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Healing After Trauma: Therapy with Christina Wade, Psychotherapist

Free 15-Minute Consultation

    About the Therapist

    Christina Wade, LCSW

    Christina Wade, LCSW, is a trauma-informed therapist specializing in helping adults heal from trauma, PTSD, and identity-related stress. With nearly two decades of experience, she provides online therapy across California, including the San Francisco.

    Christina creates a warm, collaborative space where clients feel safe to explore their emotions and rebuild trust in themselves. Her approach blends CBT, somatic practices, and mindfulness, tailored to each individual’s needs.

    As a queer-affirming, culturally sensitive clinician, she offers deep insight and compassionate care. Christina is especially known for her ability to support those navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, and relationship challenges with clarity and care.

    Free 15-Minute Consultation
    Healing-from-Trauma

    Trauma does not always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it shows up as nightmares or panic attacks. Other times it hides in the background, showing up as tension in the body, avoidance of certain places, difficulty trusting, or a constant feeling of being “on guard.” Trauma is not just what happened in the past — it’s also how those experiences live in the present.

    According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6 in 10 men and 5 in 10 women will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Yet the effects are highly individual. Two people may face the same event; one recovers quickly, while the other continues to carry its emotional weight. Trauma therapy helps people understand these differences, process their experiences safely, and rebuild their lives with more clarity and self-compassion.

    For nearly two decades, Christina Wade, psychotherapist, has been walking alongside clients on this journey. Her work is grounded in safety, affirmation, and collaboration. She describes her mission as helping people “come home to themselves” — to reconnect with the sense of security and wholeness that trauma may have fractured.

    What Trauma Can Look Like in Daily Life

    Trauma can stem from many experiences: violence, abuse, discrimination, natural disasters, loss, or even medical procedures. While every story is unique, many of Christina’s clients share patterns like these:

    • Nightmares or intrusive flashbacks.
    • Feeling “on edge” or easily startled.
    • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma.
    • Difficulty concentrating, memory gaps, or a sense of “spacing out.”
    • Persistent shame, guilt, or self-blame.
    • Emotional numbness or difficulty feeling joy.
    • Strained relationships or fear of intimacy.

    These are not signs of weakness. They are the body and mind’s way of coping with overwhelming events. Trauma therapy helps clients recognize these as protective responses — and then gradually shift toward new patterns that feel safer and more supportive.

    Different Types of Trauma

    Christina works with clients facing many forms of trauma, each requiring a sensitive and tailored approach.

    Type of Trauma Examples
    Acute Trauma
    A single distressing event such as an accident, assault, or sudden loss.
    Chronic Trauma
    Ongoing exposure to distress, such as domestic violence, bullying, or repeated discrimination.
    Complex Trauma
    Early life experiences like childhood neglect or abuse that disrupt long-term development and sense of self.
    Identity-Based Trauma
    Trauma tied to racism, homophobia, transphobia, or other systemic oppression.
    Secondary/Vicarious Trauma
    Stress experienced by caregivers, medical providers, or those supporting traumatized individuals.

    Understanding the type of trauma is essential for shaping therapy. For example, a client with acute trauma may need short-term stabilization, while someone with complex trauma may benefit from longer-term work focused on rebuilding self-worth and relational safety.

    Christina Wade’s Trauma-Informed Approach

    Christina’s practice is anchored in trauma-informed care, which means she never assumes, pushes, or rushes. Instead, she works collaboratively with clients to create a sense of safety and agency at every step.


    Key Features of Her Method

     

    1. Safety First
       Trauma therapy begins by ensuring clients feel secure in the room — whether in person or virtually. Christina helps establish boundaries, grounding techniques, and coping skills before diving into processing painful memories.

       

    2. Pacing and Consent
       Trauma often leaves people feeling powerless. Christina’s approach restores power by moving at the client’s pace and inviting them to decide what feels safe to share.

       

    3. Motivational Interviewing
       This technique helps clients connect with their own reasons for healing. Instead of being told what to do, clients rediscover their inner motivation for change.

       

    4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
       CBT helps clients identify distorted beliefs (such as “it was my fault” or “I’ll never be safe”) and replace them with more balanced, compassionate perspectives.

       

    5. Mindfulness and Somatic Awareness
       Trauma is not just in the mind; it is also held in the body. Christina uses grounding, breathwork, and mindfulness to help clients regulate their nervous systems and reconnect with their physical selves.

       

    Relational and Identity-Affirming Work
     As a queer, BIPOC psychotherapist, Christina understands how trauma intersects with cultural identity, discrimination, and belonging. She creates a space where every part of a client’s identity is affirmed.

    What Trauma Therapy with Christina Looks Like

    While each person’s path is unique, many clients move through a general progression:

    1. Stabilization and Safety
      • Learning grounding techniques.
      • Establishing daily routines that support calm.
      • Building trust in the therapeutic relationship.

    2. Processing Trauma
      • Carefully exploring memories and emotions connected to trauma.
      • Using CBT and mindfulness to reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts and images.
      • Reframing self-blame into understanding and compassion.

    3. Integration and Reconnection
      • Strengthening resilience and self-identity.
      • Rebuilding relationships, trust, and intimacy.
      • Planning for the future with renewed confidence and hope.
    Christina emphasizes that therapy is not about erasing the past — it is about making peace with it so it no longer controls the present.

    Client Story: From Surviving to Living

    “Amira” (a composite example) came to therapy after years of carrying the effects of childhood neglect. Outwardly, she was successful in her career, but inside she felt disconnected and ashamed. She avoided intimacy, believing she was “too broken” to be loved.

