A Boutique Trauma Therapy Practice for Deep, Personalized Healing
✅ EMDR Certified • 💻 Telehealth CA & OR • ❤️ Trauma-Informed Care • 🌐 English & Español
"From pain grows wisdom. From the heart, a new beginning. You are meant to bloom."
Frequently Asked Questions
Trauma & EMDR
What is trauma therapy and how does it help?
Trauma therapy is a specialized form of counseling that supports people in healing from distressing or overwhelming experiences, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, religious trauma, cult abuse, betrayal trauma or sudden life changes. At Mended Heart Counseling, we use evidence-based approaches like EMDR and trauma-informed care to ease symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Our compassionate, client-centered approach creates a safe space for you to rebuild trust, resilience, and emotional well-being across California and Oregon.
What is a “boutique” therapy practice?
A boutique therapy practice offers highly personalized care in a smaller, more intentional setting. Rather than a high-volume or one-size-fits-all model, treatment is tailored to your history, goals, pace, and individual needs. At Mended Heart Counseling, this means specialized trauma care, flexible session options, and a more personal therapeutic experience focused on quality, connection, and depth.
Do you offer trauma therapy for teens in California and Oregon?
Mended Heart Counseling provides trauma therapy for teens anywhere in California and Oregon through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions. We help teens navigate challenges such as anxiety, abuse, bullying, and major life changes using age-appropriate, evidence-based techniques.
What makes Mended Heart Counseling different from other therapy practices?
Mended Heart Counseling is different because we don’t believe therapy should feel clinical, generic, or one-size-fits-all. We specialize in trauma, complex PTSD, dissociation, betrayal and relationship trauma, and we understand that healing often requires more than simply talking about what happened. Using approaches such as EMDR, nervous-system education, and trauma-informed therapy, we help you understand your patterns while also working with the deeper emotional experiences keeping you stuck. Most importantly, therapy here is personal. We want you to feel safe, understood, respected, and able to be fully human. We tailor therapy to you, move at a pace that feels manageable, and help you build real change that carries into your everyday life.
Do you serve clients outside of California?
Our therapy services are available to clients located in California and Oregon. If you live outside these states, we can provide referrals and guidance to help you find the right support in your area.
What types of trauma therapy does Mended Heart Counseling provide?
We offer EMDR therapy, trauma-informed CBT therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and somatic techniques. Each approach is tailored to help you process painful memories, reduce emotional distress, and restore balance - all available through the convenience of secure online sessions.
Where can I find trauma therapy services?
Jennifer Starlight Rojas, LMFT, provides trauma therapy to clients throughout California and Oregon via HIPAA-compliant telehealth. You must be physically located in California or Oregon for sessions. Telehealth lets you access trauma care without leaving home.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories and experiences that may still feel “stuck.” Using guided bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, EMDR helps reduce the emotional intensity of those memories so they can feel more resolved and less triggering over time.
What is TI-CBT?
TI-CBT, or Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, combines traditional CBT techniques with an understanding of how trauma affects thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and the nervous system. It helps you identify unhelpful patterns, build healthier coping skills, and make meaningful changes while keeping safety, pacing, and your trauma history at the center of treatment.
What is Positive Psychology?
Positive Psychology is an evidence-based approach that focuses on building strengths, resilience, meaning, and overall well-being, not just reducing symptoms. It helps you identify what is already working, develop healthier thought patterns and habits, and create more of the experiences that support a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Telehealth & Insurance
How do I schedule a telehealth therapy session in California or Oregon?
Scheduling is simple. You can request a consultation through our secure online portal, then we’ll confirm availability and next steps before your first session. We offer flexible hours, including evenings, to make therapy accessible no matter your schedule. You can also call or text to schedule a consultation call (888) 996-7178.
What are the benefits of not involving insurance in my therapy?
Choosing private-pay therapy can offer greater privacy, flexibility, and control over your care. Insurance companies often require a mental health diagnosis, documentation of medical necessity, and may place limits on session length, frequency, or the types of services they will reimburse.
When insurance is not involved, treatment decisions can remain between you and your therapist. This allows us to tailor the pace, length, frequency, and focus of therapy to your individual needs rather than to insurance requirements.
