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Dr. Katrina Wood's psychotherapy blog

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A child, a man and a moment of violence

April 4, 2022 By Dr. Katrina Wood

actor Will Smith

Around the globe, millions witnessed what appeared to be a case of unresolved childhood trauma. A comedian slights an actor’s family member and -- in the blink of an eye -- shame, rage and guilt erupt. Violence ensues. The trance-like state that bound Will Smith in that moment at the Oscars spoke of decades of complex emotions and unconscious thoughts. All landing in one destructive action. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: stress and trauma Tagged With: childhood trauma, inner child, validating feelings

A 15-minute commitment to children

November 16, 2021 By Dr. Katrina Wood

dad and boy play

"Fully being with your child, wanting nothing, is quality time," wrote the childhood educator Magda Gerber in her book "Dear Parent: Caring for Infants with Respect." Gerber is known for teaching parents how to understand babies and how to interact with them from birth. She spent many years studying children who were overwhelmed by the absence of physical, psychological and emotional … [Read more...]

Filed Under: children, parenting Tagged With: childhood trauma, validating feelings

Coronavirus: What to tell the children

March 20, 2020 By Dr. Katrina Wood

talking to children coronavirus

One thing to ponder while sharing information about catastrophes such as the Covid-19 outbreak with children: How much is too much to discuss? And how much is too little? Children are sponges, dependent by nature on caregivers for survival as well as their overall psychological and emotional well-being. They absorb whatever is shared with them, processing it unfiltered to varying degrees, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: children, parenting Tagged With: childhood trauma, Covid-19, society

How triggers from the past haunt the present

February 12, 2020 By Dr. Katrina Wood

memories return

Back in the day there was a famous horse named Trigger. He was a 15-hand palomino rode by cowboy star Roy Rogers. Times have changed just a little! Today the word “trigger” has been repurposed and embraced by the therapeutic community. It has complex meanings and interpretations, but usually refers to reactions and feelings activated in the present but relating to the past. Triggers may … [Read more...]

Filed Under: self-help, stress and trauma Tagged With: childhood trauma, panic & fear

A modern-day Children’s Crusade

September 23, 2019 By Dr. Katrina Wood

In the year 1212, a crusade of more than 30,000 Christian children led by 12-year-old Stephen of Cloyes and young shepherd Nicholas sought to regain the Holy Land from the Muslims. The children's mission was to "peacefully" convert Muslims while securing Christians' right to the Holy Grail and Jerusalem. They were sent by the priests, backed by parents and the village communities of Northern … [Read more...]

Filed Under: children, stress and trauma Tagged With: childhood trauma, media, society

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New video interview

In January 2025, Rachael Lassoff of Meddkit, above, interviewed Dr. Katrina Wood for her "Provider Spotlight" series. They discussed trauma, healing and the power of communication. Listen in.

Business consulting

Dr. Katrina Wood offers business consulting services with a focus on assisting entrepreneurs with startup mental health group practices. General consulting and coaching in the workplace for optimum performance. Learn more.

About Dr. Katrina Wood

Southern California psychotherapistKatrina Wood is an author, lecturer and certified life coach focusing on psychotherapy and emotional healing. She lives in Los Angeles, where she runs the Wilshire/Valley psychotherapy center. ( More )

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Couples intensive therapy

Wilshire/Valley Therapy Center's make-or-break sessions help couples get back on the love track … or enable them to move on. Katrina Wood, Ph.D., has developed these sessions and their content. Learn about the Couples Connect sessions.

Dr. Wood’s ‘Faerie’ tale

Children’s fantasy adventure : Katrina Wood’s “The Night of the Faerie Rade” is now available at Amazon. A wonderful gift for kids ages 6-10.

Dr. Wood at LACPA

View Katrina Wood's talk on suicide prevention at the L.A. County Psychological Association convention.

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Wilshire/Valley Therapy Center & Management Services 

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Disclaimer

This blog discusses psychotherapy issues in a general way. Readers should address pressing concerns via their personal-growth support system. Some problems covered here are best handled directly by mental health providers.

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