La Tanya Wallace, NP
and Associates
Online Therapy & Coaching
PTSD/Trauma Therapy
& EMDR
Whether it's painful echoes of the past that ripple through your every step, a heaviness that weighs upon your soul or the persistent shadows that haunt your thoughts, you deserve to find healing from trauma.
How can I tell if I
have trauma?
Trauma can wreak havoc on your work, social life, relationships, friendships and overall quality of life. No two people will react to traumatic situations the same. Because of this, trauma symptoms will vary greatly from person to person.
Some trauma symptoms that you may be noticing include:
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Repeated, distressing or vivid recollections of the traumatic event(s) that resurface involuntarily, often through nightmares or flashbacks.
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A strong desire to avoid anything that reminds you of the trauma, including people, places, activities or conversations. You may also feel emotionally numb, detached or have difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
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Persistent feelings of being on edge, easily startled or constantly alert for potential danger. You may have trouble concentrating, experience irritability, have difficulty sleeping or exhibit an exaggerated startle response.
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Persistent negative emotions, such as sadness, guilt, shame, anger or fear. You may have a distorted sense of self-worth, feelings of hopelessness, or a pessimistic outlook on life.
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Sudden and intense emotional or physical reactions to triggers that remind you of the traumatic event(s). These reactions can include panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling or difficulty breathing.
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Struggles with forming and maintaining healthy relationships, trust issues, social withdrawal or feeling disconnected from others.
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Unexplained physical symptoms or complaints such as headaches, digestive issues, chronic pain or compromised immune system functioning.
Understanding Trauma
We all have a survival mechanism embedded into our very DNA - most of us know it as our “fight or flight” response. This innate survival mechanism, rooted in our primal instincts, is designed to protect us from imminent danger. However, when we’re subjected to one instance of trauma after another or stress that continues to compound, this system becomes dysregulated, throwing our emotional and physiological responses into disarray.
Everyday stimuli that once posed no threat can now send our bodies into a state of alarm, flooding us with adrenaline and cortisol. The heightened sensitivity of our nervous system keeps us in a perpetual state of readiness, as if danger lurks around every corner.
Trauma can also lead to the opposite extreme, where the fight-or-flight system becomes depleted and exhausted. Repeated exposure to overwhelming stressors depletes our inner resources, leaving us feeling numb, disconnected and detached from our surroundings. Our fight-or-flight response loses its vitality, and we may find ourselves trapped in a state of freeze or dissociation.
Are you struggling to cope with the lingering effects of trauma, feeling overwhelmed and finding it difficult to navigate daily life?
Living with chronic trauma is like carrying a heavy burden that infiltrates every aspect of your being. It's an invisible weight that taints your thoughts, distorts your emotions and erodes your sense of self. You’re here because you know that you deserve better and want to find freedom from the symptoms that haunt you.
Through a holistic approach that combines EMDR, medical and mental health interventions, our therapists will walk alongside you on your healing journey.
EMDR Therapy
FOR TRAUMA TREATMENT
Our holistic trauma treatment approach incorporates a range of techniques, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is a noninvasive psychotherapy technique to specifically target and rewrite traumatic memories, releasing their hold on you.
During an EMDR therapy session, your therapist will guide you as you process through a painful memory or experience while simultaneously engaging in bilateral eye movements. This guided eye movement aims to replicate the eye movement patterns experienced during dreaming, facilitating the processing of traumatic memories and experiences. By pairing this technique with calming skills, you can reprocess those traumatic memories at a safe emotional distance, without reliving them fully or becoming overwhelmed by them.
We continue to do this guided eye movement until you no longer feel distressed or panicked when focusing on the traumatic experience/event. The goal of EMDR is to enable your sense of power and confidence by helping you develop emotional resilience and easing troubling trauma symptoms.
FAQ About EMDR and Trauma Treatment
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In an EMDR session, you can expect a structured and supportive therapeutic process aimed at resolving traumatic experiences. The session begins with establishing safety and rapport, followed by identifying target memories. Your therapist will teach you coping skills and relaxation techniques to manage distress. The core treatment phase involves desensitization and reprocessing of the targeted memories using bilateral stimulation (side to side eye movements or tapping). Throughout the session, you’ll maintain dual awareness, holding the memory while staying present in the room with me. We’ll systematically approach the traumatic memories that steal your focus, stripping them of their power over you. At the end of the hour, progress is assessed, and each session concludes with closure and self-care.
EMDR offers a comprehensive approach to trauma therapy, promoting healing and integration while providing coping skills and support.
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Trauma treatment is an investment in your quality of life, and you should know that I am invested in helping you overcome your trauma as quickly as possible.
Rates:
80 minute session:
$250 for individuals (includes medication management as warranted).
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My office is located in the Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego for in-office treatment.
I also offer EMDR teletherapy to clients living anywhere in California, Oregon, Arizona, Texas, Florida and many surrounding states.
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Absolutely! I use other techniques such as trauma-informed IFS therapy, lifestyle management and naturopathic suggestions like supplements to handle the physical manifestations of trauma and, when needed, prescription medication. The goal of holistic trauma treatment is to understand trauma and your reaction to it from all angles, as well as teach you how to reduce the impact on other areas of your life. I want to give you the best chance possible to overcome trauma’s power over you once and for all!
Your trauma treatment plan may encompass a range of therapeutic approaches and supportive interventions, tailored to your specific needs and preferences. These may include:
Trauma-focused therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to create a safe space for exploring and reframing anxious thoughts and behaviors.
Mindfulness and meditation practices to cultivate present-moment awareness, promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Deep breathing exercises to facilitate relaxation, prepare the body for EMDR and regulate the body's stress response.
Encouragement to engage in regular exercise and physical activity, which can release endorphins, improve mood and support the body's natural healing process.
Nutrition counseling to educate about healthy eating habits and a balanced diet, providing adequate nutrients to support overall well-being and stabilize mood.
A discussion about sleep hygiene practices to establish a consistent and restful sleep routine, allowing for adequate rest and restoration.
Consideration of dietary supplements that support a healthy nervous system, promote emotional balance and aid in the healing process.
Exploration of naturopathic products, such as herbal or homeopathic remedies known for their calming effects.
Medication management, if appropriate, to address specific symptoms and any co-occurring mental health concerns like anxiety or depression.
Spiritual counseling to explore the spiritual dimensions of life, find meaning and foster inner peace on the path to healing from trauma.
Assessment for the potential benefits of emotional support animals, providing companionship, comfort and support during the healing journey.
Weight loss counseling, if relevant, to address unhelpful trauma coping strategies that center on food and body image.
Referrals to complementary therapies like acupuncture, yoga, aromatherapy and massage, which can provide additional support in the healing process and promote overall well-being.
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The timeline for improvement varies greatly depending on your level of motivation, dedication to healing, and the duration of the trauma you've experienced. Trauma treatment is a highly individualized process influenced by various factors. However, it's important to note that you will begin acquiring skills and tools to improve your quality of life from the very first session. EMDR treatment, in particular, is known for its ability to provide quick and lasting relief from distressing trauma symptoms.
Take Back Your Power With EMDR Trauma Treatment In San Diego & Nationwide
Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Schedule your initial consultation today and start your journey towards healing and personal growth.
La Tanya Wallace, NP
and Associates
Therapy in CA & Coaching Nationwide
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