Healing After the Flames: Coping with Trauma from the Los Angeles Fires
Episode 184
June 4, 2025
Jun 4, 2025

Join psychologist Dr. Rachael Polokoff on Convos from the Couch as she revisits the traumatic January 2025 Los Angeles fires, highlighting the ongoing psychological challenges faced by survivors, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Dr. Polokoff discusses effective therapeutic approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and journaling. This insightful discussion emphasizes the importance of specialized mental health interventions, community connection, and authentic empathy in healing after devastating events.
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EPISODE 184 /
June 4, 2025
with Rachael Polokoff, PhD
with Rachael Polokoff, PhD
MEET THE GUEST
Rachael Polokoff, PhD
Many of us feel overwhelmed with demands of work, health issues, family life, financial pressures and ask- “Where is the space for self-care?” Maladaptive coping skills (addictive behaviors, substance use issues, avoidance of activities) can easily take the place of healthy self-care techniques. However, there is a healthier path to walk down, which I can help you to master. I have spent my career helping teenagers and adults cope with difficult behavior patterns, and I can attest that once the source is uncovered, these behaviors can be changed to more accurately reflect your authentic self (artistic, creative, social, etc). I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to treat mood disorders, addictive behaviors and codependency.
I am also well versed in treating chronic pain and health issues. I work in individual and group treatment modalities. am certified in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion (MSC) and versed in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). As a creative in the Los Angeles community, I also use poetry and music to encourage more mindful participation in the world around us. As a psychologist, I can provide cognitive, psychological and personality testing to help differentiate between conditions that have similar symptoms but different treatments.
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Related Services
Trauma Focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
TFCBT directly addresses the impact of traumatic events on children and adolescents.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatments
PTSD treatments encompass a range of therapeutic approaches designed to alleviate the distressing symptoms of this mental health condition.

Trauma-Informed Care
Teaching patients to accept what is out of their control and commit to the positive solutions that lead them to a happy and fulfilled life.

Related Conditions
PTSD
In any given year, approximately 15 million adults in the United States have PTSD, which often causes symptoms such as avoidance, intrusive thoughts, and flashbacks.

Traumatic Disorders
Experiencing traumatic events can cause mental health conditions such as acute stress disorder, attachment disorders, and PTSD.

Childhood Trauma
By the age of 16, more than two-thirds of children report experiencing at least one traumatic event.







