Welcome to Sunset Therapy
Compassionate online therapy for adults (18+) in California. As an EMDRIA-certified therapist,I specialize in EMDR to help you heal childhood and adult trauma, ease anxiety and depression, and navigate parenting challenges with confidence and care. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming space where you feel safe, heard, and supported—no matter where you are in life.
Individual psychotherapy is a deeply personal and collaborative process designed to help you navigate the challenges you face and achieve emotional well-being. In our sessions, we will work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and confidential environment. Utilizing a blend of therapeutic approaches tailored to your specific needs, we will delve into underlying issues that may be contributing to your distress, such as childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, or parenting stressors. My practice integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to address and alleviate trauma-related symptoms, along with psychodynamic techniques to uncover and understand deep-seated emotional patterns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) will also be employed to help you develop practical skills and strategies for managing anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Services
Clinical Presentations
Looking to bring trauma-focused training to your team? I provide specialized clinical presentations for psychotherapists who want to expand their knowledge and confidence in working with trauma. These trainings are designed to support you in navigating the complexities of trauma treatment while offering practical, evidence-based tools you can immediately apply in your sessions. Presentation topics include: Understanding and treating complex PTSD in therapy Attachment dynamics and relational repair in trauma work Integrating nervous system regulation techniques into your sessions Creating safety for trauma processing Recognizing and preventing vicarious trauma in your clinical work Whether you're just beginning to build your trauma-informed lens or you're an experienced therapist seeking fresh insights, my goal is to provide meaningful, applicable education in a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Consultations for Clinicians
Are you a clinician seeking additional support in your practice? ​​If you're a healthcare professional seeking guidance in integrating trauma-informed care into your practice, I offer clinical consultations designed to support you. Whether you're navigating complex trauma cases, looking to deepen your understanding of trauma dynamics, or seeking practical strategies to enhance client outcomes, I'm here to help. We will: Review challenging cases through a trauma-informed lens Explore effective interventions tailored to your client’s needs Strengthen your clinical skills in managing trauma responses Build confidence in pacing, stabilization, and processing work Discuss ways to prevent vicarious trauma and burnout Consultations are psychotherapists, as well as other healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of trauma-informed treatment.
Individual Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy is a deeply personal and collaborative process designed to help you navigate the challenges you face and achieve emotional well-being. In our sessions, we will work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and confidential environment. Utilizing a blend of therapeutic approaches tailored to your specific needs, we will delve into underlying issues that may be contributing to your distress such as childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, parenting stressors and more.
I'm so glad
you're here.
As a dedicated therapist, I specialize in supporting clients who are dealing with childhood trauma, recent traumatic events, parenting stressors, anxiety, and depression. I have been in the field of mental health for 9 years and opened my private practice is 2022. My therapeutic approach integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to effectively address and alleviate symptoms associated with trauma and distress. Additionally, I draw from both psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded treatment experience.
My approach is characterized by warmth and compassion, ensuring a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood. I am committed to tailoring my interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual, fostering a therapeutic alliance that promotes healing, growth, and resilience. Whether navigating the complexities of past traumas or current stressors, I am here to help clients find clarity, strength, and a path forward.
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On a personal note, I am a mother to my three beautiful children, two of whom have special needs. I enjoy going to the beach, drinking coffee, and watching the San Diego Padres.
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Talk soon,
Maggie Effinger, LCSW
FAQs
What insurances do you accept?
Aetna, Cigna, Optum (UHC, UMR)
What is the self-pay fee if I do not have insurance?
$150 per 53 minute session
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
Yes, confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of psychotherapy. What you share in therapy is kept confidential, with a few legal exceptions (such as when there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or there is suspected child abuse, elder abuse or dependent adult abuse).​​​
Do you offer sessions for children?
At this time, I only see adults (18+).
Do you have availability right now?
As of March 2025, I have two spots open for new clients.