Trauma Therapist Oakland

Trauma Therapy for Anxious Adults

You are looking for trauma therapy in Oakland because…

Trauma has you existing in survival mode.

Your body is in a constant state of fear, and your mind races with thoughts. There’s often a heavy pressure weighing you down, making it difficult to connect with yourself. In moments of stress, you may feel detached, almost as if you're moving away from your own body. You might sense danger even when there isn’t any, lingering long after real threats have passed. This state of high alert can leave you feeling anxious and burnt out, pushing you toward a desire to shut down.

As a result, your body and mind feel disconnected. You may find yourself cut off from your feelings, having coped by suppressing them for so long out of fear that expressing them would worsen your situation. Numbness has become your default state, and when emotions do surface, they can feel overwhelming. To cope, you may seek distraction through mindless activities like eating, drinking, shopping, or scrolling, anything to avoid feeling the sadness or emptiness within.

Trauma tells you, you shouldn’t have needs.

As a child, you longed for the day when you could escape your home. To protect yourself and your family, you learned to suppress your own needs. Admitting them—whether to yourself or others—can feel shameful, even like a betrayal. Many of the choices you’ve made in life have centered around what would be best for others, often at the expense of your own needs and desires. You believe and resent the idea that you should be able to manage everything by yourself.

You Have Trouble Getting Close to People and when you do, it’s draining.

As a child, peace or safety were only possible when you were alone, so you withdrew from those around you. You guarded yourself against hurt by pretending you didn’t need anyone since others reliably let you down. This experience taught you not to trust others—or even yourself—and left you feeling profoundly isolated.

You often took on the role of caretaker for the adults in your life or protector for more vulnerable family members, and this childhood trauma has profoundly shaped your adult relationships. While you genuinely enjoy being there for those you care about, you struggle to let others in and feel uncomfortable sharing your past. 

Trauma has you you feeling lost and confused about who you are.

You often feel lost when trying to understand your own identity, which saddens you deeply. You wonder what might have been if you had received the support to prioritize your own needs instead of always trying to stay under the radar. You frequently compare yourself to others who seem to have it all figured out and seek their validation, which only erodes your confidence and makes it harder to assert your own needs. 

Although you have a keen eye for observing others, you struggle to see yourself in a positive light, often doubting your worth and feeling that no one truly likes you. This internal battle intensifies your sensitivity to criticism; you’re perpetually anxious that something will go wrong and it will be your fault. You second-guess yourself and fear that you’ll crumble under scrutiny. This cycle of self-doubt leaves you grappling with anxiety, making it difficult to accept feedback and deepening your confusion about who you are.

I’m Lara Clayman, a Trauma and Anxiety Therapist in Oakland

As a trauma therapist, I help people like you navigate those deep wounds, providing a space where you can finally feel safe to explore your emotions so that you can find release from the grip of trauma and be present in the life you are creating today. I take a psychodynamic approach, which means we get to the root of things. I’m not afraid to go there with you. I ask direct, sometimes challenging, questions because it’s how we uncover the deeper meaning of your experiences. But I do it with kindness, so you never feel judged or rushed. 

Heal through Trauma Therapy Oakland

Clients often share that they feel truly seen and understood for the first time in therapy, which opens the door to facing long-avoided issues. Many are surprised by the relief that washes over them as they begin to discuss their past and uncover family secrets that have weighed heavily on them. By tending to these old wounds, you too can reconnect not only with yourself but also with your loved ones.

This journey of trauma therapy will allow you to establish respectful and caring boundaries, often leading to unexpected warmth and support in return. As you learn to trust your own abilities to meet your needs and manage your emotions, my hope is that a sense of freedom will start to unfold. Together you will be empowered to embrace life more fully. I have faith in your natural capacity for healing and approach our work through an intersectional lens. This means, we’ll explore your unique identities and how they are influenced by systemic oppression. We’ll also focus on understanding personal, cultural, historical and systemic trauma together. If you’re ready to do this work,  I’ll help you make sense of your pain and find a path forward that feels right for you. Contact me below for a free consultation to start your healing journey through trauma therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy in Oakland

  • Trauma therapy is tailored to address the specific effects of traumatic experiences, focusing on healing the emotional and psychological wounds that linger from those events. Unlike traditional therapy, which may tackle a broader range of mental health issues, trauma therapy digs deeper into how trauma shapes your life, relationships, and sense of self. EMDR, brainspotting or somatic approaches often use specialized techniques to help you safely process and integrate those memories. Also, in trauma therapy, the therapeutic environment is designed to be especially supportive and attuned to your unique needs, creating a sense of safety and trust. This nurturing space allows for a deeper exploration of your experiences, paving the way for genuine healing and personal growth.


