Trauma responses are real.
UNDERSTANDING PTSD
PTSD can affect the nervous system, sleep, memory, emotions, relationships, physical comfort, and your sense of safety. Some people notice symptoms immediately; others months later.
A response to real danger
PTSD can follow experiencing or witnessing a serious threat to safety.
Symptoms may be delayed
Some people only recognize them weeks or months later.
Evaluation comes first
Depression, panic, grief, and sleep disorders can overlap.
A SIMPLE WAY TO THINK ABOUT IT
The alarm stays switched on
The thinking brain handles perspective and reasoning; the survival brain reacts quickly with fight, flight, freeze, or shutdown. After trauma, that survival system may stay on high alert long after the danger is over — so a sound, smell, or tone of voice can trigger a large reaction.
It does not look the same for everyone.
COMMON PATTERNS
Hypervigilance
Scanning for danger, checking exits, avoiding crowds, or needing control.
Emotional numbness
Feeling distant from yourself, others, or activities you once enjoyed.
Sleep & nighttime distress
Nightmares, frequent waking, fear of sleep, or feeling unsafe at night.
Dissociation
Feeling detached from your body, emotions, surroundings, or sense of time.
Could these be trauma-related symptoms?
COMMON SIGNS
Unwanted memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
Strong reactions to reminders
Avoiding places, people, or conversations
Staying constantly busy or emotionally numb
Intrusion & avoidance
Guilt, shame, fear, anger, or sadness
Difficulty trusting or feeling close to others
Being easily startled or scanning for danger
Trouble sleeping, concentrating, or slowing down
Mood & reactivity
WHAT MAY CONTRIBUTE
There is rarely one single cause. Evaluation looks at the full picture before any treatment is recommended.
The nature and severity of the trauma exposure
Earlier trauma, childhood adversity, or prolonged stress
Individual differences in the stress response
Limited support, ongoing danger, or repeated reminders
HOW WE CAN HELP
Care built on your evaluation.
Trauma-informed evaluation
We move at your pace, reviewing symptoms, safety, sleep, health, and daily functioning.
Medication review
When appropriate, we discuss options for sleep, nightmares, arousal, and mood, with clear follow-up.
Therapy referral & coordination
We refer to trauma-focused therapists and coordinate care with your permission.
Stabilization & support
Brief supportive work focused on safety, grounding, sleep, and daily structure.
01
You share what has been happening. We review your history, health, sleep, medications, and daily functioning.
We listen and review
02
We discuss whether this concern — or something else — better explains your symptoms.
We clarify
03
We plan together
We review options, agree on next steps, and set a follow-up rhythm that fits your life.
Start with an evaluation.
Telehealth throughout California, with in-person and mobile visits in Los Angeles County. Free 15-minute consultation.
An evaluation does not guarantee a PTSD diagnosis or a prescription. Recommendations are based on your history, symptoms, health, safety, and daily functioning.