PTSD and Trauma Responses
For reactions that linger long after the danger has passed.
After a Frightening Experience
When the Body Still Reacts to the Past
A frightening or overwhelming experience can leave the body reacting as though it might happen again, long after the event itself has ended. You might notice flashbacks that pull you back into a moment, nightmares that interrupt sleep, or a habit of staying on guard even in ordinary settings.
You can describe what you are noticing now, in your own words, without walking through the full event first.
Living on Alert
Staying Watchful Even When Nothing Is Wrong
Some people describe scanning a room out of habit, startling easily, or feeling unable to relax even at home. That watchfulness can be exhausting, especially when it runs in the background of an otherwise ordinary day.
Avoidance often follows close behind, whether that means steering clear of certain places, people, or conversations that bring the memory closer to the surface. Many people also notice trouble concentrating or a short temper that was not there before, even in situations unrelated to what happened.
No Full Retelling Required
You Set How Much You Share
You are not expected to retell every detail of what happened in order to begin this work. Your therapist can talk with you about flashbacks, nightmares, or avoidance without asking for the complete story up front.
As sessions continue, you and your therapist can decide together how much detail feels useful to bring in, and when.
What People Often Describe
Reactions Worth Bringing Into Session
These reactions are common after a frightening experience, and naming them can be a starting point even before you are ready to describe what caused them.
- Flashbacks that make a past moment feel present again
- Nightmares that disrupt sleep
- Staying on guard in situations that feel ordinary to others
- Avoiding reminders of what happened
- A startle response that feels larger than the moment calls for
Ways of Working
EMDR, CBT, and DBT with Your Therapist
approaches available at our practice include EMDR, CBT, and DBT. This clinician can explain what each involves and how it might apply to what you are experiencing, without expecting you to arrive already familiar with the terms.
CBT can look at the thoughts linked to reminders, while DBT skills offer ways to respond to strong emotions. EMDR begins with conversation and preparation before the eye movement or tapping part. Your therapist discusses fit and pace with you.
Our Clinical Care
Our Background and Focus
A therapist on our team is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California License #120707, with 10+ years in practice. Trauma is among the clinician’s areas of focus.
She offers sessions in English and Spanish, and you can ask about either language when you reach out.
Meeting in Person or by Video
Brentwood Office or California Video Sessions
Sessions take place at 191 Sand Creek Road, Suite 230, Brentwood, CA 94513, or by video while you are located in California. You can ask which format feels more private for the subject matter you want to bring in.
Session fees are shared during your free consultation.
An initial appointment can focus on how your days and nights have changed. Questions about sleep, reminders, and current support help identify what to address, without a requirement to share every detail or an assurance about diagnosis.
A First Step
Ask About a Free Phone Consultation
Call (925) 331-0457 or email info@heartnmindcounseling.com for a free 15-minute phone consultation about working with your therapist. Keep email to scheduling and general questions, and save a description of what happened for the conversation with the clinician directly.
Common Questions
Do I Have to Describe the Event in Detail to Start?
No. You can begin by describing flashbacks, nightmares, or feeling on guard, and decide with your therapist how much detail to share and when.
What Approaches Does Your Therapist Use?
approaches available at our practice include EMDR, CBT, and DBT. This clinician can explain how each might apply once this clinician understands your situation.
Can I Ask Questions Before Committing to Sessions?
Yes. A free 15-minute phone consultation lets you ask about your therapist's approach before scheduling a first appointment.
