Trauma Therapy

Heal from Trauma.

From Surviving to Thriving

Does Your Past Still Weigh You Down?

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by memories, flashbacks, or nightmares?
Do trust issues, relationship struggles, or feelings of disconnection make it hard to connect with others?
Do you feel numb, disconnected, or like you're always on edge?
Have you been told to "just move on," but your body and mind won’t let you?
Have you experienced racial trauma, generational trauma, or systemic oppression, leaving you feeling unseen and unheard?

If any of this resonates with you, know that your reactions are valid—and that healing is possible. At the Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy, we provide trauma-informed, culturally affirming therapy for BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. We understand that trauma is not just about what happened to you but also about how the world around you has responded—or failed to respond—to your pain.

Healing from Trauma:

Your Are Not Alone

What often keeps us stuck in trauma, are the deep feelings of guilt, shame and secrecy that we may carry. Undoing that aloneness is often the first step of the healing process. We are here to walk along side you on your path to healing—through the pain and back into the life you’re meant to live.

Our therapists can help you heal and recover from traumatic experiences that include:

Childhood and family trauma
Sexual, emotional and physical abuse
Relationship violence
Race-based stress & trauma
Betrayal trauma
Immigration trauma
Intragenerational trauma
Medical trauma
Religious trauma
PTSD and Complex-PTSD (C-PSTD)

At the Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy, we believe in a holistic approach to trauma therapy, addressing both the emotional and physiological impacts of trauma. Our experienced trauma therapists will create a safe and supportive space for you to explore your traumatic experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP.

Our inclusive and highly skilled team of therapists are here to support you. Request an appointment and our Client Care Coordinator will connect you to one of our therapists who will follow up with you to schedule a complimentary phone consultation.

Get In touch

Request A Free Consultation

Why Trauma Therapy Matters

Trauma and traumatic experiences result from highly stressful events that shatter a person’s sense of safety, security and serenity. In many cases, trauma renders one helpless and vulnerable or hardened and volatile in a world perceived as dangerous. Trauma refers to a single or series of events that happened in the past that continue to affect us negatively; most people experience traumatic events in their life to varying degrees such as experiencing a discrimination, racism, divorce, loss of loved one, a car accident, natural disasters, abuse, or violence.

Responses to traumatic events may include:

Difficulty concentrating
Difficulties trusting others
Panic Attacks
Unwanted and intrusive memories
Irritability and mood swings
Feeling sad, hopeless or helplessness
Overwhelming fear or anxiety
Feeling irritable or angry
Withdrawal and isolation

Insomnia or nightmares
Flashbacks to traumatic event(s)
Emotional distress and dysregulation
Being easily startled or frightened
Feeling disconnected, numb or dissociated
Avoidance of places or experiences related to the trauma
Intrusive thoughts
Feelings of guilt, shame or self-blame

Panic attacks
Difficulty relaxing or muscle tension
Stomach pain and other GI problems
Headaches or migraines
Exhaustion and fatigue
Increased heart rate and sweaty palms
Confusion, disorientation, poor focus, or difficulty concentrating
Changes in eating patterns

All of these symptoms are NORMAL responses to an ABNORMAL (traumatic) event.

Everyone responds differently to trauma. These responses to trauma can occur immediately after you have had a traumatic experience, or the response can be delayed, occurring weeks or sometimes months after the trauma. Often, people are able to recover from the impact of these events with time and support of others. However, in some situations the effects of trauma can be long-lasting and cause a significant amount of pain and turmoil in their lives.

Though you may feel hopeless or powerless, it is important to remember the symptoms of trauma can be managed and treated, and you can HEAL from the traumatic event(s). You don't have to carry the burden of trauma alone. Our highly-skilled trauma therapists can help you you overcome the past and build a brighter future.

