Trauma Therapy in Petaluma, CA

Is Your Past Controlling Your Present?

Trauma therapy in Petaluma provides healing when painful memories won't stay in the past. You might feel unsafe even in secure environments. Triggers appear without warning and send you into panic. Trust feels impossible when people have hurt you before.


Trauma creates lasting impacts on your entire being:


  • Flashbacks and nightmares disrupt your daily peace
  • Hypervigilance keeps you constantly scanning for danger
  • Relationships feel scary when vulnerability once led to harm
  • Your body holds tension and fear even in safe spaces



I create a safe therapeutic space where you can process these experiences at your own pace. Healing is possible even from the deepest wounds when you have proper support and guidance.

A man and a woman are sitting on a couch having an argument.
A man and a woman are sitting on a couch having an argument.
A man and a woman are sitting on a couch talking to a counselor.

What is Trauma?

Trauma occurs when overwhelming experiences exceed your ability to cope in the moment. Your nervous system gets stuck in survival mode even after the danger has passed. This affects how you see yourself, others, and the world around you.


Trauma responses are normal reactions to abnormal experiences. Your brain and body are trying to protect you based on what happened before, even when you're safe now.


Common trauma responses include:


  • Intrusive memories or images that feel very real
  • Avoiding people, places, or situations that feel triggering
  • Feeling numb or disconnected from your emotions
  • Startling easily at unexpected sounds or movements
  • Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in relationships


You can learn more about how trauma affects the brain here.

Why Choose Karen Collins For Trauma Healing?

With over 20 years of experience supporting trauma survivors in Petaluma, I understand how complex and personal healing can be. My approach is gentle yet effective, always moving at a pace that feels safe for you.


I've done extensive trauma work myself, which helps me understand the healing journey from the inside. I use attachment-based approaches that help you rebuild a sense of safety and trust gradually.

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Benefits of Trauma Therapy

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Processed Memories

Transform painful memories so they lose their overwhelming power.

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Emotional Safety

Learn to feel secure in your own body and environment.

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Rebuilt Trust

Develop healthy relationships without constant fear of being hurt.

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Personal Strength

Discover your resilience and ability to handle life's challenges.

A man and a woman are sitting on a couch talking to a therapist.

Reclaim Peace from the Past

Picture yourself feeling genuinely safe and peaceful in your daily life. Imagine having relationships built on trust instead of fear. Think about sleeping through the night without nightmares disrupting your rest.


Trauma healing means reclaiming your life from the past. You'll develop confidence in your ability to handle difficult situations. The world feels less dangerous when you can distinguish between past threats and present safety.

Book Your Appointment Today

Begin your healing journey with compassionate, expert support. If you're located in Petaluma, help is just a call away. I also support clients from neighboring areas like Glen Ellen, Kenwood, and Graton.

Trauma Therapy Process

Trauma healing requires safety and trust, which I prioritize from our very first meeting together.

Step 1:

Schedule Your Appointment

Take that first brave step. We’ll begin by getting to know what life has felt like for you lately.

Step 2:

Map Out What’s Going On

Together, we’ll gently explore the patterns, pain, and pressure points that are keeping you stuck, and start to name what needs to shift.

Step 3:

Practice What Helps

You’ll leave with simple, supportive tools that fit your real life, so you can begin to feel even a little more like yourself again.

Healing Is Possible

Without proper treatment, trauma symptoms often worsen over time. Relationships remain difficult when trust feels impossible. Daily life stays restricted by avoidance and fear. The past continues to control present choices and future possibilities.


With skilled trauma therapy, healing happens gradually but powerfully. Many survivors discover they're much stronger than trauma made them believe. Life expands again as safety and trust return.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy

  • How long does trauma therapy take?

    Healing timelines vary greatly. Some people feel better in months, others need longer. We go at your pace.

  • What if I don't remember everything that happened?

    Memory gaps are normal with trauma. We can work with whatever you do remember.

  • Can therapy really help if my trauma was severe?

    Yes. Even the most severe trauma can heal with proper support and treatment approaches.

  • Will I have to relive my trauma in therapy?

    No. We work carefully to process memories without retraumatizing you. You're always in control.

Reclaim Your Life From Trauma

You've survived the worst already. Now let's help you thrive. Reach out today and take the first step toward the peaceful life you deserve.