EMDR Therapists in California

I am an Associate Therapist with experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. Much of my work has focused on adolescents and young adults impacted by domestic violence and sex trafficking, helping them navigate complex trauma and build safety, resilience, and a sense of control. My approach integrates trauma‑focused CBT, solution‑focused therapy, EFT, and narrative therapy, tailored to each client’s strengths, culture, and goals. As a mature clinician who returned to school later in life, I bring lived experience, empathy, and a deep commitment to creating a safe, respectful space where clients feel genuinely heard, seen, and valued.

No one knows how much you struggle inside. Despite appearing to lead a very successful life, you face a lot of stress, anxiety, and sadness that your friends, family and work colleagues would be surprised to learn. You sense that a painful experience from the past is impacting your present, but don't know how. Since you’re the type of person who can typically find yourself out of anything, it's surprising and frustrating that you haven't found a way out yet. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right psychotherapist. I work with high achievers who struggle with perfectionism, stress, anxiety and depression. I help my clients develop a healthy inner voice, learn their boundaries, and achieve a balance between helping others and themselves. I am extensively trained and have treated a myriad of clients who have faced stress, anxiety, treatment-resistant depression and trauma. As a former corporate marketing and business development executive, I understand both the internal and external pressures placed on you to succeed. Like you, I worked in demanding, high-performance environments across investment banking, digital marketing, and technology. I hold business degrees from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and Harvard Business School. My empathic approach marries a traditional in-depth psychological approach with modern neuroscience and evidence-based research, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Relational Life Therapy (RLT). I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and hold a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Life feels like shit. You wake up each morning feeling stuck and unsure. There is no clear path to feeling better. Past experiences keep showing up when you least expect them, and your emotions get the better of you. It's lonely dealing with these feelings on your own, but you don't know where to turn. Hiding behind your mask is no longer possible. You've thought about asking for help but keep putting it off. Asking for help is on your mind and you are ready to take those first steps. The thought of confronting your past is scary, but you know that these old patterns are no longer serving you, and it's time for a change.

I help reactive, anxious, and chronically overwhelmed people learn how to go deep into the roots of these unhelpful patterns so they can discover a new way to show up in their life and relationships.

I approach therapy with curiosity, warmth, and cultural humility, knowing that every person carries wisdom about their own life. I believe healing happens when we allow vulnerability to meet understanding, and when your story is held with care and respect.

Hi, I’m Nina. I help adults overcome trauma, religious trauma, and complex relationship wounds using EMDR therapy. I provide a warm, compassionate, and relational approach to healing so you can reconnect with yourself, feel grounded, and move forward with confidence.

Cristina Lugo, LCSW is a compassionate and trauma-informed therapist in Pasadena offering personalized support for teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, identity challenges, and life transitions. Her approach blends EMDR, mindfulness, somatic practices, and culturally responsive care to create a safe and supportive space where clients can heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves.

Dear future clients, I'm a bilingual therapist fluent in both English and Spanish, dedicated to providing compassionate support and guidance to Neurodivergent individuals (both Autism and ADHD), anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I create a warm and welcoming space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their mental health journey. I also offer neurodivergent assessments and group counseling. I am supervised by Cassandra Holt Kimbell, LPCC- S 11336, at Freestyle Supervision and EMDR Group LLC. My approach is rooted in empathy and openness, tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. I'm committed to helping individuals uncover their inner strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and build resilience in the face of life's challenges. If you're struggling with managing Autism or ADHD symptoms, anxiety and depression, or navigating significant life changes, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can work towards a brighter tomorrow, where you feel empowered to overcome obstacles and live a more fulfilling life. Reach out today and take a step towards positive change.