PTSD & Complex Trauma Therapy

Specialized Treatment for Trauma Recovery

Begin Your Trauma Recovery Journey

Dr. Rebecca Payne provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals navigating PTSD and complex trauma in Santa Monica, CA. Her approach emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment, helping clients process overwhelming experiences at a pace that feels grounded and supportive. Through trauma-informed care, Dr. Payne helps clients rebuild emotional stability and reconnect with a sense of inner safety.

Understanding PTSD and Complex Trauma

PTSD and complex trauma can manifest in emotional, psychological, and physical ways that deeply affect daily life. Dr. Payne guides clients in understanding how traumatic experiences shape thoughts, behaviors, and relationships, offering clarity and validation throughout the healing journey.

Common symptoms addressed include:

  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories

  • Hypervigilance and anxiety

  • Emotional numbness or detachment

  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

  • Chronic feelings of shame or fear

Trauma-Informed, Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Dr. Payne utilizes proven therapeutic models that help clients safely process traumatic memories, reduce triggers, and regain a sense of control. Each treatment plan is personalized to match the client’s comfort level, history, and emotional readiness.

Therapeutic modalities may include:

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

  • Trauma-Focused CBT

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Somatic awareness and grounding techniques

  • Mindfulness and emotional regulation strategies

Creating a Safe Space for Healing

A core part of trauma recovery is feeling safe enough to explore difficult experiences. Dr. Payne provides a warm, supportive environment where clients can express themselves freely without judgment. Her trauma-informed practice prioritizes emotional stability, respect, and gentle pacing.

Clients benefit from:

  • A trusted therapeutic relationship

  • Tools to reduce triggers and emotional reactivity

  • Increased self-awareness and self-compassion

  • Stabilization techniques for everyday coping

Healing Beyond the Trauma

Traumatic experiences can impact identity, relationships, and long-term emotional health. Dr. Payne helps clients rebuild these areas by focusing on resilience, meaning, and personal empowerment. Her holistic approach addresses the broader effects of long-standing trauma and supports clients in creating healthier patterns.

Areas of focus often include:

  • Restoring healthy boundaries

  • Rebuilding trust in relationships

  • Reducing self-blame and shame

  • Improving emotional communication

  • Strengthening internal resilience

Located in Santa Monica, CA, Dr. Rebecca Payne is dedicated to supporting individuals who are ready to heal from PTSD and complex trauma. Her integrative, evidence-based therapy helps clients reclaim their sense of self, reduce symptoms, and move forward with confidence and hope.

People often seek trauma therapy when they are:

  • Feeling stuck in patterns tied to past experiences

  • Struggling with ongoing emotional distress

  • Living with unresolved or childhood trauma

  • Seeking long-term strategies for stability and healing

Contact Dr. Rebecca Payne in Santa Monica today at (213) 761-8555 to schedule a confidential consultation and begin your journey toward calm, clarity, and emotional balance. Dr. Payne is a licensed therapist and is verified on Psychology Today.

Schedule a Free 15-minute Consultation

FAQ’s

How do I know if I need therapy?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, depressed, or struggling with relationships, work, or past trauma, therapy can provide support, clarity, and effective tools for change.

 

What should I expect in the first session?

The first session is usually an intake or consultation, where you’ll discuss your concerns, goals, and background. It’s also a chance to see if the therapist is a good fit for you.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Therapists are legally and ethically bound to maintain your privacy, with very few exceptions (e.g., risk of harm to yourself or others).

What types of issues do you treat?

Dr. Payne can help with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief, relationship challenges and life transitions.

How long does therapy take?

Therapy duration varies. Some people attend for a few months to work through a specific issue, while others engage in longer-term work. Dr. Payne will work with you to determine what’s best for your goals.