California Trauma Therapy: From Trauma to Triumph - A Comprehensive Guide
Trauma can fundamentally alter how we experience the world, creating ripples that affect our relationships, work, and overall mental health. For individuals seeking healing in California, trauma therapy offers a path toward reclaiming your life and transforming painful experiences into personal growth.
I am Audrey Schoen and as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Roseville, CA, I provide specialized trauma therapy services both in-person and online throughout California and Texas. With expertise in evidence-based therapies including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Brainspotting, I'm dedicated to helping clients navigate their unique healing journey.
In this comprehensive program, we'll explore:
The nature of trauma and its wide-ranging impacts on mental health
Evidence-based therapies that promote real healing
How to choose the right therapeutic approaches for your needs
Building resilience and developing effective coping skills
What to expect when you seek treatment for trauma recovery
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
What is Trauma?
Trauma is more than just a difficult experience or bad memory. It's a profound emotional response to distressing events that overwhelms our capacity to cope, leaving lasting imprints on our mental health and physical well-being. These experiences can range from single incidents like accidents or assaults to ongoing situations such as childhood neglect or domestic violence.
When we experience a traumatic event, our nervous system activates protective mechanisms—fight, flight, or freeze responses—to protect us. While these reactions are adaptive in the moment, they can persist long after the danger has passed, creating patterns that interfere with daily functioning and well-being.
Trauma isn't defined by the event itself but by our individual response to it. Not everyone processes experiences the same way—what might be traumatic for one person may not be for another, as our reactions depend on factors like personal history, support systems, and inherent resilience.
The Spectrum of Trauma Responses
Trauma manifests differently in each human being, but common symptoms include:
Intrusive memories: Flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted recollections of the traumatic event
Avoidance behaviors: Steering clear of people, places, or situations that trigger memories of the trauma
Negative changes in thinking and mood: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, feelings of detachment, difficulty experiencing positive emotions
Changes in physical and emotional reactions: Being easily startled, always on guard, trouble sleeping, irritability, or angry outbursts
Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from oneself or surroundings, as if watching life from a distance
These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, making it difficult to maintain relationships, perform at work, or engage in previously enjoyable activities.
When Trauma Leads to Mental Health Disorders
Unresolved trauma can evolve into more complex mental health conditions and disorders, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and hyperarousal symptoms that persist for months or years
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Develops from prolonged, repeated trauma, particularly during formative years, and includes symptoms of emotional dysregulation, negative self-perception, and difficulty with relationships
Anxiety disorders: Excessive worry, panic attacks, and phobias that may develop following traumatic experiences
Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest, and feelings of worthlessness that can emerge as responses to trauma
Attachment issues: Difficulties forming secure connections with others due to early attachment disruptions
Eating disorders: Many individuals with trauma history develop disordered eating as a coping mechanism for emotional pain
Substance use disorders: Some trauma survivors turn to alcohol or drugs in attempts to manage overwhelming emotions and stress
The good news is that with appropriate treatment and support, healing is possible. Trauma therapy provides pathways to process these experiences and reclaim your sense of safety, trust, and joy.
Evidence-Based Approaches to Trauma Healing
As a trauma-focused therapist, I utilize several evidence-based therapies that have demonstrated effectiveness in treating trauma and helping clients process and heal from traumatic experiences. These treatment modalities are carefully selected and tailored to meet your unique needs.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
As a Certified Master ART Practitioner, I specialize in this innovative approach that offers rapid relief from trauma symptoms. ART combines elements of several established therapies with smooth pursuit eye movement desensitization to help the brain process traumatic memories differently.
During an ART session, you can experience:
Rapid processing of traumatic memories without having to share the details
Replacement of distressing images with more positive visualizations
Relief from physical sensations associated with traumatic memories
Many clients report significant improvement after just a few sessions, making ART an efficient option for individuals seeking trauma recovery. The beauty of this approach lies in its gentle yet powerful ability to transform how traumatic memories are stored in the brain, reducing their emotional impact while preserving factual knowledge.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic tool that accesses the brain's natural ability to heal itself. This "bottom-up" treatment modality identifies relevant eye positions ("brain spots") that correlate with areas of the brain holding traumatic memories or emotional distress.
