The goal of our trauma therapy team is to help you find relief from past traumas or incidents that are affecting your life now. We are leaders in the field and specifically trained to help people recover from traumas, big or small. All therapists at our center have their Master’s Degrees in Psychology. Additionally, we are trained in Somatic therapies, EMDR, Brainspotting, CBT, the Havening Techniques, Psychodynamic and much more.  Please give us a call so we may match you up with a clinician that matches your needs.

KATE TRUITT, Ph.D., MBA

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. Kate Truitt is a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist with an M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration and has dedicated her life to advancing the treatment of trauma and stress-related disorders. She oversees the Trauma Counseling Center (TCC) offices in West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Studio City, as well as Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates—a trauma therapy practice in Pasadena. Dr. Truitt founded Viva Excellence to provide cutting edge trainings and seminars that bring together the newest advancements in the fields of neuroscience, resiliency, as well as stress and trauma treatments. Her research is on brain health during the recovery process, treatment outcomes, and psychophysiology. Dr. Truitt was the first Certified Practitioner and is the first Certified Trainer of the Havening Techniques® in Los Angeles, California. 

Her clinical practices and scientific studies have led her to specialize in the treatment of traumatic stress and PTSD. Dr. Truitt truly believes that when we choose to let every moment of adversity strengthen and empower us we are choosing to be our strongest and most empowered selves. She strives to create an empowering treatment model for clients, guiding them through their transformational journey as they seek and obtain their fulfilled life.

Call Dr. Kate Truitt (PSY26309) at 310.720.8200 or visit www.DrTruitt.com to learn more.

Team Members & Affiliate Partners

SHANNON BYRNES, M.A., LMFT

Shannon Byrnes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice for over 15 years in the Los Angeles area. After graduating with her Masters Degree in clinical psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute and receiving a further five years of advanced training from the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis… her clinical work led her to specialize in early attachment, trauma and its effect on the brain and ultimately on interpersonal relationships. Her work has evolved into a thriving practice specializing in the treatment of self-esteem and body image issues, life transitions, relationship issues and marital conflict, complicated grief, traumatic stress, PTSD, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and addiction.

Shannon is passionate about helping people heal from the ‘inside out’ and within their relationships. In couples’ work her focus is facilitating each partner’s capacity to attune to and support the other’s personal growth. Shannon fosters the revealing of one’s self through an expression of feelings and thoughts, without blame or accusing, teaching them to respond with empathy while holding onto themselves. Shannon’s goal is to create a safe haven for individuals and couples to deepen their capacity for presence, healing, fulfillment and connection and achieve lives not only free from symptoms but filled with a new sense of vitality and hope.

“I truly admire those willing to embark on the courageous journey toward transformation and am honored to stand beside them in their quest for happier, healthier, more productive and successful lives.”   ~ Shannon Byrnes

Clients say they like her knowledge of the fast paced world of entertainment and that she understands the stresses they face as they work with their issues to feel better.

DR. JUSTIN CARTER

As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY28482), Dr. Carter turned his childhood dream of helping others into a lifetime commitment. In his clinical practice Dr. Carter has been committed to helping individuals and families heal. His research and experience have supported his passion for assisting those he works with reach their ultimate potential and achieve excellence in their lives. Dr. Carter sees his role with patients as being solution focused, energetic, and efficient work. The primary goals in working with Dr. Carter is relief from the presenting symptoms causing distress and then an evolution into personally empowered living. Dr. Carter’s approach begins through informed application of neuroscience based techniques to assist with emotional regulation and the immediate introduction of a new life skill which creates groundwork for sustainable change.

Dr. Carter understands that while symptom relief may be success enough for many patients, going beyond symptom relief and focusing on healing the causes of the disturbance will lead to long lasting change. Dr. Carter seeks to not only support insight development into the patterns that get in way of living one’s excellence but to also teach transformative skills to empower his patients to create long term health for themselves. Combining emotional regulation techniques informed through neuroscience with traditional talk therapy methods, Dr. Carter actively participates in the healing process of his patients. His patients experience great success by working collaboratively to build upon the strengths inherently present while focusing on creating opportunities to  unlock the ability to Live their Excellence.

