Fresno Trauma Therapist Joanne Lai

Traumatic experiences can deeply change us, making it difficult to connect with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Thankfully, healing from PTSD and trauma is possible. With somatic trauma therapy, you can process and integrate your experience. Together, we’ll help you feel empowered and embodied. 

The repercussions of trauma can affect every aspect of your life. Impacts on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors may change the way you view yourself and the world, leading to issues with relationships, self-esteem, and well-being. Our bodies also store trauma. When you have unresolved trauma it can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension. This also puts you at a greater risk of developing (PTSD) post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health conditions. While the impacts of a traumatic event are extensive, there’s hope for healing. Somatic therapy plays a pivotal role in helping individuals build coping skills, navigate the aftermath of trauma, and reconnect with the disconnected parts of themselves. 

Takeaway:

Traumatic experiences can deeply change us, making it difficult to connect with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Thankfully, healing from PTSD and trauma is possible. With somatic trauma therapy, you can process and integrate your experience. Together, we’ll help you feel empowered and embodied. 

The repercussions of trauma can affect every aspect of your life. Impacts on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors may change the way you view yourself and the world, leading to issues with relationships, self-esteem, and well-being. Our bodies also store trauma. When you have unresolved trauma it can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension. This also puts you at a greater risk of developing (PTSD) post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health conditions. While the impacts of a traumatic event are extensive, there’s hope for healing. Somatic therapy plays a pivotal role in helping individuals build coping skills, navigate the aftermath of trauma, and reconnect with the disconnected parts of themselves. 

Trauma Therapy | 

Fresno

At Spiral and Bloom, you'll have a safe space to process and make sense of your emotions, memories, and reactions. You'll receive personalized mental health treatment that supports your wholeness and healing. I’ll support you as you reconnect with your body, uncover your strengths and needs, and foster healing and growth. 

You’re invited to come as you are. You're free to explore each aspect of yourself in an environment that welcomes all of your identities. My holistic and somatic approach to therapy honors each person's wholeness and the significance of the mind-body connection when it comes to mental health. 

Traumatic memories are disruptive and often lead to a sense of disconnection and distress. I utilize somatic therapy and embodiment work to help you rebuild connections and uncover what your body needs to heal from PTSD and trauma. During trauma treatment, you’ll have the opportunity to freely express and release these stored emotions and experiences in a safe and supportive space. I'll help you find relief from the traumatic event, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, or other distress that you're facing. Together, we’ll work to renew your connection and sense of self.


My approach to trauma treatment

Trauma therapist in Fresno

I'm Joanne Lai, a licensed mental health therapist based in Fresno, California. I help women navigate trauma, burnout, stress, cultural issues, and relationships. I founded Spiral and Bloom on the belief that we heal when we can connect with our bodies and all of our complex identities. 

In our work together, I’ll support you in exploring every aspect of yourself. Along the way, I’ll incorporate embodiment practices and psychotherapeutic tools to help you connect with yourself and heal. We’ll embark on your journey of self-discovery and wholeness together.

  • Credentials: Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified GYROTONIC® Trainer 

  • License number: 121155, California 

  • Education: Master’s of Art in Psychology, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Illinois Master’s of Science in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy, California State University, California 

  • In-Person and Teletherapy Available 

  • Providing trauma therapy since 2016 

  • Modalities used include: Somatic Experiencing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment-Based, Breathwork, and Family Therapy 

Learn more about my therapeutic services.


Meet Joanne Lai |

Each part of you is welcome at Spiral and Bloom and provided with a safe and supportive environment. Our work together will honor the complexity of your identities and help you connect with all of yourself on a deeper level. Here you’ll receive care that not only helps you uncover your true self, but also celebrates your uniqueness. 

Inclusive Space

As an intuitive therapist, I can often sense and comprehend unspoken emotions and underlying issues. This provides me with a more profound understanding of your experiences and enables me to tailor therapy to suit your unique needs. I'll also empower you by helping you tap into your own intuitive abilities. Together we'll foster your self-awareness and growth. 


