Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in El Segundo, CA

What patterns keep repeating in your life, even when part of you wants something different? I work with infants, children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, with a particular focus on experiences that are hard to put into words: the quiet accumulation of feeling disconnected or unseen, questions around adoption and family origins, infertility, the emotional weight of becoming a parent, and the grief that comes when life takes an unexpected shape. A lot of what brings people to therapy is not a single event. It builds. I trained at UCLA and bring both clinical depth and genuine warmth to this work.

My name is Kristine Cotangco and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).

Seeking support is a brave and meaningful step, and I want to honor the courage it takes to be here. Grounded in trauma-informed care and the healing power of connection, I walk alongside clients with warmth and curiosity as they rediscover safety, resilience, and a stronger sense of self.

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by both personal and professional experiences that deepened my understanding of trauma, resilience, and the importance of meaningful support. I’ve worked with diverse populations in various settings where my focus was on supporting healing through a trauma-informed lens. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work degree from Baylor University, where I completed the clinical track and earned a certificate in trauma-informed care.

I provide therapy for adults, teens, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, mood disorders, and complex relationship dynamics. In addition to individual work, I support parents and co-parents in strengthening communication and collaboration to promote healthier family systems.

For the past year, I've worked with adults facing serious mental health challenges at one of Los Angeles's largest public health systems, and what I've learned is that lasting change comes from relationships built on trust. Now I'm bringing that experience into private practice, where I can focus on what matters most: your individual progress. I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and I offer flexible evening and weekend availability via telehealth throughout California. As a PMHNP, I'm here to support your whole mental health journey.

I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.

If you are navigating grief, a serious illness, a cancer diagnosis, or the quiet exhaustion of caring for someone you love, I am here for the full weight of it. I also work with people moving through anxiety, depression, infertility, and major life transitions like new parenthood or a shift in your sense of self. My focus is the place where health, loss, and life change intersect, and I believe that even in the middle of the hardest experiences, people have a remarkable capacity for resilience and connection. I am affirming and welcoming of LGBTQIA+ clients.

I provide empathic, compassionate care in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. My goal is to offer therapy you can trust—an environment where you can openly explore your thoughts, challenges, and goals while receiving understanding and supportive guidance.

Welcome! I’m a licensed psychotherapist who is warm, intellectual, direct, and authentic. Working with me tends to feel insightful, grounding, and nonjudgemental. I have 10 years of experience in mental health and social services in various capacities, including leadership positions. Before becoming a therapist, I went to art school and was a researcher in the public sector. This informs my therapy practice, as I have a deep understanding of intersecting systemic barriers. I’m able to hold deep complexity in an individual and a system and approach my work with creativity. I have my Bachelors of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley and my Masters of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from San Francisco State University. I’m a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist (CVE). I've also been extensively trained in EMDR, trauma-informed, existential and person-centered therapy.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe healing happens through connection, compassion, and understanding. I partner with clients to explore patterns, build coping skills, and develop greater self-awareness in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, confident, and aligned with their values.

My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported. I believe mental wellness is an essential part of overall health, and that healing begins by moving from survival to thriving through nervous system regulation, processing past experiences, and strengthening the mind-body connection. Meaningful change and healing happens within a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, addiction, performance anxiety, work-related stress... or simply feeling overwhelmed by life's demands, we'll work together to build insight, process difficult experiences when appropriate, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Hello, I’m Cerise Dossman, LCSW.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s most challenging moments. My background includes community mental health and child welfare, where I’ve helped clients navigate complex trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions.

I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions.

Hi I'm Natalie and I want to help you build a life that feels authentic and purposeful. Do you feel like you’re navigating life on autopilot, and have difficulty showing up for your work, your relationships, or yourself? You may find yourself caught in cycles of people-pleasing or seeking external validation, only to end up feeling drained and unfulfilled. If you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. In our sessions, we’ll move beyond the 'what' to understand the roots of your struggle while building practical, compassionate strategies to help you reclaim your confidence and advocate for your needs.