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Are the current circumstances overwhelming your ability to cope?

 

Is your resilience wearing down?

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Marcia Hoffmann, LCSW, MSW

Marcia is bicultural & able to conduct therapy in German. Evening and Saturday In-Person appointments available.​​​​​​

Welcome. Reaching out for support is a courageous first step, and I am glad you are here.

At various points in our lives, the world can begin to feel heavy or increasingly difficult to navigate. You may find yourself struggling with a sense of being overwhelmed, isolated, or simply feeling as though you are no longer functioning with the ease you once had. Whether you are navigating depression, anxiety, or the complexities of substance abuse, these challenges can often leave us feeling out of control and disconnected from ourselves and those we love.

For many, these experiences are further complicated when past traumas are triggered—sometimes by events we don't fully recognize in the moment. When life’s current pressures collide with the echoes of the past, it can create a "perfect storm." However, it is also the perfect time to seek the healing and clarity you deserve.
 
I have provided support to my clients through these and other issues for 30 years. My specialization in EMDR Trauma Therapy along with Equine Therapy and EquiLateral™, the equine assisted EMDR Protocol allows me to help clients work "past their past" (Shapiro, 2012) and be more fully and authentically in the present.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is recognized by the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association as an effective, evidence-based treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is grounded in the understanding that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain’s natural processing system, causing memories to become “stuck” in a raw, unprocessed form. When these memories are triggered, they can bring back the same intense emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs that were present at the time of the original event.

   EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, alternating taps, or auditory tones—to activate the brain’s natural information-processing mechanisms. This process helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they can be integrated in a more adaptive way. Over time, the memory itself does not disappear, but it becomes less vivid and emotionally charged, allowing individuals to recall the experience without being overwhelmed by it.

   Importantly, EMDR does not require clients to relive the trauma in detail or spend extended time talking through every aspect of the experience. Instead, it works by facilitating the brain’s innate ability to heal, often leading to meaningful relief in a relatively efficient and structured way.
As a Trauma Therapist I am specifically trained to assist clients as they hit crisis that may push their coping skills to their limits. It doesn’t mean that there is something wrong with us, most of us have been there, however it does mean that we may need some new tools to cope, understanding support or even make some major changes. Making it through these hard times is essential so that we can continue to face the challenges of life, experience the joys and grow in our relationships. I have found that EMDR, when coupled with my strong backgrounds in Attachment Theory as well as Cognitive Behavioral will help us get there.

My areas of expertise are Trauma, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Medical Illnesses and life with Chronic Medical Problems, Depression and  Anxiety, Chemical Dependency and related challenges.

(949) 836-1866
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Available in Newport Beach and for Remote Telehealth Sessions

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