Understanding Trauma & PTSD

Trauma isn’t defined by the event itself—it’s defined by how the experience impacted your nervous system and sense of safety. Trauma can come from a single incident or a series of ongoing stressful or harmful experiences.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) occurs when the brain and body remain in “survival mode,” even when the danger has passed.

Common symptoms include:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories
• Avoidance of reminders of the event
• Feeling constantly alert or “on edge”
• Difficulty trusting others
• Nightmares or disrupted sleep
• Emotional numbness or detachment
• Irritability, anger, or sudden emotional reactions
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety, panic, or overwhelming fear

Trauma affects everyone differently. There is no “right way” to feel—and therapy helps make sense of your experience at your own pace.

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Types of Trauma We Treat

• Childhood trauma
• Relationship trauma
• Sexual abuse or assault
• Domestic violence
• Neglect or emotional abuse
• Grief or sudden loss
• Medical or health-related trauma
• Accidents or natural disasters
• Identity-based trauma (including LGBTQ+ experiences)
• Racial trauma
• Complex or developmental trauma

No matter your story, you deserve care and healing.

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Our Approach to Trauma & PTSD Therapy

Healing from trauma requires safety, patience, and the right therapeutic tools. Our trauma therapists combine evidence-based practices with compassion and grounding techniques to help you feel more in control of your emotions and body.

We may use:

• Trauma-Informed Therapy: Ensures emotional safety and empowerment in every step.
  
  
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps process traumatic thoughts and beliefs.
  
  
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A highly effective method for healing trauma memories.
  
  
• Somatic Therapy: Helps regulate the nervous system and release trauma stored in the body.
  
  
• Internal Family Systems (IFS): Supports healing emotional “parts” that carry pain.
  
  
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Teaches grounding and calm during emotional overwhelm.
  
  
• Narrative Therapy: Helps you regain ownership and understanding of your story.

Therapy is not about reliving trauma—it’s about healing from it in a safe, guided way.

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What to Expect in Therapy

1. Creating Safety: We start by developing trust, grounding tools, and emotional regulation skills.
   
   
2. Understanding the Impact: Learn how trauma has affected your thoughts, relationships, and body.
   
   
3. Processing the Trauma: When you’re ready, we gently work through memories using proven trauma-focused techniques.
   
   
4. Reclaiming Your Life: Build resilience, strengthen boundaries, and reconnect with your identity and goals.
   
   
5. Long-Term Healing: Therapy helps you move forward with renewed confidence, calm, and emotional stability.

There is no timeline—you heal at your pace, and we support you every step of the way.

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Benefits of Trauma & PTSD Therapy

• Reduced anxiety, panic, and hypervigilance
• Fewer intrusive memories or flashbacks
• Better sleep and emotional regulation
• Increased sense of safety and stability
• Stronger self-esteem and self-trust
• Healthier boundaries and relationships
• Relief from shame, guilt, or self-blame
• Greater resilience and emotional strength

Healing from trauma doesn’t erase your story—it transforms your relationship to it.

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Related Services and Specialties

Trauma therapy often works well alongside:

These services enhance emotional regulation, grounding, and connection.

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Our Trauma Specialists

Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed, EMDR, somatic, and evidence-based modalities. They create a safe, patient, and compassionate environment where healing is guided by both clinical expertise and genuine understanding.

Meet Our Team →