Top-Rated California Therapy for Therapists
Helpers need support, too. If you’re a therapist looking for a therapist for yourself, you’re in the right place. At Journey to Wellness Counseling, we specialize in trauma-informed therapy for therapists who are looking for a space for their own processing and personal growth. Contact us today to take the next step toward putting your own mental health first.
Meet your California therapist for therapists
Lisa Franks, LCSW
Hi, I’m Lisa. As both a therapist myself and someone with experience supporting professionals with secondary and vicarious trauma, like military service members and first responders, I deeply understand the unique challenges therapists face. I’m Master ART Certified and EMDR trained, and my practice specializes in trauma therapy that goes below the surface. I’m passionate about helping fellow clinicians like you process their experiences to both find lasting healing for themselves and become more effective therapists.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Master ART Certified, Gottman Levels 1 & 2 trained, EMDR trained
Clientele: Adults & couples
Location: Temecula, CA
Virtual therapy: Yes, across CA
Common reasons why therapists seek therapy
Burnout and compassion fatigue from constantly absorbing others' pain and trauma
Vicarious trauma from repeated exposure to clients' traumatic experiences
Imposter syndrome and self-doubt about professional competence despite years of training
Boundary struggles between personal and professional life, difficulty "turning off" therapist mode
Relationship challenges stemming from overanalyzing personal interactions or partners feeling "therapized"
Personal trauma that remains unresolved and impacts both personal well-being and clinical work
Isolation and loneliness from the inherent one-way nature of therapeutic relationships
Financial stress from private practice challenges or insurance reimbursement struggles
Ethical dilemmas and moral distress from challenging cases or systemic limitations
Career transitions or questioning professional identity and long-term sustainability
How therapy can help therapists
Reclaim your personal identity
Rediscover who you are outside of your professional role. Therapy helps you separate your personal worth from your clinical performance, allowing you to reconnect with your own needs, desires, and authentic self beyond the therapy room.
Process your own trauma
Address personal experiences that may be impacting your clinical work. Using ART and other trauma-informed approaches, you can resolve lingering emotional wounds without the need for extensive verbal processing, creating space for both healing and professional growth.
Restore professional vitality
Break free from burnout and compassion fatigue by developing sustainable self-care practices. Learn to set healthy boundaries, manage vicarious trauma, and reignite your passion for the work you once loved through renewed energy and perspective.
Strengthen personal relationships
Improve your ability to connect authentically in personal relationships. Therapy helps you navigate the challenge of being both a clinician and a partner, parent, or friend, fostering deeper connections outside of your professional identity.
FAQs about therapy for therapists
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Absolutely. Many therapists seek therapy throughout their careers for personal growth, processing difficult cases, managing burnout, or addressing their own life challenges. It's not only normal but often considered essential for maintaining professional competence and personal well-being.
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I help therapists with burnout, vicarious trauma, personal relationship struggles, unresolved trauma, career transitions, imposter syndrome, boundary issues, and the unique challenges of balancing personal and professional identities. My approach addresses both clinical and personal concerns.
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I specialize in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), though I also draw from methods like EMDR, the Gottman method, CBT, DBT, and ACT. ART is particularly effective for therapists because it allows you to process trauma rapidly without requiring extensive verbal disclosure. I find that many therapists appreciate the ability to unlock deep healing without retelling certain events.
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I understand the unique dynamics of therapist-to-therapist work. I respect your clinical knowledge while maintaining clear therapeutic boundaries, avoid over-intellectualizing, and focus on your emotional experience rather than clinical analysis. You'll be the client, not a colleague in consultation.
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With 10+ years in mental health across multiple settings—nonprofits, government agencies, private practice—I understand the field's challenges intimately. Plus, I specialize in working with first responders, who, like therapists, experience job-related trauma and tension between their personal and professional roles. My extensive training in trauma-focused methods like ART also lends itself well to this work.
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My practice may be a good match if
You prefer innovative approaches like ART over traditional talk therapy alone
You value a therapist with deep experience supporting frontline workers
You appreciate direct, warm communication without clinical jargon
You're ready to prioritize your own healing and professional sustainability
You prefer virtual therapy or in-person options in the Temecula area
If these resonate with you, let's explore how I can support your journey.
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Simply book a free consultation call to discuss your needs and determine if we're a good fit. During this call, we'll talk about your goals, my approach, and answer any questions about working together as a fellow mental health professional.