Trauma Therapy Blog: PTSD, Complex Trauma, Attachment & ACT
ACT‑led, trauma‑informed insights for adults in California & Virginia—PTSD, C‑PTSD, attachment, anxiety, online telehealth, and security‑clearance‑safe care.
I write practical, compassionate posts to help you understand trauma and take values‑guided steps—without stigma. You’ll find ACT‑led tools, trauma education, and clear next steps for online therapy in California and Virginia.
What you’ll find here:
PTSD & Complex PTSD explained in plain language
Attachment patterns (anxious, avoidant, mixed) and how to build secure habits
ACT skills you can use today (present‑moment, values, willingness)
Anxiety and mood regulation in the context of trauma
Telehealth logistics and privacy for high‑clearance roles
I’m Dr. Sheila Vidal—licensed in CA (PSY36022) and VA (0810007130). I provide online, trauma‑informed care for adults statewide. If something here resonates, you’re welcome to request a free 15‑minute consultation.
Featured Guides
Browse by Topic
Use these topic hubs to get straight to what you need:
Attachment & Relationships: Boundaries, repair language, and skills that support secure connection.
CBT and Attachment: Practical CBT tools to reduce worry, clinginess, and avoidant patterns.
Online Therapy: How HIPAA-secure telehealth works in CA & VA, privacy essentials, and session prep.
Trauma & Relationships: How trauma impacts trust, intimacy, conflict, and communication—and ways to heal.
Trauma Recovery: Stabilization, psychoeducation, nervous-system care, and values-guided action.
Popular in California
For readers searching in CA:
Popular in Virginia
For readers searching in VA (including NoVA/DC metro):
About the Author
I’m Dr. Sheila Vidal, a licensed clinical psychologist focused on ACT‑led, trauma‑informed online therapy for adults. I serve clients statewide in California and Virginia with a specialty in PTSD, C‑PTSD, attachment‑based challenges, anxiety, and support for federal employees and high‑security‑clearance professionals seeking private, insurance‑free care.
Executive Burnout vs. Depression: A 3-Minute Self-Check and an ACT Plan
Not sure if it’s burnout or depression? I guide you through a 3-minute self-check and an ACT plan for immediate relief and next steps—confidential online care in CA & VA.
PTSD and Trauma Therapy in California: How to Choose the Right Therapist Online
Navigating PTSD can feel overwhelming, but finding the right online therapist in California doesn't have to be. Learn how to choose a qualified trauma therapist and take your first step towards healing today.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): How It Can Help You Heal
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps you build psychological flexibility—accept difficult emotions, unhook from sticky thoughts, and take values-guided steps. I provide evidence-based, online ACT for trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain across California and Virginia.
Understanding and Healing Avoidant Attachment Patterns
Avoidant (dismissive-avoidant) attachment can make intimacy feel unsafe—but it’s changeable. I explain causes, signs, and how ACT-led therapy (with CBT, Schema, MBCT) reduces emotional distancing using values, mindfulness, exposures, and somatic tools—plus between-session practice. 100% online in California & Virginia.
What to Expect in Your First Online Trauma Therapy Session
Starting trauma therapy online can feel intimidating. In this first‑session guide, I explain exactly what happens on video, how I protect your privacy, how I assess PTSD and complex trauma without pressure, the first skills I’ll teach (ACT‑led, CBT‑informed), and what to do if tech glitches interrupt care—so you can begin with clarity and confidence.
Trauma Recovery Resources: Crisis Support, Apps, and Tools for Healing
Find trusted crisis lines, identity‑specific hotlines, California & Virginia supports, and evidence‑based tools that complement therapy. I provide 100% online trauma care for adults in CA & VA using ACT, CBT, CPT, PE, and mindfulness.
-
No—posts are educational. If you want treatment, we can talk about fit in a brief consult.
-
Yes—most articles include ACT‑aligned skills you can practice safely.
-
I’m self‑pay with superbills for possible out‑of‑network benefits.
-
Yes. I offer private, security‑clearance‑safe therapy via telehealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Visit my frequently asked questions about online trauma therapy page.