Childhood Trauma & Complex PTSD Therapy
(Online Therapy in California)
If you grew up having to stay on alert, minimize your needs, or cope alone, your nervous system may still be protecting you today. You might look “fine” on the outside while feeling anxious, shut down, or stuck in survival mode internally. Trauma-informed therapy can help you feel safer in your body, steadier in relationships, and more confident in daily life.
Serving California residents via online therapy (clients must be physically located in California at the time of session).
Schedule a free consultation through my secure ClientSecure scheduler. We’ll briefly talk about what you’re experiencing and decide what support fits best.
You may notice:
Hypervigilance, anxiety, or feeling on edge even when life is calm
People-pleasing, fawning, or difficulty saying no
Shame, self-blame, or feeling like something is wrong with you
Emotional shutdown, numbness, or dissociation
Strong reactions to conflict, criticism, or authority figures
Difficulty trusting, letting people in, or feeling safe in closeness
Perfectionism, overthinking, or feeling responsible for others
Exhaustion from carrying everything alone
If any of this resonates, you’re not alone.
You might be living with childhood trauma or complex PTSD if you notice
Childhood trauma and complex trauma do not always come from one event. Often, it comes from repeated experiences over time, especially in relationships where you did not feel consistently safe, seen, or protected.
Why childhood trauma can affect the nervous system for years
When you grow up in an environment that feels unpredictable, emotionally unsafe, or overwhelming, your nervous system adapts. It learns strategies to protect you, such as staying alert, shrinking your needs, becoming “easy,” or disconnecting from feelings.
These patterns can become automatic. This is why your body can react before your brain can catch up, and why you may feel stuck in survival mode even when you are safe now.
Your body isn’t broken. It’s trying to protect you.
What therapy can help you move toward
Therapy can support the shift from survival to safety. Many clients hope to move toward:
Feeling calmer and safer in their body
Less hypervigilance, fewer triggers, and less shutdown
More self-trust and confidence in everyday life
Stronger boundaries and the ability to say no without fear
Less shame and more compassion toward yourself
Healthier relationships that feel more secure and connected
A sense of identity that is not defined by what you survived
Healing is not about blaming your past. It’s about giving your nervous system new experiences of safety.
What working together looks like
We work at a pace that supports your nervous system. You can expect:
A collaborative approach that prioritizes safety, consent, and choice
Support with grounding and nervous system regulation
Identifying patterns, triggers, and protective responses without judgment
Space to process what happened in a steady, contained way
EMDR as an option when appropriate and when you are ready
We do not rush the work. We build stability first.
EMDR as an option (when appropriate)
EMDR can be a helpful part of complex trauma work when used thoughtfully. If EMDR is a good fit, it can help process memories and reduce the intensity of triggers so your nervous system no longer reacts as if the past is still happening.
Online therapy for California residents
I provide online therapy to clients who are physically located in California at the time of session. Telehealth can be a supportive option for trauma work, especially when sessions are paced and focused on safety and nervous system support.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Complex PTSD often refers to trauma symptoms that develop from repeated experiences over time, especially in relationships, and can include hypervigilance, shame, shutdown, and relationship difficulties.
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No. We go at a pace that feels safe. You share what you are ready to share.
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Yes. Many people seek therapy years later when patterns still show up in relationships, self-worth, and nervous system responses.
You deserve support that helps you feel safe in your body and confident in your life.
Schedule a free consultation through my secure ClientSecure scheduler. We’ll briefly talk about what you’re experiencing and decide what support fits best.
Your Los Angeles, CA Therapist for Trauma Recovery
Hi, I’m Jalyse Stewart, an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist dedicated to helping those heal from the lasting impact of trauma. Whether your trauma shows up as shame, disconnection, difficulty trusting others, or feeling unsafe in your own body you don’t have to face it alone.
For years, I’ve walked alongside survivors who appear strong and capable on the outside, but inside are carrying the weight of memories, fear, and pain that never should have been theirs to hold.
Here’s why I’m passionate about this work: I know how childhood sexual abuse can plant deep wounds making you question your worth, silence your voice, and keep you in survival mode long after the abuse has ended. I believe you deserve more than just surviving. You deserve safety, wholeness, and the freedom to reclaim your life. I’m here to help you get there, at your pace, in a space that honors your story.