How We Can Help

Our trauma therapists utilize evidenced-based practices that have been proven as effective treatments for trauma and PTSD, including Trauma Processing Therapy, EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing therapy. Using these evidenced practices within an anti-oppressive, culturally-affirming framework, we empower our clients to reclaim their lives and build resilience.

Trauma Processing Therapy

Trauma processing therapy is a therapeutic approach that helps people make sense of and integrate traumatic events into their lives. It involves identifying and understanding the emotions and thoughts surrounding one's trauma. Trauma processing can help you gain new insights about how past trauma patterns are currently negatively impacting your life and your relationships so that you can work on cultivating a sense of safety, in yourself, as well as in others and the world.

EMDR

EMDR is a therapy designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories and PTSD. EMDR involves the client recalling specific traumatic experiences while simultaneously focusing on external bilateral stimuli, (visual, audio or tactile) which repeatedly activates the right and left side of the brain. Bilateral stimulation assists the neurophysiological system to release emotional experiences that get “stuck” in the nervous system and returns the body to equilibrium. Thus, it accelerates your brains capacity to process and heal traumatic memories.

Somatic Therapies

Somatic therapy, also known as somatic experiencing therapy, use somatic or body-based techniques to help the mind and the body process trauma. It's based on the idea that the mind and body are closely connected, and that thoughts, emotions, and sensations influence each other. Through the use of movement, breath work and guided exercises, clients are taught to recognize how stress and trauma are stored in the body, the ways in which the mind and body are connected, and the use of specific exercises to release the emotional pain stored within the body.

While you cannot erase your past, it does not have to define you. You can heal and find peace within. Contact us to schedule a complimentary phone consultation or learn more about how our trauma therapy services can support you on your journey towards healing, wellness, and wholeness.

Effective psychotherapy. Young black guy talking to his psychologist, receiving profession

Who We Work With

We specialize in trauma therapy for adults from diverse backgrounds, including:

BIPOC & Latinx Individuals navigating racial trauma, microaggressions, and intergenerational pain
LGBTQIA+ & Gender-Diverse Clients facing discrimination, rejection, or identity struggles
Survivors of Childhood Trauma, Abuse & Neglect who need a safe space to heal
Immigrants & First-Gen Individuals processing cultural trauma and identity conflicts
Activists, Therapists, & Healers experiencing burnout and vicarious trauma

No matter your story, your healing is valid. Whether you’re dealing with childhood trauma, racial trauma, identity-based trauma, relationship abuse, or systemic oppression, our therapists provide a safe, affirming, and nonjudgmental space for healing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Trauma Therapy

How effective is group therapy?

Group therapy has been proven effective in helping young adults deal with a broad range of issues from mild adjustment and developmental concerns to severe or chronic mental health concerns. It has been shown to be as effective as individual therapy, and for some issues, it can be even more effective than individual therapy.
How can group therapy be as effective as individual therapy?

Group therapy is typically just as effective as individual therapy for various reasons. First, most members identify with issues other members share and find they are helping themselves just by being present and processing the issues vicariously. Second, by listening, giving feedback, and engaging other group members about their concerns, you may also be practicing new ways of interacting. Third, group therapy offers the opportunity to get multiple perspectives and increased support from peers. Fourth, the group environment offers a safe a place to try out behaviors or new ways of being.
What kinds of people participate in therapy groups?

For many of these difficulties and concerns, group is the most effective therapy method for resolving that concern. Most often people participate in group therapy because they are having difficulties in their relationships or have something in their lives that they are finding painful and difficult to handle. Some examples of the types of personal issues that members bring to group are: Discomfort in social situations Lack of intimacy in relationships Anxiety Depression Family of origin problems Dissatisfaction with their friendships or romantic relationships Poor self-esteem and lack of self confidence
What does a typical group session look like?

