Trauma Therapy in Los Angeles, CA.
Root to Rise Therapy. It starts with you.
Many clients seek Trauma Therapy who grew up in a traumatic environment, had a parent with addiction or mental illness, experienced life threatening situations or chronic stress and anxiety, or suffer from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) or Complex PTSD. You might have learned from a young age that expressing your feelings is not safe–either emotionally or physically– or you may have felt lonely, neglected, or ashamed for having feelings at all.
While traumatic symptoms can be uncomfortable and frightening, the great news is that Trauma Therapy including EMDR, Mindfulness, Somatic Therapy and IFS are all proven proven methods methods that can help you break free from symptoms of PTSD, functional freeze, and other trauma symptoms that are keeping you stuck in maladaptive, outdated modes of behavior. .
At Root to Rise Therapy, we specialize in helping clients heal from trauma and reclaim a sense of safety, balance, and connection in their lives. Whether you’ve experienced a single traumatic event or a series of painful experiences over time, therapy can help you process what happened and begin to move forward with clarity and peace.
We offer in-person and virtual trauma therapy in Los Angeles and throughout California, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and Somatic Therapy. Our approach is integrative and evidence-based, designed to support both mind and body through the healing process.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is an event (physical, sexual or emotional) that is shocking to the body and/or mind and creates lasting psychological injury. Trauma can also be a series of smaller, but no less damaging events that create feelings of constant fear or stress. Trauma is not only about what has happened to you; it’s also about how your mind and body responded to those experiences. When something feels overwhelming or unsafe, the body and brain can get stuck in survival mode. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, or difficulty trusting others.
Some people experience trauma as intrusive memories or flashbacks which is also referred to as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Others might feel disconnected, “on edge,” or emotionally shut down. You don’t have to have experienced a major catastrophe for your body to carry the effects of trauma. Even chronic stress, difficult relationships, or ongoing uncertainty can leave lasting imprints.
What Does Trauma Feel Like?
Trauma often shows up in both emotional and physical ways. You might be experiencing trauma-related symptoms if you:
Have gone through a life threatening experience or witnessed someone going through one
Frequently experience intrusive thoughts or memories about a past life experience in which you felt threatened or frightened
Shut down and feel numb emotionally, while still staying functional in your day-to-day life. This is also called a functional freeze state.
Feel emotionally reactive or out of control
Have difficulty relaxing or feeling constantly “on alert”
Have trouble trusting others, even in safe relationships
Are constantly afraid of losing your relationship or being abandoned
Have a constant sense that something bad is about to happen
Experience physical symptoms such as tension, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping
If you recognize yourself in any of these symptoms, know that healing is possible and you don’t have to do it alone.
““Root to Rise Therapy has helped me to effectively deal with very difficult circumstances and better understand myself in the process. This process has resulted in a 180 degree improvement in my situation. It’s been a very informative and transformational journey, and one that I am very grateful for. Thank you!””
How Can Therapy Help with Trauma?
At Root to Rise Therapy, we use an integrative, personalized approach to trauma therapy that honors both your story and your pace. Below are some of the modalities we use at Root to Rise Therapy to support trauma healing:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Trauma
EMDR is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for trauma that helps the brain reprocess distressing memories. Through guided bilateral stimulation (using eye movements, tapping, or sound to alternate the engagement of the left and right hemispheres of the brain), EMDR helps you release the emotional charge from traumatic experiences so they no longer feel as overwhelming or “stuck.”
When we experience distressing events, our mind and body get locked and our neural networks freeze. EMDR treatment accesses memories stored in the reptilian or "lizard" brain where trauma is stuck, and moves these memories into the neocortex, the verbal and logical part of the brain. By bringing online parts of the brain that were frozen during the distressing experience you will be able to:
Allow new information to come through so that you can create a more cohesive, adaptive story.
Gain access to your full range of intrinsic skills to move beyond these stuck stories.
Get out of the state of functional freeze, and be able to be fully present in your day-to-day experiences.
““The purpose of EMDR is to help people live a more adaptive life.””
Clients who have done EMDR therapy often describe their memories as feeling more “far away” or “distant” rather than highly charged and upsetting. They report feeling more present in their body and mind, allowing them to feel calmer and more present in their lives. They feel more compassionate towards themselves and are more confident and trust in their ability to resolve issues on their own.
The type of EMDR treatment that we practice also emphasizes Mindfulness which involves teaching and practicing mindfulness meditation, relaxation exercises, guided imagery and breath-work so that you can build an accessible toolbox of coping skills to use daily as well as during specific triggering situations.
EMDR can be conducted both in person and virtually.
Learn more about EMDR on our blog:
Somatic Therapy for Trauma
Trauma is often stored in the body, even if we don’t consciously remember it. Somatic Therapy focuses on building awareness of physical sensations and using the body’s natural processes to release stored tension. In Somatic Therapy, you’ll learn grounding techniques, breathwork, and mindful movement practices that help regulate your nervous system and restore a sense of safety. These grounding techniques can help release your nervous system from a constant state of fight, flight, freeze or fawn.
Somatic therapy can be especially helpful for people who have tried talk therapy and found that they can speak about the facts of the experience, but struggle to connect to the emotions or how those emotions affect their body.
Clients who have completed somatic therapy describe feeling more relaxed, less reactive, more in tune with their body, and having an increased ability to use their body sensations to identify and resolve emotions.
Learn More About Somatic Therapy on our Blog
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Trauma
IFS is based on the framework that we all have various “parts” to our personalities that help us cope with the experience. When someone experiences trauma, our “parts” can store our traumatic memories so that we can continue to function in life without being overwhelmed by the pain of the experience. We have other “parts” that can influence our behavior and how we relate to others and the world around us to try to keep those experiences from happening again.
IFS can help you understand the different “parts” of yourself that formed as a way to protect you during difficult times. By compassionately connecting with these parts, you can begin to heal internal conflicts, reduce anxiety, and build a stronger relationship with your core self.
Clients who have done IFS therapy describe having a better understanding of their internal world, and connecting more to their “true and authentic” self; feeling more at peace and more whole, feeling more in control of their emotions and behavior, and better equipped to handle future difficulties in life.
Learn More About IFS on our Blog
How Do Clients Feel After Trauma Therapy?
While every healing journey is unique, many clients share that after trauma therapy they:
Feel more grounded and present in daily life
Experience less anxiety and fewer intrusive thoughts
Feel more compassion toward themselves and others
Trust their ability to handle challenges
Reconnect with joy, creativity, and a sense of peace
While traumatic symptoms can be uncomfortable and frightening, the great news is that Trauma Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness, Somatic Therapy and IFS are all proven methods that can help you break free from symptoms of PTSD, functional freeze, and other trauma symptoms that are keeping you stuck.
Take the First Step
Healing from trauma takes courage and that first step can be the hardest. Our team at Root to Rise Therapy is here to guide you through that process with warmth, expertise, and care.
We offer in-person and virtual trauma therapy in Los Angeles and across California.
Schedule a free consultation call with our client coordinator who will match you with the therapist who can best help you overcome trauma and start feeling more at peace.
““I really enjoy our sessions. I feel so supported by Root to Rise and it is so reassuring to always have someone in your corner. They have helped me through so many issues and I can’t thank them enough.””
