If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please dial 911 or 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline
Trauma Therapy in San Diego, CA
Virtual counseling for those ready to heal
While you can’t control your circumstances, you can own your outcome
You’re here for a reason
You are tired of suffering every day while your declining mental health demands your energy and attention – leaving little room for anything else.
You are physically and mentally exhausted.
Unable to sleep at night.
Uninterested at work.
Unmotivated by the hobbies you used to love.
Whether you’re looking for a new strategy to handle generalized anxiety, or a recent trauma has forced you to seek help, there is a compassionate approach that is right for you.
Healing from sexual trauma
You’ve survived the unimaginable. And now you have decisions thrust upon you that you never thought you would have to make.
“Is it safe to tell my family?”
“Will I need to leave my job?”
“Should I report the abuse?”
“What if nobody believes me?”
I believe you.
Not only do I believe you, I believe in you and your ability to heal.
I know you might be reading my website from your phone on your lunch break so that nobody will discover your search. I know how scared you’ve been, and how each day is a battle to bury your experience, put on a mask, and act like everything is normal.
I know how one smell, one song, taking a wrong turn, and ending up on that street can bring it all slamming back.
Abusers use fear and shame to control their victims. I promise a safe and confidential space to overcome those feelings.
The truth is only you get to make the decisions about your own body, and I’m so sorry somebody took that from you. The entirety of the fault rests with your abuser.
None of that is yours to carry. And I will remind you as many times as necessary.
Together, we can begin to remove the mask and take back control of your body and life. Become who you are meant to be beyond what happened to you.
If you’re not sure where to start and you’re ready to take the first step, you’re in the right place.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Destructive patterns keep you from living your best life with confidence. You’re ready to work toward a healthier future and need a helping hand.
I’m proud of you for reaching out, and I’m so happy you’re here!
Welcome to Connective Healing Therapy.
Meet Your Therapist
I’m Matti (she/her), your San Diego, CA trauma therapist and mental health advocate.
I know how heavy it is to carry trauma in your body, and how freeing it is when your body, mind, and soul are finally in sync.
With over 14 years of experience in the mental health field, my goal is to help you make friends with your brain so the rest of you can thrive.
Fall in love with your life again
You desperately want to show up as your authentic self.
I can’t wait to help you live your life the way it was meant to be – healthy and happy.
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”
— Vivian GreeneNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255
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National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233 or (800) 787-3224 (TTY)
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National Sexual Assault Hotline (800) 656-4673
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San Diego Adult Protective Services (APS) Hotline (800) 399-4661
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San Diego Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline (858) 560-2191 or (800) 344-6000
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San Diego Access & Crisis Line (888) 724-7240
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255 ✦ National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233 or (800) 787-3224 (TTY) ✦ National Sexual Assault Hotline (800) 656-4673 ✦ San Diego Adult Protective Services (APS) Hotline (800) 399-4661 ✦ San Diego Child Protective Services (CPS) Hotline (858) 560-2191 or (800) 344-6000 ✦ San Diego Access & Crisis Line (888) 724-7240 ✦
If You Are…
A misunderstood teen Your body and brain are changing - injecting new emotions and fears that make it hard to “be yourself.”
If that’s even who you want to be anymore.
The transition from being a kid to becoming an adult is tough to navigate. Your parents can’t relate to the pressure you feel from teachers at school, vibing with your friend group, and growing responsibilities at home.
Venting to them turns into a “back in my day” competition you didn’t ask for.
What you really need is a trusted adult who listens without criticism.
Whether you’re being bullied, ostracized, or feeling curious about your sexuality, you deserve knowledgeable guidance without the judgement.
A loving parent But lately, you’ve found your “window of tolerance” looking more like a keyhole. You extend grace to everyone around you and have nothing left for yourself. You lie awake at night replaying today’s most recent blowup and feeling deep regret.
That doesn’t make you a bad parent.
It makes you unaware of how best to connect with your child. I want you to enjoy both the big and small moments of their childhood without a pit in your stomach.
You don’t have to heal perfectly to parent intentionally.
Learn how to walk through spilled breakfast and scattered toys while shedding the “mom guilt.”
Together, we will get you back to someone you - and your family - recognize.
In a military family You live in service to others - which lights you up and brings you joy. But the sacrifices often go overlooked and under-recognized.
Living as a single parent - while proudly married - is a unique challenge you understand too well. Waving a tearful goodbye and reassuring your child that everything’s ok is heartbreaking. And the fact is - you’re on that pier, struggling too.
Strategize and heal with someone who knows what you’re going through.
Building a tough outer shell comes with being a constant pillar of strength for your loved ones.
Find a therapist who supports you the same way your family protects our country.
Thank you for your service.
Therapy Services
EMDR
Your technique for moving past trauma are no longer effective and you are feeling stuck. EMDR therapy could be right for you.
Mindfulness/Holistic-Based Practices
You have a unique way of viewing the world. Understand what makes you tick and uncover your personal vibe.
Walk & Talk Therapy
If you feel more relaxed with the breeze on your face and the sun on your skin, then let’s take your therapy outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We will introduce ourselves, review policies and procedures, and set expectations. You will share what brought you to seek therapy, and together we will discuss what your therapy journey might look like. We will gather a lot of “facts” about what is going on in your life right now that activated the idea of starting therapy, and schedule future appointments.
