“We are all going through something.” – Anonymous.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed and unable to move forward and live your best life?

Oftentimes it’s about your relationships, communicating with your partner, or facing life’s unexpected or longstanding challenges.

To be human is to be in a relationship.

Relationships can be with your spouse or partner, with your family, with even Yourself. Naturally, we were born social creatures. When relationships are working, we’re living our happiest life. In fact, relationships can heal. But sometimes, because they are so important to us, relationships can also hurt. Of course, we all have the potential to live a fulfilling, rewarding life in relationships.

Hello, I’m Tom Paderna, PhD. I’m a Psychological Associate working under supervision of a Psychologist completing post doctorate hours based in the greater Sacramento area, specifically Roseville, CA and Fair Oaks, CA. I specialize in helping couples and individuals who are struggling with trauma, grief or loss, infidelity, and relationship challenges. Additionally, I help those who are not sure whether to stay or go in a marriage.

My specialty is working with couples and I can help couples overcome issues of trust and infidelity, as well as relational conflict, and differing attachment styles. In similar fashion, I help them to balance power in a relationship, and build a mutually interdependent and positive life.

I’ve been in the field for over 9 years of psychology training serving in community mental health settings, neighborhood non-profits, high schools, in hospitals and in in-patient facilities. Where I have helped people with relationship issues, mental illness, addiction and poverty.

My internship was at the Sacramento VA, where I gained additional experience and expertise in treating PTSD, healing from trauma and dealing with chronic conditions. I use research based theories like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma, and have completed provider certification. As well as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Additionally, I have trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which can help you crack those big problems in life, by rediscovering your values and creating a life of purpose and intention.

I have completed Gottman Method Level 3, trained in David Snarch’s Crucible Approach and The Development Model of Couples Therapy.

Therapy Provided For:

• Couples seeking improved communication, conflict resolution, or rebuilding trust after betrayal
• Individuals navigating grief, loss or trauma
• Partners who believe they are on the brink of a divorce and need guidance on whether or not to end the marriage.
• People of color, cross cultural relationships, immigrants, first responders and veterans

I earned my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University and have 8+ years of experience with adults and teens using evidence-based practices. As with many clinicians, I’m well versed in individual work with trauma, depression and anxiety; however I feel most effective working with couples or individuals with relational challenges.

I blend the Gottman Method (level 3), the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy by the Couple’s Institute, and David Snarch’s Crucible Approach to work with the most complex relationship issues that couples and individuals face today.

For individual therapy, I’m certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD and trauma, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for life and existential questions, Motivational Interviewing for addiction and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety.

Though I’ve always been interested in people, even as a pre-teen, I have especially been fascinated with who we are. I was told at a very young age by adults around me that I had an ‘old soul.’ Eventually, after a long career in the software industry, I started to volunteer on crisis lines and discovered my true calling. Then I pivoted to a second career late in life, and feel my life experience has helped me be the therapist I am today.

When I’m not working, I love being on and in the water, social dancing, and tending roses.