Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a traumatic, scary or dangerous event. PTSD can be caused by either witnessing or experiencing the trauma. Events that sometimes trigger PTSD include everything from sexual assault, war, and violence, to car accidents or other incidents that could cause loss of life. It is not at all uncommon for people who go through something traumatic to have temporary difficulty coping and acute symptoms, but with time, they usually get better. However, if the symptoms last longer than a month, get worse rather than better and affect your ability to function, you may be suffering from PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD may include severe anxiety, anger, nightmares, trouble sleeping, flashbacks to the event, frightening thoughts, avoidance of situations or places, feeling on edge and/or being easily startled. If you think you may be experiencing PTSD, reach out to one of TherapyDen’s specialists today to get help.

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I have trained in several counseling techniques--including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)--that have been proven effective at treating PTSD. My approach to counseling is trauma-informed and person-centered; I work to create a therapeutic container of safety and support, I allow clients to share at a pace that feels congruent with their needs, and I consider the impacts of relationships, institutions, and systemic oppression on PTSD symptoms.

— Matt Raymond, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Tacoma, WA

Treating (C)PTSD involves a compassionate, individualized approach, emphasizing safety and trust. Methods like EMDR and Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) are used and geared towards processing traumatic memories and diminishing their impact. Mindfulness and grounding exercises are also employed to manage anxiety and emotional dysregulation. The ultimate aim is to empower people in regaining control and moving towards a resilient and hopeful future.

— Caroline Lockett - Corwell, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
 

Depression and Anxiety are classical symptoms of PTSD, where clients repeatedly become triggered by ordinary life. The self-perpetuating cycle often activates powerful inner shaming in clients with a harsh inner critic. I help clients release these patterns through Somatic Experiencing (body-focused treatments), Brainspotting (brain-based changes prompted from advanced EMDR research methods), and Mindful Awareness techniques.

— Rebecca Spear, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA

I specialize in PTSD and CPTSD especially. I have worked with thousands of traumatized individuals and know well the symptoms, signs, and at which point to involve medication. In my work with former inmates, many suffered from PTSD. I then ran a grief and PTSD-oriented process group for local college students who witnessed a suicide. I treat many patients with CPTSD in my practice.

— Melissa Healy, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA
 

I use a strengths-based approach to treat clients with trauma history. I help clients focus on their strengths, adaptability, and resilience.

— Alison Huang, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Silver Spring, MD

I have received specialized training including EMDR to assist individuals work through various types of trauma, from childhood and other recent challenges.

— Dr. Marlene Blyden, Licensed Professional Counselor in Alexandria, VA
 

PTSD for a long time was thought of as a condition that only military combat caused. That has changed. I have specialized in trauma, including PTSD, and my favorite treatment modalities are CBT & Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

— Dennis Patrick Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lake Dallas, TX

I work from a somatic, trauma informed place to gently explore past traumatic experiences and begin the healing process inside and out. Together, we will safely discover how past traumas are impacting your daily life, and start to mend past wounds.

— Katie Bennett, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Golden, CO
 

When we experience trauma of any kind, parts of us step in to protect us. In the moment, we need those parts and they may even be crucial to our survival. Once we’re through the trauma, those protective parts might start getting in the way. They might feel like anxiety, self-criticism, depression, or the need to be perfect, and they might interfere with our ability to form connections with others. Therapy can help us honor those former survival strategies and help us get unstuck.

— Jenny Larson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR

As a former journalist, I have an expert understanding of vicarious trauma and the various psychological hazards that come with high-pressure jobs.

— Maria Caspani, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in New York, NY
 

I have training in polyvagal theory, Safe & Sound protocol, and trauma informed yoga, all of which I integrate into my therapy sessions. Trauma is a felt experience, not an event.

— Rebekah Lunden, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Bellevue, WA

I have extensive experience working with folks who have experienced emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. I also have experience working with people who have struggled with traumatic losses, have experienced intense hardships because of racial/systemic barriers, as well as traumatic acute instances such as accidents that have caused symptoms of PTSD. Many of my clients have presented with symptoms of C-PTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

— Lilly Servera, Psychotherapist in Oakland, CA
 

I have over 20 years of experience helping individuals move from victim to survivor. This is very powerful, but not always fun or easy. However, it is freeing and creates an opportunity to live your best life.

— Kellie Rice, Psychologist in Chicago, IL

I have experience working with trauma from childhood, adulthood, family, military, and religious/ spiritual. I will help you identify your triggers and healthy ways to cope with them. We will explore how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected to your trauma. I will help you explore your strengths, resilience, and appreciation for life and possibilities for change. Which will help to transition from post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth. https://www.mountainstherapy.com/

— Christina Andino, Psychotherapist in Montclair, NJ
 

I specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD. With years of clinical experience and expertise, I am well-versed in the complexities of trauma and its impact on individuals' mental health. Through CBT, EMDR, and exposure therapy, I provide compassionate and effective support to clients coping with PTSD symptoms. My goal is to help individuals regain a sense of safety, process their traumatic experiences, and develop healthy coping strategies to promote healing and resilience.

— Lauren Garza, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist in , PA

I use a variety of research-supported treatments, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) to help you process your traumatic experiences, get unstuck from thought and behavior patterns that are no longer working for you, and live a fuller, more engaged life.

— Yelena Blank, Psychologist in Mountain View, CA