While first sessions can seem intimidating, they are typically an opportunity to meet-and-greet.
I know you’re sizing me up during the first session and deciding if you made the right choice. It’s important to me that you feel we are a good match, so please toss out the mentality of appearing as a “good patient” and just come as you are. I commit to do the same.
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Confronting our “shadow side” and processing our traumas can be a lot of hard work, exhausting, and full of pain. In order to heal we need to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, and that means showing up even on the days we want to quit.
Therapy can be hard, but it should never be dreadful.
As a therapist, my job is to support you on this journey, challenge what isn’t working, and provide tools that move you toward a successful and joyful life.
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I genuinely believe therapy has the power to change lives.
I have been a “helper” for most of my life and I believe in this passion and calling. While my confidence and abilities will support you on your journey, the transformative work comes directly from you. Together, we combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication to get reliable results that you see for yourself.
Therapy is not just what we do - it’s how we do it that gets results.
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While there is not one answer I can give that will apply to everyone, I can promise you this is a milestone we will identify together.
You’ll know that therapy is working when the things that brought you into therapy concern you less or feel less intense. Though therapy in of itself is a journey, I do believe that you will know when you are done.
Once therapy starts to feel like a chore (and we will check in to make sure this is not resistance and “running away” behaviors) your therapy journey may have run its course.
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It’s important to recognize the complexities in each of us while also acknowledging that all we can be is human.
My sessions reflect a “human-first” approach by using levity when appropriate and holding space for you to show up as your authentic self in a judgement-free zone. Earning my client’s trust is essential for confidentiality and so that we can make vulnerability feel safe.
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The path to healing and growth is for you to walk, and I believe the tools and abilities are already inside of you. Trauma or life experiences may have left you unaware or unable to access them on your own. My role is to guide your journey with insights, connections, and – yes – sometimes advice as a supportive professional by your side.
The good news is that your body and mind are incredibly resilient. They do such an amazing job at protecting us (sometimes too amazing)! I truly believe you are capable of the change you want to see, and sometimes all that is needed is the right support, a safe setting to tell your story, and the experience of being believed. I am that person for you.
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Fees are $210/session hour for individual therapy, and $230/session hour for couples and family therapy.
Although I currently do not accept insurance, I work with Thrizer, a platform that helps clients get money back on out-of-network therapy sessions.
If you qualify, Thrizer will file claims and handle the insurance paperwork to make sure you get reimbursed. Check your eligibility here.
Generally, FSA and HSA accounts may be used as payment options. Please check with your plan’s administrator for limitations, compliance, and reimbursement.
I never want the cost to be the reason you don’t seek help. If you need additional financial support, ask me about my “sliding scale” availability.
Please note that hour sessions are between 45 and 53 minutes to allow time to wrap up and for documentation.
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Life happens, and therapy should alleviate stress, not cause it. I will do everything I can to get you rescheduled timely - usually in the same week.
Please give me advanced notice so I can accommodate another patient in your slot. (This is the secret sauce to being able to reschedule you timely as well.)
If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, or no-show, you may be charged a fee of $100.
We can discuss your specific circumstances at our initial intake session.
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Although psychologists do provide therapy services, psychologists hold a doctoral degree and typically can do psychological testing.
A psychiatrist will evaluate, diagnose, and can prescribe medication if needed.
A therapist refers to someone with a master’s degree in counseling who provides therapy services. You may notice certifications after their name. Some examples include:
MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist)
PCC (Professional Clinical Counselor)
MSW (Master of Social Work)
You might notice people with an L or an A in their therapy titles. These letters differentiate between clinicians who are Licensed (L) and those who are Associates (A). (Associates should be supervised by a licensed clinician, and their credentials should be posted.)
Matti Millman, LMFT in San Diego, CA
Hi there, I’m Matti (she/her), and I believe you are the expert in your own life. I am honored to guide your mindset during this challenging time.
With over 14 years of experience working with clients, I have guided people from all walks of life to better mental health. It’s my passion to help you cultivate joy as your authentic self.
I can’t wait to see your progress!
I believe everything works together:
The mind - how we think, how we speak, our dreams, and how we talk about ourselves and others. The body - how we move within it, how we feel being in our body, nourishing it, and how we treat it. The soul - our hopes, our dreams, our desires, who we are at the core, our beliefs, our purpose, our values, our energy, our vibe.
These are the cornerstones to living your life on your terms. Whether or not you are struggling in one or more of these areas, you can still have success in all.
As a trauma therapist in beautiful San Diego, CA, I have the privilege of working with a variety of people and lifestyles. Every past and each person I’ve met has proven the value of connecting.
As a wife and mother myself, I have experience handling family dynamics, neurodiversity, and trauma with care and understanding. I enjoy breaking up heavy sessions with humor to remember the bright spots. (I find myself funny - even if my kids don’t think so)!
My “person-centered” approach allows you to set the pace in your own recovery. My role is to get you off the sidelines and back in the driver’s seat of your life.

