• Stats & Info
  • Brain Basics
  • Common Reactions
  • why therapy matters
  • FAQS
  • Resources
  • Home

Shea Marie Phinney LMFT



Trauma Informed Therapy


About Me

A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere & endure in spite of the overwhelming obstacles.
~ Christopher Reeve





Statistics of First Responder Trauma



The data shows that the mental health burden on First Responders (Police, EMS, Firefighters, Dispatch) is significantly higher than in the general population.


Learn more

Common Reactions After a Critical Incident



When the brain and body are constantly in a state of high alert (hypervigilance), the trauma begins to manifest in predictable ways. If you recognize these patterns in yourself or a loved one it is time to seek support


Learn more

Neurobiology and Brain Basics



You are strong, but trauma operates below the level of conscious thought. To truly heal, it is important to understand what happens in your brain when a critical incidents.


Learn more

Why Specialized Help Matters



Therapy is not just for crisis management, it is crucial component of your long term personal and operational health. Culturally competent therapy includes deep understanding to first responder core values, operational stress, and hypervigilance.


Learn more

You're trained to be strongest presence in someone's worst moment....
But who is there for you?





As a little girl, I would watch the TV Show Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood every chance I could get. He was genuinely kind, prompted empathy and emotional honesty. He influenced the person and the therapist I am today in many ways.


Inspired by his profound call to look for the helpers, I realized my life's mission was to become one. I believe that the therapeutic relationship itself is the first safe place to heal. True healing begins when someone steps forward to help.


For over 20 years, I have dedicated my career to transforming lives through trauma informed care and psychoeducation. Having worked in the trenches of Child Protective Services and Corrections, I gained a deep on the on-the ground understanding of complex trauma and developed a true passion for helping the helpers.

I am a vetted Culturally Competent First Responder Therapist and understand the nuances that come with the career. My practice is dedicated specifically to First Responders and their Families.


TRUE COMPASSION REQUIRES DEEP UNDERSTANDING.

My approach to therapy is unique and holistic, rooted in the neurobiology of trauma. My mission is to guide individuals toward ultimate brain health and wellness by helping them overcome toxic stress and trauma. I am certified in several evidenced based practices, including:
  • Brainspotting
  • Natural Lifemanship (Animal Assisted Psychotherapy)
  • Trauma Informed Care
  • Critical Incident Debriefings

I utilize humor, genuineness and empathy to create a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and healing.


Beyond individual therapy, I collaborate with agencies, workplaces, and community organizations to facilitate workshops and seminars on crucial topics, such as resilience building, stress management and suicide awareness. I am committed to empowering others with the practical tools and knowledge necessary to promote lasting positive change and enhance their overall quality of life.


For individuals who have experienced trauma, the decision to seek help requires immense courage. I promise to honor that courage by providing a therapeutic environment that is safe, predictable and deeply respectful. Your privacy is paramount. Everything we discussed in sessions is protected by strict professional and legal confidentiality. My practice is built upon guiding principles of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), which is an ethical and evidenced-based approach that moves beyond simple symptom management.



My Professional Promise to You:





Beyond Talk Therapy





Sometimes you can't find the words to express yourself fully. And that is OK. Trauma is stored in our bodies on the cellular level. Utilizing advanced techniques like Brainspotting and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy, will allow us to process the trauma at it's deep neurobiological roots. Healing requires engaging the entire person - mind, body, and spirit. The goal is to empower you to listen to your body's wisdom - the signals that were overridden during trauma - to achieve true regulation and lasting wellness.



It's a Partnership





My promise is to not to just treat symptoms, but to actively partner with you to review the nervous system, empowering you to move from a state o survival into a life of well-being and ultimate brain health. I recognize the impact of trauma on your brain, body and nervous system. Therefore, every intervention is rooted in compassion and neurobiological awareness. You are an active and collaborative partner in setting goals, therapeutic modalities, and driving the pace of your own healing.




No Judgment





The fundamental question of "what happened " becomes the focus in our sessions.. This means your current challenges, such as anxiety, reactivity, emotional volatility, not as character flaws, but as powerful, adaptive survival strategies developed during a time of crisis. It is important to remember that your responses after a crisis are normal. It is your nervous system's attempt to protect you. We will explore the powerful ways your nervous system serves to protect you to normalize your experiences.



Safety First





Built on the principles of safety, choice and empowerment every interaction is intentionally designed to honor your journey. I work collaboratively with clients to ensure you feel grounded and secure both in your body and the therapeutic space. You will always be treated with trustworthiness and transparency. Bessel Van der Kolk said it best in the Body Keeps Score, "being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives."



You're the Expert





I operate from a deep belief in your inherent resilience. Together we leverage your existing strengths, not just your struggles, to guide you toward lasting regulation and self-efficacy. Part of our work together, will include increasing your awareness to your body's signals (or "felt sense"). The re-establishes a crucial sense of inner authority and helps you learn to trust your intuition and decision-making again.



sheaphinneymft@gmail.com
#916-235-0889
Rocklin, Roseville and Virtual in California