Los Angeles Trauma Therapy
Trauma Therapist Los Angeles
Hi, my name is Dr. Nicole Moshfegh, and I’m a clinical psychologist and therapist specializing in trauma with a particular expertise on what is called “complex trauma.”
You may be feeling anxious, fatigued, or on edge a lot of the time, struggle with your self esteem and self worth, and have a hard time trusting yourself or others. You may have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or multiple events throughout your life and worry that no one will understand you or what you have been through. I understand, and I’m here to help.
I help people who have experienced trauma improve their relationship with themselves and learn how to function more optimally in their relationships, at work, and in their lives in general. I guide people to better understand how the trauma(s) they have endured have impacted them and aid them in reclaiming their lives by increasing their clarity into their own needs and wants, assisting them in developing better boundaries, and expanding their ability to embrace and experience moments of joy again.
If you’re ready to start feeling better, schedule a complimentary consultation with me today.
My Approach to Trauma Therapy Los Angeles
I know how incredibly challenging it can be to find a therapist specializing in trauma who is a good fit. I am hoping that you landed here because you are one step closer to finding someone who can help you with what you are facing.
Over the years I have become well known in the sleep field for helping many people achieve a healthier relationship to their sleep as well as improve the quality of their sleep.
Although I love helping people sleep better, more often than not, people choose to continue to work with me because there may be deeper issues they are wanting to explore. The majority of individuals I work with on an on-going basis tend to identify as high-achievers and, in particular, are xennials, millennials or Gen Z women and young adults. They tend to also identify as people of color, LGBTQIA+, children of immigrants, or first/second-generation immigrants. Many are dealing with both intergenerational as well as first-hand trauma. Many have had a hard time finding a therapist who can connect with them and their unique struggles.
Because of the lack of education we receive on therapy as a society, many people don’t know how important “fit” is when looking for a therapist. And, even if they do know, it can be very difficult to know what to look for to find the “right fit.” This can be a very discouraging process.
As a therapist specializing in trauma, what I have personally found to be most important when deciding goodness of fit, beyond credentials, experience, and areas of expertise, is whether your therapist has “lived experience” in the pain points in your life. In other words, do they get it? Have they been through or experienced similar things and have they done enough work on themselves to be able to help you? It would be impossible to find someone who has the same exact experiences in every area of course and we don’t need to have perfection, but some overlap is important.
As a first generation Iranian American woman, child of immigrants, and descendant of an ethnic and religious minority group I, too, have experienced multiple traumas throughout my life, especially due to my heritage and intersecting identities. I know what it is like to simultaneously minimize the traumas I have endured while wishing someone could help me move through it at the same time. I have had the confusing experience of holding both compassion and anger towards my parents at once. I’ve also had moments of wishing for a quick fix while finding ways to trust in the therapy process at the same time.
Throughout my journey I’ve learned how to embrace my bi-cultural identity and better understand myself, my experiences, and the experiences of those around me. I’ve both done the work and understand that growth is a continual process. I know that this has all led to my purpose in life, which is hopefully to help you.
People that I work with describe me as caring, genuine, and down to earth. I may have some overlap in experiences with you, but I never assume that we have experienced things in the same way. I try to connect with my clients on a deeper level and listen with the utmost compassion. I offer suggestions or guidance when needed but believe that you will ultimately know what’s best for you. I often ask the difficult questions. I don’t expect you to have the answer, but I do hope that I can help you uncover your own answers.
Because every person who enters therapy is unique, I do not believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach. While I have been trained as a scientist-practitioner and believe it is important to stay up to date on the latest research and trainings, I also believe it is important to meet people where they are and adapt when necessary. For this reason, I use a combination of insight-oriented/psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness-based approaches and adapt as needed depending on the person, their intersecting identities, environment, preferences, and culture(s).
I have both the personal and professional experience to help you move through your current pain and struggles and find your way to increased peace, joy, and understanding. If you’re ready to find out how I might be able to help you, reach out for a consultation today.
