Mrs. Yolanda Atencio, MSW, LCSW, LADAC, Therapist in Scarborough, Maine

Warmth, empathy, and genuine human connection are at the heart of my practice, and I’m deeply committed to providing compassionate, thoughtful and personalized care.

I specialize in complex trauma, childhood and developmental trauma, intergenerational trauma, attachment and relational injuries, and trauma experienced by military personnel, veterans, and first responders. For more than 20 years, I have incorporated EMDR into my work with individuals healing from complex, recurring, and single incident traumatic experiences.

I also work extensively with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, grief, substance use and abuse, and co-occurring mental health challenges. I believe these struggles deserve service, understanding, compassion, and care without judgment.

My therapeutic approach is integrative and grounded in the applied understanding of the connection between the mind, body, brain, and emotional well-being. I incorporate (IFS) Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed therapy, EMDR, Somatic psychotherapy, Polyvagal theory, and mindfulness-based practices to support emotional regulation, healing, and personal growth. These approaches are grounded in clinical knowledge and informed by current understandings of neuroscience, trauma, recovery, attachment, and nervous system regulation.

Above all, I believe healing begins with safety, trust, and genuine human connection. My goal is to provide a welcoming, non-judgmental “healing space” where you feel heard, understood, and accepted while rediscovering your strengths, true nature, and your unique human capacity for meaningful growth.

Dr. Gabor mate reminds us: “Trauma is not what happens to you; it’s what happens inside of you as a result of what happened to you”.