TRAUMA THERAPY IN AGOURA HILLS, CA
Julie Klamon, LMFT - Trauma Therapist
Trauma therapy helps children, teens, and adults process distressing experiences and reduce symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. Treatment focuses on helping you feel safe again, develop effective coping strategies, and regain control over your daily life.
I have over 20 years of experience working with children, families, and adults who have experienced various forms of trauma. I specialize in assisting patients in overcoming the effects of their trauma.
If you are experiencing symptoms of trauma that are affecting your daily life, therapy can help. I use evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, somatic work, and relaxation exercises to help clients process their experiences and reduce the hold trauma has on their lives.
Children who experience trauma often show anxiety, behavioral changes, and difficulty trusting others. Adults may struggle with flashbacks, emotional numbness, or difficulty in relationships. Regardless of when the trauma occurred, recovery is possible with the right support.
Causes of Trauma
Trauma is a type of psychological injury that can occur as a result of a variety of experiences, such as:
- Sexual abuse
- Natural disasters
- Accidents
- Physical abuse
- Neglect
- Car Accidents
- The unexpected death of a loved one
- Bullying
- Witnessing violence
- Experiencing violence or a crime
- Witnessing a severe injury to another person
- Experiencing a serious injury
Trauma can be extremely distressing and interfere with daily activities such as work, school, and relationships.
Symptoms of Trauma May Include
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Irritability or anger outbursts
- Hypervigilance or difficulty feeling safe
- Avoidance of activities or places that may trigger memories of the trauma
- Difficulty trusting others
Types of Therapy Offered:
I offer Individual and family therapy to those that have experienced trauma.
- Individual Therapy is a one-on-one setting where clients can discuss their experiences and feelings. Clients work through the effects of their trauma and develop concrete coping strategies at their own pace.
- Family Therapy - is a form of therapy that helps families address and resolve issues that may have arisen due to the trauma. It benefits the trauma survivor and other family members who may have been affected by it. Family members can work through the impact of the trauma together, improve communication, and learn how to support each other's recovery.
Benefits of Therapy
Seeking counseling for trauma includes many benefits:
- Relief from symptoms: Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for survivors to process their experiences and work through symptoms like flashbacks, difficulty trusting others, and changes in behavior. This can help alleviate some of the pain and suffering caused by the traumatic event.
- Improved relationships: Therapy can help trauma survivors improve their relationships with others, such as family, friends, and romantic partners. Therapy can help survivors rebuild and strengthen their relationships by addressing trust and communication issues.
- Increased self-esteem: Trauma is often detrimental to a person's self-esteem. Therapy can help survivors overcome feelings of self-blame and increase their self-confidence and self-worth. By seeking trauma counseling, survivors can gain valuable tools and insights to help them heal and move forward in their lives.
In-Person and Virtual Therapy Options Available
My office is located in Agoura Hills, CA 91301. I provide in-person therapy to patients in Agoura Hills and the surrounding areas, including Westlake Village, CA, Oak Park, CA, Calabasas, CA, Thousand Oaks, CA, Woodland Hills, CA and Simi Valley, CA. I also offer virtual therapy sessions to individuals located anywhere within the state of California.
Ages I Work With
Children age 8-10
Tween/Teens 11-19
Parents/Adults
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy
What are signs of trauma in children?
Children may show signs of trauma through regression (like bedwetting or baby talk), nightmares, clinginess, behavioral changes, avoidance of certain places or people, and re-enacting events through play or conversation. Some children become withdrawn, while others act out. Changes in eating, sleeping, or school performance can also be signs that something deeper is going on.
How long does trauma therapy take?
It varies significantly based on the type and severity of the trauma. Some children and adults see meaningful improvement within a few months, while complex or developmental trauma may take longer to work through. We go at each person's pace and regularly check in on how things are progressing.
What types of trauma do you treat?
I work with a wide range of trauma including accidents, violence, natural disasters, loss of a loved one, sexual abuse, domestic violence, community violence, and complex or developmental trauma. Every person's experience is unique, and treatment is tailored to what you or your child has been through.
Can children recover from trauma?
Yes, children are remarkably resilient, especially with the right support. Early intervention makes a real difference in outcomes. With proper therapeutic support and a stable, caring environment, children can process what happened and move forward in a healthy way.
What if my child doesn't want to talk about what happened?
That's completely normal and expected. Therapy doesn't force children to talk about their experiences before they're ready. I use age-appropriate approaches that help children process trauma at their own pace, whether through conversation, creative expression, or other therapeutic techniques. Over time, most children become more comfortable opening up.
Do you work with PTSD?
Yes, I treat PTSD symptoms in children, teens, and adults. PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, and it responds well to evidence-based therapeutic approaches. If you or your child is experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, or avoidance, therapy can help.
How do I support my child at home during trauma therapy?
Some of the most helpful things you can do are maintaining consistent routines, being patient with behavioral changes, validating your child's feelings without pushing them to talk, and following any recommendations from your child's therapist. It's also important to take care of yourself during this process — supporting a child through trauma can be emotionally demanding.
CONTACT
Offering Both Virtual And In-Person Sessions