Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Irvine, CA

My typical approach for helping people in therapy is fundamentally the same across all modalities—meeting clients at their level and readiness for change. I find this works best because they are the experts on themselves; this is especially true because of the delicate nature of working with trauma. Clients need to be the ones driving progress or the actions won’t be meaningful.

I teach many tools in trauma therapy that are catered to each person’s needs and level of functioning. For example:

• Coping tools that build upon their existing coping mechanisms to help make them more effective and healthy
• Mindfulness tools that help build awareness and understanding of emotions
• Psychoeducation on how trauma affects people
• Insight tools, like how schemas from trauma can shape how we relate to others and deal with problems
• Communication tools to help clients feel heard when expressing feelings & needs

I know clients are making meaningful progress in therapy when they start reporting improvements in their lives and/or relationships. It’s important to help clients recognize and celebrate their successes, no matter how small.

Clients can supplement their therapy by practicing good self-care & the coping tools discussed, or just by considering how the concepts from sessions can be applied. In trauma therapy, consistent practice of tools is the foundation of healing oneself from trauma.

To prepare for their first session, clients can consider what their goals for therapy might be and keep an open mind for their new journey. Therapy can open doors to new concepts and approaches if clients are ready to open those doors. With trauma, it can also be comforting for clients to know they aren’t opening those doors alone.