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, PsyD—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:
Trauma & PTSD: Stabilization, psychoeducation, and values‑guided action.
Complex Trauma (C‑PTSD): Long‑term patterns, shame, and nervous‑system care.
Attachment & Relationships: Boundaries, repair language, and secure behaviors.
ACT, CBT, CPT Skills: Skills you can practice between sessions.
Online Therapy & Telehealth: How online care works in CA & VA.
Popular in California
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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.
Understanding PTSD’s Ripple Effect on Relationships
PTSD deeply impacts relationships, often causing emotional distance and trust issues. Learn practical strategies and find trauma-informed support tailored for couples in Northern Virginia.
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.
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.
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No—posts are educational. If you want treatment, we can talk about fit in a brief consult.
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Yes—most articles include ACT‑aligned skills you can practice safely.
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I’m self‑pay with superbills for possible out‑of‑network benefits.
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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.