Trauma Therapy Los Angeles

You don’t have to pretend you’re okay anymore.
It’s okay to take up space

Trauma therapy Los Angeles

It’s time to give yourself the care you’ve been giving others.

You feel like you’re always in “survival mode,” constantly scanning your surroundings. Maybe you’re dealing with physical symptoms too—like a knot in your stomach, headaches, or muscle tension that never goes away. It’s exhausting and overwhelming.

But you don’t have to stay stuck. If you’ve noticed that your worries are taking over your daily life and relationships, and self-help methods aren’t cutting it, it’s time to take a new path toward a brighter future.

I’m here to help you find your way forward. When we work together, I offer a safe, welcoming space where you can just be you. We’ll navigate your past & build on your strengths so you can start living your life again.

Ready to start feeling better? Schedule your free consultation today, and let’s begin this journey together.

Meet Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC

Trauma Therapist Los Angeles

Hi! I’m Cheryl Groskopf, a trauma therapist in Los Angeles dedicated to helping you heal and regain control of your life. Trauma can shape your thoughts, emotions, and behavior, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. My mission is to help you navigate these challenges with compassion and expertise.

Empathy & Understanding
I understand that trauma can manifest in many ways, from obvious events to subtle, ongoing stressors (whether from relationships, family dynamics, or life’s relentless pressures). My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself, understand your triggers, and develop the resilience to face challenges head-on.

Client-Centered Approach
When we work together, I create a safe, welcoming space where you can just be you. We’ll explore your past, build on your strengths, and start living your life again. My approach meets you where you are, supporting your unique healing journey.

Trauma therapist los angeles

What Types of Trauma Do You Work With?

Trauma & PTSD:
Distressing events that have impacted your life.
Complex (CPTSD) and Relational Trauma:
Ongoing or repeated traumatic experiences, including those from unhealthy relationships.
Childhood and Developmental Trauma:
Traumatic events from your childhood that affect emotional and psychological growth.
Generational Trauma:
Trauma passed down through generations that we work to break the cycle of.
Emotional Trauma:
Trauma from intense emotional experiences or emotional neglect.
Attachment Trauma:
Trauma from insecure or disrupted attachment during early development.

What Type of Therapy Is The Best To Heal From Trauma?

Modalities I Use in Trauma Therapy

Internal Family Therapy

Holistic Therapy

Somatic Therapy

Thinking About Trauma Therapy in Los Angeles?

No More Walking On Eggshells

So, you’re thinking about therapy. Where do you start?

You want someone who gets it, not just someone who nods and asks generic questions. You need a space where it’s safe to say “I’m not okay,” without fear of judgment. Therapy should be a place where you can be real, with a therapist who validates your feelings and understands your experiences. It’s about finding someone who listens and tailors their approach to your needs.

In our sessions, we’ll explore what’s going on in your life, looking at your patterns, triggers, and how your past affects your present. This is about understanding your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The goal is to build a toolkit for managing emotions and navigating life’s challenges. This process takes time and commitment, but it’s worth it. You deserve a therapy experience that feels genuine and tailored to you. Let’s create a space where you can truly heal and grow.

What Is Trauma? Do I Have Trauma?

Do I Need Therapy?

What Is Trauma?

Trauma can impact every aspect of your life, from your thoughts and emotions to your physical health. It can be caused by a single event, like an accident or loss, or by ongoing stressors, such as childhood neglect or abusive relationships. It could be the anxiety from a childhood where love felt conditional and survival was the name of the game. Or it might be the constant pressure of trying to live up to some impossible standard of success, where no matter what you do, it never feels like enough.

Trauma often leaves you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected. Trauma isn’t “just in your head.” It’s stored in your body, too

How Trauma Affects Your Life

Trauma can disrupt your daily functioning, making it hard to maintain relationships, focus at work, or even enjoy activities you once loved. Understanding trauma is the first step in your healing journey. Whether you’re in a small town or a city as large as Los Angeles it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling. But please know, you are not alone.

Coping Skills for Trauma in LA

Coping Skills You Will Learn in Therapy

Mindfulness techniques to stay present and aware.
Grounding techniques to manage flashbacks and dissociation.
Emotion regulation strategies to manage and express feelings healthily.
Cognitive restructuring to change negative thought patterns.
Self-compassion practices to be kind to yourself.
Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships.
Building a support system of caring people.

