Trauma Therapy for Adults: 5 Powerful Healing Steps 2025

Are you struggling with the effects of past trauma? At Light Within Counseling, our experienced therapists provide specialized trauma therapy for adults in Roseville, CA and throughout California via telehealth. We understand that traumatic experiences can have profound effects on your mental health, relationships, and daily functioning. With our trauma-informed approach and compassionate care, we can help you process traumatic memories and move toward healing.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Adult Mental Health

Trauma is more than just a difficult experience—it’s an event or series of events that overwhelms your ability to cope, leaving lasting effects on your mind, body, and spirit. Many individuals who have experienced traumatic events may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life.

According to the American Psychological Association, trauma creates “an emotional response to a terrible event… Longer-term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.” Traumatic stress can manifest in numerous ways, affecting both psychological and physical well-being.

Research shows that approximately 70% of adults in the United States have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. However, many don’t recognize how these experiences continue to affect their present lives. You might be experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or unexplained physical symptoms without realizing they’re connected to past trauma.

Trauma can manifest in numerous ways, including:

• Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks of the traumatic event
• Nightmares and sleep disturbances
• Hypervigilance and heightened startle response
• Emotional numbness or overwhelming emotions
• Difficulty in relationships
• Chronic physical symptoms with no medical explanation
• Persistent feelings of shame or self-blame
• Avoidance of people, places, or things that remind you of the trauma
• Development of unhealthy coping mechanisms

The good news is that healing is possible. Modern trauma therapy uses evidence-based approaches that work with both the mind and body to process traumatic memories and integrate them in healthier ways. Effective trauma treatment helps trauma survivors develop healthy coping mechanisms and rebuild their lives.

What is Trauma Therapy for Adults?

Trauma therapy for adults is a specialized form of mental health treatment designed to help individuals process and heal from distressing life experiences. Unlike general therapy, trauma-focused approaches directly address the neurobiological, emotional, and psychological effects of traumatic events. Mental health professionals with specialized training in trauma therapy can provide effective interventions that target the specific needs of trauma survivors.

At Light Within Counseling, we see trauma therapy not as a one-size-fits-all approach but as a personalized healing journey guided by proven, evidence-based practices. Our trauma-informed approach is thoughtfully structured to help both your brain and body process traumatic memories that have become “stuck” in your nervous system. This comprehensive approach to trauma treatment addresses both the visible and invisible impacts of trauma.

The renowned trauma expert Judith Herman developed a three-phase model that guides our work:

1. Safety and Stabilization: First, we work together to create both internal and external safety. This includes developing coping strategies to manage overwhelming emotions and stabilizing symptoms that may be disrupting your daily life. Developing coping skills is essential for building distress tolerance and emotional regulation.
2. Trauma Processing: Once a foundation of safety is established, we begin carefully working through traumatic memories using specialized therapeutic techniques designed specifically for trauma healing. This phase helps you process traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
3. Integration and Reconnection: Finally, we focus on rebuilding your sense of self and creating meaningful connections with others, helping you move from merely surviving to genuinely thriving. This phase of your healing journey helps you integrate your experiences and develop a renewed sense of purpose.

Our team at Light Within Counseling often reminds clients: “Trauma treatment is not meant to be worked through alone. It’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where healing can occur at your own pace.”

How Trauma Therapy Differs from General Psychotherapy

If you’ve tried general talk therapy before but found it didn’t quite address your trauma symptoms, you’re not alone. Trauma therapy differs from traditional psychotherapy in several important ways:

• Focused Approach: Trauma-focused therapy specifically targets traumatic memories and their integration, while general therapy might address a broader range of life challenges. This focused approach allows for deeper healing of trauma’s root causes.
• Body-Brain Integration: As the renowned trauma researcher Bessel van der Kolk famously noted, “the body keeps the score.” Our trauma therapists incorporate somatic therapy techniques alongside cognitive methods, recognizing that trauma affects both mind and body. This integration is essential for comprehensive healing.
• Phased Treatment: We follow a careful, phased approach rather than diving directly into traumatic material. This ensures you have the necessary resources and stability before processing difficult memories, preventing retraumatization. This trauma-informed approach recognizes the importance of pacing in trauma work.
• Trauma-Informed Lens: Every interaction is guided by a trauma-informed perspective. This means we understand how trauma impacts the brain, behavior, and relationships, integrating this knowledge into all aspects of treatment. Mental health clinicians with a trauma-informed approach recognize that many mental health conditions have roots in traumatic experiences.