Los Angeles Trauma Therapy FAQs
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how do I know if I have it?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event(s). Traumatic events can include things like sexual assault, wars/revolutions, natural disasters, accidents, being the target of oppression or racism, or any other event that is perceived as life-threatening or emotionally distressing. You can also develop trauma symptoms after hearing about how a loved one or someone you may share identities with has experienced a traumatic event(s). Trauma impacts people in different ways and some individuals are more susceptible to developing PTSD than others.
The primary symptoms of PTSD can be grouped into four categories:
Intrusion Symptoms:
Recurrent, intrusive, and distressing memories of the traumatic event.
Distressing dreams related to the trauma.
Flashbacks, where you feel like you are reliving the traumatic event.
Severe emotional distress or physical reactions when reminded of the trauma.
Avoidance Symptoms:
Efforts to avoid reminders of the trauma, such as avoiding places, people, or activities associated with the event.
Avoidance of thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event.
Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others.
A sense of a limited future, like you don't expect to live a normal life span.
Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition:
Negative thoughts and feelings about oneself or others.
Inability to experience positive emotions.
Feeling emotionally numb or detached.
Difficulty in maintaining close relationships.
Memory problems, particularly with regard to the traumatic event.
Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms:
Irritability, anger, or aggressive behavior.
Hypervigilance, where you are constantly on guard for threats.
Exaggerated startle response.
Problems with concentration and sleep disturbances.
Some people may only experience a few of these symptoms, while others may experience most or all of them. If you suspect you might have PTSD, it's important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional who specializes in trauma. A therapist or psychologist can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether you meet the criteria for PTSD or another trauma or stressor related disorder. Finding the right treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of PTSD on your daily functioning.
What is Complex Trauma or Complex PTSD?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop in people who have experienced prolonged and repeated trauma throughout their lives, often in the context of interpersonal relationships or due to historical and/or systemic issues. While it shares some similarities with classic PTSD, there are some differences that distinguish it.
C-PTSD is often associated with situations where an individual has endured chronic and recurring trauma over an extended period of time. Some examples include but are not limited to the following:
Repeated Childhood Abuse: This can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse experienced during childhood, which can often occur within a family or familiar setting.
Long-term Domestic Violence: Survivors of abusive relationships (not limited to physical abuse) where the abuse occurred over an extended period may develop C-PTSD.
War and Prolonged Conflict: Soldiers and civilians who have endured long periods of war, revolution, captivity, or ongoing violence may develop C-PTSD.
Childhood Neglect: Prolonged neglect, where a child's emotional or physical needs are consistently unmet, can contribute to C-PTSD.
C-PTSD can manifest with symptoms similar to PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hyperarousal. However, it can also often include additional symptoms and challenges, including:
Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty managing and regulating emotions, which can lead to mood swings and emotional reactivity.
Disturbances in Self-Identity: A compromised sense of self and identity and worth, often stemming from a prolonged experience of powerlessness and victimization.
Chronic Shame and Guilt: A persistent feeling of shame, guilt, and worthlessness, often related to the trauma and its effects.
Difficulty in Relationships: Struggles in forming and maintaining healthy relationships, including trust issues and difficulties with attachment.
Dissociation: Experiencing periods of detachment from reality, oneself, or one's surroundings as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or memories.
Somatic Symptoms: Physical symptoms and health problems that may be linked to the stress and trauma experienced.
Treatment for C-PTSD typically involves specialized therapy approaches, such as:
Trauma-focused therapy: Therapies like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) can help individuals process traumatic memories and develop coping strategies.
Insight-Oriented or Psychodynamic Therapy: This approach can help address issues related to self-identity and attachment difficulties.
C-PTSD can be a debilitating experience, but with the right treatment and support, people can make significant progress in their recovery and improve their overall well-being. If you suspect you may be experiencing C-PTSD, it will be very beneficial to seek help from a mental health professional experienced in trauma-related disorders.
Source
What is intergenerational trauma?
Intergenerational trauma, also known as transgenerational trauma or ancestral trauma, refers to the transfer or transmission of trauma and its effects across generations within families or communities. Psychological and emotional wounds resulting from traumatic experiences can be passed down from one generation to the next which can not only affect the individuals who directly experienced the trauma but also their descendants.
