Complex Trauma Therapy
with Tomiko D. Mackey, LCSW
For over 26 years, the focus of my practice has been trauma.
Through my work with children and their caregivers in children’s advocacy centers, I have seen how experiences from earlier in life can continue to affect people in ways they may not fully recognize until adulthood.
Do you feel disconnected, even around people you love?
Do relationships or milestones feel less fulfilling than you expected or hoped for?
You might just sense that something feels off without putting your finger on it. You try to change patterns, but they keep repeating. You withdraw more, avoid situations, and question your emotions.
Trauma can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself and life around you, these are not flaws or failures - they are the ways your nervous system adapted to help you cope and survive.
People Come to Me When They Feel:
Disconnected
Shame
Stuck in a pattern
Self-critical
Distant in relationships
Empty or numb
For some people, experiences earlier in life may have included inconsistent emotional support, unpredictable relationships, or pressures that felt difficult to manage. These experiences can leave lasting imprints, shaping how the body and nervous system respond to stress, safety, closeness, and connection
Working Together in Trauma Therapy
We begin by exploring what you’re currently experiencing, identifying patterns that may have developed over time, and clarifying the changes you hope to create in your life. Therapy moves at a pace that feels supportive and manageable for you. Together, we work toward building a greater sense of steadiness and connection with your emotions, without feeling overwhelmed or shut down.
I help you name what you’re experiencing, make sense of the patterns, and begin to respond to yourself in new ways. Therapy is not only about insight, it’s also about feeling more grounded, connected, and present within yourself. Over time, you develop tools to navigate intense emotions with more confidence, soften self-blame, and shift patterns that may have felt stuck for a long time.
Modalities I Use
Each approach is grounded in research and tailored to your needs:
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Helps the brain reprocess and heal from distressing memories so they lose their emotional power in your body and mind.
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Explores the impact of trauma while helping reshape unhelpful beliefs about oneself, others, and the world.
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Helps process traumatic memories, manage difficulty emotions, and develop healthy coping skills.
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Improves sleep by addressing thoughts and behaviors that keep you awake.
No matter the approach, I focus on helping you stay grounded while experiencing emotions so they feel manageable.
Make New Patterns
Understand what’s been holding you back and change your perspective.
After Trauma Therapy With Me, Clients Report:
Higher performance
Feeling less anxious
Managing conflict better
Easier time with routines
More self-trust
Less self-criticism
My therapy is designed for those ready to feel more grounded, connected and at ease with themselves.
About Tomiko D. Mackey, LCSW
My therapy is designed for people who are ready to understand themselves deeply and feel more at home in who they are.
My approach is warm, direct, and rooted in genuine compassion. I'll gently challenge the thoughts and patterns that keep you stuck, while making sure you feel steady and supported throughout. Together, we'll build self-awareness and work toward changes that stay with you long after our sessions end.
I spent 20 years working with children and adults in trauma settings, which gave me a deep understanding of how early experiences shape our lives. My own life experiences have also shaped how I show up, with both clarity and genuine care.
Outside of therapy, I love spending time outdoors, hiking, exploring local farmers’ markets, cooking, and discovering great food while traveling. One of my favorite adventures was going on safari in Botswana. I also deeply value time with family and friends.
Availability: I work with individuals via telehealth across California and Mississippi.
Education, Credentials, and Trainings
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of California, Irvine
Master of Social Work, California State University, Long Beach
Certified Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT) Therapist
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Provider
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Member, Association of Professionals Solving the Abuse of Children (APSAC)
Champions of Children Award, 2019
Outstanding Frontline Professional Award, 2020
3 Steps to Get Started
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If you'd like to learn more about my approach and how we might work together, please reach out by filling out the contact form.
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We’ll have a short call to see if this feels like a good fit and answer your questions.
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We’ll start exploring your history, your patterns, and what you’d like to change, at a pace that feels comfortable for you.