Trauma Therapy

This is a photo of a woman's hands, clasped together nervously.

Trauma comes from deeply distressing experiences that throw us off balance and make coping difficult. It might be a one-time event like a car accident, or something ongoing, like chronic mistreatment or childhood neglect. Either way, these experiences leave a lasting mark, shaping how we feel, think, and even how our bodies respond to the world around us.

Beyond the initial shock, trauma can trigger a range of responses, including symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):

Intrusive memories
Nightmares
Heightened anxiety
Difficulty concentrating

These symptoms are real and valid - but they don't tell the whole story. No two people experience trauma the same way. Even when two people go through the same event, their reactions can look completely different and is shaped by their history, personality, and the ways their mind learned to protect them.

Our minds are remarkably adaptive. In the face of overwhelming experiences, we develop strategies to keep ourselves safe.

These protective responses make sense in the moment - but over time, they can become patterns that hold us back.

What can I expect in trauma therapy?

We'll start by exploring your symptoms and building strategies to help you feel more steady and in control.
Together, we'll create a treatment plan tailored to you, which may include talk therapy, EMDR, or both. [Learn more about EMDR →]
As we go, we'll look at how your past is shaping your present, and start making sense of it together.
We'll work toward integration - bringing together what happened with how you want to feel now.

Our goal isn't to assign blame. It's to help you understand what happened and reconnect with a stronger sense of self.

As a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), I provide trauma therapy in Los Angeles, offering a space to safely explore how trauma is affecting you - emotionally, mentally, and physically. Reach out today to learn more or schedule a consultation.