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Trauma Therapy in Los Angeles

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Childhood Trauma & Developmental Wounds

Early experiences shape our core beliefs about safety, worthiness, and connection. When childhood involves neglect, emotional wounding, or instability, those patterns can echo into adulthood. Therapy helps gently uncover and heal these foundational injuries to restore self-trust and emotional resilience.

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Sexual Assault & Abuse Recovery

Surviving sexual trauma can leave lasting effects on one’s body, boundaries, and sense of safety. Therapy creates a compassionate space to process the violation, release shame, and reclaim agency, dignity, and wholeness at your own pace.

Relationship Trauma & Narcissistic Abuse

Toxic or manipulative relationships can undermine your self-esteem, distort your sense of reality, and leave you emotionally raw or confused. Trauma-informed therapy helps you untangle patterns of emotional harm, rebuild healthy boundaries, and rediscover your authentic voice.

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PTSD from Accidents or Violence

Sudden, life-threatening events—such as car accidents, assaults, or natural disasters—can imprint the nervous system with chronic fear or hypervigilance. Therapy works to regulate trauma responses, restore a sense of control, and reduce distressing flashbacks or triggers.

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Grief and Loss Trauma

When loss is overwhelming or complicated—especially after unexpected death or unresolved goodbyes—it can feel like time stands still. Trauma-focused grief therapy honors the pain while helping you integrate loss, find meaning, and reconnect with life in a fuller way.

Cultural & Intergenerational Trauma

The effects of systemic oppression, displacement, or inherited trauma can be carried across generations, shaping identity, safety, and belonging. Therapy offers a validating space to explore these layers, heal internalized wounds, and reclaim cultural pride and personal empowerment.

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LGBTQ+ Identity-Based Trauma

Experiences of rejection, discrimination, or internalized shame related to LGBTQ+ identity can deeply affect mental health and self-worth. Affirming therapy supports you in processing these wounds, building pride in your identity, and cultivating safe, authentic relationships.

about me

Dr. Harel Papikian

Psychologist, PsyD

Dr. Harel Papikian, a licensed clinical psychologist, offers trauma-informed treatment to help clients heal and reclaim their life. Through the use of effective and evidence-based trauma therapy, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Time-Line Therapy and NLP, Dr. Harel guides clients through the trauma recovery journey. Trauma is your opportunity to triumph, and although we cannot change the events of the past, we can chart a new powerful trajectory of the future.

  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY22807)
  • Specializes in trauma, PTSD, and emotional recovery
  • Certified in NLP, Hypnotherapy, EMDR alternatives (Time-Line Therapy)
  • LGBTQ+ inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally aware
  • Offers therapy virtually throughout California
Know more about me
about me

Dr. Harel Papikian

Psychologist, PsyD

Dr. Harel Papikian
Couples Therapy with Dr. Harel | Relationship & Marriage Counseling in Los Angeles County
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Nayri - Wedding Fashion Expert
05:20 18 Dec 24
Dr. Harel is truly remarkable! The most productive work I’ve done with any therapist. Grateful for his approach and expertise. So much clarity after each session. Easy to communicate and schedule appointments with. Highly recommend!! Thank you Dr. Harel for everything!
Tetiana Kyryienko
05:37 09 Dec 24
Dr.Harel is the best! I am participating in his Soul to Soulmate program and it’s life changing!!!
Thank you so much for all you are doing !!!
Tanya Lishchenko
05:48 03 Nov 24
Dima Korniychuk
22:53 13 Sep 24
I can’t recommend Dr. Harel enough. He made me feel truly heard and understood. He helped me gain new perspectives and make real progress in my personal growth and overall wellbeing. Dr. Harel is compassionate, skilled, and genuinely invested in helping me navigate life’s challenges. Deeply thankful.
guillermo fornillo
05:43 14 Aug 24
The professionalism of Dr. Harel helped me to navigate challenging situations related to myself and my relationship, He made me realized that communication is the key that can open doors of understanding and love
I highly recommend his sessions, pure gold !
Thank you so so much
Guillermo
Steven Binns, Jr.
00:20 06 Aug 24
Dr. Harel is an insightful, attentive therapist who has the experience and wisdom to provide exceptional care. Trust, patience and competence are some of the top virtues he possesses. I can say with confidence he is the right therapist for you.
Gilberto Correa
22:09 28 Jul 24
Dr. Harel has really helped me navigate through the “constantly changing waters” of a relationship turning every crisis into a growth opportunity. I am always learning about me, my relationship and my partner. A great psychotherapist and relationship coach which I recommend without hesitation.
David Bagdasaryan
05:22 23 Jul 24
Dr. Harel’s guidance and expertise were exactly what I needed to find healing and growth. For anyone in Los Angeles needing couples therapy or relationship coaching, Dr. Harel is the ideal choice.
irina rudenko
20:37 14 Jul 24
I reached out to Dr. Harel during significant challenges in my life. His support, guidance and skill were what I needed to heal and grow. Anyone who is looking for a couples therapy or relationship coaching in Los Angeles - he is your guy.
Oleksandryna Denysenko
20:37 14 Jul 24
Dr. Harel is an exceptional coach and couple therapist. During our conversations he guided me in developing strategies for progress in both my personal life and my relationships. He met me with empathy and understanding, highlighting areas for improvement and offering processes and tools for me to reach my goals. It has been transformational. He is the best!
psychotherapist for depression

