Trauma Therapy for People Who Feel Stuck, in Fair Oaks, CA & Online in California
You may already understand your trauma story.
You may know where patterns come from.
And yet your body still reacts as if the past is happening now.
Trauma therapy that helps your nervous system complete what never had the chance to finish, so your present life can truly change.
Free 20-minute video consultation available.
Healing from trauma is possible.
What This Work Focuses On:
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Reducing emotional reactivity and shutdown
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Reprocessing trauma without overwhelm
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Increasing capacity for connection, rest, and choice
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Helping insight translate into lived change
Approach:
I use EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and KAP to work with trauma in a way that is structured, attuned, and paced, while still moving forward.
This work may fit well if…
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You’ve been in therapy before but feel stalled, or you're looking for a focused approach
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You want depth with direction
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You’re ready to engage in focused trauma work
Hi, I'm Suzanne Cross, LCSW
Many people come to me after therapy has been helpful, yet something still feels stuck. Others are beginning therapy and are looking for a more structured, trauma-focused way to start. I draw from holistic, evidence-based approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and KAP. My work supports clients in processing trauma, easing anxiety and depression, and reconnecting with a steadier sense of self. I create a collaborative, carefully paced space where healing unfolds through safety, clarity, and meaningful change.
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Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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Education: Master of Social Work, University of Southern California
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Additional specialties: Relational trauma, attachment issues, developmental trauma, post traumatic stress disorder, codependency and/or people-pleasing, childhood emotional neglect, somatic awareness
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Location: Fair Oaks and Virtual
Finding the Right Fit: Trauma and Therapy Approaches That Help
Healing from trauma looks different for everyone. I offer trauma therapy grounded in both compassion and research, with a thoughtful blend of approaches to support lasting change. Many clients I work with have tried therapy before and gained insight, yet still feel stuck in emotional or relational patterns. Trauma treatment often requires more than talk therapy alone.
Traditional “top-down” approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and elements of Cognitive Processing Therapy, focus on understanding thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and learning tools to manage symptoms. These approaches can be helpful for building awareness, coping skills, and emotional regulation.
Alongside these methods, I specialize in trauma-focused, “bottom-up” mental health services that work directly with the nervous system and the body. These approaches help address how trauma is stored and experienced beyond conscious thought, which is often where long-standing patterns originate.
Trauma Therapy EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
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A gentle, step-by-step process tailored to your nervous system’s capacity
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Support for healing emotional and physical symptoms of trauma
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A focus on your internal strengths and resources, not just your pain
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A collaborative relationship where you’re always in control of the pace
Trauma Therapy IFS (Internal Family Systems)
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A non-pathologizing, evidence-based approach to trauma therapy that views the mind as made up of many different “parts,” each with its own perspective and emotion.
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A focus on building a compassionate relationship with these parts - especially the ones carrying pain, fear, or shame - so that healing can happen from the inside out.
Trauma Therapy Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is an emerging, research-supported approach that can help loosen rigid trauma patterns and increase access to insight, emotional flexibility, and self-compassion.
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Used intentionally as part of a broader trauma treatment plan
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Can support clients who feel “stuck” despite prior therapy
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Emphasizes careful preparation, integration, and therapeutic support
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Offered with attention to safety, pacing, and meaning-making
KAP is not a standalone solution, but when thoughtfully integrated, it can complement trauma therapy by creating new possibilities for healing and perspective.
What is Trauma?
Psychological trauma stems from several types of events, including accidents, loss, physical or sexual abuse, violence or sexual assault, and the profound impact of having an emotionally unavailable, demanding, or hyper-critical parent, sibling, partner, or friend.
Essentially, trauma encompasses any deeply distressing experience that overwhelms an individual's capacity to cope, leaving enduring emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical scars.