Goals of Trauma Therapy for Adults

When you begin trauma therapy at Light Within Counseling, we work collaboratively to establish goals that matter to you. While everyone’s mental health journey is unique, common goals include:

• Symptom Relief: Many clients come to us struggling with distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and hypervigilance. Effective trauma therapy helps reduce these trauma-related symptoms, making daily life more manageable. For those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, symptom reduction is often an immediate priority.
• Nervous System Regulation: Trauma often leaves the body’s stress response system stuck in high alert. We use evidence-based techniques to help balance your nervous system, reducing those fight-flight-freeze reactions that can be so exhausting. This physiological regulation is a key component of treating trauma.
• Meaning-Making: Rather than remaining defined by trauma, our therapists support you in making sense of your experiences and integrating them into your life narrative in a way that promotes growth rather than shame or self-blame. This process helps transform negative beliefs that developed as a result of traumatic experiences.
• Resilience Building: We focus on developing internal resources and coping skills that strengthen your ability to face future challenges. This isn’t about “toughening up” but rather about finding and nurturing your innate capacity for healing. Building resilience is essential for long-term recovery.
• Reclaiming Personal Power: As one client shared after completing trauma therapy, “For the first time, I feel like I’m living my life rather than just surviving it.” This transformation is at the heart of effective trauma treatment.

Understanding the Spectrum of Adult Trauma

At Light Within Counseling, we understand that trauma isn’t defined by the event itself but by how your unique nervous system responds to overwhelming experiences. This personalized perspective guides our approach to trauma therapy for adults in Roseville and throughout California.

Types of Trauma Experienced by Adults

Life can present many challenging situations that overwhelm our ability to cope:

Single-Event Trauma (Acute Trauma) results from one-time incidents like car accidents, assaults, natural disasters, or sudden losses. Research shows that approximately 60% of men and 50% of women will experience at least one such traumatic event during their lifetime. These experiences can sometimes lead to acute stress disorder, which may develop into PTSD if not addressed.

Complex Trauma develops from prolonged exposure to traumatic situations, especially those of an interpersonal nature where escape seems impossible. This might include ongoing domestic violence, repeated childhood abuse, or extended exposure to war or conflict. Complex trauma often requires specialized therapeutic approaches that address the layered nature of these experiences.

Developmental Trauma occurs during critical developmental periods, particularly childhood. Addressing childhood trauma is crucial as it can significantly impact adult life, affecting mental health and overall well-being. Early trauma can fundamentally alter identity formation, attachment patterns, and emotional regulation abilities. Childhood trauma has been linked to a range of mental health conditions in adulthood.

Medical Trauma stems from invasive procedures, life-threatening illnesses, or medical emergencies that overwhelmed your coping capacity. The feeling of helplessness in these situations can leave lasting imprints on the nervous system. Therapeutic interventions can help process these experiences and restore a sense of safety.

Emotional, Physical & Psychological Effects of Trauma

“Why can’t I just get over it?” This question haunts many trauma survivors. The answer lies in understanding how trauma affects nearly every system in your body – it’s not just “in your head.”

Emotionally, trauma often leaves a trail of persistent fear and anxiety, depression, deep shame, emotional numbness, and difficulty trusting others. One client described it as “wearing emotional sunglasses – everything looks darker, even on sunny days.” These emotional responses can evolve into mood disorders that require professional intervention.

Physically, trauma can manifest as sleep disturbances, chronic pain with no clear medical cause, digestive issues, immune system dysfunction, and a heightened startle response. As trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk notes, “the body keeps the score” – meaning our physical systems remember what happened even when our conscious mind tries to forget. The impact of trauma on physical well-being underscores the importance of body-based approaches in trauma therapy.

Psychologically, many adults experience trauma-related symptoms such as intrusive memories or flashbacks, deliberate avoidance of trauma reminders, hypervigilance (always being “on guard”), difficulty concentrating, and negative beliefs about themselves and the world. These aren’t character flaws or weaknesses – they’re normal responses to abnormal situations. For some, these symptoms meet the clinical criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The groundbreaking Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study revealed striking connections between early traumatic experiences and later health problems. Adults with higher ACE scores face significantly increased risks of depression, substance abuse, and even chronic physical conditions like heart disease and diabetes. This research highlights the crucial importance of addressing childhood trauma to improve long-term health outcomes.