Trauma Therapist Los Angeles

Click here to schedule your free 15- minute consultation for trauma therapy in Los Angeles, CA. My other specialties include treatment for anxiety and improving the quality of relationships by examining your attachment style.

It is time to call and get help. You deserve it.

FAQ About Trauma Therapy in Los Angeles

What Are Common Symptoms Of Trauma?

Some well-known symptoms of trauma include:

Feeling like you’re re- experiencing the event:
This can manifest in nightmares, flashbacks, or sudden emotional or somatic reactions to things that either consciously or subconsciously remind you of the event
Avoiding things that remind you of the event:
This often leads to isolation or withdrawing from activities that you previously found enjoyable.
Hypervigilance:
Sensitive startle responses, constantly feeling on guard or on edge, and hypervigilance to potential threats. This can negatively affect sleep, concentration, and increase irritability.

What Does Trauma Look Like In Adults?

Avoidance of people, places, or situations
Helplessness
Guilt or Shame
Self-Blame
Difficulty Concentrating
Irritability
Fearfulness
Difficulty in relationships
Anxiety
Grieving who you used to be
Loss of self
No sense of purpose
Feeling disconnected, shut down, or not always “there”
Somatic symptoms

What is PTSD?

The DSM-5 defines Post-Traumatic Stress Disoder (PTSD) as “exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.” PTSD can develop from directly experiencing the traumatic event, witnessing it, or learning of an actual or threatened death to a close family member or friend.

To qualify for a PTSD diagnosis, you need to have experienced either intrusive memories about the trauma, dreams, dissociative reactions (like flashbacks), intense distress when exposed to cues that remind you of the traumatic event, or physiological reactions to it. Persistence avoidance, arousal and reactivity associated with the event, + “negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event” must also be present for more than one month.

When we think of PTSD, we often think of things such as military combat, natural disasters, accidents, or personal assaults. However, trauma is more nuanced and complex than just a DSM diagnosis, and far more common than just generalized stereotypes.

What is Complex PTSD? AKA CPTSD

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) develops after experiencing long-term or repeated traumatic events, including childhood abuse or neglect, exposure to violence, or living somewhere that feels unsafe, unstable or unpredictable.

“But I didn’t have anything big or really traumatic happen to me”

I hear this statement so often, and it is SO NECESSARY to acknowledge that C-PTSD can also develop from a combination of “smaller” traumas or adverse life events. These events might include ongoing emotional neglect, being bullied, domestic violence, or even growing up in a chaotic or unstable environment. The impact of these “seemingly less” severe traumas can accumulate over time, leading to the development of C-PTSD symptoms.

Remember, only a trained mental health professional can determine if you have PTSD or CPTSD.

What is trauma therapy, and how can it help?

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of counseling designed to address the emotional and psychological impact of traumatic experiences. It aims to help individuals process and overcome trauma, fostering healing and resilience.

How do I know if trauma therapy in Los Angeles is right for me?

If you’ve experienced distressing events that continue to affect your well-being, such as abuse, accidents, or loss, trauma therapy may be beneficial. Common signs include persistent anxiety, nightmares, or difficulty coping with daily life.

What types of trauma are addressed in Los Angeles trauma therapy sessions?

Trauma therapy can address various forms of trauma, including but not limited to interpersonal trauma, childhood trauma, accidents, natural disasters, and military-related trauma.

How long does trauma therapy typically take in Los Angeles?

The duration of trauma therapy varies based on individual needs and the nature of the trauma. Short-term interventions may span a few weeks, while more complex cases might involve longer-term therapy.

What approaches are used in trauma therapy in Los Angeles?

Therapists may use various evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic techniques. The choice depends on the individual’s needs and preferences.

As a trauma therapist in Los Angeles, I utilize techniques such as somatic therapy, holistic therapy, and internal family systems.

Is trauma therapy in Los Angeles only for severe traumas, or can it help with everyday stress?

Trauma therapy is not limited to extreme events. It can also be beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic stress, relationship difficulties, or the cumulative impact of life challenges (such as Complex PTSD).

How do I find a qualified trauma therapist in Los Angeles?

Look for licensed therapists with experience in trauma treatment. Check online directories, read reviews, and consider recommendations from healthcare professionals or friends. You can also check out my blog on “How to Find A Trauma Therapist in Los Angeles.”