Trauma counseling in Tigard, Oregon, focuses on supporting people who are dealing with the emotional and physical effects of distressing or overwhelming life events. Trauma can come from many sources, including accidents, abuse, neglect, loss, medical experiences, or long-term stress. Even events that happened many years ago can continue to affect thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physical health.

Serene Self provides trauma counseling that is grounded in science, compassion, and a deep respect for the connection between the mind and body. We offer thoughtful and high-quality mental health care for people who feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck because of trauma.

Understanding Trauma and Its Effects

Trauma is not just about what happened but about how the nervous system and mind reacted to the experience. When something feels overwhelming, threatening, or deeply distressing, the body can go into survival mode. This response can stay active long after the event has passed.

People who have experienced trauma may notice symptoms such as:

• Anxiety or panic
• Trouble sleeping
• Intrusive thoughts or memories
• Emotional numbness
• Irritability or anger
• Difficulty trusting others
• Feeling disconnected from the body or emotions
• Trouble focusing

These reactions are not signs of weakness. They are natural responses to situations that felt unsafe or overwhelming. Our trauma counseling aims to gently work with these responses so the nervous system can return to a more balanced and calm state.

Why Trauma Counseling Matters

Trauma does not always go away on its own. Without proper support, it can lead to long-term mental and physical health issues. These may include chronic anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or difficulties with self-esteem.

Trauma counseling provides:

• A safe and structured space
• Professional guidance from trained clinicians
• Tools for emotional regulation
• Support for nervous system recovery
• Skills for long-term resilience

Through evidence-based therapies and compassionate care, trauma counseling allows people to reconnect with a sense of safety and stability.

Trauma Counseling for Different Life Experiences

Trauma counseling supports people with many types of trauma, including:

• Childhood emotional or physical trauma
• Relationship trauma
• Medical trauma
• Accident-related trauma
• Loss and grief
• Long-term stress or neglect

Each person’s experience of trauma is unique. Therapy is customized to the client rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

About Mamta Bhargava

Mamta Bhargava is the owner of Serene Self, PLLC. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor certified by the State of Arizona and a Certified Classical Homeopath through the Council of Homeopathic Certification.

She earned her Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Phoenix in 2008. She also completed an intensive one-year residency in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) through Phoenix Interfaith. In addition, she is a certified provider of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), one of the leading trauma therapies in the world.

Mamta is a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and volunteers with the Arizona EMDR Trauma Response and Recovery Network (AzTRN). This ongoing involvement in trauma-focused work reflects a strong commitment to staying informed and skilled in trauma recovery methods.

Connect with our licensed counselor to explore compassionate trauma counseling.

Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy Methods

Our trauma counseling is not about forcing someone to relive painful experiences. It focuses on safety, stability, and helping the mind and body process difficult memories in a healthy way. Therapy is structured, respectful, and guided by each client’s pace and needs.

Our team uses several well-researched therapy models that are known to be effective for trauma recovery. These approaches work together to address thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physical responses related to trauma.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for trauma. It helps the brain process painful or disturbing memories in a way that reduces emotional distress. Trauma memories that once felt intense can begin to feel more distant and manageable.

EMDR does not require detailed verbal retelling of traumatic events. Instead, it works with how the brain stores and processes memory, allowing healing to occur in a more natural way.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is helpful for those who experience intense emotions, mood swings, or impulsive reactions after trauma. It teaches practical skills such as:

• Emotional regulation
• Distress tolerance
• Mindfulness
• Interpersonal effectiveness

These skills support stability and reduce emotional overwhelm.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT supports emotional awareness and connection, especially in relationships. Trauma often affects trust and attachment. EFT helps people understand emotional patterns and build healthier emotional bonds.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Trauma can create patterns of negative thinking, such as self-blame, fear, or constant worry. CBT helps identify and shift these patterns so they become more balanced and realistic.

In trauma counseling, CBT is often used to support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and improve daily functioning.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps people learn how to relate differently to painful thoughts and memories. Instead of trying to avoid or suppress them, ACT supports acceptance and emotional flexibility. This allows clients to focus more on meaningful life values instead of being controlled by trauma-related distress.

Virtual and In-Person Trauma Counseling

We offer trauma counseling in both virtual and in-person formats. Most sessions are conducted through secure online therapy, giving people consistent access to care without the stress of commuting. Virtual counseling is especially helpful for those with busy schedules or who prefer the privacy of their own home. It allows clients to focus on healing while maintaining flexibility and convenience.

For those who feel more supported in a face-to-face setting, in-person trauma counseling is available at our Tigard office. Meeting in person can foster a stronger sense of connection with the counselor and provide a safe, structured environment for emotional exploration. This option is ideal for those who value direct interaction and the grounding presence of a physical space.

Contact us to book flexible trauma counseling sessions that fit your schedule.

Appointment Options and Scheduling

Our team understands that many people balance work, family, and other responsibilities during the week. To make counseling more accessible, we offer evening and Saturday appointments. This flexibility ensures that clients can prioritize their mental health without disrupting daily routines. Whether choosing online or in-person sessions, our scheduling options are designed to support comfort, consistency, and long-term progress in trauma recovery.

Mind and Body in Trauma Healing

Our team takes a holistic view of trauma. Mamta Bhargava’s background in homeopathy reflects a belief that emotional and physical health are deeply connected. Trauma can affect sleep, digestion, energy levels, and immune function. Addressing only the mind is often not enough.

We support overall balance and inner calm by combining psychotherapy with homeopathic consultation. This integrated approach can be constructive for people who feel disconnected from their bodies or overwhelmed by long-term stress.