At Light Within Counseling, our team approaches these wide-ranging effects with compassion and understanding. We recognize that these symptoms aren’t signs of weakness but normal responses to abnormal situations. Our trauma-informed therapists acknowledge these diverse impacts and address them with evidence-based techniques tailored to each person’s unique experience.

Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy Approaches at Light Within Counseling

At Light Within Counseling, we utilize several evidence-based therapy techniques for trauma therapy for adults. Each modality has unique strengths, and we often integrate multiple approaches based on individual needs. Our trauma-focused treatments are backed by research and clinical practice guidelines.

EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR therapy is a well-researched approach that helps the brain process traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing has been recognized as a first-line treatment for PTSD by numerous clinical organizations.

EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing model, which suggests that trauma disrupts the brain’s natural healing process. During traumatic events, information processing is incomplete, causing memories to be stored with the original emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs intact rather than being properly integrated.

As described by the EMDR Institute: “EMDR therapy focuses directly on the memory and is intended to change the way that the memory is stored in the brain, thus reducing and eliminating the problematic symptoms.”

EMDR therapy involves a structured approach with eight distinct phases, beginning with history-taking and preparation, and is designed to help individuals reprocess traumatic memories through guided eye movements while recalling distressing images and sensations.

The EMDR process includes:

• Identifying distressing memories and associated negative beliefs
• Processing these memories through bilateral stimulation
• Installing positive beliefs to replace negative ones
• Body scanning to identify and process residual physical tension

EMDR is particularly effective for single-event traumas but can also help with complex trauma when properly phased. Research shows that 84-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have post-traumatic stress disorder after just three 90-minute sessions.

Brainspotting: A Powerful Innovation in Trauma Therapy

Brainspotting is an innovative approach developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. This powerful therapy locates points in your visual field that help access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. Brainspotting builds on aspects of EMDR therapy but operates through different mechanisms.

How Brainspotting Works:

• The therapist helps you find a “brainspot”—a specific eye position connected to emotional activation
• While maintaining focus on this spot, you process trauma memory with minimal talking
• This allows for deep, often rapid processing of trauma held in the brain’s subcortical regions

At Light Within Counseling, we’ve seen Brainspotting produce remarkable results, often in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy. It’s particularly effective for clients who struggle to verbalize their traumatic experiences or who haven’t responded to other approaches.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to their trauma. Cognitive processing therapy is considered one of the most effective trauma-focused treatments available.

CPT focuses on “stuck points”—thoughts that keep you trapped in trauma—and helps you develop more balanced perspectives. These might include beliefs like “I should have done something to prevent it” or “I can never trust anyone again.”

The CPT Process includes:

• Education about trauma reactions and the connection between thoughts and feelings
• Identifying stuck points and challenging distorted thinking
• Developing new, more helpful beliefs about yourself, others, and the world

CPT typically involves 12 weekly sessions of 60-90 minutes each. It’s particularly well-supported for treating military trauma—the Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes it as a gold-standard treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

Prolonged exposure therapy is one of the most researched trauma-focused treatments that helps clients gradually confront trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations they’ve been avoiding. This approach is based on well-established principles of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Based on the principle that avoidance maintains PTSD symptoms, prolonged exposure therapy helps you face your fears in a controlled, supportive environment until they no longer overwhelm you. This approach is considered one of the most effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Components of exposure therapy include:

• Education about common reactions to trauma
• Breathing retraining for anxiety management
• Imaginal exposure—revisiting the trauma memory in your mind
• In vivo exposure—gradually approaching safe situations you’ve been avoiding

Prolonged exposure typically involves 8-15 weekly sessions of 90 minutes each. Research shows it’s highly effective, with 80% of clients showing significant improvement in trauma symptoms.

Additional Therapeutic Approaches

In addition to these core modalities, we may integrate other evidence-based approaches depending on your specific needs:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change negative thought patterns related to traumatic experiences. CBT is one of the most widely researched approaches for treating trauma and PTSD. Using cognitive behavioral techniques, clients learn to recognize and modify negative beliefs and develop more adaptive thinking patterns.

ERP Therapy (Exposure and Response Prevention) is particularly effective for OCD and anxiety disorders that may develop following trauma. This specialized form of exposure therapy helps clients confront feared thoughts, situations, or memories while preventing avoidance behaviors.

