About Dr. Vidal

I’m Dr. Sheila Vidal, a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Virginia and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Through Next Mission Recovery, I provide trauma-informed online therapy for adults across Virginia, specializing in PTSD, complex trauma, moral injury, and related emotional challenges.

Although based in Northern California, my practice is fully virtual and serves Virginia residents exclusively. I work with individuals navigating the lasting effects of trauma—whether rooted in early life, relationships, military service, or overwhelming life experiences.

With a foundation in evidence-based care and a focus on compassionate, culturally responsive therapy, I help clients explore trauma’s impact on identity, relationships, and emotional well-being. I offer a structured yet flexible therapeutic process that respects your readiness and fosters healing through trust, safety, and clarity.

My clinical background includes years of direct experience providing trauma-focused treatment to veterans, first responders, reservists, law enforcement personnel, and caregivers. During my time as a trauma psychologist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, I treated a range of trauma-related conditions, including military sexual trauma (MST), combat-related PTSD, and moral injury. My work extends to those navigating anxiety, depression, and personality adaptations that often emerge following chronic or early-life trauma.

I hold a Doctorate and Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC. My training included clinical placements at the DC Superior Court, where I provided psychological evaluations to at-risk youth and Spanish-speaking unaccompanied minors, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute / Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where I supported families affected by behavioral trauma and developmental challenges.

I also hold a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Military Studies from Hawaii Pacific University, where I was honored with the Best Graduate Paper award for my thesis on political revolution in postwar Vietnam. This academic foundation informs my understanding of human behavior, conflict, and resilience.

My practice is grounded in a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. I integrate techniques from Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and attachment-based interventions to help clients process traumatic experiences, develop emotional insight, and move toward meaningful recovery.

I am committed to cultural humility and to working with historically marginalized populations, including refugees, immigrants, BIPOC clients, and individuals impacted by systemic trauma. My international teaching experience and fieldwork abroad further inform my ability to support clients from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

At Next Mission Recovery, I offer a therapeutic space where clients feel seen, safe, and respected. My goal is to help you reconnect with your sense of agency, navigate complex emotional terrain with support, and move forward with intention and clarity.

If you are seeking trauma therapy in Virginia, I invite you to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation. Together, we’ll explore whether this may be a supportive next step on your path to healing.