Doris Baccala, LCSW (she/her/ella) Bilingual Therapist | Trauma, Relationships & Immigration

I didn't choose this work by accident. I chose it because I understand what it means to carry a story that the world doesn't always make space for.

You've been carrying a lot.

Maybe it's trauma that lives in your body long after the moment passed. Maybe it's the weight of family expectations, cultural pressure, or the quiet grief that comes with building a life between two worlds. Maybe you've held it together for so long that you've forgotten what it feels like not to.

You don't have to keep doing that alone. You're in the right place.

How I Work

My approach is trauma-informed, culturally rooted, and built around you. Not a script. Not a formula. Real, intentional work that honors your full story.

So many people come to therapy carrying trauma, family pressure, cultural expectations, or immigration stress that has shaped how they move through the world. My role is to offer a space where you can finally slow down, breathe, and explore those experiences without judgment.

In our work together, we move at a pace that feels safe for you. We’ll look gently at the patterns you’ve developed to survive, the emotions that feel overwhelming, and the stories that have lived inside you for far too long. Through trauma-informed approaches like EMDR and culturally rooted care, we reconnect the pieces of your past with who you are today so you can move forward with more clarity and steadiness.

My sessions are collaborative and relational. You are the expert in your own life; I’m here to help you see the parts you’ve had to push down, understand where your pain comes from, and begin to build healthier patterns that support your growth. Healing isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating more space inside yourself to feel grounded, supported, and at home in your life again.

What I believe:

Healing is possible, no matter how long you've been carrying this. Your culture and identity are not obstacles to work around, they are central to your healing. You are the expert in your own life. My job is to help you trust that again. Real change happens in a space where you feel safe enough to be honest.

Get the support that’s right for you.

  • Here's the full modalities section, ready to copy and paste:

    METHODS & MODALITIES

    I'm trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, which allows me to tailor our work to your needs, your story, and the pace that feels right for you. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, I draw from multiple evidence-based methods to meet you exactly where you are. These include:

    EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process and heal from traumatic memories, distressing experiences, and emotional wounds that haven't fully resolved. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works directly with the nervous system, helping you process what's been stored in your body so you can move forward without the weight of the past holding you back. It is one of the most researched and effective treatments for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and more. I completed my EMDR training through The EMDR Institute, founded by Francine Shapiro, PhD, and am trained under a program approved by EMDRIA, the governing body for EMDR practitioners.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT explores the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together we identify patterns of thinking that may be keeping you stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed, and build practical, healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and highly effective for anxiety, depression, and stress.

    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) DBT is a skills-based approach that helps you manage intense emotions, navigate relationships more effectively, and build tolerance for distress without making things worse. It is especially helpful for people who feel emotions deeply or find themselves overwhelmed by their reactions.

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ACT helps you build psychological flexibility, which means learning to stay present, make room for difficult emotions without being controlled by them, and take meaningful action in alignment with your values. Rather than fighting your thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches you to relate to them differently so they no longer run the show.

    Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) TF-CBT is a specialized, evidence-based approach designed for children, teens, and their caregivers who are navigating the effects of trauma. It combines trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive behavioral techniques to help young people process difficult experiences, build coping skills, and restore a sense of safety and connection within the family. I hold a TF-CBT certification and have extensive clinical experience applying this approach with children and families.

    Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) SFT is a strengths-based, future-oriented approach that focuses less on the problem and more on the solution. Rather than spending extensive time analyzing what went wrong, we identify what is already working in your life, what you want more of, and build concrete, realistic steps toward meaningful change. It is practical, empowering, and often produces results quickly.

    Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) PCIT is a highly effective, relationship-based therapy that strengthens the bond between caregivers and young children. Through live coaching and skill-building, we work on improving communication, increasing emotional safety, and creating a more connected and peaceful dynamic at home. PCIT is especially helpful for families navigating behavioral challenges, trauma, or difficult transitions.

    Play Therapy Children don't always have the words to describe what they are feeling, but they do have play. Play Therapy uses the natural language of childhood to help children express emotions, process difficult experiences, work through trauma, and build healthy coping skills in a safe and supportive environment. It is gentle, child-led, and remarkably effective.

    Immigration Psychological Evaluations I am trained to conduct psychological evaluations in support of immigration cases, including hardship waivers, asylum, VAWA, U-Visa, and T-Visa applications. These evaluations are a critical part of the immigration process and require both clinical expertise and a deep understanding of the immigrant experience. I completed my training through the National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW) in 2024, as well as specialized Immigration Evaluation Training with Georgia King, LCSW, a leading expert in forensic immigration evaluations.

  • Master of Social Work (MSW), California State University, Sacramento Specialization: Children and Families, Title IV-E Program, 2023

    Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), California State University, Sacramento 2021

    Licensure Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Oklahoma License #22056

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), California License #137500

  • EMDR Trained, The EMDR Institute, founded by Francine Shapiro, PhD, approved by EMDRIA

    TF-CBT Certified Trauma Informed Care

    Immigration Psychological Evaluations, National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW), 2024

    Immigration Evaluation Training, Georgia King, LCSW

    ACEs Adverse Childhood Experience Awareness Core Training

    Complex Care & Specialized Permanency, Sex Trafficking

    Dreamer Ally Training

    Gender Awareness, Working with LGBTQ+ Youth

    Commercial Sexual Exploitation Tool (CSE-IT) Training

    Substance Abuse and AOD Training

    Forensic Interview Training, SAFE Center