Internal Family Systems Therapy is an integrative approach that views the mind as naturally multiple, working with different “parts” of the self that emerge from trauma. This approach helps clients develop self-compassion and internal harmony.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills can be integrated to help with emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness when these areas have been impacted by trauma.

Narrative Exposure Therapy helps clients create a coherent narrative of their life experiences, including traumatic events, to foster integration and meaning-making. This approach is particularly helpful for those who have experienced multiple traumatic events.

Somatic Therapy focuses on resolving trauma’s physical imprint by tracking bodily sensations and releasing trapped trauma energy through various body-oriented techniques. This approach recognizes that trauma affects the body and works directly with physical sensations.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) combines elements of EMDR with imagery rescripting, often producing results in 1-5 sessions. This emerging approach shows promise for rapid trauma resolution.

Play Therapy For Children who have experienced trauma uses the natural language of play to help children express and process traumatic experiences they may not have words for yet. Our child therapists are specially trained in this approach.

Starting Your Healing Journey at Light Within Counseling

Taking that first step toward trauma therapy often feels like standing at the edge of unfamiliar territory. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of hope and hesitation. At Light Within Counseling, we’ve created a gentle, supportive process that honors your unique journey and moves at a pace that feels right for you.

What to Expect When Beginning Trauma Therapy for Adults

The journey begins with a thoughtful assessment phase where we work to understand your specific needs and experiences. This isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about creating a foundation for meaningful healing through therapeutic intervention.

During your initial sessions, you’ll participate in an intake interview where we’ll discuss your history, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. We might also use some standardized questionnaires to help measure your symptoms and establish a baseline to track your progress over time.

Together, we’ll establish clear, achievable goals for your therapy. This collaborative approach ensures that treatment aligns with what matters most to you. Based on your assessment, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that considers the nature of your traumatic experiences, your current symptoms, your personal strengths, and your preferences for how we work together.

This plan isn’t set in stone—it evolves as you progress and provide feedback about what’s helping and what needs adjustment.

Effective trauma therapy for adults typically follows a thoughtful, phased approach:

1. We begin with stabilization, ensuring you have practical coping skills and emotional regulation tools
2. When you feel ready, we move to the processing phase, working through traumatic memories using evidence-based approaches
3. As processing progresses, we transition to the integration phase, focusing on incorporating new insights and rebuilding your sense of self

Choosing the Right Trauma Therapist & Setting

Finding the right trauma therapist makes all the difference in your healing journey. It’s worth taking time to consider what feels right for you.

At Light Within Counseling, all our therapists have advanced training in trauma-specific approaches like EMDR and Brainspotting, ensuring you receive care from someone who truly understands trauma’s complexities. Our mental health professionals specialize in trauma-focused therapy and stay current with the latest research and techniques.

The quality of the therapeutic relationship consistently emerges as one of the strongest predictors of successful outcomes in research studies. You should feel respected, understood, and safe with your trauma therapist.

When it comes to treatment setting, consider whether in-person or telehealth sessions would better serve your needs. We offer both options:

• Warm, in-person sessions at our comfortable Roseville office (serving Roseville, Lincoln, Rocklin, Auburn, Granite Bay, Loomis, Orangevale, and Sacramento areas)
• Secure telehealth sessions for adult clients throughout California

Many individuals find that working with a therapist who specializes in trauma makes a significant difference in their healing process. The specialized training and trauma-informed approach that trauma therapists bring to the therapeutic relationship can facilitate deeper healing than general therapy alone.

Supporting Yourself Between Sessions

The healing process doesn’t pause between therapy appointments—in fact, much of your growth happens in your daily life as you practice new skills and perspectives. Here are some supportive practices our clients have found helpful:

Grounding Skills help you stay connected to the present moment when trauma responses arise:

• The 5-4-3-2-1 technique: notice 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste
• Deep, diaphragmatic breathing for just 5 minutes daily can help regulate your nervous system
• Regularly checking in with physical sensations throughout your day builds body awareness

Self-Care Practices provide essential support during trauma healing:

• Maintaining regular sleep patterns
• Engaging in gentle physical activity that feels good to your body
• Nourishing yourself with foods that support your wellbeing
• Setting healthy boundaries with others

Processing Tools between sessions:

• Journaling about thoughts and feelings
• Creative expression through art, music, or movement
• Brief mindfulness meditation practices

Social Support provides vital connection during healing:

• Reaching out to trusted friends and family
• Joining a trauma support group
• Spending time with people who make you feel safe

“The work between sessions is just as important as the therapy itself,” our team often reminds clients. “It’s where you practice new skills and gradually reclaim your sense of agency.”

