Denise Gotthardt
I’m a trauma-informed, client-centered therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting adults and adolescents through anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. My approach combines evidence-based methods with deep compassion, tailoring therapy to your unique needs rather than following a “one size fits all” model.
I’m a trauma-informed, client-centered therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting adults and adolescents through anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions.
I am also trained to use Attachment Focused EMDR .Together, we’ll create a safe space for you to explore and finally process the tough stuff and move toward feeling more grounded, clear, and in control of your life.
First session
Our first session is all about creating a space where you feel safe and heard. We’ll take time to get to know each other — you can share what’s been going on in your life, what’s bringing you to therapy, and what you’re hoping to get out of our work together. You don’t need to have all the answers or tell your whole story right away — we’ll go at your pace. I’ll also ask some questions to get a fuller picture of your experience, including your current struggles, history, and what support looks like for you. Together, we’ll start identifying what you want to work toward and how therapy can help. Most importantly, this first session is about making sure you feel comfortable and supported. My goal is for you to leave feeling a little more grounded — and with a sense that you don’t have to navigate the mess alone anymore.
Strengths
What sets my work apart is the balance of heart and strategy. Clients often tell me they feel truly seen and supported — and also leave with practical tools they can actually use. Together, we’ll move at your pace, with care and curiosity, toward healing, clarity, and lasting change.
Ideal clients
I’m best positioned to help people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by emotional chaos. Whether you're facing old wounds, painful memories, or a life that just doesn’t feel like your own anymore, I’m here to walk alongside you — not to "fix" you, but to help you untangle the mess and reconnect with your authentic self.
Treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
Every person is so unique, I find taking a one size fits all approach makes no sense! it is my job to be as well versed as possible in different modalities to best match the needs of what is being presented. I take a psychodynamic, attachment based and trauma informed approach with all clients and adjust as necessary. I am also training for certification in AF-EMDR and look forward to using this approach to help heal the attachment wounds associated with whatever traumas are brought to light.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 137448