“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.” ― Peter A. Levine

Trauma and PTSD Therapy in Chico, CA at Bydand Therapy

In Chico, trauma can deeply affect individuals on many levels—mind, body, and spirit.

Chico, known for its charming downtown, beautiful parks like Bidwell Park, and a strong sense of community, offers a unique environment. Residents enjoy a mix of cultural events, outdoor activities, and a welcoming atmosphere. However, like any active city, Chico residents may face stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Our trauma-informed approach incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) or Parts Work, and classic Exposure Therapy. By combining these therapeutic techniques, we tailor our approach to support each individual’s healing journey, helping you regain purpose, resilience, and a renewed sense of fulfillment in a safe and supportive environment.

Our Integrated Approach to Trauma Healing in Chico

At Bydand Therapy, we employ the Six Pillars of Transformation to guide you through the recovery process, providing a foundation for building meaning and reconnecting with your core values:

  1. Contacting the Present Moment (Be Here Now): Trauma can feel like it traps you in the past or makes you fearful of the future. Here in Chico, we help you reconnect with the present, grounding you in the moment and the environment around you.

  2. Defusion (Watch Your Thinking): Trauma can create overwhelming thought patterns. Our Chico team utilizes ACT techniques to help you observe your thoughts without becoming entangled, allowing a space between your trauma responses and your authentic self.

  3. Acceptance (Open Up): Building resilience involves accepting and welcoming all emotions. We support Chico residents in releasing the struggle against difficult feelings, fostering openness in a way that lets healing begin.

  4. Self-as-Context (Balancing Self-Identity): Trauma can blur self-identity, and we guide you to reconnect with a stable sense of self that endures beyond painful experiences.

  5. Values (Know What Matters): Rediscovering your values helps create a fulfilling life. We assist you in exploring what matters most in your life in Chico, shaping a clear direction for recovery.

  6. Committed Action (Do What It Takes): Healing is a journey that requires ongoing commitment. We support Chico clients in making values-driven choices, leading to a meaningful life despite past trauma.

Understanding Trauma and Our Path to Healing in Chico

Trauma is an involuntary response to overwhelming events. When faced with danger, our body instinctively responds through fight or flight, with a rapid increase in heart rate and suppression of rational thought to enhance survival. However, unresolved trauma can leave the body and mind in a heightened state, where a feeling of hypervigilance, helplessness, or ongoing vulnerability persists, as if the trauma were still present.

Modern trauma therapies have been refined to address these lingering effects holistically. At Bydand Therapy in Chico, we utilize tools like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to engage the body’s trauma response through mindful awareness without extensive verbal recounting. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) aids in reprocessing traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. Internal Family Systems (IFS) allows us to compassionately work with different inner “parts” affected by trauma. When combined with ACT’s Six Pillars, these therapies create a powerful, integrated approach to trauma recovery, helping you regain balance and resilience as you integrate these past experiences.

Take the First Step Toward Healing in Chico

If you’re in Chico and ready to start your healing journey with a compassionate partner, reach out for a free 15-minute consultation. Bydand Therapy is here to help you reclaim your life from the effects of trauma. Schedule your consultation today to explore how Bydand Therapy’s specialized approach to trauma in Chico, can support your journey toward healing and fulfillment.

Reach out today

Name(Required)

By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via your potentially unencrypted internet connection to our site. By clicking the Submission Button you agree to hold Bydand harmless for unauthorized use or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means. We can only assure encryption from the form submission to our servers and internal platforms.

Articles

Image

What to Do When Anxiety Feels Overwhelming: An ACT Approach

March 13, 2025
 / 
brochure
When anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can feel like it’s taken over your whole life—racing thoughts, tightness in your chest, restlessness, and a sense that something ...
Read more
Image

How ACT Differs from Traditional Talk Therapy

February 27, 2025
 / 
brochure
If you’ve tried traditional talk therapy but felt like it wasn’t getting you anywhere, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves stuck in endless analysis ...
Read more
Image

How to Stop Letting Your Thoughts Define You

March 20, 2025
 / 
brochure
Have you ever felt trapped by your own thoughts, as if they dictate who you are? Thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I always ...
Read more
Image

How ACT Can Improve Your Relationships by Focusing on What Matters

March 30, 2025
 / 
brochure
When relationships feel strained, it’s tempting to focus on fixing the other person—or escaping the discomfort altogether. We want our partners to stop triggering us, ...
Read more
Image

How ACT Helps You Live Well with Chronic Pain

November 1, 2023
 / 
brochure
Living with chronic pain can be exhausting—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Traditional approaches often focus on eliminating pain, but what happens when the pain doesn’t go ...
Read more
Image

How to Build Self-Worth Without Relying on Others’ Approval

March 21, 2025
 / 
brochure
Many people tie their self-worth to external validation—seeking approval from others, achievements, or social status. While praise and recognition can feel good, relying on them ...
Read more