The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left more than charred landscapes and destroyed homes—they’ve ignited a collective trauma that reverberates through every corner of our city. As a therapist specializing in Los Angeles providing trauma support, I’ve sat with survivors who’ve lost everything, families navigating displacement, and children struggling to articulate their fear. This blog isn’t just about coping; it’s about rebuilding—physically, emotionally, and communally. Whether you’re grappling with PTSD after natural disasters, solastalgia, or the weight of uncertainty, know this: healing is possible, and you don’t have to walk this path alone.
Natural disasters like wildfires activate our primal survival instincts—flooding the body with adrenaline. But when the flames subside, the emotional scars often remain. Research links wildfires to heightened rates of anxiety and depression after wildfires, driven by:
Children often internalize stress. Signs include nightmares, regression, or withdrawal. Tips for caregivers:
If smoke smells trigger panic, sleepless nights linger, or grief over lost spaces weighs heavy – you don’t have to face this alone. As a certified trauma therapist specializing in PTSD, I offer:
Think of psychological first aid as emotional CPR. Steps include:
Whether you need crisis support, or long-term trauma care, help is available:
EMDR and CBT are evidence-based approaches specifically effective for wildfire trauma:
Begin your recovery with a Los Angeles-based trauma specialist.
Economic strain is a top predictor of long-term mental health struggles. Resources:
If symptoms persist beyond a month, reach out to me, trauma therapist Los Angeles.
Maria, a domestic worker from East LA, lost her job and home in the fires. Through a Latino mental health resources program, she found bilingual counseling and job training. “Therapy didn’t fix the past,” she says, “but it gave me tools to face tomorrow.”
Groups like LA Wildfire Survivors United host weekly meetings where members share coping strategies, from mindfulness to advocacy. “We’re not just survivors—we’re warriors,” says founder Javier Ruiz.
The road to recovery is long, but it’s one we walk together. Whether you’re navigating emotional recovery after losing a home or supporting a loved one, remember: vulnerability is not weakness. It’s the first step toward healing.
As an LA therapist, my door is open to all survivors. I specialize in EMDR Therapy, we’ll craft a plan that honors your strength and fosters hope.
Resources Recap
Susan Quinn
For over 30 years, I’ve been helping people create meaningful and rewarding relationships. I believe the most important relationship we have is with ourselves, as it forms the foundation for feeling safe, happy, and at peace. I help my clients release fear and troubling emotions, opening the door to growth and freedom. When you work with me, you’re not just getting a coach—you’re gaining a supportive “home base” to return to whenever you need it. Let’s take this journey together.