Trauma Therapy in San Jose
Hi, I'm Nicole and I'm a trauma therapist in San JoseYou may be feeling scared, defeated, guilty or like you’re barely surviving, I understand, and I’m here to help.
I help people heal from their trauma so they can finally move forward.
If you’re ready to start feeling better, schedule a complimentary consultation with me today.
My Approach to Trauma Therapy in San Jose
You can move on from trauma and not let it affect your life forever. While it's often easier to understand logically that it's not your fault, emotionally it can feel difficult to truly let go. Even after trying various ways to heal, you may still feel stuck.
Trauma can be big or small. Big T traumas include serious events like physical violence, sexual assault, car accidents, natural disasters, war, or witnessing harm to others. Little t traumas, on the other hand, involve emotional abuse, gaslighting, relationships with people who are emotionally distant, ongoing health issues, minor injuries, financial problems, harassment, or bullying. Little t traumas often happen repeatedly over time and can change how people see the world, trust others, and feel about themselves, leading to self-doubt and negative thoughts.
Both types of trauma are real. What is traumatic for one person might not be for another. The only true criteria for something to be considered traumatic, is that it often significantly changes how a person views the world, themselves, or others, often leading to anxiety and depression.
I believe everyone can recover from trauma and tough experiences. Healing involves incorporating these events into your life story instead of allowing them to define you. It requires taking action rather than simply reacting. Having new positive experiences and safe, supportive relationships now is also a crucial part of healing.
In my trauma therapy practice in San Jose, I mainly use EMDR therapy to help teens, young adults, and adults heal from trauma and tough life experiences, particularly those related to relationships and attachment issues. It is a privilege to see clients transform from self-blame and negative thoughts to self-belief through the healing effects of EMDR therapy.
In EMDR, we will find the experiences that still affect how you see yourself and the world today. Through reprocessing in EMDR, you will come to accept these tough experiences as part of your story, so they don’t continue to define you. Everyone has the ability to heal, and I can support you in your healing journey.
Facing trauma in therapy can seem scary or overwhelming. You might have thought about seeking help but haven’t taken that step yet for this reason. It's important to take things at your own pace in this challenging, but transformative process. Together, we will build trust and safety before exploring how your trauma affects you today. We will create a personalized plan to address and ease the painful memories and experiences that contribute to your current struggles.
If you're ready to heal from your trauma, contact me today for a free 20-minute phone consultation. Let's talk about how we can work together to help you feel free from your trauma.
Trauma Therapy in San Jose FAQs
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Trauma therapy helps people process past events they find traumatic or emotionally painful. Trauma means different things for different individuals. I offer trauma therapy using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). This method goes beyond regular talk therapy to lessen the distress tied to past experiences that impact a person's present life.
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There are various trauma therapies, including EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and brainspotting, to name a few. EMDR is a proven treatment for trauma, anxiety, depression, and other tough life experiences. Many people prefer EMDR because it doesn't require discussing traumatic details with the therapist, making it feel easier to handle.
I am trained in EMDR and working towards certification to enhance my expertise in helping people heal using this therapy approach.
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The length of trauma therapy varies based on factors like trauma severity, individual responses, and participation. It generally includes three phases:
Safety and Stabilization: This phase builds emotional safety and stability and can last from weeks to years for complex trauma.
Trauma Processing: Here, tough emotions and traumatic memories are addressed, lasting several weeks to months based on the approach and client progress.
Integration and Growth: In this phase, clients integrate their learning and focus on personal growth, lasting weeks to months depending on goals.
On average, trauma therapy may take months to years. Some individuals may improve in 12 to 20 sessions, while those with complex trauma may need longer support.
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Preparing for trauma therapy can help you make the most of your sessions and set the stage for a successful healing journey. EMDR also incorporates a phase in the beginning to prepare for trauma reprocessing.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Research and Choose a Therapist: Look for a therapist who specializes in trauma and whose approach aligns with your needs. You may want to read reviews or seek recommendations from trusted sources.
Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that healing from trauma is a gradual process. It's important to be patient and give yourself time to progress at your own pace.