Private-pay care may also offer greater privacy because fewer third parties have access to information about your diagnosis and treatment. For many clients, especially those seeking highly personalized trauma therapy, this added flexibility and discretion is an important part of their care.
How does out-of-network therapy billing work with my PPO plan?
If your PPO plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement for therapy. You pay for your session directly, and we provide a superbill, which is a detailed receipt that includes the information your insurance company typically needs to process a reimbursement claim.
You can submit the superbill to your insurance company yourself, or use a service such as Thrizer to help verify benefits and manage claims. The amount you receive back depends on your specific plan, deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-network reimbursement rate, so we recommend contacting your insurance company to confirm your benefits before beginning therapy.
Additional Questions About:
Trauma Therapy, EMDR, and Online Counseling
What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help reprocess traumatic memories. This reduces the emotional charge of those memories and allows for healthier, more adaptive responses in the future.
Is online trauma therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Yes. Research shows that when delivered through secure telehealth platforms, online trauma therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions. Many clients find it more convenient and comfortable, which can enhance the healing process.
How long does EMDR therapy take to work?
The number of sessions needed varies based on your goals and the complexity of your trauma. Some clients notice significant relief within 6–12 sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing support.
Do you offer therapy for anxiety and depression related to trauma?
Yes. Our trauma-informed approach also addresses related conditions such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and stress. We help you develop practical coping skills while working through underlying causes.
Can I do EMDR therapy from home?
Absolutely. Our HIPAA-compliant telehealth system allows you to participate in EMDR therapy from the privacy and comfort of your own home, using secure video conferencing.
Do you offer intensive EMDR sessions?
Yes. For clients seeking faster results, we offer EMDR intensives. Extended therapy sessions designed to accelerate the healing process when appropriate.
What’s the difference between trauma therapy and regular counseling?
Trauma therapy is a specialized form of counseling focused on processing and healing from distressing experiences. It often involves techniques like EMDR or somatic work, which are not typically part of general counseling.
Do you offer therapy for dissociative disorders (DID)?
Yes. We provide specialized treatment for Dissociative Identity Disorder and Other Dissociative Disorders, always at a pace that feels safe and supportive for the client.
Can I switch from in-person therapy to online therapy?
Yes. If you’ve been seeing another therapist in person, you can transition to our online therapy services at any time. We’ll coordinate a smooth handoff so your care is uninterrupted.
How do I know if I need trauma therapy?
If past experiences are still affecting your emotions, relationships, or daily life, trauma therapy may be beneficial. We can help you assess your needs in a safe, judgment-free consultation.
Can I do therapy even if I’m not sure what’s wrong?
Yes. You don’t need a diagnosis or a clear “reason” to seek therapy. Many people come to us simply knowing they want to feel better, and together we discover what’s holding them back.
Quick FAQs
Q: Do you offer therapy in Spanish?
A: Yes. Jennifer Starlight Rojas is bilingual and offers therapy in both English and Spanish, statewide in California and Oregon via Telehealth.
Q: Do you offer online sessions?
A: Yes. We offer secure, HIPAA‑compliant telehealth sessions for clients anywhere in California and Oregon.
Q: Do you serve all of California and Oregon?
A: Yes. We provide online therapy statewide.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Our Mailing Address is 1968 S. Coast Hwy., PMB 5375, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Services are online statewide.
Q: Do you provide superbills for reimbursement?
A: Yes. We’ll generate a superbill you can submit to your insurer.
Q: Is there a tool to help with out‑of‑network reimbursement?
A: Yes. Thrizer can verify benefits, submit superbills, and track reimbursements (they charge a small fee).
Q: What are your fees?
A: The most common therapy session lasts about 50‑minutes and the investment is $185. If additional time is needed or preferred, 75 minute sessions are available for $225, and 90-minute family sessions are $250.
Q: Do you offer EMDR intensives?
A: Yes, EMDR Intensive Program is a 3-hour session and the investment is $750. Inquire for more details.
Q: Do you work with adults, teens, or children?
A: All ages, children, teens, and adults.
Q: What therapies do you use?
A: EMDR, trauma‑informed talk therapy, mindfulness/somatic methods, CBT, Internal Family Systems, Jungian, energy psychology, and Positive Psychology.
