Therapy with Me
A Relational, Trauma-Informed, and Attachment-Focused Approach
Therapy isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about feeling seen, understood, and supported as you navigate the deeper parts of your story. My approach is grounded in both personal experience and clinical training, but at its core, it’s about building connection and trust—both with yourself and in your relationships.
As an adoptee, therapist and adoption specialist with over 15 years of experience, I understand how early experiences can shape how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we carry pain that often goes unspoken. Whether you're coming to therapy because of anxiety, disconnection, relationship struggles, or adoption-related concerns, I bring a steady, compassionate presence to help you work through what's getting in the way of feeling whole and connected.
I use a blend of research-backed therapies that work at both the emotional and nervous system levels. Here’s a look at some of the main approaches I integrate into our work together:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is one of the most well-researched and effective approaches for couples therapy. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT is based on the science of adult attachment and focuses on strengthening the emotional bond between partners. Studies show EFT helps 70–75% of couples move from distress to recovery, with over 90% showing significant improvement. It’s effective for couples experiencing conflict, distance, or emotional disconnection—and is also adaptable for individuals working through attachment-based struggles. In our sessions, EFT helps us identify the emotional patterns that keep you or your relationship stuck. We slow down, uncover what’s happening beneath the surface, and begin to build safety, trust, and emotional responsiveness.
Attachment theory is foundational to how we understand ourselves in relationships. Our earliest bonds—whether secure, inconsistent, or disrupted—shape how we give and receive love, how we handle conflict, and how we cope with stress or rejection. Attachment-based therapy helps us understand how these early patterns show up in adult life—especially in intimate relationships. Research shows that developing a more secure attachment style can significantly improve emotional regulation, relationship satisfaction, and overall well-being. Whether you’re navigating adoption-related identity questions, struggling to trust others, or feeling stuck in repeating relationship patterns, attachment work helps us shift from surviving to connecting.
Brainspotting, developed by Dr. David Grand, is a somatic and neurobiological approach to healing trauma, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. It works by identifying "brainspots"—eye positions linked to stored trauma or activation in the brain. Brainspotting is based on the idea that “where you look affects how you feel,” and has been used successfully to treat PTSD, anxiety, grief, and performance blocks. It accesses the subcortical brain, where trauma is stored, allowing deep processing without needing to retell or reanalyze distressing events. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your head or disconnected from your body, Brainspotting can open a door to healing that doesn’t rely solely on words.
Being trauma-informed means I understand how trauma—especially relational or developmental trauma—can impact every area of life, from the nervous system to identity to relationships. It also means I approach therapy with respect, flexibility, and care. Trauma-informed therapy creates space for choice, consent, and emotional pacing—because healing can’t happen in a space that feels overwhelming or unsafe. I work with a strong awareness of how trauma affects the body, and I integrate practices to support grounding and nervous system regulation. You don’t have to push yourself or explain everything perfectly. We go at your pace, and I’m here to support you the whole way.
Get In Touch
Contact Information
Telephone
Address
15615 Alton Pkwy, Suite 450
Irvine, CA 92618
Karl Stenske, MA, Adoption Specialist, LMFT 150804
"Family leaves and indelible mark on your life: demanding to be noticed and woven into every piece of your story"