Biology of Trauma Therapy in San Diego

Trauma lives in the body, not only in memory

Trauma doesn’t only live in the stories we tell. It can live in a nervous system that stays on alert, in sleep that never feels restful, and in a chest, jaw or gut that holds tension no matter how hard you try to relax.

Biology of Trauma therapy draws on a framework developed by Aimie Apigian, MD, MS, MPH. It looks at how trauma and long-term stress affect the body’s biology as well as the mind, and how supporting the body can make therapy more workable.

I completed the year-long Biology of Trauma Professional Training Program in early 2025, and I bring what I learned into my work alongside the other approaches I use, including Brainspotting, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing and Compassionate Inquiry.

How trauma can show up in the body

Everyone’s experience is different. Some of the ways people describe it:

• Feeling wired and exhausted at the same time
• Trouble settling down or sleeping
• Muscle tension, jaw clenching or stomach trouble that comes and goes with stress
• Feeling startled, numb or far away
• Symptoms that flare when life gets stressful
• Finding it hard to say no without feeling unsafe

These can have many causes, so I work alongside your doctors and other providers. This work does not replace medical care.

What Biology of Trauma therapy looks like with me

1. We start at your pace. We talk about what you’re noticing in your body and what you’d like to change.
2. We build steadiness first. Before going into painful material, we focus on helping your nervous system feel safer and more settled. I also share simple education about how chronic stress affects the body, and I can point you to Dr. Aimie Apigian’s podcast, The Biology of Trauma with Dr. Aimie, and other online materials if you’d like to learn more.
3. We work with the trauma itself. Depending on what fits you, that may include Brainspotting, EMDR, somatic work or Compassionate Inquiry.
4. We stay connected to your care team. With your permission, I coordinate with your doctor or other providers.

Who this approach can help

• People whose trauma history shows up in their body as well as their thoughts and feelings
• People managing a chronic health condition alongside their medical care, who want support with the stress and trauma side
• People who have done talk therapy and want to work with the body too
• People-pleasers and high achievers whose nervous system is always on, often rooted in attachment trauma

For doctors and other referring providers

If you have a patient with persistent symptoms where trauma may be a factor, I’d be glad to work with you. I see adults and some teens, mostly by telehealth, with in-person intensives in San Diego. I can coordinate with you, with your patient’s permission. See the referral page for providers or contact me directly.

My training

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I completed the year-long Biology of Trauma Professional Training Program, developed by Dr. Aimie Apigian, in early 2025. I also use Brainspotting, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems and Compassionate Inquiry, and I have advanced training in Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and Compassionate Inquiry.

Frequently asked questions

Is this medical treatment?

No. I’m a therapist, not a physician. This work supports the trauma and nervous system side of your health and does not replace medical care or medication. I’m building a network of functional medicine doctors and other providers, so if you want support with the medical side, I can refer you to someone.

How long does it take?

Varies. Focused concerns can shift in about 4–8 sessions. Deeper attachment and relational trauma usually takes weekly sessions for several months to a year or more.

Do I need a medical diagnosis to work with you?

No. If you have one, we’ll work alongside your care team. If you don’t, that’s fine too.