My psychotherapy groups are typically unstructured. There isn't a specific topic for each group session, but of some of the groups may be target to specific group of individuals (e.g., women, men, or graduate students, etc). I provide an opportunity for a brief check-in at the start of the group, but after this check-in, it is the group members’ responsibility to bring any issues to the group that they feel are important, and a primary focus of therapy in the group is on the interactions among group members. Members are encouraged to give support and feedback to others, and to work with the reactions and responses that other members' contributions bring up for them.
How does group psychotherapy differ from a self-help group?

The psychotherapy group is different from support and self-help groups in that it not only helps people cope with their problems, but also provides for change and growth. Support groups help people cope with difficult situations at various times but are usually geared toward alleviating symptoms. Self-help groups usually focus on a particular shared symptom or situation and are usually not led by a trained therapist.
What is your role as the group therapist?

As the group therapist, I use my knowledge and experience to facilitate, promote, and monitor individual and group growth and change. During the initial sessions, I will focus on establishing norms and creating an atmosphere of trust, and safety so that group members will feel a sense of security in self-disclosure. As the group proceeds, I may direct the therapy as necessary, provide feedback and support, and help individuals identify themes which block personal growth. In an effort to increase interpersonal growth, I will also share my observations regarding relational dynamics, group dynamics, communication patterns, and share possible underlying feelings and meanings behind issues being dealt with or avoided. I will also work to strike a balance within the group so no one is dominating and no one goes unheard. I encourage you to request my assistance as needed during group sessions, and to openly share your reactions and thoughts concerning my role and interventions during group.
How does listening to other people’s problems helps me?

Group therapy is far more than the simple extension of individual treatment, with the group leader going from one person to the other in rapid succession. Just listening to another person's problem is rarely helpful to anyone, the listener or the person with the problem. Effective group therapy is more about the relationships that group members develop with each other in group and how these relationships trigger past relational patterns, both helpful and ineffective. Not only are group members able to identify their difficulties, they are able to identify their strengths and build on them. Far more important is the group becomes a vehicle for people to identify and deal with their own emotional blocks and limitations.
Do I need to receive individual therapy in addition to group therapy?

Sometimes group therapy is used as the main or only treatment approach. Sometimes it’s used along with individual therapy. Often people find that working simultaneously in both group and individual therapy stimulates growth in mutually complementary ways. Also, clients may see two different therapists for individual and group therapies.
What if I’m uncomfortable discussing my problems in front of others?

It’s not unusual to feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group, but soon you begin to develop feelings of interest and trust. Most clients find that group therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows them a chance to talk with others who are experiencing similar problems -- in a private, confidential setting. Most new members find that the group process quickly draws them in and they begin sharing in ways they had not expected. As the group therapist, I will help facilitate conversations and can help process whatever anxiety the group may be feeling.
Do I have to reveal all my deepest fears and feelings to the group?

No, you do not. You alone decide how much you want to share and no one can force you to reveal your secrets or feelings. Most group members tend to share more about themselves when they feel safe in the group. While I recognize that sharing can sometimes be uncomfortable, I also know that many members report getting more out of group when they decide to share more personal aspects of themselves. I encourage you to be aware of your pace for group involvement and to share when you feel comfortable doing so.
What kind of commitment do I need to make?

Our interpersonal process groups are long-term, open-ended process groups, unless otherwise stated. Each member commits to participate in the group for a minimum of 10 sessions. This agreement assures that the group process will not be disrupted by new members dropping in for one or two sessions and then dropping out. This agreement also ensures that you will make enough of a commitment to benefit from the group.
Ok, I think I'm ready to participate in group, what do I next?

Great! The next step is either to: Fill out an Appointment Request Form so that you can be connected with one of our group who will follow up with you to schedule a time for a brief phone call so that the two of you can decide if group may be a good fit for your needs. You can also contact the group therapist leading the group that you are interested directly via phone or email. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

You don’t have to carry your trauma alone. Therapy can help you reconnect with yourself, break cycles of pain, and move toward a future where you feel safe, empowered, and whole.

Request A Free Consultation