What to Expect from Trauma Therapy in San Diego
Understand the process, feel more confident, and take the next step toward healing
Find healing from your trauma in San Diego
If you’re exploring trauma therapy in San Diego, chances are you’ve already been carrying a heavy emotional load for a while. Maybe you’ve experienced something painful—recent or from long ago—that keeps resurfacing no matter how hard you try to push it down. Or perhaps there’s no “big event,” but instead a lingering sense that something isn’t quite right: you’re anxious, easily overwhelmed, disconnected from others, or constantly on edge.
Whatever your story is, I want to say this: you’re not alone, and your pain is valid.
Finding the right trauma therapy in San Diego can feel overwhelming. You’ve already taken a courageous first step by searching for help. But with so many options, how do you know what to expect—and more importantly, how to find the right therapist for you?
Let’s walk through it together.
What Is Trauma Therapy—and Is It for Me?
Trauma therapy is a specialized approach to healing the emotional and psychological wounds caused by overwhelming, distressing, or threatening experiences. These could include anything from abuse and accidents to chronic stress, bullying, medical trauma, or grief. Sometimes trauma shows up in ways we don’t expect—like perfectionism, people-pleasing, or chronic anxiety.
In trauma therapy, we don’t just “talk about it.” Instead, we work together to create safety, build emotional regulation skills, and gently process what’s been stored in your nervous system—at your pace, in your way.
Why Trauma Therapy in San Diego Might Feel Different
Living in a vibrant and diverse city like San Diego means you’re surrounded by beauty—but that doesn’t mean life here is always peaceful. The demands of urban living, high costs, cultural pressures, and isolation can intensify unhealed trauma. The good news? You're not alone in this.
In trauma therapy, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we get curious about their roots. We create a safe container for you to explore your story, build resilience, and reconnect with who you are beyond the pain.
A Safe and Supportive Space—In Person or Online
Whether you’re in Chula Vista, downtown San Diego, or another part of California, I offer both in-person therapy and online counseling to meet you where you are.
Some clients prefer the sacred rhythm of coming into the therapy office—it helps them mentally prepare and create a healing ritual. Others love the flexibility of online sessions, which make it easier to prioritize therapy in the midst of work, parenting, or other responsibilities. There’s no “one right way” to do this work—only what feels right to you.
Trauma Therapy Modalities: What We Might Use
Every person is unique, and so is their healing journey. That’s why I draw from several trauma-informed approaches to support you:
EMDR Therapy: A powerful, research-backed method that helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge.
➡️ Learn more about EMDR Therapy in San DiegoTrauma-Informed Christian Counseling (if faith is important to you): Some clients find it deeply healing to integrate their spiritual beliefs into the therapy process.
➡️ Explore Christian Counseling in San Diego
What Happens in a Trauma Therapy Session?
Therapy doesn’t start with diving into your hardest memories. First, we build safety and trust. I’ll ask about what’s bringing you in, what your goals are, and how trauma has been showing up in your life. We’ll also explore what hasn’t worked for you in the past—so we don’t repeat those patterns.
Some sessions may involve gentle exploration of memories. Others might focus on developing tools to calm your nervous system. Over time, you’ll start to notice shifts—more peace, more clarity, more connection.
How Long Does Trauma Therapy Take?
That depends on your goals, your history, and your preferences. Some clients come in for short-term support around a specific issue. Others engage in longer-term therapy to unravel complex or developmental trauma. There’s no rush—this is your journey.
How Will I Know If It’s Working?
You may start to notice:
Fewer triggers or less intense reactions
Greater ability to handle stress
Feeling more “present” in your daily life
Improved relationships
Moments of joy, rest, or connection that once felt impossible
Even small shifts—like sleeping a little better, crying less often, or feeling less alone—are signs that healing is underway.
Let's Take the First Step Together
If you're searching for a trauma therapist in San Diego, it means something inside you is ready to heal. That longing for change? That’s your inner wisdom calling.
Whether you’ve tried therapy before or this is your first time, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
🌿 Click here to schedule your free 15-minute consultation and see if we’re a good fit. You deserve support, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.
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San Diego Trauma Therapy FAQs
Q: What is trauma therapy, and how is it different from regular therapy?
A: Trauma therapy focuses specifically on healing emotional wounds from traumatic events. While all therapy supports growth, trauma therapy uses specialized tools like EMDR to reprocess and resolve traumatic memories.
Q: How do I know if I need trauma therapy in San Diego?
A: If you’ve experienced something distressing and are still feeling its effects—emotionally, physically, or relationally—trauma therapy could be a powerful path toward healing.
Q: Can I do trauma therapy online in California?
A: Yes! I offer online trauma therapy for California residents. It’s a convenient, flexible way to receive support from the comfort of your own space.
Q: What should I expect in the first trauma therapy session?
A: The first session is all about creating safety. We’ll talk about your goals, go over some basic history, and start building trust.
Q: Do you use EMDR for trauma therapy?
A: Yes! EMDR is one of the primary methods I use. It’s a structured, evidence-based approach that helps the brain heal from trauma.
Q: Is trauma therapy covered by insurance?
A: Many insurance plans cover therapy if it’s deemed medically necessary. I an in-network with Aetna and am an out-of-network provider for all other insurance plans and am able to assist you in seeking reimbursement from your insurance plan if applicable. I’m happy to discuss options during your consultation.
Q: How long does trauma therapy take to work?
A: Everyone’s timeline is different. Some feel relief in a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll tailor the process to your needs.
Q: What if I’m nervous to start therapy?
A: That’s completely normal. Starting trauma therapy can feel vulnerable—but you’ll be met with compassion, not judgment. You don’t have to have it all figured out.
