Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC
Holistic anxiety, attachment, and trauma therapist in Los Angeles.
Trauma response therapy los angeles
Feeling Stuck Or Overwhelmed?
If you’ve ever felt trapped in a cycle of reactions that don’t make sense—snapping at the smallest things, freezing up when you need to speak up, or feeling like you’re ready to bolt at any moment—you’re not alone. And trauma response therapy in Los Angeles can help.
Maybe you catch yourself zoning out, unable to focus, like your mind just hit the “pause” button. Or maybe it’s that urge to run or escape when things get intense, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and just plain tired of reacting in ways that don’t make sense. You’re probably wondering, “Why do I keep reacting like this? And how do I stop?”
These responses aren’t random, and you’re not alone in feeling them.
They’re your body and brain’s way of handling what it thinks is a threat, even if that “threat” was something that happened years ago. These trauma responses are rooted deep, and they’re designed to protect you—even if they don’t feel so helpful now. Understanding them is the first step to getting some control back. So, let’s break down what’s actually happening and why, because once you get it, you can start to shift these patterns in ways that feel lighter and more manageable.
Trauma Therapy Los Angeles
What are Trauma Responses, and Why Do They Happen?
Let’s start with the basics: what exactly are trauma responses? At the simplest level, trauma responses are how our brain and body react when we’re faced with something overwhelming. It’s your body’s way of protecting you, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Trauma responses kick in when our brain senses danger, even if that “danger” isn’t real anymore. They’re reactions to situations that were once very real and threatening.
Trauma Response Therapy in Los Angeles: A Survival Mechanism
When we talk about trauma responses, we’re really talking about survival mechanisms. Your brain and body learned, at some point, that certain situations are “unsafe.” So, they adapted. They developed these responses to keep you safe when there really was danger around. But the tricky thing is that these responses don’t always shut off, even when the danger is gone.
Think about it like a fire alarm. Once it’s triggered, it rings, loud and clear, to make sure you get to safety. But imagine if that alarm just kept ringing long after the fire was put out. That’s what trauma responses can feel like. Your brain’s alarm system might still be on, even when you’re safe. And that’s why trauma therapy is so important—because it helps “reset” those alarms in a way that feels safe and controlled.
trauma-informed therapy los angeles
The Main Types of Trauma Responses
So, what do trauma responses actually look like? While everyone’s reactions are different, there are some common responses that people experience. These include fight, flight, freeze, and fawn.
Fight Response: Defending Yourself Against Perceived Danger
The fight response is exactly what it sounds like—it’s the urge to defend yourself or push back when you feel threatened. This might look like anger, irritation, or even aggression in situations that don’t seem to warrant it. But if your brain senses danger, this response can kick in automatically. It’s not about being an “angry person.” It’s about survival.
In trauma therapy, we work on recognizing these moments when the fight response is active. By understanding what’s going on, you can start to make choices instead of reacting automatically. You learn to recognize that “danger” isn’t always present, and you don’t have to fight to protect yourself.
Flight Response: Escaping from the Threat
The flight response is all about getting away from the perceived danger. When you feel this response, you might want to avoid people, places, or even certain conversations that make you feel uneasy. This can show up as avoidance, social anxiety, or even perfectionism. In a way, it’s your brain’s way of saying, “I’ll be safe if I can just get away from this.”
With trauma therapy, we look at how this response affects your daily life. If you’re constantly feeling the need to “escape,” therapy can help you feel grounded and safe enough to stay. We work on building comfort and trust so that the urge to run away becomes less intense.
Freeze Response: Feeling Stuck or Unable to React
Freeze is the “deer in headlights” response. It’s when your brain and body feel so overwhelmed that you can’t do anything at all. This might look like shutting down, zoning out, or feeling like you can’t move or speak in certain situations. For many people, freeze is a common response to trauma, especially when the situation feels out of control.
In therapy, understanding the freeze response is key. It’s about learning to recognize when your brain and body are going into “shutdown” mode, and finding ways to gently come out of it. Over time, you can build tools to feel less stuck and more present in situations that once felt overwhelming.
Fawn Response: People-Pleasing as a Survival Mechanism
The fawn response is all about “going along to get along.” It’s when you respond to threat by trying to please others, to keep the peace, or avoid conflict. This might look like people-pleasing, putting others’ needs first, or saying “yes” when you really want to say “no.” For people with histories of trauma, the fawn response can be a deeply ingrained way to stay safe.
In therapy, we work on building boundaries and learning to put your needs first. This isn’t about suddenly becoming “selfish.” It’s about recognizing that you deserve to take up space and have your needs met. Trauma therapy can help you feel safe in expressing yourself without feeling like you’re at risk.
Counseling for trauma
Why Trauma Therapy in Los Angeles
So, why consider trauma response therapy in Los Angeles? Los Angeles is home to a diverse range of therapists trained in specialized approaches for trauma, including somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and attachment-focused methods. Having access to these different modalities means you can find an approach that feels right for you.
In trauma therapy, the focus isn’t just on talking about what happened—it’s about finding safety, learning new responses, and building resilience. Trauma-informed therapists understand that healing is a gradual process, and they’re trained to help you work at your own pace.
Not sure what to expect?
What to Expect in a Trauma Therapy Session
What I love about trauma therapy is that it’s about working with your brain and body together. Therapy isn’t just “thinking positive” or “getting over it”—it’s about helping you understand and work with your trauma responses in a way that actually helps you feel safe again.
Building Awareness and Self-Compassion
The first step in trauma therapy is building awareness. When you start to recognize your trauma responses, you gain control. Instead of feeling “stuck” in reactions, you can start to understand them. Therapy helps you look at these responses without judgment, which is huge for building self-compassion.