By maintaining focus on these specific eye positions while processing traumatic material, Brainspotting helps:
Access trauma held in the subcortical brain
Process and release deeply held emotional pain
Reduce trauma symptoms at their neurobiological root cause
This technique works with the body's natural capacity for healing, allowing for deep processing without requiring extensive verbal recounting of the traumatic event. It can be particularly effective for clients who find it difficult to verbalize their experiences or who have trauma that feels "stuck" despite previous therapy attempts.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help clients develop key skills for emotional regulation. As an evidence-based therapy originally developed for treating complex mental health conditions, DBT has proven highly effective for trauma recovery.
DBT helps clients develop four core skill sets:
Mindfulness: Staying present and aware in the moment
Distress tolerance: Managing crisis situations without making them worse
Emotional regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions
Interpersonal effectiveness: Communicating needs and setting boundaries in relationships
These skills are particularly valuable for trauma survivors who struggle with emotional dysregulation, impulsive behaviors, or relationship difficulties as a result of their traumatic experiences.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-focused CBT is an evidence-based therapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with specific techniques to address trauma-related symptoms. This structured approach helps clients:
Identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns related to the trauma
Develop skills for managing distressing emotions and symptoms
Process traumatic memories in a safe, supportive environment
Integrate the traumatic experience into a coherent narrative
This approach is particularly effective for treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related mental health disorders.
Intensives & Retreats
For those seeking more concentrated healing experiences, I offer intensive therapy sessions and retreats. These formats provide dedicated time and space for deeper work, allowing us to make significant progress in a condensed timeframe.
Benefits of therapy intensives include:
Immersive focus on healing without the distractions of daily life
Opportunity for breakthrough insights that might take longer in weekly sessions
Comprehensive treatment that can address multiple aspects of trauma
When seeking a retreat or a multi-day intensive, these experiences can catalyze profound healing and transformation. They can be particularly beneficial for those who have hit plateaus in traditional weekly therapy or who are looking to jumpstart their healing journey.
Specialized Approaches for Couples
Trauma doesn't exist in isolation—it affects our relationships too. I provide specialized couples therapy that addresses how trauma impacts intimate partnerships, helping both partners understand trauma's effects and develop healthier patterns of connection.
Through couples work, you can:
Learn how trauma affects relationship dynamics
Develop communication skills that foster safety and understanding
Build resilience as a couple while supporting individual healing
Couples retreats offer an opportunity for partners to step away from daily stressors and focus intensively on rebuilding connection and trust that may have been damaged by trauma's effects.
The Ripple Effect: How Trauma Impacts Lives
Relationship Challenges
Trauma can significantly impact our ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. Common relationship challenges stemming from trauma include:
Trust issues: Difficulty believing others will be there for you or won't hurt you
Emotional regulation challenges: Trouble managing emotions within relationships, which may manifest as withdrawal or emotional outbursts
Intimacy barriers: Fear of closeness or vulnerability that can prevent deep connection
Communication patterns: Difficulty expressing needs or setting healthy boundaries
Through trauma therapy, these patterns can be recognized and transformed, allowing for more fulfilling connections with others.
Professional Impact
Trauma's effects often extend into our work lives as well:
Imposter syndrome: Persistent feelings of inadequacy despite evidence of competence
Perfectionism: Setting impossibly high standards as a way to feel in control
People-pleasing: Prioritizing others' needs at the expense of your own well-being
Decision paralysis: Difficulty making choices due to fear of negative outcomes
By addressing these trauma responses, you can develop a healthier relationship with work and achieve greater quality of life in your professional endeavors.
Physical Health Connections
The mind-body connection means trauma can manifest physically:
Chronic tension and pain: Persistent muscle tightness, especially in the shoulders, neck, and jaw
Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, including nightmares
Immune system changes: Increased susceptibility to illness
Pain syndromes: Development of conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue
Effective trauma therapy addresses both psychological and physiological aspects of trauma, recognizing that real healing happens in the whole person, not just the mind.
Choosing the Right Therapeutic Approach for You
Finding the right therapy approach is essential for effective trauma treatment. The "best" approach varies from person to person, depending on your unique experiences, preferences, and goals.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapy Approach
When exploring your options, consider:
Your comfort level: Some approaches require more direct engagement with traumatic memories than others. If recalling trauma feels overwhelming, methods like ART that don't require detailed verbal recounting might be preferable.