Q: How do I book a session?
A: Book a free 15‑minute consultation or schedule online via our secure portal, or call (888) 996‑7178.
Q: Are sessions HIPAA‑compliant?
A: Yes, our telehealth and client records are HIPAA‑compliant (via Sessions Health or Zoom).
Q: Who is the therapist?
A: Jennifer Starlight Rojas, CA LMFT #129992 and OR LMFT T2588; EMDRIA‑Certified EMDR Therapist & Approved Consultant In Training.
Q: Where can I find online trauma therapy in Laguna Beach?
A: You can find online trauma therapy in Laguna Beach at Mended Heart Counseling. We offer HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions for clients anywhere in California.
Q: How do EMDR intensives work for trauma healing?
A: EMDR intensives work for trauma healing by providing extended therapy sessions focused on reprocessing traumatic memories and reducing distress. These sessions use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing techniques for faster results.
Q: Where can I find online trauma therapy in Portland?
A: You can find online trauma therapy in Portland at Mended Heart Counseling. We offer HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions for clients anywhere in Oregon.
Q: What is spiritual counseling and how can it help?
A: Spiritual counseling helps clients connect with their inner values and purpose, offering guidance, healing, and personal growth through a holistic approach. My approach is non-religious and is geared towards connecting with your inner guidance so you can learn how to discern what is right for you.
Q: Can I get personalized trauma therapy sessions online?
A: Yes. You can get personalized trauma therapy sessions online with Mended Heart Counseling, available anywhere in California and Oregon.
Q: Where can I book a free consultation with Mended Heart Counseling?
A: You can book a free consultation with Mended Heart Counseling through our online booking page or by calling (888) 996-7178.
Q: Is EMDR therapy effective for rapid trauma recovery?
A: Yes. EMDR therapy is proven effective for rapid trauma recovery by helping clients process and heal from distressing memories quickly and efficiently.
Q: Which therapy options are available online in California and Oregon?
A: Mended Heart Counseling offers telehealth therapy in California and Oregon, including EMDR, trauma-informed care, and holistic counseling.
Q: How flexible are the session options for online trauma therapy?
A: Mended Heart Counseling offers flexible session options for online trauma therapy, including varying lengths and scheduling to meet client needs.
Q: How to book a personalized therapy session with Mended Heart Counseling?
A: You can book a personalized therapy session with Mended Heart Counseling online through our Contact Section or by calling (888) 996-7178.
Q: Do you offer a sliding scale?
A: I believe therapy should be accessible. I keep a small, limited sliding-scale for clients experiencing financial hardship. Spots open and close periodically; please send a message to ask about current availability. If a spot isn’t open, I can add you to my waitlist or offer community resources.
Q: How do I book a Crisis Support Session?
A: Click “Crisis Support Available” in the footer or go to the Fees page and choose Crisis Support Session. If you need help scheduling, call (888) 996-7178. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Q: What is your cancellation and no-show policy?
A: 24-hour notice is required. Late cancellations and no-shows are billed at the full session rate. If crisis stabilization runs long, time may be prorated when clinically appropriate.
Q: Which session length should I choose?
A: 50 Minute sessions are usually enough time for proper processing, complex situations may require additional time. We will confirm the right fit during your intake session.
Q: Do you accept HSA/FSA cards and provide superbills?
A: Yes. HSA/FSA cards are accepted. Superbills are available for out-of-network reimbursement. Thrizer can help submit and track claims.
Q: What are your standard hours and after-hours options?
A: Standard hours are Tue–Fri, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM. After-hours crisis sessions are offered by availability and billed at the after-hours rate.
Q: How do online sessions work and what do I need?
A: Sessions run on a HIPAA-compliant platform. Use a private space, headphones, and a stable connection. We’ll troubleshoot if needed.
Q: What are the limits of confidentiality?
A: Your privacy is protected. Legal exceptions include risk of harm to self/others, abuse/neglect, or court orders. We review this at intake.
Q: Do you work with minors? How does consent work?
A: Yes. For clients under 18, consent from a legal guardian may be required. We’ll coordinate parent participation as clinically appropriate.
Q: Do you offer letters, forms, or coordination with schools/providers?
A: Yes. These services are available and billed under Consultations and Administrative Services.