Little by little, we let go of the old and welcome the new.
Hello, I’m Tova Brown (she/her), an AMFT and Certified Trauma Professional. I graduated from the California School of Professional Psychology in 2022 and practice from a trauma-informed, attachment-focused lens. Before becoming an AMFT, I spent 12 years working as a physical therapist in intensive care units, supporting people recovering from significant physical, neurological, and cardiac traumas. While I no longer practice physical therapy, that experience deeply informs my work today—I have a strong appreciation for the connection between mind and body and how each impacts the other. On a more personal note, I’ve lived all over the U.S. and recently returned to San Diego after living in Australia. I love to laugh, stay active, and travel to experience new cultures and perspectives. Depending on the day, you might find me curled up with a good book, out trying an extreme sport, or spending time with my family and the close relationships that mean the most to me.
I love working with...
I love working with people from all walks of life who are navigating the impact of trauma at any stage of their journey. This includes individuals and families exploring family of origin patterns and breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma, parents who want to practice positive parenting, and couples in both monogamous and consensual non-monogamous relationships. I also support transitional-age youth, LGBTQIA+ clients, and anyone processing complex trauma, relationship challenges, or life transitions. Additionally, I work with those managing mood or behavioral concerns, helping each person or family find healing, resilience, and growth in a way that feels meaningful and true to who they are.
Some of my favorite approaches include...
I take an integrative approach, blending a variety of techniques to support each person’s unique journey. This includes trauma-informed care, attachment-based work, CBT, DBT, EFT, mindfulness, somatopsychology, parts-work and more. I also make space for your individual values, cultural background, and life experiences, because healing is most effective when it feels personal and relevant. I take the time to understand your needs before deciding on an approach and adapt my methods as those needs and goals evolve. In our work together, we collaborate to set goals that are meaningful, achievable, and focused on your growth and well-being.
How I help...
I help by creating a safe, supportive space where you can truly be yourself. This is a place to explore and express what you need for healing—whether that means practicing a difficult conversation, grounding yourself through mindfulness exercises, or connecting with a part of yourself that has been protecting you from past pain. Having gone through the therapeutic process myself, I deeply understand how vulnerable and challenging it can be to show up and face difficult emotions, and I also know how transformative and rewarding it feels when you begin to meet your goals and no longer allow the past to control your present. My approach is nonjudgmental, compassionate, and tailored to your unique journey, giving you the freedom to bring your whole self to therapy. Together, we work toward helping you grow and become the person, couple, or family you want to be, in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.
I believe...
...each person already has the strengths within them to heal and grow. Often, a small shift in perspective can reveal abilities and insights you may not have recognized in yourself before.
What it's like in session with me...
I bring warmth, empathy, and a grounded, down-to-earth approach to every session, creating a space where you can feel truly seen and supported. Whether you’re navigating relationship challenges, healing from painful experiences, or working to shift patterns that no longer serve you, I’ll walk alongside you at a pace that feels safe. I view you as the expert of your own life, and together we’ll use evidence-based tools to help you move toward the goals that matter most to you. Along the way, I’ll reflect what I see, gently challenge you to look deeper, and support you in uncovering new perspectives. I believe therapy can hold space not only for healing but also for laughter, honest communication, and an enduring hope in your ability to grow and thrive.