Healing from trauma rarely follows a straight line, but certain signs of progress indicate you’re moving forward:

• Trauma symptoms becoming less frequent or intense
• Better ability to sit with difficult emotions without feeling overwhelmed
• Relationships beginning to feel more comfortable and rewarding
• A growing sense of hope about your future
• Self-compassion beginning to replace self-blame

At Light Within Counseling, we regularly check in about your progress using both standardized measures and, more importantly, your own experience of how things are changing.

Our Specialized Approach to Specific Issues

Trauma Therapy for OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can sometimes develop following traumatic experiences. Our approach to treating trauma-related OCD combines evidence-based practices like ERP therapy with trauma-focused interventions.

This integrated approach addresses both the underlying trauma and the OCD symptoms, providing comprehensive care that treats the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. We use cognitive behavioral techniques alongside trauma processing to address both conditions effectively.

Anxiety and Trauma: Breaking the Cycle

Anxiety and trauma often go hand-in-hand, creating a cycle that can feel impossible to break. At Light Within Counseling, we help you understand the connection between your anxiety symptoms and past traumatic experiences.

Through a combination of anxiety management techniques and trauma processing, we help you reduce anxiety while addressing its root causes, leading to more sustainable relief. Our trauma-informed approach recognizes that anxiety often serves as a protective response to past traumatic events.

Healing from Grief and Loss Through Trauma Therapy

Grief and loss can be traumatic, especially when the loss was sudden, violent, or unexpected. Our approach to grief-related trauma acknowledges both the normal grief process and the traumatic impact of the loss.

We create space for you to honor your loss while also processing any traumatic aspects, helping you move toward a place where memories bring comfort rather than distress. Our therapists are trained in both grief counseling and trauma therapy, allowing for an integrated approach to these often intertwined experiences.

Our Commitment to Personalized, Compassionate Care

At Light Within Counseling, we understand that seeking help for trauma takes courage. We honor that courage by providing trauma therapy that is:

Personalized: We recognize that no two trauma experiences are the same. Your treatment plan is tailored to your unique history, symptoms, strengths, and goals. This individualized approach ensures that therapy addresses your specific needs.

Evidence-Based: Our approaches are grounded in research and proven effective for trauma healing. We continually update our knowledge and skills to provide the most current, effective treatments available. From cognitive processing therapy to EMDR, our modalities are supported by clinical practice guidelines.

Compassionate: We approach each client with genuine warmth, respect, and compassion. We believe in creating a therapeutic relationship where you feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. This safe and supportive environment is essential for trauma healing.

Collaborative: You are the expert on your own experience. We work with you as partners in your healing journey, valuing your insights and preferences every step of the way. This collaborative approach empowers you in your recovery process.

Trauma-Informed: Our entire practice operates from a trauma-informed framework. This means we understand how trauma affects the brain and body, and we incorporate this knowledge into every aspect of our work. Our trauma-informed approach ensures that all interactions promote safety and healing.

Whether you’re experiencing the effects of childhood trauma, a recent traumatic event, or complex trauma that has developed over time, we’re here to support your healing journey with expertise, understanding, and hope.

Conclusion: Your Path Forward

The journey of healing from trauma is deeply personal, yet it’s not a path you need to walk alone. At Light Within Counseling, we understand that your mental health journey is unique, and our compassionate team is dedicated to providing effective trauma therapy for adults throughout Roseville and nearby communities including Lincoln, Rocklin, Auburn, Granite Bay, Loomis, Orangevale, and Sacramento. We also extend our support to clients across California through secure telehealth sessions.

Hope is at the heart of trauma recovery. Research consistently shows that evidence-based approaches like EMDR, Brainspotting, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and other trauma-focused treatments create meaningful change for those struggling with trauma. Approximately 70% of individuals who engage in trauma-focused therapy experience significant symptom reduction and improved quality of life.

Research consistently shows that trauma healing is possible with proper support and evidence-based treatment. Many individuals who engage in trauma therapy discover that while their experiences remain part of their story, these events no longer define their identity or limit their potential.