Timeline expectations: How quickly are you hoping to see results? Some approaches, like intensive retreats or ART, may produce faster changes, while others involve more gradual processing.
Learning style: Do you prefer cognitive understanding, emotional processing, or body-based approaches? Different therapies emphasize different aspects of healing.
Previous therapy experiences: What has or hasn't worked for you in the past can provide valuable insight into what might be most effective now.
The Importance of Therapeutic Relationship
Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between therapists and clients is one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy outcomes. Beyond the specific treatment modality, finding a therapist with whom you feel supported, understood, and respected is crucial.
Look for a therapist who:
Creates a non-judgmental, compassionate space
Respects your boundaries and pace
Has specific training in trauma-informed treatment
Explains their therapeutic approaches clearly
Invites your feedback and collaboration
Remember that it's okay to schedule a consultation with different therapists to find the right fit. Trust your instincts about who feels right for you and your healing journey.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Effective trauma therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. A thoughtful treatment plan considers your specific:
Trauma history and symptoms
Personal strengths and resources
Support system
Treatment goals and priorities
As your therapist, I develop a tailored approach that draws from various evidence-based therapies to address your unique needs. This comprehensive program evolves as we work together, adapting to your progress and emerging insights.
Building Resilience Through Trauma Therapy
While processing traumatic experiences is a crucial component of healing, equally important is developing the skills and resilience to move forward with greater strength and well-being.
Core Skills Developed in Trauma Therapy
Effective trauma therapy helps clients develop:
Emotional regulation: Learning to identify, understand, and manage intense emotions without being overwhelmed by them
Mindfulness practices: Developing the ability to stay present and grounded when trauma responses are triggered
Self-compassion: Cultivating a kind, understanding attitude toward yourself and your experiences
Boundary setting: Recognizing and communicating your needs and limits in relationships
Somatic awareness: Understanding how trauma is held in the body and learning techniques to release physical tension and pain
These coping skills not only support trauma healing but also enhance overall life satisfaction and functioning.
From Surviving to Thriving
The goal of trauma therapy isn't merely symptom reduction but helping you move from survival mode to a place of genuine thriving. This transformation involves:
Reclaiming parts of yourself that may have been suppressed or lost through trauma
Developing a cohesive narrative that integrates traumatic experiences without being defined by them
Reconnecting with your values and sense of purpose
Building the capacity for joy, play, and meaningful connection
Restoring a sense of control and empowerment in your life
As healing progresses, many clients discover not only relief from suffering but also unexpected growth—finding deeper meaning, stronger connections, and greater appreciation for life's possibilities.
What to Expect in Your Therapy Journey
Starting therapy can feel both hopeful and intimidating. Understanding what to expect can help ease concerns as new clients begin this important work.
The Initial Process
When you seek treatment for trauma, here's what typically happens:
We schedule an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and goals
During our first session, we explore your history, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve
Together, we develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs
We determine the frequency and format that works best for you (weekly sessions, intensives, etc.)
The Phases of Trauma Therapy
While everyone's healing journey is unique, trauma therapy generally moves through several phases:
Stabilization and safety building: Establishing internal and external safety, developing coping skills, and building the therapeutic relationship
Processing traumatic material: Using appropriate therapeutic techniques to process traumatic memories and their associated emotions
Integration and growth: Consolidating insights, strengthening new patterns, and applying skills to everyday life
These phases aren't strictly linear—we may move between them as needed, always proceeding at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Addressing Common Concerns About Treatment
Many people hesitate to begin trauma therapy due to understandable concerns:
"Will I have to talk about every detail of my trauma?" No. Different approaches require different levels of disclosure, and I'll never push you to share more than feels safe. Approaches like ART allow for processing without detailed verbal recounting.
"What if therapy makes things worse?" It's normal for emotions to intensify temporarily as we begin working with traumatic material. We'll ensure you have adequate coping skills before processing trauma and pace the work appropriately for your needs.
"How long will treatment take?" The duration varies widely depending on the complexity of trauma, your goals, and the approach used. Some clients experience significant relief in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work. We'll regularly assess your progress and adjust as needed.