What Is Trauma and PTSD?

Trauma is the emotional and physiological response to an overwhelming experience that exceeds your ability to cope—such as abuse, violence, loss, or sudden life changes. It can leave lasting imprints on the mind and body, often triggering intense emotions, hypervigilance, numbness, or disconnection. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a specific condition that can develop after trauma, marked by intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety. Both trauma and PTSD can affect relationships, mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Therapy helps individuals process and integrate these experiences, restoring a sense of safety, emotional regulation, and connection to themselves and the world around them.

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How Do You Know If You Need Trauma & PTSD Therapy?

If you’re wondering whether past experiences may be affecting your present life, you’re not alone—and asking the question is an important first step. Trauma can live in the body and mind long after the event, often showing up in subtle or confusing ways.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you reflect. If you answer “yes” to several of these questions, trauma-informed therapy may offer the healing and clarity you deserve:

  • Do you often feel anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, or on edge—even when nothing seems wrong?
  • Do you have strong emotional reactions to everyday stress or conflict?
  • Do you avoid certain people, places, or memories because they feel too uncomfortable or triggering?
  • Do you experience nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive memories from a past event?
  • Do you often feel emotionally numb, detached, or disconnected from others—or from yourself?
  • Do you struggle with trust, intimacy, or feeling safe in relationships?
  • Do you carry a persistent sense of shame, guilt, or low self-worth?
  • Do you find it hard to relax or feel calm in your body?
  • Do you use distraction, work, substances, or isolation to cope with uncomfortable feelings?
  • Do you feel stuck—like a part of you is still living in the past?
depression cbt therapy

Dr. Harel’s ARM Method for PTSD Recovery

  • Awareness

    Identifying the emotional layers of trauma as well as the stories we have created around trauma events that continue feeding post-trauma symptoms

  • Release

    Letting go of the emotional layers of trauma (anger, sadness, fear, guilt, shame, hurt) and changing the beliefs regarding safety, trust, control, self-worth, and closeness that were created as a result of the trauma events.

  • Mastery

    Establishing new habits of thought and learning new skills to help clients step into their full power and potential, heal, and reclaim their joy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Premarital Counseling

Pricing may vary. A session with Dr. Harel ranges between $200-250 and the duration of trauma work is between 2-3 months.

Insurance coverage for trauma therapy depends on your individual plan and provider. While many plans include mental health benefits, coverage amounts, copays, and session limits can vary significantly. It’s best to contact your insurance company directly to understand your specific benefits.
Dr. Harel’s practice is private-pay and does not bill insurance companies directly. Payment is due at the time of service. However, if your insurance plan includes out-of-network coverage, we’re happy to provide the necessary documentation so you can receive partial reimbursement from your insurer.

Trauma therapy with Dr. Harel takes on average 3 months of weekly sessions.

Yes, Dr. Harel works with his clients via confidential and encrypted video-sessions.

Dr. Harel has 15+ years of clinical experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC clients.