Intuitive Therapist

We’ll collaborate throughout our time together to ensure that your needs are being met. I’ll tailor treatment in a way that draws on your strengths and takes your goals, needs, and preferences into account. 

Personalized Mental Health Treatment

Treatment at Spiral and Bloom honors the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. I’ll help you attune to your body, mind, and spirit so that you can identify what you need, what you’re holding on to, and how to nurture yourself. Our work will support your whole being. We’ll help you reconnect with parts of yourself that have been disconnected. 

Holistic Care 

You’ve taken a courageous step in searching for a therapist. When selecting a therapist, you want someone who is a good fit for you, addresses your needs, explores coping skills with you, and helps you reach your goals. When you come to Spiral and Bloom for trauma treatment, you’ll receive… 


Why choose Spiral & Bloom for trauma therapy in Fresno

Mental health therapists vary widely in their licensing, certifications, and training. For example, many therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy but do not specialize in treating trauma. Trauma therapists typically focus on addressing the impact of trauma, often using specialized techniques to help individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences. Their therapy technique may involve creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore and manage the effects of PTSD and trauma on their mental, emotional, and behavioral health. 

As a trauma therapist, I have completed extensive training focused on trauma treatment including, 

  • Somatic Experiencing by Peter Levine 

  • Transforming the Experience-Based Brain by Steven Terrell 

  • Safe and Sound Protocol by Dr. Stephen Porges 

What is the difference between a trauma therapist and a regular therapist?

Various therapeutic methods have shown effectiveness in treating PTSD, trauma, and associated mental health disorders. Some evidence-based treatments include somatic experiencing, exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), group therapy, and expressive therapies. 

I utilize somatic experiencing (SE) as opposed to other therapy options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing because of SE's holistic approach. SE trauma treatment recognizes the connection between the body and mind. Unlike traditional talk therapy which primarily focuses on verbal expression, somatic therapy incorporates the body's physical sensations and responses to facilitate healing and address a past traumatic event.

Research has found somatic experiencing to be effective in helping individuals resolve trauma and reduce distressing symptoms. This type of therapy provides a unique way to explore and address trauma held in the body, by creating space for you to process and release deeply embedded emotions. By engaging in practices that promote body awareness, such as mindful movement and breath work, you can unlock stored trauma, develop coping skills, and restore a sense of safety and control. 

Which trauma therapy is most effective?

Each person responds differently when they've experienced trauma. Symptoms including mental health issues can vary widely in severity and frequency. Common signs that one has unresolved trauma include: 

  • Flashbacks, intrusive memories, other PTSD symptoms

  • Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the trauma 

  • Constant feelings of being on edge, hypervigilance, and an exaggerated startle response

  • Emotional numbness, disconnection, or inability to experience pleasure in activities you once enjoyed 

  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares 

  • Issues with trusting others 

  • Low self-esteem

  • Unexplained mood swings, intense anger, irritability, or emotional outbursts

  • Engaging in self-destructive behaviors (E.g. substance abuse, self-harm, or driving recklessly) 

  • Experiencing unexplained physical symptoms (E.g. headaches or stomach aches)

  • Withdrawing or isolating yourself from loved ones 

  • Feelings of guilt or shame 

  • Relationship issues or family conflict

  • Experiencing other co-occurring disorders (E.g. eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, or anxiety)

If you’re experiencing any signs of trauma or are having difficulties with daily functioning, consider reaching out to Spiral and Bloom for support.

How do I know if I need trauma Therapy?

Trauma Treatment

FAQs about

More trauma therapy resources:

2 highly recommended trauma therapists in Fresno

1. Alicia Phonsurin, LCSW

  • Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • Additional training: Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, EMDR Practitioner

  • Specialties: Complex Trauma

2. Paola Caraker, LMFT

  • Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

  • Additional training: Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, EMDR

  • Specialities: Relationship Issues, Anxiety, Sports Performance

Find deep, profound healing with somatic therapy.

Reconnecting with yourself and healing after PTSD and trauma is possible, and you don't have to do it on your own. I'm here to support and empower you on this journey. Reach out today for a free consultation.