therapeutic fit likely matters more. Trauma and PTSD treatment asks you to be honest about things that may be difficult to look at. So you need someone you feel safe with and trust to help you move forward.

How it works

Starting our work together is easy…

FAQs about trauma therapy

How do I know if trauma therapy could help me?

Trauma counseling can help if experiences from your past continue to affect your relationships, self-worth, emotional reactions, or sense of safety. You don’t need to have a PTSD diagnosis or even be able to identify a specific traumatic event. If difficult experiences continue to affect your life, trauma-informed therapy can help.

What does “trauma-informed therapy” mean?

“Trauma-informed therapy” means we recognize how past experiences can shape how you feel, act, and relate to others, as well as how you respond to stress today. A trauma-informed therapist takes these experiences into account while prioritizing safety, collaboration, choice, and your individual pace throughout treatment.

What is accelerated resolution therapy?

Accelerated resolution therapy (ART) is a type of trauma therapy that uses techniques including guided imagery and eye movements to help change the way distressing memories are experienced. Journey to Wellness is ART-certified and incorporates ART into individual therapy, as well as three-hour therapy intensives when appropriate. Many therapy approaches require 10+ sessions, but research shows that ART reduces symptoms in 1-5 sessions.

What is EMDR therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of trauma therapy that helps you process distressing memories and experiences that may still be affecting you today.

During EMDR therapy, you’ll focus on aspects of a difficult memory while following guided eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation. Over time, EMDR can help reduce the emotional intensity of a distressing memory and change the way you respond to it.

I incorporate EMDR into both individual therapy and therapy intensives if it fits your needs and goals.

How do I choose the best trauma therapist for me?

There isn’t one “best trauma therapist” for everyone. Look for appropriate trauma-specific education and training, but also pay attention to how comfortable you feel speaking with the therapist. The relationship should feel safe enough for you to be honest while still allowing the therapist to challenge patterns and help you make meaningful progress.

Can I use insurance for trauma therapy?

Insurance often covers trauma counseling. However, at Journey to Wellness Counseling, I do not work directly with insurance companies. This gives us more flexibility in your treatment, as your online trauma therapy in California is dictated by your needs, rather than insurance requirements. However, depending on your insurance benefits, you may be able to use out-of-network benefits for partial reimbursement. If finding a trauma therapist accepting insurance is important to you, ask both the practice and your insurer about coverage, out-of-network benefits, reimbursement requirements, and your expected costs before beginning treatment.

What people are saying about us

    
 
 
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   Meredith Gleason 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lisa Franks is an exceptional therapist who helps clients unpack their trauma. I have referred clients to who are in need of an empathetic and evidence based approach. Lisa is not only an accomplished therapist to her clients, but also a well-respected provider in our local mental health community. She helps bring other therapists together to share resources and support one another.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kirsten Cheong 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lisa is so passionate about treating trauma and her expertise in ART goes a long way for her clients. She is intelligent, compassionate, and an overall pleasure to know.
  
 
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   Hannah Jones 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a psychiatric provider, I trust sending my patients to Lisa who specializes in trauma-focused therapies including ART and EMDR. She provides skilled, compassionate care and I feel confident that she will provide the highest quality of care to my patients who are ready to process and heal from trauma.  Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Leena Yacob 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lisa is a passionate, kind, and driven professional who ensures her clients receive high-quality treatment rooted in honesty, compassion, and genuineness—fostering insight and personal growth. Through the use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Lisa creates a safe space where individuals can resolve distressing memories, process trauma, and manage anxiety with support and care.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Diana Koenen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lisa is a very skilled and compassionate therapist. She goes above and beyond for all her clients.
  
 
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   B A 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lisa Franks is an incredible therapist. Her use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) helped me feel real relief from anxiety and trauma faster than I ever expected. She’s compassionate, professional, and truly makes you feel safe and supported. Highly recommend her if you're looking for a therapist in Temecula!
  
 
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   Amy Salas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lisa is master-level trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and brings exceptional skill and presence to her trauma work. Lisa's ability to create a safe, grounded space allows clients to do deep, transformative healing. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a compassionate and effective therapist.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   R Morala 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lisa is a caring and passionate therapist who is deeply committed to helping clients break free from unhelpful patterns. Her dedication to real, lasting change makes her an invaluable resource for both individuals and couples. In addition to therapy, Lisa offers Intensives that provide powerful support—especially for entrepreneurs and those working through trauma. As a colleague, I fully trust Lisa as a referral and highly recommend her work.
  
 
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   Heather Seguin, LMFT 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a fellow therapist, I highly recommend Lisa, especially for her work with trauma. She is compassionate, honest, direct, and warm. Her advanced training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy helps clients get the healing and transformation they're looking for quickly. She is my go-to referral for clients seeking to work through difficult experiences.
  
 
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   Mallory Thysell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lisa is compassionate and takes her time with her clients. She meets the clients where they are at on their journey. She also does accelerated resolution therapy which is a life changing. She is an incredible therapist.

Start your evolution today

Don’t stay caught in the patterns holding you back.

Whether you’re looking for online trauma therapy in Southern California, the Bay Area, Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles, or elsewhere across the state, Journey to Wellness Counseling can help you understand what you’re carrying and develop the strategies to begin creating lasting change.

Schedule a free consultation today and explore whether I’m the right fit for you.