MILIKA CENTER FOR THERAPY & RESILIENCE
Trauma Therapy Encino
Heal from the past & find hope for the future with our evidence-based trauma-focused therapy services in Brentwood, Encino, Los Angeles & virtually across California.
At Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we understand that trauma can leave lasting emotional scars, but we believe in your innate ability to heal. Whether your trauma stems from a difficult past experience or ongoing life challenges, our compassionate team is here to support you in rediscovering your strength, resilience, and peace.
What Makes Milika Center Unique?
- Experienced psychologists and therapists helping individuals and families heal from trauma and traumatic events.
- A warm, trauma-informed and client-centered approach that meets you where you are—empowering you to heal at your own pace.
- Expert clinicians trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Model (which integrates several modalities such as EMDR, brainspotting therapy, somatic therapies, Gestalt, Energy Psychology and mindfulness), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS), mindfulness practices, developmental trauma, and more.
- Personalized 1:1 Trauma-Informed Yoga Sessions for Trauma Survivors: Our expert yoga instructor will work with you to create a safe and supportive practice tailored to your unique needs, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
- Specialized care for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
- Virtual talk therapy options to ensure you have access to care no matter where you are in California.
- A deep commitment to helping you build resilience, self-compassion, and emotional well-being.
About Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience
Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience was founded with a clear mission: to provide healing, hope, and support to those who are struggling with the effects of trauma. Our founder, Dr. Kanchi Wijesekera, built this practice with a heart for individuals and families facing life's most difficult challenges. At MILIKA, we honor the whole person and take a holistic, trauma-informed approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.
We know that healing is not a linear journey, and there is no "one-size-fits-all" path. Our clinicians are here to walk alongside you in a way that feels safe, supportive, and empowering. Whether you're healing from childhood trauma, sexual or physical abuse, medical trauma, natural disaster trauma, or relationship struggles, we are committed to providing personalized care that meets your unique needs.
3 of the best Encino trauma therapists
1. Dr. Kanchi Wijesekera, Ph.D.
Founder & Clinical Director
Dr. Kanchi’s warm and compassionate approach to trauma therapy has touched the lives of countless individuals and families. She founded Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience with a deep belief in the transformative power of resilience. Specializing in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care, her approach is tailored to support individuals who have experienced trauma in various forms, including medical trauma, interpersonal trauma, childhood trauma, birth trauma, vicarious trauma (e.g. in physicians), natural disaster trauma, and more.
With postdoctoral training at the UCLA Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Clinic, and years of experience working in medical settings like the UCLA Pediatric Heart Transplant Center and UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Behavioral Wellness CenteDr. Kanchi has a deep understanding of the profound impact that post traumatic stress disorder and trauma can have on the nervous system and every part of life. Dr. Kanchi is passionate about supporting high-stress populations and is dedicated to empowering these individuals to build resilience, cope with trauma symptoms and stress, and cultivate post-traumatic growth, ultimately helping them to rise above life's challenges and reclaim their strength.
2. Dr. Venus Mirbod, Psy.D. ("Dr. V")
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. V is known for her warm, empathetic approach to therapy, and her deep commitment to helping others heal from trauma. She specializes in trauma-informed therapies, including trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Focus Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS), grounding skills, and mindfulness-based approaches, and she has a particular passion for supporting youth, physicians, and mothers. Dr. V helps mothers navigate the emotional complexities of childbirth, postpartum anxiety, and trauma, providing a safe space for them to heal and find their strength.
Dr. V also works with children and families, using her expertise in pediatric psychology to help young ones navigate mental health issues and heal from medical trauma, navigate behavioral challenges, have healthy relationships, and build resilience. Whether you’re an adult coping with stress and emotional pain or a parent looking for guidance, Dr. V is dedicated to helping you find peace, healing self love, and joy.
3. Shilloy Sanchez-Lomeli, LMFT, Ph.D.c
Clinical Therapist
As an integrative trauma therapist,Shilloy’s approach is deeply rooted in empathy, trust, and resilience. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma therapy for individuals, families, and couples. Shilloy guides them on a transformative path towards healing from trauma, cultivating emotional resilience, and reclaiming their lives with renewed sense of purpose, self awareness, safety, and profound well-being.
Shilloy is a highly trained clinician with expertise in trauma-informed therapies. Her extensive clinical training includes over a decade of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Janina Fisher's Traumatic Intoxication Stress Treatment (TIST) Model, the Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Model (RITTM), Systematic Training for Effective Parenting, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II, Shilloy brings a deep understanding of how trauma impacts individuals and families.
