Trauma Therapy

Life is unpredictable.

No matter how much we’d love to hold on to the happy days and freeze those moments in time, we know challenges may come our way.

Loss, pain, and transitions are all part of what makes us human.  We may suffer the unexpected passing of a loved one, childhood emotional or physical abuse, or bullying.  We might experience a vehicle collision or an accident at work.  Or perhaps our doctor breaks the news about a medical condition that we didn’t see coming.

We all know about these difficult, traumatic parts of life—but that doesn’t necessarily prepare us or make them hurt any less.  While some people can move through the pain, others feel like they can’t escape it.

If you feel like the shadow of trauma is darkening your days, interfering with how you live, love, and work, please know that change is possible.  Life happens, but you can learn to navigate even the most challenging times.

At Sequoia Psychology Associates, we believe in your power to grow and succeed.  And just like those magnificent and tall sequoia trees depend on intricate root networks, your growth is tied to your community and social support.

We are here to be part of your root system.

Our mission is to help adults heal from trauma to find a peaceful and fulfilling path.  We provide trauma therapy, among other therapy services to Redwood City, California, and its surroundings—San Carlos, Belmont, San Mateo, Burlingame, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and Los Altos.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with recent or past trauma, we are here to help.  Together, we can make lasting and positive changes in your life.

Contact us if you have any questions about our services or if you are ready to book a consultation.

When someone says “trauma,” we might immediately think of a plane crash or a soldier at war.  Yet, trauma encompasses both the “big” tragic experiences as well as the “smaller” (but still impactful) episodes.

Trauma refers to the human emotional response to a scary, sometimes life-threatening, and harrowing event. 

We are all different, so what could be traumatic to someone may not be traumatic to others.  The impact of trauma can vary depending on our personal background, environment, and many other factors.

Here are some examples of tragic situations that may cause trauma (also known as big T trauma):

• Transportation collisions (e.g., plane, car, motorcycle, train)
• Work or occupational accidents
• Military or combat experiences 
• Loss of a friend, relative, or loved one
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Violent attack or assault (e.g., crime, animal attack)
• Injuries or dangerous medical conditions

And here are some other instances that might seem less extreme but can still have traumatic effects (also known as little T trauma):

• Seeing others go through a traumatic incident
• Divorce or breakup
• Acts of discrimination
• Bullying and humiliation

While some people go through a single big T or little T incident, others experience multiple traumas over time—also known as complex trauma.  Complex trauma is the result of surviving multiple traumatic and adverse life experiences, thus creating interactive and interwoven psychological pain.  This type of trauma is often of interpersonal nature.  It can begin early in life, evolve throughout the years, and have severe consequences in the future. 

Some examples of complex trauma include unresolved childhood physical, emotional, or sexual trauma; disorganized childhood; or being a child of caregivers who struggled with substance abuse.  Complex trauma may also happen after surviving various traumatic events, especially those that are recurring (e.g., multiple car accidents) or prolonged (e.g., domestic abuse).  

Trauma doesn’t have to dictate how the rest of your life will be.  Let’s work together to build upon your strengths and develop the skills needed to help you rise above.

Unresolved trauma incidents can trickle down to all areas of your life—from how you talk to others to how you approach school, work, and everyday activities.  It can impact your bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions to the point where carrying on with simple tasks can feel almost impossible.

Yet trauma is as unique as you are.  It’s natural to experience short-term symptoms while your body and mind process what happened and aim to protect you.  And while some people recover from these signs, others might suffer lingering effects.

Symptoms can also vary significantly in those who struggle with residual consequences.  For instance, not everyone who suffers from trauma develops Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD)—but that doesn’t mean the traumatic event isn’t debilitating.

Common signs of trauma include:

• Painful memories, reminders, or flashbacks
• Mood swings and feeling emotionally overwhelmed
• Nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Constant worry and alertness
• Difficulty relaxing or staying still
• Not wanting to discuss the event
• Feeling hopeless and without purpose
• Avoiding people, locations, or situations that might trigger trauma

If you are dealing with any of these and other signs of unprocessed trauma, therapy can help.

Psychotherapy or counseling can help you address the symptoms of trauma so you can heal and carry on with your life.  During trauma therapy sessions, you will meet with a mental health professional like us to explore your pain, what brings it to the surface, and how you can handle it in a healthy and sustainable way.

Therapy can support your healing journey by providing a confidential and judgment-free zone to talk about your experience, look at it from a different perspective, and learn more about yourself.  You will have the opportunity to face those disturbing thoughts and feelings and reframe them with your therapist’s guidance.

Many of the experiences that cause complex trauma can be healed through therapy.  Children rely on the safety net and the affection of their primary caregivers for their emotional, physical, and mental development.  So when that bond breaks due to neglect, chaos, or abuse, healthy growth comes to a halt.  Adults with unprocessed childhood trauma may find it difficult to trust others or form meaningful relationships.  They might also be in constant fight-flight-freeze mode and show people-pleasing tendencies.  Therapy can help you learn to calm the mind and body, process pain from the past, and begin to move forward.  

Therapy also offers a variety of resources and skills to navigate trauma and deal with triggering situations.  Through mindfulness, self-compassion, and other strategies, you’ll be able to process what’s hurting you and pave your way ahead.

Here at Sequoia Psychology Associates, we focus on providing individuals (college-aged to retired) with space and tools to recover from trauma and many other life challenges. 

We are dedicated to supporting Redwood City, California, and its surrounding communities with therapy for trauma, anxiety, insomnia, pregnancy loss, and infertility. We also offer group therapy for trauma, pregnancy loss, and social anxiety.

Our team of trained, licensed therapists follows an integrated approach, combining Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Mindfulness.  Our goal is to customize care according to your specific symptoms, needs, and life story.

Sessions are currently offered online via telehealth.

If you or your loved one are battling with the physical and emotional wounds of trauma, we are here for you.

Let us be part of your root system to help you grow and thrive!

Contact us today to book a consultation and get started.