Dr. Carter has been training in and practicing psychology for more than a decade. During that time, Dr. Carter has received training from industry leaders including the Semel Institute at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), The Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the California School of Professional Psychology where he earned his doctorate degree. Dr. Carter works with individual adults, adolescents and families, and parents presenting with a wide range of life challenges.  Additionally, Dr. Carter offers parent coaching/training and performance coaching for athletes, performing artists, and business professionals seeking to achieve their ultimate performance potential.

DAMIEN GONSALVES, LMFT

Damien Gonsalves, LMFT, builds compassion and constructive rapport with clients to provide exceptional care as a solutions-oriented therapist. He specializes in LGBTQIA affirmative therapy, substance abuse, and treating trauma.

Damien helps clients to regulate their psychological states and release trauma stored in the body with a combination of modalities including Havening Techniques®, Trauma Resolution Therapy, and Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), a neuroscience-informed somatic approach to treating trauma. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), he also practices Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to treat PTSD.

Clients speak highly of Damien’s gentle, empathetic approach and his expertise in healing emotional patterns so they can become the people they were meant to be. 

SARAH SCHUPACK, LMFT

Sarah Schupack, LMFT, has been helping clients overcome trauma since 2009. She is a compassionate, caring, and empathetic therapist with a strong desire to help clients move beyond past situations that are keeping them stuck. Sarah incorporates Brainspotting (BSP), Somatic therapy, and other modalities to treat trauma. Because she is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), she knows that different parts of the self can get in the way of healing. She listens to and validates these parts so they can be known and heard. When these parts are witnessed and understood, people are often feel less anxiety and have more access to choice.

Clients say they like her compassionate attitude and balanced approach. If you are looking to move out of old patterns and be more free in life, her approach may what could help get you there.

TRACY SANTOMARCO, LMFT

Tracy Santomarco, LMFT, believes empathy and support provide a safe place for clients to explore what they may have spent a lifetime attempting to avoid… until now.

Tracy uses a collaborative approach incorporating Brainspotting, EMDR (with EMDRIA Approved Stephen Dansiger, Psy.D. LMFT), Somatic therapy, and other trauma modalities to help clients identify longterm issues, uncover barriers to healing, explore the origin of behavioral patterns, and set goals to begin living the life they deserve.

Tracy’s ability to listen and encourage open communication has evolved through a 25-year career in the entertainment industry. This career path allowed her to work with a variety of individuals who were addressing relationship issues, victimization from sexual assault/abuse, addiction, trauma, and the pressures of celebrity life. Tracy believes her background has helped her to create a nonjudgmental and welcoming environment for clients to discuss their path toward healing as well.

Clients say they like her knowledge of the fast paced world of entertainment and that she understands the stresses they face as they work with their issues to feel better.

KAYLA TSE, LMFT

Kayla is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and Attachment Trauma-Informed Art Therapist. For the past 20 years she has successfully empowered individuals to heal from attachment and developmental trauma as well as medical trauma to lead more joyful and authentic lives. She is trained and experienced in Interpersonal Neurobiology and Evidence-Based Practices.

Kayla brings to the team unique specializations focused on working with HSPs (Highly Sensitive Persons) and Empaths, individuals recovering from Attachment Trauma (she is DARe Trained, Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning Experience), as well as her expertise in Medical Art Therapy. Kayla knows that HSPs, as well as individuals with Attachment Trauma, process information more deeply and are wired a bit differently, creating increased sensitivity to their surroundings and their interpersonal relationships. These individuals may suffer from anxiety and higher stress levels in a world that feels overwhelming, thus benefiting from a therapist who understands HSPs, learning tools for self-care and setting boundaries.

