Angel Chou

Hi ! I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT 150503. I am based in San Diego and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I specialize in working with female trauma survivors and teens from childhood adversity, relational trauma, sexual trauma, and betrayal trauma. My approach My approach to therapy integrates trauma-informed and evidence-based modalities, including Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy ( DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR). My approach focuses on supporting clients through different stages of PTSD, from stabilizing emotions, processing trauma narratives, addressing negative thoughts and beliefs, and empowering clients to reclaim their lives. My focus My style is a good fit for those who feel ready to make a change, who are tired of just getting by, and who long to connect with a sense of hope and vitality. I understand how exhausting it can be to keep coping without feeling like you're truly living. With care and collaboration, I help clients gently uncover and address the root cause of their struggles, build resilience, and take steps toward healing. My communication style In each session, I combine active listening with creating a safe and supportive space where you can feel truly heard and understood. Together, We'll explore patterns in your life and uncover meaningful insights. With me, I hope you can feel to gain a compassionate companion and a supportive coach to walk with you on your journey toward healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life. My journey to mental healthcare I became a therapist because of my own personal journey through life's deep valleys. Having experienced pain and healing firsthand, I know that transformation is possible. My spirituality has been a cornerstone of my strength, helping me to build resilience and extend compassion to others who are still navigating their personal journeys. As a parent of two, a former stay-at-home wife, and a small group leader, I have gained unique perspectives and a deep understanding of life's challenges. These experiences have shaped my calling to encourage and walk alongside those who are seeking healing from life's adversities. It's an honor to support others in finding hope, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose. My goals for you I will support you in setting goals through a collaborative process, ensuring they align with your unique needs and priorities. Together, we will continuously reevaluate and adjust these goals to match your readiness and process on your healing journey. This approach allows us to create a flexible and personalized path that honors where you are and helps you move forward with confidence and care. In my first session, my focus is on getting to know you- your unique experiences, personal strengths, and what has or hasn't worked for you in the past. Then, we will take time to evaluate your current symptoms and challenges, and collaboratively define what you hope to gain from therapy. How EMDR and Trauma-Focused Therapy Can Help Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other trauma-focused therapies offer powerful tools for healing. EMDR helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories, making them less emotionally overwhelming and allowing you to move forward without being triggered by the past. Alongside EMDR, trauma-focused cognitive and somatic therapies support deep healing by reconnecting the mind and body. These approaches help rebuild self-image, restore emotional balance, and replace feelings of fear and shame with empowerment, self-compassion, and hope. With the right guidance, you can step into a life where you feel whole, worthy, and free. A Foundation of Hope "To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory." Healing is not just about moving past the pain but about rediscovering joy, purpose, and wholeness. No matter how heavy the past may feel, you have the strength to reclaim your life. I am here to walk alongside you on this journey toward freedom and renewal. Schedule a Free 15 minutes phone consultation today. !!! Business Hours: Mondays Virtual 9-5pm Tuesdays and Wednesdays in-person 9-5pm ( Carmel Valley ) Friday in-person 9-5pm ( Clairmont)