About Chelsea
For the past 11 years, I have supported people in moving from “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” to “Post-Traumatic Growth”- growing forward with renewed choice in how they want to be and connection to themselves, others, and the world.
My therapy practice is for…
Adults whose trauma feels insurmountable and want someone to guide them through the recovery process. My clients have often felt different, misunderstood, or controlled by their trauma for years. I work especially well with LGBTQ and neurodivergent people, folks in their 20s-30s, and parents. My approach also fits those who are open to seeing how EMDR, the creative arts, or nature connection can enrich their journey. For individuals, I offer online therapy to anyone in California, in-person therapy at my Felton office, and outdoor therapy at Santa Cruz parks.
My views on healing are shaped by…
My own story, psychology education, travel experiences, and therapeutic relationships. As a dancer in my youth, I understood intimately the power of the body to heal. This experience led me to become an expressive arts therapist, and toward an ongoing pursuit for ways to harness the body’s wisdom for our collective healing- most recently with EMDR. I believe healing happens when we get out of our heads and into our bodies and hearts, allowing ourselves to truly feel and digest what we’re carrying. Beneath the surface, I focus on tending core wounds, so that nervous system reactions and protective patterns can be transformed.
What draws me to this work is…
My commitment to creating a more peaceful world, starting within us. I care about people feeling free, both from their pain and toward their joy. As someone who has worked through my own trauma and oppression, I want to pay forward the compassionate and skillful support I received. In my work, I have been honored by the hundreds of people who have trusted me to come alongside them. I ultimately see my role from an eco-spiritual lens: therapy as a way to restore flow in blocked areas, within and between us, in the interconnected "web of life.”
Clients say working with me…
Feels "calming," as I guide them to slow down and be present with whatever is happening in their inner world at that moment. My questions evoke thoughtful self-exploration and facilitated exercises shifts in perspective. I don't have a pre-set agenda, and my therapeutic toolbox is diverse- I may surprise you with an offer to draw your bodily sensations, listen to a poem, or breathe with a tree. EMDR processing sessions specifically can feel raw/intense, as we reach to alleviate wounded places and stuck energy, yet clients often say they feel "lighter" after and can re-enter daily life grounded. At the core, my clients feel more fully seen and held by our relationship.
Outside of therapy…
You’ll find me playing make-believe with my kids, enjoying a girl’s night of “Bunco,” or trying to keep my little dog from attacking everyone. I have many interests and love to keep learning, especially through travel. My favorite ways to recharge myself are by reading alone with a hot beverage, swimming or trail running, or watching Friday night movies. I am grateful to live in the Santa Cruz mountains, in a 3-generation home, and try to soak in the beauty around us.
EMDR for Trauma Therapy
Grief, Loss, & Life Transitions
Parent Support
Nature-Based Therapy
Psychological Immigration Evaluations
My Specialties
Testimonials
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"Chelsea is amazing, compassionate, and anything else you would want in a therapist. Highly recommend."
— Former Client
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"Chelsea is a wonderful human with years of quality mental health experience. She's my go-to for Ecotherapy and Expressive Art Therapy!"
— Hannah Fisher, LPCC
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"Chelsea is competent, professional, caring, warm, and compassionate. She has cultural humility and cares deeply about social justice. She is a great listener and has a lot of experience. I highly recommend her as a therapist."
—Rosina Roibal, LMFT
Education
BA in Religious Studies- Westmont College
MA in Counseling Psychology, concentration in Expressive Arts Therapy- California Institute of Integral Studies
Professional Experience
Multi-Faith Chaplain- Sojourn Chaplaincy at San Francisco General Hospital
Live-In Volunteer Intern- Raphael House Family Homeless Shelter
Program Assistant- San Francisco Family Treatment Court & Family Law Self-Help Center
Therapeutic Arts and Enrichment Specialist- Edgewood Center for Children and Families
Post-graduate training in residential treatment centers for women, youth, and families recovering from addiction, trauma, and serious mental illness- East Bay Recovery Project, Victor Treatment Center
School-based and Wellness Center Counselor- DivaDiversity
Path Mental Health- Independent Contractor
2023: Private Practice Therapist- Roots of Resilience Therapy
Certifications
Resilience Focused EMDR Trained Clinician- EMDRIA Approved
Certificate in Ecotherapy- The Earth Body Institute
Wilderness & Remote First Aid Training Certification- American Red Cross
Grief-Informed Professional- Evergreen Certificates
Certificate in Psychological Evaluations for Asylum and Other Immigration Cases
Advanced Trainings
Somatic Experiencing (SE), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MB-CBT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT Tapping), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Poetry Therapy, Sandplay Therapy, Crisis and Suicide Prevention, Substance Abuse, Expressive Arts Therapy and Trauma, Recovery from Human Trafficking
Cultural responsiveness trainings: LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy, Racial Trauma Conference, Neuro-Affirming Therapy, Anti-Racist Therapy
Education, Credentials, & Trainings
2020: CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) #123025