About Denielle

trauma therapist

IFS-informed, AEDP-informed, EFT-informed approaches

Certified Shame-Informed and Trauma-informed Therapist

You prefer an active approach to healing from trauma, finding it difficult to focus on talking about your struggles. You feel that your pain is misunderstood, often due to cultural nuances, and it feels as though you're carrying an invisible weight, making it challenging to remain present.

Connecting emotionally, spiritually, or physically with yourself or others seems nearly impossible at times. As a result, you may frequently shut down, escape the pain, people-please, or engage in conflicts with yourself or those around you.

Identifying and setting boundaries is a significant challenge, and you struggle to practice self-compassion or recognize joyful moments in your life. Expressing your needs and communicating effectively remains difficult, leaving you feeling disconnected and overwhelmed.

Hi, My name is Denielle TEregis.

Denielle Espejo-Niebres, APCC11357 in California

I am a Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in California, supervised by Ah Hyun Lee, LCSW. I am available via telehealth only.

My goal is to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you feel truly seen and heard. I understand that many individuals within the Asian-American community, especially those between the ages of 18-40, face unique challenges around identity, cultural expectations, and trauma. In our sessions, you can expect to be met where you are, with genuine empathy, and I will work alongside you to help you navigate whatever challenges you may be facing.

Our sessions will be collaborative, with a focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship. I aim to create a space where you can freely express yourself, explore difficult emotions, and feel emotionally attuned to the process of healing. Whether we’re working through past trauma, managing stress, or navigating difficult relationships, my approach is tailored to meet your individual needs and goals. Each session will be conducted through telehealth, providing flexibility and convenience for your therapy journey.

 
 

My strengths lie in my ability to create a warm, empathetic space that allows you to feel comfortable opening up and exploring deeper emotional challenges. I pride myself on being non-judgmental and flexible in my approach, always meeting you where you are in your journey. I also draw from my understanding of the unique pressures that Asian-American individuals often experience, such as navigating family expectations, cultural values, and the impact of historical trauma. I am particularly attuned to the difficulties that can arise from intergenerational trauma and cultural conflicts, and I will work with you to address these concerns in a way that is both culturally sensitive and empowering.

With me, you can expect a supportive, collaborative approach that respects your values, your identity, and your individual path to healing. My goal is to empower you to make lasting changes, find peace with yourself, and build stronger emotional resilience to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Denielle’s treatment approaches in therapy

  • AEDP

    For Asian-American clients, the emphasis on emotions and attachment in AEDP is especially effective, as many within this community experience pressure to suppress their emotions due to cultural norms.

  • Internal Family Systems

     IFS works by identifying various “parts” of the self that may be in conflict, such as the inner critic or the protector, and helping individuals to reconcile these parts in a compassionate and non-judgmental way.

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

    For those who face trauma, especially those with experiences of discrimination or family conflict, DBT provides practical tools to manage intense emotions and navigate difficult situations.

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy

    EFT helps clients recognize and transform negative patterns of interaction, fostering deeper emotional connections and healing within relationships. This approach is particularly effective for clients struggling with family expectations, shame, and attachment wounds.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

    In working with trauma, ACT allows clients to develop a more flexible, compassionate relationship with their emotions, fostering psychological flexibility. By focusing on values-driven action, ACT empowers clients to move forward, even in the face of difficult emotions or external pressures.

  • Motivational Interviewing

    For those who may feel conflicted between their cultural values and personal desires, MI provides a non-judgmental space to examine their choices and create an authentic path forward.

If you're struggling with unresolved trauma and  like no one can truly understand your pain, I want you to know that I’ve been there. I’ve survived postpartum depression, recurrent miscarriages, the death of loved ones, and many other forms of loss and change. I know firsthand what it's like to carry the invisible weight that grief and trauma presents. Healing from trauma can feel unbearable at times, and it looks different as we grow and evolve with it. It can take many forms—death and loss, life changes, identity loss, and trauma, to name a few.

I’ve done the work, both personally and professionally, and I am eager to share the tools and insights I’ve discovered about growing through grief. If you’re ready to explore a path toward healing, where you can reintegrate into life as an evolved version of yourself, nurture the emotions that you have been running from, and witness true lasting change, I invite you to book a session with me. Together, we can explore ways to support your healing journey and help you navigate the pain that can feel isolating and overwhelming.

 
 

Expecting EMDR Therapy training

“What is EMDR Therapy? How Do I Know If It’s Right for Me?”

EMDR Therapy is structured and trauma-focused in an expedited process with lasting results. It encourages you to attune and pay attention to all aspects of your memories and your reactions in the present moment. All aspects refer to images, physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. You get to listen to and care for your inner child. Its process of healing also asks you to be creative in your unique way.

I am in training for EMDR therapy in April through June 2025.

Get started with trauma-focused therapy and trauma counseling, today.

Take the first step toward healing. Schedule a trauma counseling session in San Francisco with our empathetic therapist. Your journey to recovery begins here.