Trauma therapy in san francisco, ca
Recovery is Possible.
Trauma makes it feel impossible to shake your past.
Can you relate?
You always feel restless and “on.”
It feels impossible to practice self-acceptance.
Connecting with others feels difficult.
You struggle to build your own identity after all you’ve been through.
“Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.”
About Trauma Therapy in San Francisco
We are born into an unpredictable world where we cannot always control what happens to us or how we are cared for. Think of the last time you saw a baby- pretty helpless right? When we are young, we are dependent on our caretakers for all our needs. Attachment refers to the emotional bond between infants and parents or other caregivers.
When there is a mismatch between the care we need and the care we get, our minds must adapt to cope with this. This is how attachment difficulties develop. Attachment difficulties look like trouble regulating emotions and communicating with caregivers. This can lead to unconscious, dysfunctional beliefs, like “I have to deal with my emotions all by myself.”
Most of our parents or early caregivers are not intentionally trying to hurt us. Yet, many of them are limited by their own experiences. Dysfunctional patterns are often passed down through generations. This can look like blatant abuse and neglect, but even repeated invalidations can make a lasting impact. Our early experiences influence our wellbeing and functioning as adults.
Of course, even if you have a perfect upbringing, none of us are immune from the unexpected challenges of life. These include accidents, assault, or intimate partner violence. These events can impact your previously healthy worldview, warping how you see yourself and others around you.
This leads to your nervous system stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. You may have trouble sleeping and experience nightmares. You might feel exhausted from always being on edge. It might feel like trauma reminders never leave your mind, and you may even find yourself avoiding people or places not to get triggered.
Ultimately, the most debilitating impact of trauma can be its impact on self-worth. You may blame yourself for what happened to you or think you don’t deserve love and safety. Perhaps you’ve never even experienced true love and safety. For many, this can lead to a downward spiral of self-harm, disordered eating, or substance abuse.
But this does not need does not need to be the end of the story. That’s where your local San Francisco trauma therapist comes in.
My Approach to Trauma Treatment in San Francisco
Imagine what it would feel like to not be consumed by the past? Imagine feeling rested, calm, and self-confident? You would finally be developing your unique identity and establishing a healthy support network. You would be able to help others and make a positive impact on the world.
If people get hurt in relationships, they can also heal in relationships. An emotionally attuned therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of healing. My trauma treatment in San Francisco provides space for you to share your unique story and learn that you are not alone. We’ll explore who you are and what you want from your life.
I will help you learn skills to regulate your nervous system. We’ll evaluate whether your current relationships are helping or hurting you, and how you might set boundaries. Ultimately, I’ll assist you in developing meaningful community to support you beyond therapy. If you’re ready for change, contact me to schedule a free consultation.
ABOUT KARINA WESTRICK, LPCC
Hi, my name is Karina, and I’m a trauma therapist in San Francisco. Experiencing trauma can make you feel isolated, but you are not alone. I understand the ways trauma can manifest in the mind and body.
The human nervous system is incredibly resilient when given the opportunity to recover. Therapy provides a healthy attachment relationship and tools to cope with symptoms. If you’re ready to start your healing journey, schedule a complimentary consultation today.
Getting Started Is Easy
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Book a free 15 minute consultation.
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Schedule a time for your first session.
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Begin therapy, start healing!
Trauma Therapy San Francisco FAQS
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Which therapy is best depends on your unique needs and preferences. My trauma treatment in the Bay Area focuses on attachment perspectives to healing. I also use eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). This is an evidence-based treatment for trauma. Finally, I will also help you learn mindfulness-based coping skills for anxiety symptoms.
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Most therapist training programs include some education about treating trauma. Trauma therapists typically have real-life experience working with this population. Additionally, many trauma therapists have advanced training in this area. Trauma symptoms can sometimes manifest in unexpected ways. Trauma therapists may be better equipped to recognize these and help you heal.
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A challenging event can be traumatic for one person but not for another. Past experiences, thoughts, and emotions can all contribute to whether a trauma response develops or not. You are not “weak” for experiencing trauma symptoms. A therapist is able to assess your history and help you recognize if your past experiences are impacting you today.
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Complex trauma develops in response to repeated instances of a stressful experience. Examples include abuse, neglect, bullying, or even invalidation. This is in contrast to single-incident trauma, such as a car crash or an earthquake. Complex trauma is a syndrome recognized by many therapists but is not an official diagnosis. Many people with complex trauma begin therapy for symptoms of anxiety or depression. While in therapy, they may realize that trauma is at the root of these symptoms. Complex trauma typically takes longer to recover from, but healing is possible.
