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.
PTSD and Trauma Therapy in California: How to Choose the Right Therapist Online
Finding a qualified PTSD therapist in California for online therapy can be daunting. This comprehensive guide covers how to verify California licensure, recognize evidence-based trauma treatments, and ask the right questions to ensure your therapist is trauma-informed, culturally competent, and a great fit for your needs.
CBT Tools for Anxiety and Attachment: Real Skills for Worry, Clinginess & Avoidance
Struggling with constant worry or fear of getting too close? You’re not alone. I’m Dr. Sheila Vidal, a trauma psychologist, and I help adults break out of anxious and avoidant attachment cycles using cognitive-behavioral tools. In this post, I’ll show you how CBT can calm racing “what if” thoughts, curb clinginess or shutdown, and build more secure, confident relationships – all at your own pace.
Online Trauma Therapy: What to Expect in Your First Virtual Session
Starting trauma therapy online can bring up questions about privacy, pace, and fit. In this guide, I explain what a first virtual session looks like, how I create safety, and how ACT-informed trauma therapy can support adults seeking care through secure telehealth in California and Virginia.
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.