Trauma changes how you feel safe in the world. With the right support, healing is possible - and it doesn't require reliving everything.
Trauma is not just what happened - it's what happened inside you as a result. The nervous system stores experiences of threat, helplessness, and overwhelm in ways that can shape how you feel, react, and relate to others long after the event has passed.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after a single acute event - an accident, assault, or medical emergency - or after prolonged exposure to difficult circumstances. Complex PTSD often develops from childhood trauma, repeated abuse, or chronic experiences of fear and powerlessness.
Trauma also commonly shows up in immigrant and refugee communities, in those who have experienced racial or cultural trauma, and in people whose suffering was never named or validated. You do not need a dramatic story for your pain to be real.
Trauma-informed care starts with safety. I will never push you to disclose more than you're ready to share, and I work at a pace that respects your nervous system. Our first session is a full hour dedicated to understanding your history, your current struggles, and what you most need right now.
Medication can be a meaningful part of trauma treatment - helping reduce hyperarousal, nightmares, and the intensity of intrusive symptoms so that other healing work becomes more accessible. I also draw on trauma-informed supportive therapy and psychoeducation throughout our work. All sessions are via telehealth across Virginia, available in English and Tiếng Việt.
If you are in crisis right now, please do not wait for an appointment.
Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential, available 24/7.
For emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Alice Tran Psychiatric Care does not operate 24/7 and does not provide crisis services. Emails, voicemails, text or portal messages are typically responded to within 24 to 72 business hours.
You don't have to do it alone.