The aftermath of trauma may manifest in various forms, including:
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Few memories, no memories, or intrusive memories
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Feeling unreal, disconnected, or out of your body
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Hypervigilance, irritability, anxiety, or panic attacks
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Chronic pain, headaches, or insomnia
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Substance abuse and eating disorders
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Depression and hopelessness
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Nightmares and flashbacks
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Shame and worthlessness
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Emotional overwhelm or numbing
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Challenges in forming trusting relationships
Can trauma therapy help you?
It’s not uncommon for individuals to instinctively downplay the effects of childhood trauma or a recent traumatic event as a way to cope with overwhelming experiences. You might find yourself minimizing or feeling confused about the impact of what you've been through, especially if your trauma didn’t involve overt stressors like abuse or violence. You’re not alone in feeling this way—many people try to move past their pain without fully acknowledging it.
However, recent research and countless client stories reveal that emotional trauma, even if it seems less dramatic, can be profoundly impactful. Trauma can shape your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in ways you might not fully recognize. You might experience lingering anxiety, relationship difficulties, or a general sense of being overwhelmed.
Whether your goal is to recover from childhood trauma or a more recent traumatic event, trauma therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore these feelings and experiences. It can help you uncover the deeper effects of your trauma, understand how it influences your daily life, and develop effective strategies to heal and move forward. By working with a therapist, you can start to address the underlying issues that may be holding you back and learn to reclaim your sense of well-being.
Reduce PTSD Symptoms
Improve Emotional Regulation and Distress Tolerance
Improve Emotional Regulation
Decrease Anxiety and Depression
Enhance Coping Skills
Promote Positive Self-Perception
Support Overall Well-being
TRAUMA THERAPY AIMS TO RESTORE BALANCE
The Science Behind Trauma and Healing
Understanding how trauma affects the brain and body can offer hope and clarity about the healing process. Here’s a look at how trauma impacts us and how therapy can help:
How Trauma Affects the Brain. Trauma can influence how we process emotions and handle stress. Key areas involved include:
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The Amygdala: This part of the brain helps us respond to emotions and perceive threats. After trauma, it might become more sensitive, which can make you feel more anxious or fearful. The good news is that therapy can help calm this response over time.
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The Hippocampus: This area helps with forming memories and making sense of our experiences. Trauma can affect its function, but therapy can support its healing and improve memory and learning.
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The Prefrontal Cortex: This part is crucial for decision-making and self-control. Trauma might make it harder to focus and manage impulses, but therapeutic techniques can help restore its balance and function.
The Body’s Response to Trauma. Trauma triggers a natural stress response, preparing your body to deal with immediate challenges:
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Stress Hormones: Trauma increases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can affect your overall health. Trauma therapy can help manage these stress responses and promote healing.
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Nervous System Balance: Your nervous system might feel out of balance after trauma, leading to feelings of hyper-alertness or disconnection. Therapy can help restore calm and stability.
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Physical Health: Prolonged stress from trauma can impact physical health, but addressing trauma through therapy can lead to improvements in well-being and vitality.
Research and Hopeful Outcomes. Recent research shows that trauma therapy can be incredibly effective in fostering recovery and well-being:
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Brain Healing: The brain has a remarkable ability to adapt and heal, known as neuroplasticity. Therapy can support this process, helping you build new, healthier patterns of thinking and feeling.
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Effective Therapy Approaches: Techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems) are designed to address trauma in a way that promotes healing and emotional resilience.
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Positive Change: Studies have demonstrated that trauma therapy can lead to significant improvements in emotional balance, quality of life, and overall happiness.
Therapy is a supportive journey towards healing and regaining control, and with the support of an empathetic, trained therapist, you can move towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
APPROACH
What does a trauma therapy session look like?
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Initial Consultation
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Our first meeting is an opportunity to discuss your experiences and goals. We’ll explore your history and current challenges to create a personalized therapy plan. You can talk with me about any questions or concerns you have and I will support you each step of the way.
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Session Structure and Techniques
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Active Participation and Self-Care
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Active collaboration between you and your therapist is key to your progress. I encourage you to communicate openly about your experiences and practice self-care between meetings. This collaboration supports your journey toward healing and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trauma Therapy
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