REBECCA TURNER, LMFT

LEAD OF THE NEURO & BIOFEEDBACK PROGRAM

Rebecca Turner, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT107489), is passionate about engaging Neuroscience to nurture the mind, soul, and body. Rebecca earned her Masters of Science degree in Marital Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA as well as a concentration in Medical Family Therapy. This education and resulting clinical work set the foundation for Rebecca’s exploration and treatment of the impacts of sensory sensitivities, chronic illness, and pain upon the lives of individuals and families. Rebecca’s therapeutic work is grounded in the comprehensive assessment and treatment of pre-verbal, chronic, and acute traumatic experiences. Rebecca holds certification in Child-Parent Psychotherapy, a model to support those who’s minds and bodies have developed in the context of chronic illness, pain, and early developmental trauma. She is mindful of the connection between trauma, pain, and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and relational distress. As a result, Rebecca engages patients in collaborative, solution-focused based psychotherapy to resolve symptomatology.

Rebecca is the head of Dr. Kate Truitt and Associate’s Neurofeedback Program. Neurofeedback is a cutting-edge treatment technology that utilizes analysis and retraining of the brain’s electrical patterns to promote optimal wellness and symptom reduction. In addition, Rebecca is a Certified HearthMath Techniques Practitioner and incorporates physical and emotional stress management techniques and education into her work. Patients can witness profound and sustainable change through the integration of psychotherapy, Psychosensory techniques, and neurofeedback.

Utilizing humor, creativity, compassion, and curiosity, Rebecca is dedicated to the use of effective and personally-targeted treatments supported by insights from the world of neuroscience to support your journey of growth and healing.

Adjunct Services

NEUROFEEDBACK

Neurofeedback is a therapeutic intervention that uses real-time displays of brain activity in an attempt to teach self-regulation of brain function. According to clients, neurofeedback enhances memory and focus, decreases impulsivity and anxiety, and results in better mental clarity, more restful sleep, improved mood, and a host of other benefits.

Dr. Kate Truitt & Associate’s neurofeedback training programs provide the most personalized and focused brain training experience. Both in-office and at-home training programs are supervised and guided by licensed mental health professionals. The in-office brain training combines the benefits of both neurofeedback and biofeedback and begins with a Brain Mapping QEEG session followed by a full assessment report and feedback session to review Map results completed by training in Heart Rate Variability biofeedback. The at-home brain training prepares you to run your brain training sessions on portable equipment from the comfort of your own home where you can train as often as you would like. Each session is recorded and automatically transmitted to the office for assessment and review via weekly check-ins over the phone or in office.

Call Dr. Kate Truitt and Associates at 626-524-5525 or visit their website for more information on neurofeedback training programs.

Consultants

trauma therapy staff deborah sweet photo

DEBORAH SWEET, PSY.D.

FOUNDER, TRAUMA COUNSELING CENTER OF LOS ANGELES

To reduce or gain freedom from trauma, a variety of modalities are necessary. Trauma lives in the body, as well as the mind. Classic talk therapy by itself does not remove the somatic aspects of the trauma such as an exaggerated startle response. In other words, an individual cannot simply conquer the symptoms of trauma and traumatic memories with only the mind. A gentle approach combined with cutting-edge modalities seems to bring about the most helpful result.

Dr. Sweet started this center to help people find the best counseling possible to reduce the effects of trauma on their lives. She carefully chose the associates that work at TCCLA to create the best possible experience for you as you work through what you are dealing with whether it is in the past or present. Dr. Sweet chose Kate Truitt, Ph.D. to continue the mission of TCCLA and is excited to support her as she grows the center to further excellence.

Trauma Therapy Staff at Trauma Counseling Center of LA

At the Trauma Counseling Center of LA, our trauma therapy staff dedicates themselves to helping others overcome traumatic experiences and anxiety. Additionally, some of our innovative trauma therapy treatment techniques include:

If you’re ready to work with the best trauma therapists Los Angeles has to offer, then give us a call today at 855-997-7101. Our trauma therapy staff is ready to work with you to answer any questions you have and start you on a path to a brighter future.