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Complex PTSD Therapist Los Angeles

Helping You Reconnect With Your Authentic Self

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Complex PTSD Therapy in Los Angeles

Heal & Transform Your Life

Are you juggling a thousand things, trying to keep everyone happy, but somewhere along the line, you’ve forgotten how to take care of yourself?  You’re smart, driven, and from the outside, you’re the picture of success. But inside, it’s a different story. The constant anxiety, the replaying of every conversation in your head, the feeling that you’re always walking on eggshells—it’s exhausting.

You feel like you’re always one minor inconvenience away from a full f*cking breakdown.

I get it. Maybe you’re always saying yes to everyone else, afraid that setting boundaries will make you seem selfish.  Sound familiar? 

You’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to stay this way.

Complex PTSD Treatment Los Angeles

Who I Work With

I work best with clients who are committed to long-term growth and personal development. If you’re looking for a fast band aid solution, or if you’re not ready to dive deep and do the work, I might not be the right fit for you. 

But if you’re ready to understand and change your deep subconscious patterns, find balance, and build a life that feels true to you, let’s chat.  Therapy with me is about understanding your past, healing your present, and empowering your future. You’ll learn how to calm your nervous system, recognize your triggers, and build resilience.

Complex PTSD Symptoms

What Complex PTSD Looks Like in The Adults I Work With

These patterns are your brain and body’s way of coping with unresolved trauma, but they don’t have to stay that way. If you’re ready to break free from these cycles and truly invest in yourself, therapy can help you turn things around. 

Complex PTSD Therapy in Los Angeles

My Approach to CPTSD Therapy

I provide a secure and confidential space where you can explore your trauma without fear of judgment. Trust is essential in the therapeutic process, and we work hard to build a trusting relationship with you. You need to feel safe to open up, and that’s what I aim to create—a place where you feel understood and supported.

Each therapy plan is tailored to your unique experiences and needs. We use a variety of therapeutic techniques to address the specific challenges you face. No two people are the same, so your therapy plan will be as unique as you are, designed to help you heal in the best way possible.

I integrate different trauma-informed approaches, such as somatic therapy, mindfulness practices, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), to provide comprehensive care. By combining these holistic techniques, we can work on healing both your mind and body, giving you the tools you need to move forward.

Complex PTSD Therapy in Los Angeles

What to Expect in CPTSD Therapy

Our first session is all about getting to know each other. We’ll dive into your history and figure out what you want to achieve in therapy. This is your chance to lay it all out—what’s been happening, what you’re hoping for, and how I can best support you. Think of it as a collaborative process where your input helps me set up a blueprint.

In our regular sessions, we’ll focus on building trust, exploring your trauma, and developing coping strategies. And when I say “explore your trauma,” I’m not talking about going over every single detail for no reason.  It’s more about how your mind/body PERCEIVED it – and the subconscious narratives that were formed out of it.  Each session is a step forward in your healing journey. We’ll use a mix of techniques tailored to your needs, helping you work through your trauma and build resilience.

I pull from a variety of methods to make sure we’re addressing all aspects of your well-being. Here are a few:

  • Somatic Therapy: Helps you connect with your body and release stored tension.
  • Mindfulness: Teaches you to stay present and manage overwhelming emotions.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches: Helps you understand and change unhelpful thought patterns.
  • IFS:  Helps you understand that you have many different layers and “parts,” and sometimes those parts can feel like they’re conflicting with each other all the damn time.

Complex PTSD Treatment Los Angeles

What Is Complex PTSD?​

Complex PTSD, or CPTSD, is a condition that comes from repeated or ongoing trauma. Unlike PTSD, which usually results from a single traumatic event, CPTSD can develop from repeated exposure to trauma, like ongoing emotional abuse, neglect, or living in a stressful environment for a long time. It’s not just about the big, intense moments, but also about those repeated experiences that make you feel unsafe or helpless over time.

Living with CPTSD means you might have trouble managing your emotions, feel bad about yourself, or struggle with relationships. It’s like your mind and body are always on high alert, making it hard to relax or feel safe. CPTSD affects how you see yourself and how you interact with others, but understanding it is the first step towards healing and feeling better.

How CPTSD Affects Daily Life

Living with CPTSD can feel like you’re in survival mode 24/7. Trusting people can be hard, relationships can be a mess, and dealing with stress can seem impossible. You might always feel on edge, waiting for something bad to happen. Or you migh always be scanning the room, trying analyze every facial expression. This constant state of alertness is exhausting and overwhelming. Recognizing how CPTSD impacts your daily life is a huge step toward finding ways to cope and heal.

