Trauma Therapists in Santa Monica, CA
Recover from Trauma with King Family Therapy
Do you feel stuck in survival mode?
Are certain memories or triggers hard to escape?
Do you feel on edge, shut down, or overwhelmed?
Or does your body react before you have time to think?
We understand that experiencing a traumatic event can have lasting effects on your mental and emotional health. We offer trauma-informed care and specialize in EMDR Therapy and Brainspotting to help you heal from trauma and find renewed strength.
What is Trauma Informed Care?
​Trauma-informed care is like having a special set of glasses that helps you see things from the perspective of someone who's been through something traumatic. It shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?" We provide this kind of respectful and supportive environment so you feel heard and understood as you find healing from trauma. If you are struggling with anxiety, hopelessness, or fear as a result of trauma, therapy may help.
Who May Benefit from Trauma Therapy
How do you know if you are being affected by “trauma”?
If past experiences still affect your emotions, body, relationships, or sense of safety, trauma therapy may be helpful, even if the trauma happened long ago. Therapy can benefit those who have experienced a range of events, including "Big T" or "Little t" traumas. Examples might include:
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Childhood abuse or neglect
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Physical or sexual assault
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Serious accidents or injuries
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Natural disasters
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Witnessing violence or death
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Bullying or social isolation
Our Approach to Trauma Therapy​​
There are many ways to approach trauma treatment. We are trained and experienced in a variety of modalities, including: EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Therapy, IFS (Internal Family Systems), and TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). We carefully assess what you are experiencing and move forward with the approach that fits best for you. This is called an integrative approach, which means using different modalities at the time they make sense for you.
Why Choose King Family Therapy?
Client-Centered Care
We create customized treatment plans to suit your individual circumstances. Your unique needs and goals are at the center of our treatment approach.
Compassionate Therapists
Our therapists are passionate about helping you find hope and healing in your life. We provide a welcoming space to express your feelings and concerns.
Proven Results
We have helped countless individuals learn how to manage and reduce their trauma symptoms so they can lead more successful and fulfilling lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Big T" Trauma and "Little t" Trauma?
"Big T" trauma can includes experiences that are typically known as "traumatic", like an assault, abuse, war event, or something else that is life threatening. They can often be associated with PTSD.
"Little t" trauma might include growing up in a dysfunctional household, enduring ongoing emotional abuse, being bullied, or losing a significant relationship. These experiences can also cause a profound negative effect on a person's life and can even contribute to symptoms of PTSD.
Do I have to have PTSD to benefit from trauma therapy?
No. Many people experience trauma-related symptoms (anxiety, shame, emotional numbness, relationship difficulties) without meeting criteria for PTSD.
What are EMDR and Brainspotting?​
EMDR and Brainspotting are brain-based therapies proven to treat trauma and other psychological issues. They are not quite the same as general talk therapy, as you participate in "bilateral stimulation" with EMDR or use your vision to find "brainspots" with Brainspotting. Studies have said that these therapies can “yield the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference.”
Is trauma therapy re-traumatizing?
When done correctly, trauma therapy is designed to reduce distress, not overwhelm you. Your trained therapist will pace the work and prioritize safety. It is possible to notice temporary increases in emotions or awareness, but therapy should not feel unbearable. We can always slow down or adjust the approach.
Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Not necessarily. Trauma therapy will focuses on safety, skills, and body-based regulation first. Approaches like EMDR and Brainspotting never require detailed retelling.
What if I don’t remember everything that happened?
That’s very common. Trauma therapy does not require complete or accurate memories in order to be effective.
Can trauma therapy be done online?
Yes. Trauma therapy can be effective via telehealth, though some people prefer in-person sessions. It is important to have a quiet and private space to meet with your therapist if you are online.
"The paradox of trauma is that it has both the power to destroy and the power to transform and resurrect."
- Peter Levine
Get in Touch
1460 7th St, Suite 306
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(424) 261-5250