Trauma Therapist

LOS ANGELES

Our cultural awareness of trauma has increased dramatically in recent years. We once (mistakenly) believed that trauma was exclusive to veterans, or people who have survived events like natural disasters. However, we now know that trauma can come in all shapes and sizes, and that people of all ages and walks of life can experience it.

When you have experienced trauma, it can feel as though time stops moving forward altogether. Trauma can leave you feeling stuck grieving the past or fearing the future, making it difficult to be present.

Living through trauma can also be an incredibly lonely experience. It might feel like no one can relate to what you’re going through. It can also be hard to watch the world move on while you keep reliving the events you’ve been through.

While your trauma cannot be undone, it is possible to heal from it. Though trauma has likely changed you, it does not have to define you. With the help of therapy, you can process what you’ve been through and start to recover. Healing from trauma is about reclaiming yourself and learning how to live in the present moment. 

However, no one heals from trauma alone. We are here to accompany you on that journey, whatever shape it may take. If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of trauma therapy in Los Angeles, we encourage you to reach out.

Our Approach to Trauma Therapy in Los Angeles

Trauma sticks with us because–by no fault of our own–we lacked the skills to process it or cope with it at the time of the event. Instead of dealing with it, we grow used to the feeling and accept it as a new normal. We may not even notice that we’re stuck in our trauma until it starts to impact other areas of our lives.

However, you can heal from trauma. You’re a survivor. Your resilience has brought you here, and with the right support, you can finally thrive.

Our trauma therapists in Los Angeles are equipped with the knowledge and experience to help you heal. We use a variety of different methods, including: eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), internal family systems (IFS) therapy, somatic therapy, prolonged exposure for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

You and your therapist will work together to determine what kind of treatment best fits your needs, preferences, and goals. It’s okay if you’re unsure where to begin–we’re here to be your guide throughout the whole process. 

We also want to acknowledge that it can be incredibly daunting to seek help in the first place. At A Little Light Psychotherapy Group, we prioritize creating a safe, secure environment to foster your healing. We will never pressure you to share or do more than you’re comfortable with. You have total control over your therapy journey. 

It’s important to remember that processing trauma requires time and patience, and it can only be done at your own pace. You’re in the driver’s seat throughout the whole process, but we’re guiding you from the passenger side the entire time.

We’re ready when you are. Connect with us today to start the process.

FAQs About Los Angeles Trauma Therapy

  • While experiencing the effects of your trauma some time after the event(s) occurred can be frightening, confusing, and frustrating, it is not uncommon. Trauma can sometimes be stored away for years before resurfacing.

    We know that trauma is stored throughout the body, not just the conscious and unconscious mind. Sometimes, our body reacts to current situations that remind us of past trauma without us even realizing it.

    In other situations, you may have a memory of the event(s), remember feeling unaffected by it at the time even though you’re struggling with it now. This is common as well. Oftentimes, we experience shock and denial after a traumatic event because we simply can’t cope with it.

    Because traumatic experiences are so different from person to person, healing is a unique journey for every individual. However, much of trauma therapy involves growing your awareness of your triggers and finding new ways to manage your symptoms.

    No matter what your trauma looks like, we’re here to help. Reach out to learn more about how Los Angeles trauma therapy can help you heal.

  • Experts generally agree that there are three major types of trauma; acute, chronic, and complex.

    Acute trauma stems from a single event, such as a car accident, or a robbery, while chronic trauma comes from on-going stressful conditions, such as domestic violence or prolonged sexual abuse. Complex trauma stems from exposure to multiple traumatic events, varied or at times overlapping.

    While these three categories exist as general guidelines, it’s important to remember that your trauma is valid, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into one of these boxes. It’s also possible to experience more than one type of trauma at the same time–some people even experience all three. Every person is different.

Start your healing journey with the support of a trauma therapist in Los Angeles

Recovery and healing is not a linear path. However, you don’t have to go it alone. Our Los Angeles therapists are here to walk alongside you every step of the way. If you’re ready to begin, or simply want to learn more, we invite you to reach out to us.