C PTSD Treatment in LA

Therapy's Role in Healing

Ever feel like you’re not good enough? Trauma can seriously knock your confidence. Therapy helps rebuild a positive self-image, showing you that you are worth it. We’ll boost your self-esteem so you can start believing in yourself again.

Tired of your emotions running the show? You’ll learn to manage intense feelings without them taking over your life. Imagine handling your emotions with curiosity and compassion. We’ll practice techniques to help you stay in control and keep your cool.

Struggling with personal relationships? Trauma often distorts how we connect with others. Therapy can help you understand your attachment styles and improve your interactions. We’ll work on building healthier, more fulfilling relationships where you feel valued and understood.

Always feel like you’re on high alert? Walking on eggshells? Living in a constant state of alertness is exhausting. In therapy, you’ll learn techniques to relax and feel safer in your environment. Imagine being able to unwind and feel calm without the constant anxiety.

Struggle to speak your mind without worrying about upsetting others? I’ll help you communicate your needs clearly and confidently.

Feel like self-care is just another item on your to-do list? We’ll find ways to make self-care a natural and sustainable part of your life.

Our Brains Are Initially Wired For Connection, But Trauma Rewires It For Protection. Therapy Can Help Restore Your Innate Capacity for Deep, Meaningful Connections"

Complex PTSD Therapy Los Angeles

Reviews From Google

Cheryl truly listens. It’s been tough to find a therapist I not only trust, but that I believe has my best interest at heart. I appreciate then that my work with her has given me that objective support I’ve been looking for. Cheryl is able to see an issue from multiple angles, and works to help me gain a better perspective. I always feel better, and a little braver too, after my sessions with her.
★★★★★
 
Cheryl has all the qualities of a fantastic therapist. She’s always engaged, knowledgeable, and kind. She creates a supportive space to explore areas of trauma at a speed that’s right for me. Having her on “my team” has helped me tremendously – incredibly grateful for her!
★★★★★
 
Truly an amazing experience. I’m always hesitant towards therapy and it’s hard for me to feel that comfortable with someone i hardly know to talk about my personal life and thoughts, but Cheryl is an absolute amazing therapist. I became more and more comfortable and trusting with her. She doesn’t push me to talk about subjects in my life if I’m not quite ready for and she’s very comforting. It feels like she actually listens and cares, instead of my other experiences where your typical “head nodder” “read this book of life lessons” kinda deal, she’s not that! I’m really happy i found her and it’s boosted my morale. I feel good!
★★★★★
Additional Blogs On Trauma Therapy in LA

FAQ About Complex PTSD Therapy in Los Angeles

Finding a complex PTSD therapist in Los Angeles can be done by searching online directories such as Psychology Today, Therapy Den, and other online directories, asking for referrals from your primary care doctor, or contacting local mental health organizations. Look for therapists who specialize in trauma and mention complex PTSD in their profiles.

The duration of therapy for complex PTSD varies significantly depending on the individual, the severity of their symptoms, and their personal progress. Therapy can range from several months to a few years, with the understanding that healing is a gradual process.

While C-PTSD may not “go away” entirely, effective therapy and support can significantly reduce its impact on your life, helping to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. Many individuals find they can lead fulfilling lives with the right treatment and coping strategies.

Destructive behaviors associated with C-PTSD can include substance abuse, self-harm, avoidance of relationships or situations that trigger memories of trauma, and difficulty regulating emotions which may lead to aggressive or impulsive actions. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors is a crucial part of the healing process.

The most effective therapy for complex PTSD is one that is tailored to the individual, recognizing the unique ways in which complex trauma affects each person. In my practice, I focus on integrative approaches that combine various therapeutic modalities to address the multifaceted nature of complex PTSD.

One key approach I utilize is trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), which directly addresses the symptoms of PTSD and helps individuals develop skills to process their trauma in a healthy manner. Somatic therapy is also central to my practice, emphasizing the mind-body connection and assisting clients in releasing physical tension associated with traumatic experiences.

Holistic therapy approaches are integral to treating complex PTSD, as they consider the whole person — emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects — ensuring a comprehensive healing process. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a compassionate framework, enabling individuals to understand and heal parts of themselves that are stuck in trauma.

Furthermore, my practice is grounded in trauma-informed care, prioritizing a safe, respectful, and empathetic therapeutic environment that acknowledges and integrates an understanding of trauma’s impact on the individual’s life.

By focusing on these therapies — from somatic and holistic approaches to IFS therapy and trauma-informed care — I aim to provide a well-rounded and effective treatment plan for individuals navigating the challenges of complex PTSD.

“The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity” by Nadine Burke Harris 

“Childhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology, and How You Can Heal” by Donna Jackson Nakazawa