Trauma Therapy in Marin County & Online Throughout California
I offer in-person, trauma-informed psychotherapy from my San Anselmo office and online therapy throughout California. My nervous system–based approach integrates Somatic Therapy, EMDR-informed methods, and attachment-focused care for adults experiencing anxiety, chronic stress, overwhelm, or the lingering effects of trauma.
A Nervous System Approach to Trauma Therapy
Trauma lives in the body as much as the mind. In my practice, I help you understand how your nervous system responds to stress and how to gently shift patterns of reactivity, shutdown, or overwhelm.
Clients often begin to experience:
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Greater emotional steadiness
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Reduced anxiety and reactivity
- Improved sleep and mood
- Increased capacity for connection
- Stronger internal safety
- Improved regulation
CLINICAL AREAS
Somatic Therapy and Trauma Healing
Somatic Experiencing® is a form of therapy that works directly with nervous system regulation. Rather than revisiting trauma in overwhelming ways, we build capacity slowly and safely.
EMDR THERAPY FOR TRAUMA
I offer EMDR-informed therapy and the Flash Technique as part of trauma therapy. These structured approaches can reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories while maintaining nervous system stability.
Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
The Safe and Sound Protocol is a listening-based intervention that supports nervous system regulation and reduced anxiety. It can complement trauma therapy and somatic work.
WELCOME
Dr. Kate Brennan
Hi, I’m Dr. Kate Brennan, LMFT, PsyD, a trauma therapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with more than 25 years of experience. I provide psychotherapy in person in San Anselmo, Marin County, and online throughout California. You are not alone if you are feeling overwhelmed, run down, irritable, sad or depressed. At times we may find ourselves worn down by the weight of everything. Chronic stress can take its toll on the body and mind. The good news is that our nervous systems are wired to respond to stress. However under certain circumstances we may become so overwhelmed that it’s difficult to regain a sense of wellbeing. You may feel tired, worn out, sad, irritable, forgetful, anxious or depressed. Yet hardwired within us is the capacity to move back out of this state and into resiliency once again. I have been practicing psychotherapy in Marin County for over 25 years supporting clients to move out of overwhelm and back into their natural state of resiliency.
FAQ’s
Here’s some answers to the frequently asked questions
What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-based approach to trauma therapy that works with the nervous system as well as thoughts and emotions. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, it is based on the understanding that stressful or traumatic experiences can leave the nervous system stuck in patterns of fight, flight, freeze, or shutdown.
In Somatic Experiencing therapy, we gently notice physical sensations, emotions, and nervous system responses without requiring you to repeatedly relive traumatic experiences. The goal is to help your system gradually develop a greater capacity for regulation, safety, and resilience.
I am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and integrate SE into my trauma therapy practice in San Anselmo and Marin County, as well as with clients online throughout California.
What can cause trauma?
Trauma can result from a single overwhelming event, such as an accident, assault, medical procedure, natural disaster, or significant loss. It can also develop through repeated or ongoing experiences such as emotional abuse, neglect, chronic stress, unsafe relationships, or early attachment disruptions.
What becomes traumatic is not determined only by what happened, but also by how the nervous system was able to respond at the time. Experiences that overwhelm our capacity to cope can leave lasting patterns of anxiety, hypervigilance, shutdown, disconnection, or emotional reactivity.
Trauma therapy can help you understand these patterns and gradually develop greater regulation, resilience, and a sense of safety.
How does Somatic Experiencing work?
Somatic Experiencing works by helping you become more aware of how stress and trauma show up in your body and nervous system. Rather than focusing only on thoughts or repeatedly retelling difficult experiences, we gently work with physical sensations, emotions, impulses, and patterns of activation or shutdown.
The process is gradual. We move between difficult sensations and experiences of greater safety or stability, helping the nervous system build more capacity to tolerate stress without becoming overwhelmed. Over time, this can support greater emotional regulation, resilience, and a stronger sense of being present and connected.
In my practice, I integrate Somatic Experiencing with psychotherapy and other trauma-informed approaches, tailoring the work to each individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Do you provide Superbills for insurance?
Yes. I provide monthly superbills that clients can submit to their insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement depends on your individual plan and out-of-network mental health benefits, so I recommend checking directly with your insurance company about your coverage.
Do you offer online therapy in California?
Yes. I provide online therapy to adults throughout California, as well as in-person therapy from my office in San Anselmo, Marin County. Online sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.
My online practice includes trauma therapy, Somatic Experiencing, anxiety treatment, and other nervous system–based approaches. Many clients appreciate the flexibility of being able to meet from home while receiving the same individualized psychotherapy I provide in person.
CONNECT
Address
407 San Anselmo Ave. Suite 206
San Anselmo, CA 94960
KATE BRENNAN LMFT, PsyD
SOMATIC EXPERIENCING PRACTITIONER, EMDR
License mfc31122
