Trauma Therapy for victims of crime in California


Trauma Therapy for California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) Recipients

Patricia Alvarado - EMDR therapist

If you have experienced the trauma of a serious crime, our goal is to create a safe space where you can process that trauma and begin to rebuild your life.

We utilize trauma-focused therapies, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), to provide a nurturing environment for survivors to heal emotional wounds and rediscover their sense of empowerment.

Our therapeutic approach focuses on alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, while also equipping you with coping strategies to foster a renewed sense of safety and trust.

By addressing the effects of crime on your mental health, our therapy aims to empower you to reclaim your life and move forward with resilience and strength.

young woman sitting with plant shadows on the wall

When working with us, our goal is for you to experience emotional relief and empowerment.

We focus on alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, while enhancing your emotional regulation. Our aim is for you to regain a sense of safety, trust, and control in your life, helping you rebuild your self-identity and form healthier relationships. Through our efforts, we strive to help you feel more resilient and capable of handling daily challenges, leading to a renewed sense of hope and purpose for the future.

We collaborate with the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB).

CalVCB is a state program that offers reimbursement for various crime-related expenses to eligible victims who have experienced physical injury, emotional injury due to the threat of physical injury, death, or emotional injury.  

If you’ve submitted your application to CalVCB or are waiting for your application number, please reach out to us to get the process started.

Patricia Alvarado - EMDR therapist
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • This service is for individuals who have been impacted by a crime, including assault, abuse, domestic violence, robbery, or other traumatic experiences. You may be seeking support for emotional distress, trauma symptoms, or difficulty coping in daily life. You do not need to have reported the crime or be involved in legal proceedings to receive therapy.

  • Therapy can provide a safe, supportive space to process what happened and how it has affected you. Many people experience anxiety, fear, shame, anger, or a sense of loss after a crime. Therapy focuses on helping you regain a sense of safety, stability, and control while working through trauma at a pace that feels manageable.

  • No. You are never required to share details before you feel ready. Therapy moves at your pace, and early sessions often focus on building safety, trust, and coping skills. You choose what you share and when. The goal is to support your healing without re-traumatizing or overwhelming you.

  • Therapy may include trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR, talk therapy, and grounding or regulation techniques. These methods are used to help reduce trauma responses and improve emotional well-being. Your therapist will work with you to choose approaches that feel appropriate, supportive, and aligned with your comfort level.

  • Feeling numb, detached, or emotionally shut down is a common response to trauma. It does not mean something is wrong with you. Therapy can help you gently reconnect with your emotions and body in a way that feels safe. This process is gradual and respectful of your boundaries and readiness.

  • Yes. Trauma responses can surface months or even years after an experience. Many people seek therapy later in life when something triggers unresolved feelings. Therapy can still be effective regardless of how much time has passed, and healing does not depend on addressing the experience immediately after it occurred.

  • Yes. Therapy is confidential, with limited exceptions related to safety that your therapist will explain clearly at the beginning. What you share in sessions is not reported to law enforcement or other parties without your consent. Your privacy and sense of safety are taken very seriously throughout the therapeutic process.

  • It’s okay to feel uncertain or hesitant. Reaching out for support after a crime can feel overwhelming. An initial consultation is a chance to ask questions, learn what therapy might look like, and see if it feels like the right fit. There is no obligation to continue if it doesn’t feel supportive for you.