You are not what’s happened to you.
Therapy for trauma and PTSD in Southern CA
Are you struggling with the lasting effects of trauma?
You might feel like you’re just too sensitive (maybe someone has told you that before, as well). But none of these reactions are happening because you’re too sensitive. Trauma is a powerful force, and it takes a toll in ways that are often invisible to the outside world.
You might not realize that some of what you’re experiencing could be related to past trauma. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone:
Harsh, critical thoughts that seem to stick around no matter what
Feeling jumpy or on edge, or like you're always waiting for something bad to happen
The past still haunts you, even when life is technically fine right now
Exhaustion—whether it’s from poor sleep, nightmares, or flashbacks, or pretending to feel “fine” all day
Fluctuating between being hyper-productive (driven by adrenaline) and feeling numb or stuck, unable to get moving again
You find yourself repeating patterns in your relationships that aren’t satisfying
You’re longing for peace, security and hope.
How therapy works
You can learn to feel safe within and trust yourself again.
You might feel like you don’t recognize yourself anymore, like you’re reacting to life in ways that don’t make sense. Getting to know who you are again can feel like you’re starting from scratch—everything feels different, and you don’t know where to begin to feel secure again.
You don’t want the past to keep holding you back. You rationally know that things are okay but you don’t feel that way inside. You want to feel safe again, like you can trust your body and your reactions. But, you don’t feel like you can how you feel…. because it’s so hard.
It’s time to feel confident and hopeful instead of weighed down by fear.
Trauma therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Healing takes a multifaceted approach, which is why I use several different methods to address trauma from all angles. This approach helps your nervous system find balance, so you can respond to daily stress with more ease and confidence.
Here’s a snapshot of what trauma therapy looks like:
Parts Work (IFS): This helps you reconnect with the different parts of yourself that trauma has impacted
EMDR: A proven technique that reprocesses traumatic memories so they lose their emotional charge
Somatic Psychotherapy: Focuses on the body to release tension and trauma that’s stored physically
Skills-based Therapy: Practical tools for self-care, setting boundaries, and regaining trust in yourself and your relationships
You don’t have to face the darkness alone. We’ll take it one step at a time, together.
Therapy for trauma can help you…
Reconnect with your body: Learn how to safely tune into your body, helping you feel more grounded and less disconnected
Be more present: Work through dissociation and learn how to stay in the moment, even when the past tries to pull you away
Heal the past: Use tools like EMDR and IFS to heal the parts of you that are still holding onto old trauma
Build self-trust: Learn how to set healthy boundaries and prioritize what matters to you, so you can reconnect with your needs and learn what self care really means
Frequently asked questions about trauma therapy
FAQs
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Trauma doesn’t always look like what we expect. It’s more about how your nervous system responds to what’s happened in your life. Sometimes, trauma comes from a single event—like a car accident. Other times, it comes from repeated patterns or relationship dynamics.
Single-incident trauma might be something like a car crash, where the fear of driving or being in a car doesn’t fade. This trauma tends to get stuck in your body and mind, affecting the way you feel in similar situations.
Complex trauma, on the other hand, usually comes from years of experiences—like growing up in an environment where you were told to hide your feelings or put everyone else’s needs first. This type of trauma can lead you to feel unworthy or unloveable. Over time, these internal feelings can shape how you see yourself and how you connect with others. Learn more.
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It can be hard to know for oneself. My short answer is that trauma is anything that overwhelmed your nervous system in that moment or repeatedly. If anything you’ve read on this site resonates with you, there may be some trauma underneath. Learn more.
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Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your challenges and how I may be able to help. Click here to reach out.
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Yes, absolutely! I’ve been successfully using EMDR virtually with clients in SoCal, Seattle, and Huntsville. The process is just as effective online as it is in-person, and we can work together to create a comfortable, supportive virtual environment for healing.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a unique therapy technique that helps reduce the emotional charge of past memories or experiences. It makes it easier to feel more present and less weighed down by the past, restoring peace and ease.
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There’s no set number of sessions—it really depends on the individual and the type of trauma being processed. We begin with a Preparation phase, where we get to know your history, current circumstances, and the areas where your nervous system is struggling. This helps guide the pace of therapy, and we’ll tailor the process to meet your unique needs.
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of therapy that sees each person as made up of different “parts,” each with its own role in your life. Sometimes these parts hold onto trauma. By helping these parts process their pain, we can restore balance and harmony to your whole self, allowing you to feel more aligned and at peace.