    I also integrate psychodynamic therapy with my trauma therapy.

    Psychodynamic psychotherapy with me is unique form of evidence-based trauma therapy. This method helps uncover how past traumas influence your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, allowing you to gain insight into patterns that may be holding you back. It will help you reconnect to your emotions and body in a safe, supportive environment.  We would lay the foundation for doing the hard work of healing by carefully establishing safety and trust before moving into exploring the deeper emotional and psychological layers of your experiences so you can process difficult emotions, begin healing and build resilience. By examining the connections between your past and present, you can develop profound self-awareness, integrate your experiences, and cultivate healthier coping mechanisms, ultimately paving the way for a more fulfilling life.

  • Figuring out whether you’re dealing with anxiety or trauma can be challenging, but there are key signs to look out for. Anxiety is our body’s response to stress and usually takes the form of fear or worries, restlessness, or physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat or having a hard time sleeping. 

    Traumatic experiences can include violence, abuse, neglect, the loss of a loved one, near-death experiences, and natural disasters. If you’re dealing with trauma, you might notice long-term effects such as unpredictable emotions, feeling on edge, emotional numbness, or being triggered by reminders of the past. You may experience flashbacks, replay those events, struggle with strained relationships, or suffer from physical symptoms like nausea or headaches. If you feel constantly on edge or a sense of helplessness, it’s important to explore these feelings. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, seeking support can help you understand what you’re going through.

    I’m here to help you identify the key signs to look for in trauma therapy. As a licensed clinical social worker and trauma therapist in Oakland , I specialize in helping people process their childhood trauma so they can free themselves from trauma that is locked into their bodies and replays in their minds.

  • I work with racial trauma and other multicultural issues as part of my practice.  Emotional and mental trauma and chronic stress from racial bias and discrimination deeply affects BIPOC mental health. Unlike other traumas that may have happened in the past, racial trauma is chronic and on-going trauma that occurs daily for oppressed groups of people.  

    In our sessions, we will explore the unique challenges you face related to cultural and racial dynamics, and how they are a source of and intersect with your trauma. We’ll seek to understand the impact of marginalization on your mind and body.  My approach is to create a safe and supportive space where we can address these complex layers together, helping you find healing and empowerment. If you’re ready to delve into these important topics, I’m here to support you on that journey.

  • In trauma therapy, you can expect a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your experiences at your own pace. We'll work together to uncover how your past impacts your present, helping you make sense of your feelings and reactions. We may use various techniques, such as talking through your memories, practicing mindfulness, or even engaging in somatic approaches to connect with your body. As we navigate this journey, you'll start to develop coping strategies and tools to manage your emotions more effectively. Ultimately, the goal is to help you heal and reclaim a sense of safety and empowerment in your life.

  • The duration of trauma therapy can vary widely depending on your individual needs and the complexity of your experiences. Some people may find relief in just a few sessions, while others might benefit from a longer-term approach to fully process their trauma. Typically, therapy can range from several weeks to several months, and it’s important to move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We’ll regularly check in about your progress and adjust the focus and frequency of sessions as needed, ensuring that the process aligns with your healing journey. Ultimately, the goal is to provide you with the tools and support you need for lasting recovery.

  • You might consider trauma therapy if you’re struggling with intense emotions, flashbacks, or feelings of numbness related to a distressing experience. If past events are interfering with your daily life, relationships, or sense of self, therapy can be a valuable space for healing. It’s also a good fit if you find yourself avoiding reminders of the trauma or feeling constantly on edge. Trust your instincts—if you sense that your experiences are impacting you more than you’d like, exploring trauma therapy can help you understand and process those feelings. Remember, seeking support is a courageous step towards reclaiming your well-being. Contact me for a free 15 min consultation.

 

Get started with trauma therapy serving Oakland & California by booking your free consult today.