You might tell yourself that what happened was a long time ago, or that you “should be over it by now.” And yet, something still doesn’t feel fully resolved. You may notice yourself feeling on edge, reacting more strongly than you want to, or shutting down in ways that are hard to explain. Certain situations, relationships, or emotions seem to trigger something deeper, even if you can’t always put it into words. At Westside Psych, we provide trauma therapy in Los Angeles and online therapy across California, helping you understand how past experiences continue to shape the present and how to move toward feeling more steady and in control.
How trauma can show up
Emotional and relational patterns
- Feeling on edge, overwhelmed, or easily triggered
- Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in relationships
- Intense emotional reactions that feel hard to regulate
- Patterns of shutting down, withdrawing, or disconnecting
Cognitive and internal experiences
- Persistent worry or hypervigilance
- Negative beliefs about yourself, including shame or self-blame
- Feeling stuck in the past or replaying experiences
- Difficulty feeling present or grounded
Physical and nervous system responses
- A constant sense of tension or restlessness
- Trouble sleeping or fully relaxing
- Feeling disconnected from your body
- Sudden surges of panic or emotional overwhelm
Types of trauma we work with
Childhood and developmental trauma
- Early experiences of inconsistency, emotional neglect, or instability
- Growing up in environments where needs were not fully met
- Patterns that continue to show up in adulthood
Sexual trauma and assault
We work with clients who have experienced sexual assault, sexual trauma, or unwanted sexual experiences, whether recent or in the past. These experiences can affect:
- Your sense of safety in your body
- Trust in relationships
- Boundaries and intimacy
- Feelings of shame, confusion, or self-blame
Therapy provides a space to process what happened at your own pace, with care and respect for your boundaries. Regardless of where you are in your healing process, we are here to provide the space and tools to help you move forward from reliving the past and to reclaim your life.
Relationship and interpersonal trauma
- Experiences of betrayal, manipulation, or emotional harm
- Repeated relational patterns that feel difficult to change
- Attachment wounds that affect connection and trust
Trauma related to life events and transitions
- Medical experiences, accidents, or sudden loss
- Infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, or difficult reproductive experiences
- Major life disruptions that feel overwhelming or destabilizing
Depending on what you have experienced, you may benefit more directly from our infertility therapy and maternal mental health services, which provide more specialized support.
“Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose. ”
Michelle Rosenthal
A more thoughtful approach to trauma therapy
Building safety and stability first
Trauma therapy is not about forcing yourself to relive painful experiences. It begins with helping you feel more stable, grounded, and supported in the present, where we focus on:
- Regulating your nervous system
- Building coping strategies for overwhelming moments
- Creating a sense of emotional safety
Understanding and shifting deeper patterns
As therapy progresses, we begin to explore the patterns that have developed over time. We help you:
- Understand how past experiences shaped your responses
- Make sense of emotional triggers
- Shift patterns that no longer serve you
- Develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself
For many individuals, this work connects to early relationships and family dynamics. If trauma is impacting your parenting, our parent coaching services can provide additional support.
Trauma therapy in Los Angeles and online in California
Westside Psych offers in-person trauma therapy in Los Angeles as well as virtual therapy throughout California. Our therapists take a thoughtful, individualized approach, helping you move at a pace that feels manageable while working toward meaningful, lasting change. Reach out to Westside Psych to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward feeling more steady, connected, and at ease.
Therapists who work with trauma
Dr. Candace Burnham