"Can trauma ever really be healed?" Yes. While healing doesn't mean erasing what happened, effective trauma therapy can transform your relationship to traumatic experiences so they no longer dominate your life. Many clients find that symptoms that once seemed permanent can significantly diminish or resolve completely.
Specialized Treatment for Specific Concerns
Healing From Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse survivors often face unique challenges in their healing journey. Trauma therapy provides a safe space to process these experiences and reclaim a sense of safety and autonomy. Treatment for sexual abuse trauma may include:
Addressing shame and self-blame
Rebuilding healthy boundaries
Processing grief and anger
Reclaiming a positive relationship with your body
Healing sexual intimacy issues when relevant
With appropriate treatment, survivors can experience profound healing and rediscover their inherent worth and strength.
Addressing Mood Disorders Related to Trauma
Many mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, can develop as responses to trauma. When treating patients with these co-occurring conditions, I utilize an integrated approach that addresses:
The underlying traumatic experiences
The specific symptoms of the mood disorder
The interplay between trauma responses and mood regulation
Development of healthy coping mechanisms
This comprehensive treatment approach often leads to more sustainable improvements than addressing either the trauma or the mood disorder in isolation.
Substance Use and Trauma Recovery
Many individuals with trauma histories develop substance use issues as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions and memories. Addressing both trauma and substance use requires a thoughtful, integrated approach that recognizes:
Substance use often begins as an attempt to manage trauma symptoms
Recovery requires developing alternative coping strategies
Treating the underlying trauma is essential for sustainable sobriety
A compassionate, non-judgmental stance is crucial for healing
I work collaboratively with other professionals when needed to ensure comprehensive care for those dealing with both trauma and substance use challenges.
Financial Therapy: Healing Your Relationship with Money
As part of my specialized services, I offer financial therapy to address money anxiety, avoidance, and related concerns. Financial trauma—experiences that create lasting negative associations with money—can significantly impact financial decision-making and well-being.
Financial therapy can help you:
Uncover unconscious beliefs about money that may be rooted in past experiences
Develop healthier money management behaviors
Reduce anxiety around financial decisions
Create a more balanced relationship with prosperity and success
This specialized approach recognizes that money issues are rarely just about numbers—they're often deeply connected to our sense of safety, worth, and identity.
Additional Support for Specific Populations
Support for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs face unique challenges that can trigger or exacerbate trauma responses:
Uncertainty and financial risk
High stakes decision-making
Balancing business demands with personal well-being
Imposter syndrome and performance pressure
Therapy tailored for entrepreneurs addresses these specific stressors while honoring the creativity and drive that fuels entrepreneurial pursuits.
Support for Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Spouses
Being married to a law enforcement officer comes with distinct challenges:
Managing anxiety about your partner's safety
Adapting to shift work and schedule changes
Navigating the impact of secondary trauma
Building resilience as a family unit
As a therapist experienced in working with LEO spouses, I provide support that acknowledges these unique circumstances and helps develop coping strategies for the entire family system.
Therapist Business Coaching: Supporting Fellow Healers
In addition to clinical services, I offer business coaching specifically designed for therapists looking to build sustainable, fulfilling practices. Drawing from my own experience building a successful practice, I help therapists:
Clarify their niche and professional identity
Develop effective practice systems and workflows
Navigate the business aspects of private practice
Maintain clinical excellence while achieving business goals
This coaching is informed by an understanding of the unique challenges therapists face in balancing patient care with business development.
Taking the Next Step in Your Healing Journey
Deciding to seek treatment for trauma is a courageous act of self-care. If you're considering trauma therapy, here are some next steps:
Reach out for a consultation: Contact me to schedule an initial conversation where we can discuss your needs and how I might help.
Explore therapeutic options: We'll discuss which treatment modalities might be most beneficial for your specific situation.
Create a personalized plan: Together, we'll develop a treatment strategy tailored to your goals and circumstances.
Whether you're seeking healing from past trauma, support for current challenges, or growth in specific areas of your life, therapy offers a path forward. With the right support, you can move from trauma to triumph, building a life characterized by genuine connection, inner peace, and meaningful purpose.
To learn more about my services or to schedule a consultation, please reach out. I provide both in-person therapy in Roseville, CA, and online therapy throughout California and Texas.
Your journey toward healing and wholeness is possible, and you don't have to walk that path alone.