Trauma therapy for children and teens who feel overwhelmed
I work with children and teens who are carrying painful experiences, stress, or fear that still shows up in daily life. In our work, I move carefully and pay attention to what feels manageable in the room.
What people bring me
Trauma can leave a child jumpy, shut down, angry, or easily overwhelmed. Some young people seem on guard all the time, while others go numb, avoid certain places or topics, or have a hard time trusting adults. Families often notice changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or school functioning. It can also affect how a child feels about themselves and other people.
- I can’t stop thinking about what happened.
- I get upset fast and can’t calm down.
- I don’t want to talk about it, but it still affects me.
- I feel on edge all the time.
I keep the work grounded in what feels possible for the child or teen right now.
How I work with it
I keep the pace gentle and pay close attention to signs that the work is getting too much. For children, that often means using play and shared attention to help them feel safer while they express what they carry. For teens, we may use more conversation, reflection, and careful attention to how past experiences are affecting their present life. I also stay mindful of the family context, since trauma often touches everyone around the child.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- IFS can help make sense of reactions that feel confusing or out of proportion. We listen for the parts that protect, hide, panic, or shut down after something overwhelming.
- Play Therapy
- Play can help younger children express experiences they can’t easily describe. I watch for repeated themes and feelings that come up through the play.
- Trauma-Informed Care
- This means I pay attention to safety, trust, and choice in the room. I don’t rush into details before we’ve established what helps your child or teen stay settled.
What the first sessions look like
Early sessions focus on understanding what happened in broad terms, how it still shows up, and what helps your child or teen feel steadier. You don’t have to have every detail figured out before coming in.
Questions people ask
Do you need the full story before starting trauma therapy?
A complete account can come later. We start with what feels present now and build from there with care.
Will my child have to talk about everything that happened?
Not all at once, and not in a way that feels overwhelming. I pay attention to readiness and use the type of work that fits your child’s age and comfort.
Can trauma show up as behavior problems?
Yes, it often does. What looks like defiance, shut down, or big reactions may be connected to experiences that still feel unresolved.
Do you work with trauma therapy for teens as well as children?
Yes, I work with both. Teens may be more able to name what happened, while younger children may show it more through behavior or play.
The practical details
For fees, insurance and current availability, see fees and insurance on Child & Teen Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA's website.
About Child & Teen Therapist in Yorba Linda, CA
I work with children, teens, and families who are dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, or family transitions. I see people in person in Yorba Linda and online across California.
Talk it through with Lillian
Tell us what has been going on and we will take it from there.