    In sessions, Christina began by helping Amira develop grounding practices she could use when anxiety or flashbacks arose. Over time, Amira gained the tools to process memories she had buried. Christina guided her in reframing the belief that her trauma defined her worth. After several months, Amira described feeling more present in her friendships and open to intimacy. For the first time, she reported, she felt “like a whole person again.”

    This story reflects what trauma therapy can offer: not erasing the past, but reclaiming the future.

    Tools Christina Teaches Clients

    Trauma therapy is not just talking — it’s learning skills that can be used daily. Christina often integrates:

    • Grounding techniques (focusing on the five senses to reorient to the present).
    • Breathing exercises (to regulate the nervous system).
    • Cognitive reframing (challenging self-blame and guilt).
    • Journaling or creative expression (to externalize thoughts and feelings).
    • Boundary-setting skills (to protect emotional and physical safety).

    These tools help clients feel empowered both inside and outside therapy sessions.

    The Benefits of Trauma Therapy

    Clients often notice gradual, powerful shifts through their work with Christina:

    • Reduced flashbacks, nightmares, and panic.
    • Increased ability to stay present rather than dissociate.
    • Healthier self-esteem and self-compassion.
    • Stronger, safer relationships.
    • Greater confidence in handling future stress.
    • A sense of wholeness, rather than being defined by trauma.

    Visual Snapshot: Before and After Trauma Therapy

    Before Therapy After Therapy
    Feeling powerless and triggered by reminders
    Greater sense of control over responses
    Believing “I’m broken” or “It was my fault”
    Reframed self-beliefs with compassion
    Emotional numbness or avoidance
    Ability to engage and feel connected
    Strained relationships
    Improved trust and communication
    Constant hypervigilance
    Nervous system regulation and calm

    Christina’s Identity and Presence

    Christina’s identity as a queer, BIPOC psychotherapist shapes her therapeutic style in powerful ways. Many clients describe finally feeling “seen” when working with her — not just as individuals with trauma, but as whole people shaped by culture, identity, and resilience.

    Her calm, steady presence reassures clients that they are not alone in their healing journey. She blends clinical expertise with authenticity, allowing therapy to feel less like a medical process and more like a collaborative path toward self-discovery.

    Practical Details for Getting Started

    • Consultation: Free 15-minute phone call to explore fit.
    • Sessions: Evening telehealth (Mon–Thu) and weekend mornings; in-person sessions also available.
    • Fees: $180 individual sessions, $200 couples sessions. Sliding scale available.
    • Insurance: Accepts Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Quest Behavioral Health. Out-of-network documentation provided if needed.
    • Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express.
    • Location: 112 W 25th Ave, Suite 2, San Mateo, CA 94403.

    Frequently asked questions

    Online trauma therapy is ideal for adults in California who are struggling with the effects of trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. Whether you're dealing with childhood wounds, relationship trauma, or ongoing stress, virtual therapy offers expert support in a safe and private setting.

    Christina uses evidence-based methods including CPT, IFS (Internal Family Systems), attachment-focused therapy, CBT, and mindfulness-based practices. Each approach is tailored to your unique story and emotional needs to support deep, lasting healing.

    All sessions are held online and are available to adults anywhere in California, including but not limited to the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether you're in a major city or a remote area, you can access therapy from the comfort of your home.

    Each session is 50 minutes long and focused on your goals, comfort level, and pace. Therapy may involve processing past trauma, learning to manage emotional triggers, and building tools for emotional regulation and self-compassion. All sessions are held virtually through secure video.

    Getting started is simple. You can schedule a free 10-minute consultation to learn more, ask questions, and see if the approach feels right for you. There’s no pressure — just a supportive first step toward healing.

    Sessions are held through a secure video platform. You can join from any private space in California using your phone or computer. It's simple, safe, and convenient.

    Individual sessions are $180, and couples sessions are $200. A sliding scale may be available upon request if you’re experiencing financial hardship.

    Yes. Christina is in-network with Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, and Quest Behavioral Health. If you're using another insurance provider, documentation and super-bills can be provided to help with out-of-network reimbursement.

    Christina accepts American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa. All payments are processed securely online. If you have questions about billing, she is always here to assist you.

    Yes. Therapy is offered in a fully inclusive, affirming space where LGBTQ+ identities are respected, supported, and deeply understood. Your story is welcome here.

    Taking the First Step

    Living with trauma can feel isolating, but healing does not have to be done alone. With nearly 20 years of experience, Christina Wade provides trauma-informed, affirming therapy that helps clients regain safety, resilience, and hope.

    If you’re ready to begin, Christina invites you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation by calling (510) 686-3839 or emailing cwade.consultation@gmail.com. Healing begins with one conversation.

    About the Therapist

    Christina Wade, LCSW

    Christina Wade, LCSW, is a trauma-informed therapist specializing in helping adults heal from trauma, PTSD, and identity-related stress. With nearly two decades of experience, she provides online therapy across California, including San Francisco.

    Christina creates a warm, collaborative space where clients feel safe to explore their emotions and rebuild trust in themselves. Her approach blends CBT, somatic practices, and mindfulness, tailored to each individual’s needs.

    As a queer-affirming, culturally sensitive clinician, she offers deep insight and compassionate care. Christina is especially known for her ability to support those navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, and relationship challenges with clarity and care.

    Free 15-Minute Consultation

      We’re Here When You’re Ready.

      Phone Number

      (510) 686-3839

      Email Address

      cwade.consultation@gmail.com

      Location

      112 W 25th Ave, Suite 2 San Mateo, CA 94403

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