3 of the Best Trauma Therapists in Temecula, CA
Finding the right trauma therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already struggling with the weight of past experiences.
Hi, I’m Lisa. As a master certified ART practitioner and seasoned trauma specialist in Temecula, I understand how important it is to find someone who truly gets what you're going through. I work with women, mothers, couples, and high-stress professionals who are ready to break free from patterns that keep them feeling stuck, anxious, or disconnected from their relationships and themselves.
If you're looking for a trauma-informed approach that combines deep, effective healing through evidence-based techniques with practical strategies you can start using right away, I'd love to help you on your journey to wellness.
However, I also know that finding the right therapeutic fit is deeply personal, so I've curated this list of trusted trauma therapists in our community in case my practice isn't the perfect match for your specific needs.
3 highly recommended Temecula trauma therapists
1. Yoana Armendariz, LMFT
If you’re looking for a trauma therapist for your adolescent or teen, I highly recommend Yoana. She also utilizes Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which can help your teen find fast, lasting relief from trauma symptoms. Yoana also offers services in Spanish.
2. Michele Peterson, LCSW
Everyone processes trauma in their own way, and different techniques work better for some people than they do for others. If ART isn't right for you, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) may be a good fit, which Michele provides in her practice. She also provides Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
3. Lee Amaris Padden, LMFT
If you and your loved ones—or just one person in your family—have experienced a traumatic event, it may be beneficial to process it together. Lee’s practice offers family therapy, so I recommend contacting her if you need family trauma therapy.
FAQs about trauma therapy
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You might benefit from trauma therapy if you’re experiencing any of the following:
Difficulty sleeping
Feeling constantly on edge
Having trouble being present
Chronic stress and anxiety
Feeling emotionally numb
Avoiding certain situations
Struggling with intense emotions
Feeling like you’re always in survival mode
Many people don’t realize that these symptoms can be connected to past experiences. Trauma can take on many different forms, and it can impact our lives in unexpected ways. Therapy can help you understand your responses, heal from past wounds, and move forward toward real change.
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Trauma therapy helps you process difficult experiences in a safe, supportive environment so they no longer control your daily life.
Through approaches like ART, you can work through distressing memories without having to verbally relive every detail. While we can’t change what happened, we can change the way our brain responds to painful past events. You’ll also develop practical tools to help you manage stress and emotions in your day-to-day life.
Many of my clients find that working together helps them feel more empowered, present, and connected in their relationships.
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I work with a wide range of trauma-related concerns, including childhood trauma, relationship trauma, workplace stress and burnout, anxiety, and depression. Many of my clients are mothers feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, professionals struggling with work-life balance, or couples whose past experiences are affecting their connection. I also have experience supporting first responders, military service members, and their families.
Whether your trauma feels "big" or "small," all experiences that impact your well-being deserve attention and care.
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My approach combines Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) with strategies from CBT, DBT, and ACT in a trauma-informed framework. ART is particularly powerful because it allows you to process difficult memories through guided imagery and eye movements without requiring you to retell your story. I also integrate psychoeducation about trauma responses, attachment, and nervous system regulation to help you understand and learn to cope with your experiences.
Everything we do is tailored to your unique needs and goals, with an emphasis on building your strengths and empowering you to move forward with purpose and intention.
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Sessions with me are designed to be a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported. We’ll start by understanding your concerns and goals, then work together to develop a treatment plan that feels right for you. Then, we’ll use proven techniques like ART to engage in deep processing that offers rapid relief. You’ll also build sustainable coping skills to help you manage stress, connect with others, and feel more present in your daily life.
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I tend to be a good fit for highly motivated individuals who are ready to be active participants in their healing. My clients are often women, mothers, couples, or people in high-stress professions who are looking for practical, evidence-based approaches and appreciate a direct but compassionate communication style. If this sounds like you, contact me today for a free consultation.
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The first step is booking a free consultation call where we can discuss your concerns and determine if we're a good fit for working together. During this call, you can ask any questions about my approach, experience, or what therapy might look like for your specific situation. If we decide to move forward, we'll schedule your first session and begin your journey toward greater clarity, peace, and fulfillment.