Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Trujillo.
Madeline, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit and enjoyed understanding a person from a relational standpoint. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how trauma and difficult family dynamics can shape the way people move through the world. Those experiences led me to pursue a career in mental health, guided by the belief that healing is not only possible but transformative.
I earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University and became a licensed therapist, beginning my career working with a wide range of clients in community and clinical settings, including non-profit work and private practice. Over time, I noticed a common thread: many high-achieving adults, especially within the Latinx community, were silently carrying trauma and anxiety, often appearing successful on the outside while feeling overwhelmed internally.
I knew I wanted to create a space that spoke directly to them. That vision became Trujillo Psychotherapy Collective, a boutique, online therapy practice rooted in trauma-informed care and specializing in EMDR and somatic approaches. My goal was to build something that felt both clinically excellent and deeply supportive, where therapy could be experienced as a form of self-care rather than just another item on a to-do list.
Today, I feel grateful to support clients in reconnecting with themselves, regulating their nervous systems, and moving from survival mode into a more peaceful, empowered way of living.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I think that’s true for most entrepreneurs in the mental health space. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the transition from working within larger organizations to stepping out on my own. When you build a private practice, you’re not just the therapist, you’re also the marketer, the accountant, and the visionary. Learning how to wear all of those hats while still protecting my own wellbeing has been a journey.
On a more personal level, as a Latina therapist, I’ve also experienced what it feels like to work in spaces where representation is limited. There were moments of self-doubt, of wondering if my voice or perspective mattered in a field that hasn’t always reflected people from the Latinx community. Overcoming that meant grounding myself in why I do this work, to create a space where others, especially high-achievers and Latinx adults, feel seen and supported.
Those struggles ultimately shaped the kind of practice I wanted to build. Trujillo Psychotherapy Collective is as much about creating a supportive environment for my clients as it is about giving myself permission to do the work in a way that feels aligned and sustainable. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been meaningful every step of the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Trujillo Psychotherapy Collective is a boutique, online therapy practice that specializes in working with high-achieving adults and the Latinx community, with a focus on trauma and anxiety. I primarily use EMDR, somatic therapy, parts work, and attachment-based approaches to help clients move out of survival mode and into a more regulated, empowered way of living.
What sets my practice apart is the way therapy is approached, not as something clinical and impersonal, but as an intentional form of self-care. I wanted to create a space that feels supportive, elevated, and tailored, where clients don’t feel like “just another case” but instead feel deeply seen and understood.
The name itself carries deep meaning for me. “Trujillo” reflects my last name, my family, and the strength of my ancestors. Including it was a way of honoring where I come from and the people who paved the way for me to do this work. The word “Collective” represents both the clients I serve and the community I’m building, a reminder that healing doesn’t happen in isolation, but through connection, culture, and shared experience.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of creating a practice that reflects both clinical excellence and cultural attunement. As a Latina therapist, representation is incredibly important to me, and it’s meaningful to provide a space where my clients, especially those in the Latinx community, can feel a sense of belonging in their healing process and feel heard for possibly the first time.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help people reconnect with themselves, regulate their nervous systems, and experience more peace in their everyday lives. Whether it’s through EMDR sessions, somatic tools, or simply having a safe space to process, I want clients to know that therapy can be a transformative investment in themselves.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending time with my grandparents. They were such a big part of my life, especially during my first four years, when they were deeply involved in my care. Those early years with them are filled with memories of warmth, stability, and love. I remember simple moments, sharing meals, hearing their stories, or just being around them, that made me feel safe and deeply cared for. They created an environment that felt grounding and secure, something that left a lasting imprint on me.
Those years taught me the importance of family, connection, and having people in your life who make you feel seen and supported. Even now, those memories remain some of the happiest and most comforting parts of my childhood, and I carry them with me as a reminder of the strength and love that comes from family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.trujillopsychotherapycollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelinetrujillomft/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-trujillo-lmft-a345a3b3
Image Credits
Sabrina Marie Studio
