Helping Adults Heal from Anxiety & Trauma

Nathalie Maggio, LMFT

Founder & Clinical Director of Coastal Therapy & Wellness

As an EMDR therapist in Seal Beach, I help older teens, young adults, and adults better understand themselves by making sense of the patterns behind anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, perfectionism, and life transitions. I specialize in helping clients process difficult experiences, build self-understanding, and create meaningful change that carries into everyday life. I offer in-person therapy in Seal Beach and online therapy throughout California.

Education

Professional Credentials

Anxiety & Overthinking
Trauma & PTSD
EMDR Therapy
Burnout & Chronic Stress
Life Transitions
Self-Esteem
Relationship Patterns
Young Adults & Adults

Understanding Is Where Change Begins​

Most people do not reach out because something is “wrong” with them. More often, they have been carrying more than they realize for a long time. On the outside, they may look like they are holding everything together while quietly feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck.

Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, caring, and capable. They have spent years pushing through anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, people pleasing, difficult relationships, or the lasting impact of painful experiences. Eventually, what once helped them cope no longer feels sustainable.

One of my favorite parts of being a therapist is helping people make sense of the patterns that have shaped their lives.

I believe lasting change begins with understanding, not judgment. Together, we’ll connect the dots between your experiences and the present, helping you better understand yourself and create patterns that support the life you want to live.

Person feeling hopeful after EMDR therapy in Seal Beach.

About Nathalie Maggio, LMFT

My curiosity about people started long before I became a therapist. Growing up in Germany, I became fascinated by the way the human mind works, why we think, feel, and react the way we do, and how connected our minds and bodies truly are. (I was always the person who wanted to understand the “why” behind everything.)

That curiosity led me to study psychology and discover that I wanted to do more than understand human behavior; I wanted to use that knowledge to help people create meaningful change. During my undergraduate studies, I researched new approaches to anxiety treatment, including virtual reality-based interventions, which helped shape my path toward clinical psychology.

I truly love being a therapist and feel grateful that I get to do this work. Being trusted with someone’s story and seeing those moments where something finally clicks: A new understanding, a little more relief, or more confidence in themselves, is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.

Nathalie Maggio, LMFT EMDR and anxiety therapist in Seal Beach, California.
Woman smiling while looking at the ocean near Seal Beach, representing hope, healing, and personal growth through therapy.

A Personalized Approach to Therapy

Many of my clients come to therapy because they are looking for more than temporary relief. They want to better understand themselves, build practical tools that actually fit their lives, and create meaningful, lasting change.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to you. Some clients benefit from practical strategies they can begin using right away, while others are ready to explore the deeper patterns that have shaped the way they think, feel, and relate to others. Most often, therapy is a combination of both.

Whether we are using EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, or simply having a meaningful conversation, my goal is always the same: to help you better understand yourself, feel more connected to your values, and leave therapy with tools and insights that continue long after our sessions end.

Your First Steps

What You Can Expect When We Work Together

A Thoughtful Start

Reaching out can feel like the hardest step, but you don't have to navigate it alone. You'll first connect with our Client Care Coordinator, who will answer your questions, learn more about what you're looking for, and help determine whether I'm the right fit. They'll then help you schedule your first appointment or a consultation call if you'd like to connect first.

A Personalized Approach

Our first sessions are about understanding you, not rushing to solutions. We'll explore what's been feeling difficult, what you hope will feel different, and begin creating a plan tailored to your goals, strengths, and unique experiences. There is no one size fits all approach.

Therapy That Evolves With You

As therapy progresses, we'll continue adapting our work to meet your needs. Some sessions may focus on practical tools, while others involve deeper work through approaches like EMDR or exploring long standing patterns. I also regularly check in to make sure therapy feels helpful, meaningful, and aligned with your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy With Nathalie Maggio, LMFT

What types of clients do you work with?

I work with older teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, perfectionism, self-esteem challenges, relationship patterns, and major life transitions. Many of my clients are thoughtful, caring people who feel overwhelmed or stuck and want to better understand themselves while creating meaningful change.

How do I know if therapy with you is the right fit?

Finding the right therapist is an important part of the process. My approach is warm, very collaborative, and personalized. During our first conversation, we'll talk about what brings you to therapy, what you're hoping to change, and whether working together feels like the right fit for your goals.

What happens during the first therapy session?

Our first session is focused on getting to know you. We'll talk about what's been feeling difficult, explore your experiences and strengths, and discuss what you hope to gain from therapy. Together, we'll set clear goals and begin creating a plan that's tailored to you.

How often should I attend therapy?

Most clients benefit from starting with weekly sessions, especially when working through anxiety, trauma, or long-standing patterns. As therapy progresses, we'll regularly check in and adjust the frequency based on your goals and needs.

Do you offer in-person and online therapy?

Yes. I offer in-person therapy in Seal Beach as well as online therapy throughout California, allowing you to choose the option that works best for your schedule and comfort.

Do you accept insurance?

Coastal Therapy & Wellness is primarly an out-of-network practice. If your insurance plan includes out-of-network mental health benefits, we can provide a superbill that you may submit for possible reimbursement.

How long does therapy usually last?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Some clients come to therapy for support through a specific challenge, while others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns and continue growing. We'll regularly review your progress and goals together.

What makes your approach different?

I believe therapy should be both compassionate and practical. Along with helping you understand the experiences and patterns that have shaped you, I want you to leave sessions with greater clarity, confidence, and tools that make a difference in your everyday life.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Starting therapy can feel like a big decision, but you don't have to navigate it alone. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for meaningful change, I invite you to reach out and explore whether working together feels like the right fit.

Schedule a Consultation