Some key aspects of intergenerational trauma include:
Historical Trauma: Often, intergenerational trauma is rooted in historical events that have had a profound impact on a particular group of people. Examples include slavery, genocide, colonization, wars, forced displacement, and cultural oppression. These events can result in long-lasting psychological and emotional scars.
Transmission Mechanisms: The transmission of trauma can occur through various mechanisms, including family dynamics, cultural norms, and societal factors. For example, trauma survivors may inadvertently pass on their trauma to their children through their behaviors, emotional patterns, and parenting styles.
Epigenetics: Some research suggests that trauma can influence gene expression and potentially be passed down through changes in DNA methylation and other epigenetic mechanisms. This means that the effects of trauma may be embedded in the genes and inherited by offspring.
Cultural and Collective Memory: Traumatic events can become part of a community's or culture's collective memory and identity, influencing beliefs, traditions, and narratives. These cultural aspects can contribute to the intergenerational transmission of trauma.
Symptoms and Effects: Descendants of trauma survivors may experience a range of psychological and emotional symptoms, similar to those seen in individuals who directly experienced the trauma. These can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, substance abuse issues, and difficulties with trust and relationships.
While intergenerational trauma can be a significant challenge, individuals and communities can also demonstrate resilience and engage in healing processes. Recognizing and addressing the trauma, seeking therapy from a trauma specialist, fostering cultural connections, and supporting each other can aid in breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma.
How will I know if trauma therapy is helping?
Knowing if trauma therapy is helping can vary from person to person and often depends on your specific goals and the nature of the trauma you have experienced.
That being said, there are some signs and indicators to look out for to assess whether trauma therapy is helping:
Reduction in Symptoms: One of the most tangible signs that therapy is working is a noticeable reduction in the symptoms related to your trauma. These symptoms might include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness (see above). As therapy progresses, these symptoms should become less intense and/or less frequent.
Improved Coping Skills: Effective trauma therapy often equips you with new coping skills to manage triggers and stressors related to your trauma. You may find that you're better able to handle distressing situations or emotions and have healthier ways of dealing with them.
Increased Emotional Regulation: Therapy can help you become more in control of your emotions. You might notice that you have fewer emotional outbursts or that you can express your feelings in a more balanced and controlled manner.
Enhanced Self-Understanding: As therapy unfolds, you may gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your trauma, and its impact on your life. This increased self-awareness can be a significant sign of progress.
Improved Relationships: Therapy can often lead to improved relationships with others. You may find that you're better at setting boundaries, communicating effectively, and forming healthier connections with friends and family members.
Increased Resilience: Over time, you may develop greater resilience, meaning you can bounce back from setbacks and adversity more effectively. This resilience can help you navigate future challenges with greater confidence.
Positive Feedback from Others: People close to you, such as friends and family, may notice positive changes in your behavior, mood, and overall well-being. Their observations can provide valuable external validation that therapy is making a difference.
Feeling Safer: A significant part of healing from trauma is feeling safer in your own body and in the world. As therapy progresses, you may notice a growing sense of safety and a reduction in hypervigilance.
Better Quality of Life: Ultimately, successful trauma therapy should contribute to an improved overall quality of life. You might find that you're more engaged in activities you enjoy, have a greater sense of purpose, and experience a higher level of life satisfaction.
It's important to keep in mind that progress in trauma therapy can be gradual and nonlinear. Some sessions may feel more productive than others, and setbacks can occur. Additionally, therapy may bring up difficult emotions as you explore traumatic memories and their impact.
Regular communication with your therapist is essential. If you have doubts about whether therapy is helping or if you're experiencing any concerns or challenges, discussing them with your therapist can lead to adjustments in your treatment plan. Remember that healing from trauma is a process, and it can be very beneficial to seek ongoing support and guidance from an experienced trauma-informed therapist to achieve your goals.
Get help from a Los Angeles Trauma Therapist
I understand how hard it can be to know where to start and who you can trust to help you in your recovery. Please know that you are not alone in feeling lost or stuck and that the right therapist can help you get back home to yourself and the life you have always deserved. I am here to help you find your way and hope that you will reach out for a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs in more depth.