Learning New Coping Skills
Trauma therapy gives you practical tools to cope with triggers and intense emotions. Through techniques like grounding exercises, mindfulness, and breathing, you can calm your body and mind when trauma responses kick in. These tools help you feel more in control and less reactive.
Rewiring Your Responses
With time, trauma therapy can actually help you “rewire” the way you respond to triggers. Whether it’s through somatic work or reprocessing memories with EMDR, therapy helps reset those automatic responses. You start to feel less “on edge” and more present, even in situations that once felt intense.
Building Trust and Resilience
A big part of healing from trauma is learning to trust yourself and others. Therapy gives you a safe place to build this trust, first with your therapist and then in your own life. As you do this work, you develop resilience—the ability to face challenges without feeling overwhelmed. This is about building a life that feels steady and safe, no matter what comes up.
therapy for trauma & complex ptsd
Recognizing When It’s Time to Seek Trauma Therapy in LA
If you’re seeing yourself in these descriptions—if trauma responses are affecting your relationships, work, or overall well-being—it might be time to explore trauma therapy. Here are a few signs that trauma therapy could help:
- Ongoing Anxiety or Stress:
If you feel constantly on edge, like you can’t relax, this could be tied to trauma responses. - Relationship Struggles:
Patterns like people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, or constant self-blame may indicate past trauma. - Physical Symptoms of Stress:
Unexplained body tension, sleep issues, or fatigue can be linked to trauma responses. - Avoidance Behaviors:
If you’re avoiding certain places, people, or situations, this may signal unresolved trauma
Acknowledging the need for help is a courageous step. In Los Angeles, there are numerous trauma-informed therapists ready to support you. Whether you’re dealing with recent events or long-standing issues, therapy can provide the tools to navigate your healing journey.
Holistic & Somatic Healing in LA
Work with Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC
Hi, I’m Cheryl Groskopf, a trauma, attachment, and anxiety therapist in Los Angeles. I work with people who are tired of their emotional reactions ruling their lives—people ready to understand and heal from their past traumas. In our sessions, we’ll explore how your past experiences continue to shape your reactions and feelings today.
Using straightforward strategies grounded in the latest neuroscience, we’ll work together to ease the burden of those overwhelming feelings, helping you find a sense of calm and control. If you’re looking for deep, meaningful change in how you handle life’s stresses, I’m here to guide you through every step of your healing process.
Trauma response therapy los angeles
Therapeutic Approaches I Use
Trauma lingers in your thoughts, body and even behavioral patterns. That’s why I focus on approaches that heal you as a whole—mind, body, and everything in between.
In my work, I often use somatic therapy to help clients reconnect with their bodies. Trauma can leave you feeling tense, jumpy, or disconnected. By focusing on body awareness and the nervous system, somatic therapy helps release those stored experiences so you can feel more grounded and calm.
I also integrate holistic therapy to address all parts of your experience—your thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being. Instead of only treating symptoms, we’ll uncover what’s at the root of your struggles and work toward lasting healing.
If this sounds like the support you need, contact me here. Healing is possible—and it’s closer than you think.
trauma response therapy in los angeles:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you get out of a trauma response?
First, you have to notice it. A trauma response often feels automatic—like you’re suddenly overwhelmed, shut down, or reacting in a way that doesn’t match the situation. Secondly, the key is slowing down. Techniques like grounding (paying attention to your body, your breath, or your surroundings) help bring you back to the present moment. Lastly therapy—especially approaches like somatic therapy—can help you process what’s triggering those responses so you can feel safer and more in control.
2. What are the long-term trauma responses?
Unhealed trauma doesn’t just fade away. Over time, it can show up as:
- Chronic anxiety or feeling “on edge” all the time.
- Difficulty trusting others or forming close relationships.
- Emotional numbness or avoiding anything that feels vulnerable.
- Physical symptoms like tension, fatigue, headaches, or stomach issues.
These responses are your body and brain trying to keep you safe—but they can make life feel harder than it needs to. Therapy, especially trauma-focused approaches like holistic therapy, helps you rewire these patterns and find relief.
3. What are the symptoms of unresolved trauma?
Unresolved trauma doesn’t always look like what people expect. Sometimes it’s obvious—like nightmares or panic attacks—but other times, it’s subtle. Here’s what it can look like:
- Feeling disconnected from yourself or your emotions.
- Overreacting to small stressors or feeling stuck in fight/flight mode.
- Struggling with focus, memory, or decision-making.
- A constant sense of being unsafe, even when you’re not.
But you don’t have to heal on your own. If these sound familiar, working with a trauma therapist can help you identify what’s still lingering beneath the surface.
4. How do you know your body is releasing trauma?
When your body starts releasing trauma, you’ll notice small shifts—often through sensations or emotions. For example, you might feel a wave of heat, a deep sigh, or tension easing out of your muscles. Sometimes, tears come up unexpectedly, or you feel lighter, calmer, or more present than you have in a long time. Basically, it’s your nervous system letting go.
In somatic therapy, we work with these body signals so you can learn to trust what your body is telling you and move through the process safely.
5. What is the difference between a therapist and a trauma therapist?
All trauma therapists are therapists, but not all therapists specialize in trauma. For instance, a trauma therapist has specific training and experience in understanding how trauma impacts the brain, body, and nervous system. I specialize in approaches like somatic therapy, holistic therapy, and trauma-focused techniques that are designed to help you process and release trauma safely—without re-triggering you.
What is the best Trauma Response Therapy in Los Angeles?
The best therapy for trauma is one that works with both your mind and body. Trauma isn’t just a thought—it’s stored in your nervous system, your muscles, and your patterns of behavior. Approaches like somatic therapy and holistic therapy are highly effective because they help you process what happened while teaching your body that it’s safe to let go.
