Trauma Psychologist Orange County
"Its like I can never fully relax. I keep finding myself in the same old patterns and intruded upon by the past. Why can't now be now!?"
Those who have experienced trauma often carry a deep, aching sense that their true self—their real strengths and potential—is buried beneath layers of pain and survival. Many find comfort in thinking others have suffered more, but the truth is your experience is valid and uniquely yours. The resilience, insight, and growth I’ve witnessed in people working through trauma or difficult childhoods reveal the profound strengths and rare sensitivities that survivors often possess.
The journey through trauma is not around it or away from it—it is through it. When someone decides to embark on that path, something remarkable happens: life begins to unfold in ways they once only imagined. Those who enter this process often desire more for themselves and from themselves—and frequently, that is exactly what they find.
Our team has helped many overcome and resolve symptoms of PTSD and reclaim meaningful, fulfilling lives. We take great pride in supporting individuals wherever they are on their healing journey. Many of our clinicians have VA (Veterans Affairs) training and have worked extensively with veterans facing some of the most challenging cases of PTSD through psychotherapy.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us:
Intrusive Memories
Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:
Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
Avoidance
Symptoms of avoidance may include:
Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Negative changes in thinking and mood
Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:
Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
Hopelessness about the future
Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
Difficulty maintaining close relationships
Feeling detached from family and friends
Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
Feeling emotionally numb
Changes in physical and emotional reactions
Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:
Being easily startled or frightened
Self-destructive behavior
Substance Abuse/Dependence
Living in constant distraction
Trouble sleeping
Trouble concentrating
Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
Overwhelming guilt or shame
