Trauma Therapy for Mental Health in Orange County, CA
What Is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma Therapy is counseling that helps people recover from traumatic experiences. It uses different methods to address the emotional and psychological effects of trauma, helping you heal and regain control over your life. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, childhood trauma, emotional abuse, or the lingering effects of a traumatic event, this therapy helps you regain a sense of control and begin moving forward.
At Friendly Recovery, our approach to trauma care is gentle, personalized, and backed by proven methods. Whether you’re joining us through our Outpatient (OP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), or connecting from home via secure Telehealth, we meet you where you are, both emotionally and logistically. Our priority is to restore a sense of safety and trust in yourself and the world around you. Trauma doesn’t define you, and with the right support, healing is absolutely possible.
“I thought trauma therapy would make me relive everything. But it was nothing like that. My therapist helped me feel safe, heard, and supported. Thank you, Friendly Recovery.”
Principles of Trauma Therapy
Effective trauma therapy is rooted in safety, trust, and empowerment. At Friendly Recovery, we focus on:
Psychological Saftey: A stable, secure environment is essential for therapeutic progress.
Processing Trauma at Your Pace: No pressure. We move at a pace that feels right for you.
Restoring Regulation: Learn tools to manage panic, anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional overwhelm.
Building Connection: Trauma can feel isolating. Therapy helps rebuild trust in yourself and others.
The Origins and Impact of Trauma Therapy
Modern trauma therapy draws from decades of neuroscience and psychological research. Groundbreaking work by pioneers like Dr. Judith Herman and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk helped redefine trauma not just as a mental struggle, but as a physiological and emotional experience stored in the body and brain.
This understanding paved the way for somatic approaches, EMDR, and trauma-informed CBT, modalities that recognize how trauma changes the nervous system and how healing must go beyond talk therapy alone.
How Trauma Therapy Helps With PTSD, Abuse, and Neglect
Trauma Therapy is widely used to treat:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Process and reduce symptoms like hypervigilance, nightmares, and avoidance.
Childhood Trauma: Heal the impact of early-life neglect, abuse, or emotional abandonment.
Sexual or Physical Assault: Support for survivors of violence and violation in a safe, validating space.
Grief and Loss: Address unresolved grief connected to traumatic loss or sudden change.
Complex Trauma (C-PTSD): Restore emotional regulation and self-worth from long-term trauma or repeated harm.
“It wasn’t about rehashing the past. It was about finally feeling seen, and learning how to live in the present without being constantly pulled back into the pain.”
Types of Trauma Therapy We Use
We integrate multiple research-supported therapies tailored to your needs:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A proven approach to help the brain process and release trauma.
Somatic Experiencing: Focuses on how trauma lives in the body and restores nervous system balance.
Trauma-Focused CBT: Combines the structure of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a trauma-sensitive lens.
Narrative Therapy: Helps individuals rewrite their story from a place of strength, rather than one of victimhood.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness builds present-moment awareness to reduce emotional reactivity.
Key Advantages of Trauma Therapy
At Friendly Recovery in Tustin/Orange County, we offer trauma care that’s supportive, informed, and empowering:
Specialized for Trauma: Our clinicians are highly trained in trauma-specific therapies.
Whole-Person Healing: We treat the mind, body, and emotional system as interconnected.
Customized Care: Treatment is always tailored to your story, not a one-size-fits-all program.
Judgment-Free Zone: You’ll never be rushed or pushed to share more than you’re ready to.
Programs for Men & Women: Our trauma therapies are delivered through a distinctive men’s mental health program and a unique women’s mental health program.
Getting Started With Trauma Therapy
Beginning trauma therapy can feel overwhelming. That’s why we simplify the process and prioritize your comfort every step of the way.
Here’s how to begin:
- Talk With a Provider: We’ll listen to what you’re going through and recommend a starting point.
- Match with a Specialist: We’ll pair you with a trauma-informed therapist who best suits your style.
- Verify Insurance: Most insurance plans cover trauma therapy. We’ll help you confirm your benefits.
What to Expect in Trauma Therapy
Your first session isn’t about diving into your trauma. It’s about building trust and understanding your needs. Over time, we will explore what has impacted you and help you learn coping strategies, reduce symptoms, and move forward with greater resilience and self-understanding. Superior care is available through outpatient programs (OP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and telehealth services.
Here’s why people trust our approach:
Certified Experts: Our therapists specialize in treating trauma, PTSD, and related conditions.
Your Pace, Your Voice: You’re in control of your healing timeline.
Therapies That Work: We use EMDR, CBT, and other evidence-based tools.
Support Beyond Sessions: We offer programs and community support that go beyond the therapy room.
Comfortable Setting: Our center is a warm, calming, and private space.
Inclusive & Compassionate: Everyone deserves healing, no matter their story.
At Friendly Recovery in Tustin, CA, we keep things flexible because we know life doesn’t always follow a set schedule. Whether you’re looking for the structure of a Partial Hospitalization Program or the support of an Intensive Outpatient Program, we’ve got you covered. Need something more laid-back like Outpatient Care? Or the ease of Telehealth from home? We’ve got those too. Our nurturing team is here to guide you with care!
Trauma Therapy FAQs
Does insurance cover trauma therapy?
Yes, most major plans include coverage. Our team can verify your benefits quickly and confidentially.
How long does trauma therapy take?
It depends on your needs and history. Many people begin to feel relief after just a few sessions, but deep healing may take several months.
Is trauma therapy the same as talking about my trauma?
Not necessarily. You can heal without retelling everything. Many approaches focus on how trauma affects you now and how to move forward safely.
What’s the difference between PTSD and trauma?
Not everyone with trauma has PTSD. PTSD is a clinical diagnosis with specific criteria, while trauma can include a broader range of experiences that cause emotional pain or distress.
How do I know if I need trauma therapy?
If past events still affect your thoughts, emotions, or relationships, trauma therapy may help. Reach out for a confidential consultation to explore your options.
Can I do trauma therapy online?
Absolutely. We offer secure, private telehealth sessions for those who prefer to meet from the comfort of their own home.
Heal Your Trauma with Therapy
You don’t have to carry the weight of trauma alone. At Friendly Recovery in Tustin, CA, we offer expert trauma therapy with flexible programs and compassionate care. Whether in person or online, our therapists are here to help you feel safe, supported, and empowered to heal for good.
Medically Reviewed By: Shahana Ham, LCSW
Shahana Ham, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She specializes in client-centered care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, fostering a supportive environment for healing and growth.