One of the most powerful truths about trauma recovery is that healing is possible regardless of when the traumatic events occurred. Whether you’re dealing with recent trauma or experiences from decades ago, effective trauma treatment can help you process these memories and move forward with greater freedom and resilience. Your nervous system has an innate capacity to heal when given the right support and environment.

Taking the Next Step

Taking the first step toward healing often feels like the hardest part. At Light Within Counseling, we’ve created a straightforward process to help you begin:

1. Reach out for a consultation. Contact our team to discuss your specific needs and learn how our approach to trauma therapy might help your unique situation.
2. Connect with the right mental health professional. We’ll thoughtfully match you with a therapist whose expertise, approach, and personality align with your needs and preferences.
3. Develop your personalized plan. Together with your therapist, you’ll create a treatment plan that respects your pace, acknowledges your strengths, and addresses your specific challenges.
4. Engage in your healing journey. As you progress through therapy, you’ll develop new insights, skills, and internal resources that extend far beyond symptom reduction.

Our team brings specialized training in trauma treatment, a deep commitment to trauma-informed care, and genuine compassion to every session. We understand that seeking help for trauma takes courage, and we honor that courage by providing care that’s both skilled and deeply human.

We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your busy life. Our Roseville office provides a warm, welcoming environment for in-person sessions, while our telehealth services make quality trauma treatment accessible to adults throughout California.

Trauma therapy isn’t just about reducing symptoms—it’s about reclaiming your sense of safety, agency, and connection. It’s about writing new chapters in your story that aren’t defined by what happened to you but by your resilience, wisdom, and capacity for growth.

The path to healing begins with a single step. When you’re ready to take that step, we’re here to walk alongside you with expertise, compassion, and hope.

If you’ve experienced trauma and are seeking support, please contact Light Within Counseling to learn more about our services. Reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness but a profound act of self-care and courage. With the right support, healing isn’t just possible—it’s probable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy

How do I know if I need trauma therapy?

If you’ve experienced a traumatic event and are experiencing symptoms that interfere with your daily life—such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties—trauma therapy may be beneficial. Even if the traumatic event happened many years ago, its effects can still impact your present life. A consultation with one of our mental health professionals can help determine if trauma therapy would be helpful for your specific situation.

How long does trauma therapy take?

The duration of trauma therapy varies depending on several factors, including the nature and complexity of the traumatic experience, your individual response to trauma, and your specific goals for therapy. Some people experience significant relief in 8-12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term treatment. We work collaboratively with you to establish a timeline that meets your needs and regularly reassess progress.

Is telehealth effective for trauma therapy?

Yes, research supports the effectiveness of telehealth for trauma therapy. Many evidence-based trauma treatments, including EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy, have been successfully adapted for telehealth delivery. We provide secure, confidential telehealth sessions for adults throughout California, making trauma therapy accessible regardless of your location.

Will I have to talk about my traumatic experiences in detail?

While processing traumatic memories is often part of trauma therapy, we never rush this process. We begin by establishing safety and developing coping strategies to ensure you have the resources to manage difficult emotions. Some therapeutic approaches, like EMDR and Brainspotting, can process trauma without requiring detailed verbal accounts. We always respect your boundaries and move at a pace that feels manageable for you.

How do I explain trauma therapy to my loved ones?

It can sometimes be challenging to explain trauma therapy to family and friends. You might share that trauma therapy is a specialized form of treatment that helps people heal from difficult or overwhelming life experiences. It addresses both the emotional and physical impacts of trauma and helps develop coping skills for managing distress. Remember that you control what and how much you share about your healing journey.

How is childhood trauma addressed in adult therapy?

Addressing childhood trauma in adult therapy involves understanding how early experiences have shaped your beliefs, behaviors, and relationships. Our therapists are skilled in helping adult survivors of childhood trauma identify patterns that may have served as survival mechanisms but are no longer helpful. Through compassionate exploration and evidence-based techniques, we can help you process these early experiences and develop new, healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.

Do you work with insurance?

Light Within Counseling is an out-of-network provider. We can provide you with a superbill that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement through your out-of-network benefits. Please contact us to discuss options for making trauma therapy accessible for you.

What makes trauma-informed care different from regular therapy?

Trauma-informed care recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. It recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients and responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices. A trauma-informed approach creates a safe environment that avoids retraumatization and empowers clients in their healing process. At Light Within Counseling, all our therapists practice from this trauma-informed framework.