Image of a client who may have PTSD sitting with a therapist.

PTSD Therapist in San Diego

Effective PTSD Therapy

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Listen To Your Body

Trauma is the bad things that happened to you and the absence of good things that should have happened. It’s not just what you’ve experienced; it’s how your body and mind respond to those experiences. You feel numb, don’t remember what happened, or like you don’t really know who you are.  Trauma leaves you feeling disconnected from yourself, others, and the world.  If you’re struggling after a traumatic or stressful event, you’re not alone, and there is something you can do.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the sustained impact of a life-altering event. Trauma can change your nervous system, making you feel disconnected from yourself and unsafe in the present. That’s where the expertise and proven therapy methods of a PTSD therapist in San Diego come in. Shay DuBois can help you overcome your past to embrace your future.

About PTSD

It Can Get Better

You feel so broken and stuck but you’ve been afraid to talk to anyone about what happened. Is there any point in bringing up the things that you want to forget? When you tried talking about it, you were told “you have it so much better than I did” or you weren’t believed.

You try to put your feelings in a box but end up exhausted and empty inside. You are ashamed and wonder if it was your fault. You try to act normal and go about your life but no one really knows the real you. You feel like you should have friends and hobbies but don’t have the energy and don’t know what you enjoy. You feel heavy. Everything is an effort. You want to move but your body hurts.

When you aren’t numb you feel angry, anxious, and keep second guessing everything about yourself. Why can’t you get over what happened? It was such a long time ago but you feel trapped inside this hellish cycle of blame and shame and can’t remember what it was like to relax.

You keep reliving all of your mistakes that reinforces the “proof” of just how worthless you are. The only escape is to find ways to numb out which causes you hate yourself even more. You spend most of your time in critical self talk and know this will happen again and again but you don’t know how to make it stop.

You are afraid of what might come up if you start to talk about what happened, but you also feel like you can’t keep going around feeling so angry at yourself and disconnected from everything.

My name is Shay, I’m a trauma therapist, and I can help.

Genetic?

No

Treatable with therapy?

Yes

Therapy Models:

EMDR, Compassionate Inquiry, Interpersonal Neurobiology

Related Conditions:

Anxiety, Depression

Signs & Symptoms

Vivid flashbacks

Intrusive thoughts

Nightmares

Intense distress

Physical symptoms (pain, sweating, nausea)

Recommended Treatment Models

 

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is a therapy technique that allows clients to reprocess traumatic memories from their past while practicing specific eye movements. Clients are able to share as much or as little about their trauma as feels safe.  The goal is to help clients reframe events in their memory by identifying negative thoughts and beliefs that keep them stuck in their trauma.  That way, you can heal the internal wounds at the source.

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Compassionate Inquiry

Compassionate Inquiry is a trauma therapy model that focuses on creating safety and authenticity through the presence of the therapist and careful exploration of the self. Your therapist will gently usher you through traumatic events to help you understand and interpret your experiences in a calm setting. Shay uses Compassionate Inquiry to promote a deeper analysis of your lived trauma, helping you heal, and allowing you to move forward in life.

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Interpersonal Neurobiology

Interpersonal Neurobiology is the theory that the mind, brain, and body are all intimately connected. PTSD therapy informed by this theory is more holistic and helps clients connect the thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to any traumatic events and beyond. This theory looks at how environment and relationships inform our well being.   Trauma happens in relationship and so does healing from trauma.

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Hands being held across a table showing support of a client who may have PTSD.

What to Expect

The PTSD Therapy Process

1

Step One

As your PTSD therapist in San Diego, Shay will begin your treatment journey with a one-on-one consultation. This is your opportunity to meet Shay and get to know her. It’s also a chance for her to learn about and connect with you. Based on your consultation, Shay can better assess which therapy model best suits your needs.

2

Step Two

Many PTSD clients benefit from multiple therapy models. Shay’s diverse certifications allow her to tailor her practice to the needs of each unique client. Regular sessions with Shay happen online, so you can remain in the comfort of your own space. To begin, Shay will ask you to meet once or twice a week.

3

Step Three

Over time, therapy & and any necessary supplemental care will begin to address your symptoms, traumatic responses, and thinking patterns. Once your work with Shay begins showing results, it’s time to plan for long-term stability. The goal of therapy is always to empower you to live connected to the present and capable of protecting your mental well-being. Shay will work with you to build the long-term care that will best support you in making that happen.

Meet Shay

Hi, I’m Shay 👋 I work with the mind, body, and brain, bringing a variety of skills that allow you to work with trauma in the way you need. Whether it is EMDR, Compassionate Inquiry, Somatic Therapy, Neurofeedback, Internal Family Systems, or other trauma-informed practices, we will work so you can find relief without it feeling scary or too hard.

When therapy is working, you will notice you start to feel more present and begin shifting how you see yourself. With regular practice, you may even feel relief from the burden of the past. You don’t have to feel like you’re stuck sleepwalking. Together, let’s move your life forward.

Anxiety therapist in San Diego with two dogs connecting with potential clients

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes PTSD?

PTSD can occur after an extremely scary, distressing, or stressful event like a car accident, physical or sexual assault, war, abuse, etc.

There is no exhaustive list of PTSD-inducing events. With a PTSD therapist in San Diego, you can open up about your personal experience without fear of judgment and expect compassion and understanding. Shay is here to support you without judgment.

What are the risk factors associated with PTSD?
  • There are a variety of risk factors associated with PTSD, though not comprehensive, this includes:
  • Added environmental stressors
  • Lack of support
  • Genetics
  • Previous trauma
  • Existing mental health conditions
Is PTSD only for veterans?

No, veterans are certainly not the only people who experience PTSD or can benefit from seeing a specialized, trauma-focused PTSD therapist like Shay. Trauma wears many different faces and can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

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Find Your Way Back to Yourself

If you’re battling trauma or anxiety, you deserve compassionate support from someone who truly sees you. Book your 15-minute consultation with Shay today.

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