Romina Schnelle (She/Her)

Existnow Therapy is a California-based telehealth private practice dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy for adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, panic, chronic stress, and life transitions. My mission is to create a therapeutic space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported as they work toward meaningful and lasting change. I believe healing is possible, but it looks different for everyone. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor treatment to each client's unique history, strengths, goals, and current needs. I specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and have advanced training in the treatment of trauma and complex trauma. While EMDR is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), research also supports its use for many other concerns, including anxiety, depression, panic, grief, and the lasting effects of adverse life experiences. My role is to help clients determine whether EMDR is appropriate for their current stage of healing and, if so, to guide them through the process in a safe, collaborative, and individualized manner. One of the core principles of my practice is recognizing that successful trauma treatment begins with understanding the person, not just their symptoms. Trauma can affect the brain, nervous system, emotions, relationships, and sense of self in profound ways. Some clients arrive ready to begin trauma reprocessing relatively early in treatment, while others benefit from first developing greater emotional awareness, strengthening coping skills, or expanding their capacity to tolerate distress. Rather than rushing into trauma work, I continually assess each client's readiness and adjust treatment accordingly. My goal is to provide care that is both clinically effective and responsive to where you are in your healing journey. My therapeutic approach is holistic and trauma-informed. Emotional well-being is influenced by many interconnected factors, and I believe it is important to consider the whole person rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis or presenting concern. In addition to exploring thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and past experiences, I also consider how stress, sleep, physical health, nutrition, hormonal changes, and nervous system functioning may be influencing your mental health. While therapy does not replace medical care, understanding these connections can help create a more comprehensive treatment plan that supports overall well-being. In addition to EMDR, I integrate interventions from other evidence-based approaches when clinically appropriate. Therapy is never about rigidly following a single modality. Instead, I draw from a variety of techniques to help clients develop insight, increase emotional flexibility, improve coping skills, and build resilience. Whether we are exploring current life stressors, working through painful memories, strengthening self-compassion, or identifying unhelpful patterns, treatment is always guided by your individual goals and preferences. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship where clients feel comfortable discussing difficult experiences without fear of criticism or pressure. I understand that beginning therapy can feel intimidating, particularly if previous experiences with therapy have been disappointing or if you've spent years managing challenges on your own. My hope is to create an environment where you feel supported, respected, and empowered to move at a pace that feels manageable while still making meaningful progress toward your goals.