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.
Moral Injury in First Responders & Veterans: What It Is—and an ACT Plan to Heal
Moral injury leaves first responders and veterans carrying guilt, shame, or betrayal after hard calls. Learn what it is, why it matters, and how ACT therapy in California & Virginia offers a safe, values-based path to healing.
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.
Security Clearance & Mental Health Therapy: What You Need to Know
Are you avoiding therapy because you fear it could cost you your security clearance? You’re not alone. Bottom line: therapy will not jeopardize your security clearance. I explain DCSA guidance, SF-86 reporting (what to disclose, what not), when therapy may be reportable (mandated-reporter limits), and how documented treatment strengthens reliability—confidential CA & VA telehealth.
Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) vs. PTSD – What’s the Difference?
Complex PTSD develops from prolonged trauma and includes emotional dysregulation, negative self‑concept, and relationship difficulties beyond PTSD.
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.
-
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.