Reflect on Your Goals: Think about what you hope to achieve through therapy. This can help you and your therapist create a focused treatment plan.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that help you feel grounded and safe. This can include things like exercise, meditation, journaling, or spending time with loved ones.
Gather Support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can provide encouragement and understanding throughout your therapy journey.
Prepare for Emotional Responses: Be aware that therapy may bring up intense emotions. It's normal to feel vulnerable or emotional during and after sessions. Having a plan to manage these feelings, such as deep breathing or relaxation techniques, can be helpful.
Stay Open and Honest: Be open with your therapist about your thoughts and feelings. Honesty is key to building a trusting therapeutic relationship and making progress.
Keep a Journal: Consider keeping a journal to document your thoughts, feelings, and insights throughout therapy. This can help you track your progress and reflect on your experiences.
Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your therapist questions about the therapy process, techniques, or anything else that concerns you. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more comfortable.
Remember, the most important part of preparing for trauma therapy is being kind and compassionate toward yourself. You are taking a brave step toward healing, and that in itself is a significant achievement.
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To decide if trauma therapy is right for you, think about your experiences and their impact on your life. Here are some signs to consider:
Impact on Daily Life: Are trauma symptoms disrupting your activities, relationships, or overall well-being? If you struggle to cope, therapy could help.
Emotional Distress: Do feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or fear often overwhelm you? Therapy can help you deal with these emotions healthily.
Recurrent Memories: Do you have unwanted thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares related to a traumatic event? Trauma therapy can assist in managing these symptoms.
Avoidance: Are you staying away from people, places, or activities that remind you of the trauma? Therapy can help you face these triggers gradually.
Physical Symptoms: Are you experiencing headaches, fatigue, or digestive issues that might be linked to your trauma? This could suggest that therapy might be beneficial.
Substance Use: Have you been using alcohol or drugs to cope with trauma? Therapy can provide healthier ways to manage your feelings.
Support Network: Do you feel alone or lack supportive relationships? A therapist can give you a safe place to express your feelings and get guidance.
Willingness to Heal: Are you ready to explore your trauma and work towards healing? Your willingness to engage in therapy is essential for progress.
Trust your instincts. If you believe therapy could help you understand and manage your trauma better, it is worth considering. You might want to consult a trauma therapist to discuss your concerns and see if therapy is a good fit for you.
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Recognizing progress in trauma therapy can sometimes be subtle and gradual. Here are some signs that might indicate you’re making headway:
Emotional Regulation: You might notice that you’re better able to manage your emotions and cope with stress. Intense feelings may still arise, but you find healthier ways to handle them.
Decreased Symptoms: You may experience fewer trauma-related symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or depression. The intensity and frequency of these symptoms can lessen over time.
Improved Relationships: Your relationships with others might become more stable and fulfilling. You may feel more connected to loved ones and find it easier to communicate and set boundaries.
Increased Self-Awareness: You might develop a deeper understanding of how your trauma has impacted you and become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Better Self-Care: You may start prioritizing self-care and making healthier choices, such as engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Reduced Avoidance: You might find it easier to face and engage with situations, places, or people that you previously avoided due to trauma triggers.
Sense of Empowerment: You may begin to feel more in control of your life and decisions. A growing sense of empowerment and self-efficacy can be a strong indicator of progress.
Healing Narratives: You might start to reframe your traumatic experiences in a way that contributes to personal growth and resilience. This can include finding meaning or lessons in your experiences.
Regular Attendance: Consistently attending therapy sessions and actively participating in the process can be a sign that you’re committed to your healing journey.
Positive Feedback: Feedback from your therapist and observations from friends and family can also indicate progress. Others might notice positive changes in your behavior and emotional well-being before you do.
Remember, progress is not always linear, and there may be ups and downs along the way. It’s important to be patient with yourself and celebrate even small victories. Regularly checking in with your therapist about your goals and progress can also help you gauge how far you’ve come.
Get Help 
from a Trauma Therapist In San Jose today!
Finding a therapist who you can trust enough to support you in doing challenging trauma work can be hard! If you’re ready to take the jump, contact me, your trauma therapist in San Jose today to set up a free consultation to make sure we have the connection you need to be successful.