Complex Trauma & C-PTSD Therapy in Orange County, CA
The impacts of complex trauma can weigh heavily, making it difficult to feel present or even enjoy your life. But the good news is that these struggles don’t have to define your story. Therapy can help heal the constant anxiety, relationship struggles, and disconnection from your authentic self that often come with complex PTSD. As a complex trauma therapist myself, I’m committed to cultivating a safe, culturally-attuned environment where healing is possible and where your full self can be honored.
Meet your Orange County complex trauma therapist
Dr. Adrianna Holness
Hi, I’m Dr. Holness, an experienced trauma therapist serving Orange County. I approach complex trauma therapy through a holistic, relational lens that honors your unique cultural experiences. As a biracial therapist (Black and Latina), I create a space where you can learn to unmask and be seen in both your struggles and strengths while we work through layers of trauma together.
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Clientele: Women experiencing anxiety, perfectionism, and trauma, especially those navigating cultural or generational trauma
Location: 19712 MacArthur Blvd Suite 110, Irvine, CA 92612
Virtual therapy?: Yes
FAQs about therapy for complex trauma & C-PTSD
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While PTSD typically stems from a single traumatic event, complex PTSD (C-PTSD) develops from prolonged trauma over time, like childhood neglect, ongoing abuse, or systemic oppression. C-PTSD often affects your identity, relationships, and emotional regulation in deeper, more pervasive ways. It is important to share that both forms of trauma (regardless of whether you have an “official” diagnosis) are real and valid, and therapy can help.
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Healing from complex trauma is possible. Therapy creates a space where you can start to relate to these experiences in a different way. Through evidence-based approaches like EMDR and attachment-focused therapy, you can develop new patterns, process traumatic memories, and build a renewed sense of safety and self-worth. We can’t change the past, but we can shift how we show up in the present and create a better future for ourselves.
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You might benefit from complex trauma therapy if you struggle with intense emotional reactions, difficulty trusting others, persistent feelings of emptiness or shame, people-pleasing tendencies, or find yourself stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns despite your best efforts to change.
If you’re not sure whether what you’ve experienced is complex trauma, that’s okay, too. Book a free consultation here so we can discuss your situation directly.
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My practice is likely right for you if you're seeking a therapist who practices from an anti-racist, intersectional feminist lens and values authenticity. I specialize in supporting women who are ready to challenge the narrative that they're "not good enough" and fully embrace their whole selves.
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Getting started is simple! Book a free consultation call where we'll discuss your needs and goals. If we're a good fit, we'll schedule your first session where we'll begin creating a personalized treatment plan that honors your unique experiences and healing journey.
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You can expect a collaborative, compassionate approach where your voice matters. After building a strong, trusting connection, we'll use evidence-based modalities like EMDR, attachment-focused therapy, and mindfulness practices to process trauma. You'll learn to recognize patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and gradually reclaim your sense of safety and self-worth.