For nervous systems that remember
Trauma therapy that pace-matches your nervous system.
For people whose body is still carrying what the mind has tried to move past. EMDR, somatic practices, IFS, and trauma-informed CBT — integrated, not prescribed. Telehealth across California, plus in-person in Walnut Creek with Tina.
Good fit if
- You have a past event — single or chronic — that still reactivates you in ways that don't match the present
- Your body reacts before your mind does: startle response, tension, fight/flight in low-stakes situations
- You dissociate, numb out, or lose time — especially in conflict or intimacy
- You're high-functioning on the outside and quietly exhausted or disconnected on the inside
- Childhood experiences are still shaping your relationships in ways you can't quite locate
- You've done talk therapy that 'didn't work' because you already knew the content — the feeling never shifted
Not a fit if
- You're in active crisis without stable supports in place — we'll refer to a higher level of care first
- Untreated severe dissociative conditions may need specialized treatment teams; we'll assess and refer if needed
Not sure which column you're in? Book a free consult. If we're not the right fit, we'll help you find someone who is.
What the work looks like
How we actually work together.
We start slowly. Trauma work that moves too fast retraumatizes; trauma work that never moves leaves you in the same pattern. The first phase is always stabilization — helping your nervous system feel safer in the present — before we process anything from the past.
From there, we use the approach that matches the work. EMDR for events that still feel 'live.' IFS (Internal Family Systems) for the parts of you that protected you and are still showing up even though the threat is gone. Somatic practices for what's held in the body. CBT for the day-to-day tools. Most trauma work integrates several of these, not just one.
Pacing is your call. You'll never be pushed into material you're not ready for. We'll check in constantly about what's helpful and what's too much — and we'll stop, slow down, or shift approaches as needed.
Modalities we draw from
Who on our team does this work
3 therapists who specialize here.
Jalyse Stewart
AMFT
Trauma-informed therapy for women — especially Black women and BIPOC clients — healing from childhood sexual abuse, complex trauma, and what a lifetime of carrying other people's weight does to the nervous system.
Christina Mathieson
LMFT
Human sexuality, couples work, trauma recovery, and affirming care for individuals navigating relationships, identity, and life transitions.
Tina Masoudi
AMFT, APCC
Trauma, anxiety, grief, and relational work — integrative and trauma-informed, with experience serving clients impacted by the justice system and optional Christian counseling for those who want faith to be part of the room.
FAQ
Common questions about trauma therapy.
Do I have to talk about what happened?
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Not in detail, and not until you're ready. EMDR in particular allows processing without extensive verbal retelling — you can reprocess material with minimal narration if that's what fits.
What's the difference between trauma therapy and regular talk therapy?
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Trauma therapy is designed for experiences that are stored differently in the brain and body — not just thoughts and memories. Regular talk therapy can leave you with insight but no felt shift. Trauma-informed modalities work on the physiological and emotional level, not just the cognitive.
Will trauma work make me feel worse before I feel better?
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Sometimes, yes. Processing can temporarily surface distress. Good trauma therapy paces carefully to prevent overwhelm — but the work is not always linear. Your therapist will check in and adjust pacing.
How long does trauma therapy take?
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Single-incident trauma can resolve in 8–15 sessions with EMDR. Complex trauma (childhood, chronic, relational) often takes longer — a year or more. We'll be honest about timeframes once we understand what you're working on.
Who on your team specializes in trauma?
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Jalyse Stewart (AMFT) specializes in trauma work, particularly for women healing from childhood sexual abuse, using EMDR, IFS, and somatic practices. Christina and Tina also work with trauma in their practices.
References & further reading
- APA Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSD — American Psychological Association
- EMDRIA — EMDR International Association — EMDRIA
- IFS Institute — Internal Family Systems — IFS Institute
- Somatic Experiencing International (Peter Levine) — Somatic Experiencing International
Last clinically reviewed: April 18, 2026 by Christina Mathieson, LMFT #115093.
From the blog
Understanding Trauma: How the Nervous System Responds and Why Healing Begins with Safety
Trauma isn't only about what happened to you — it's about how your nervous system responded. A look at both the obvious and hidden ways trauma shapes daily life, and why healing begins with safety.
Understanding Emotional Trauma and Its Impact on Relationships
Emotional trauma doesn't just live inside us — it shapes how we connect, trust, and love. A guide to recognizing trauma responses and building stronger relationships through healing.
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Learn moreIndividual Therapy
One-on-one therapy for anxiety, depression, identity, trauma, and the patterns you can see but can't yet shift.
Learn moreReady to talk it through?
Free 15-minute call. We'll figure out if trauma therapy is the right work for where you are, and match you with the right person on our team.
Book a Free Consult