Shilloy holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, with a focus on conflict-related trauma, as well as a Doctoral degree in Depth Psychology, Integrative Therapy, and Healing Practices from Pacifica Graduate Institute. In her practice, Shilloy seamlessly integrates depth psychology, trauma-informed therapies, and somatic practices to create a comprehensive and compassionate approach to healing. This holistic framework empowers clients to confront challenges on a deeper level, transform traumatic experiences, maintain intimate relationships, and reconnect with their inner strength, ultimately revealing a path towards renewed purpose, resilience, and wholehearted living.
How to start trauma therapy
Starting therapy is a courageous step toward healing, and we are here to provide support every step of the way. Here's how to begin:
1. Reach Out to Us
Take the first step by contacting us via phone or through our website. We understand that reaching out for help can be daunting, but we want you to know that you are not alone. Our team is ready to listen and support you.
2. Schedule a Consultation
During your free consultation, we’ll take time to help you feel comfortable, understand your unique needs, your goals for therapy, and any challenges you’re facing. Based on this conversation, we’ll match you with a therapist who will be the best fit for your treatment.
3. Begin Your Healing Journey
Once you’ve connected with your therapist, you’ll begin your personalized sessions. Whether in person or virtually, we’ll provide a supportive space of compassionate care where you can heal, explore, and grow at your own pace. Together, we will work to rebuild your sense of self, resilience, and peace.
Why choose Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience
We understand that choosing the right therapy practice is a deeply personal decision. Here’s why Milika Center is the right choice for your trauma therapy:
1. Expert Care with a Heart
Our team is highly trained in trauma therapy and committed to meeting you where you are. We know that trauma affects every aspect of life, and we provide compassionate, personalized care that honors your unique journey.
2. Trauma-Informed and Client-Centered
At MILIKA, we take a trauma-informed approach to care, meaning we prioritize your safety, dignity, and emotional well-being in every session. We listen to your needs and work collaboratively with you to create a path forward.
3. A Holistic Approach to Healing
We integrate various therapeutic modalities, including TF-CBT, mindfulness, and yoga, to support your mind-body connection. Whether you’re working through anxiety, depression, or the effects of past trauma, our holistic approach helps you heal from the inside out.
4. Virtual Therapy for Flexibility
We offer virtual therapy options to ensure that you can access the support you need, no matter where you are in California. We understand that life can be busy, and we want to make therapy as accessible and convenient as possible for you.
5. A Compassionate, Safe Space
Milika Center is more than just a therapy practice—it's a place where you can feel seen, heard, and supported. We create a safe and non-judgmental space and therapeutic relationship where you can explore your feelings and experiences, heal from trauma, and build resilience.
Common reasons why people start trauma therapy
Trauma therapy can help individuals heal from a variety of experiences. Here are some common reasons why people seek help:
1. Anxiety and Depression
Unresolved trauma often manifests as symptoms such as PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness. Trauma therapy helps individuals process past events and painful memories, alleviate these distressing symptoms, and reclaim their emotional well-being.
2. Postpartum Trauma or Anxiety
New mothers may struggle with the emotional aftermath of childbirth, including trauma, anxiety, and depression. We specialize in supporting mothers through these challenges, helping them heal and find peace in their parenting journey.
3. Family Dynamics and Relationship Issues
Trauma can strain family relationships and lead to unhealthy patterns of communication breakdowns or negative thought patterns. Therapy can help families rebuild trust, keep healthy boundaries, improve communication, and heal from generational trauma patterns.
4. Medical Trauma
For those who have experienced chronic illness or medical procedures, trauma can affect both mental and physical health. We help individuals process medical trauma and distressing memories and feelings to regain their sense of control and resilience.
When another practice might be a better fit for your needs
While Milika Center offers a comprehensive range of the trauma counseling and therapy services, there may be times when a different kind of support is needed:
1. You Need Specialized Care Outside of Trauma Therapy
If you’re seeking services outside of trauma therapy, such as psychiatric support, medication management, or another type of specialized care, we can refer you to trusted resources that can meet those needs in the present moment.
2. You’re Looking for a More Intensive Level of Care
If you are seeking intensive treatment options, such as intensive outpatient program (IOP) care, partial hospitalization program (PHP), or inpatient care with 24/7 support, we recommend exploring hospital or residential treatment centers that can provide the level of care and support you need. Our team is happy to assist in providing referrals to ensure you receive the appropriate care.
Connect with one of our Encino trauma therapists today
Healing is possible, and it starts with taking that first step. At Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, we are here to support you through every step of your healing journey. Our compassionate team of trauma therapists is committed to helping you build resilience, overcome challenges, and support you on your journey towards emotional well-being.
New clients, ready to take the first step? Reach out to us today for your free consultation, and let’s start working together to help you heal and thrive.