Trauma & PTSD
Past experiences can continue to affect emotions, relationships, coping, and a sense of safety. Therapy can help you understand those patterns and determine what may be helpful now.
Understanding Trauma & PTSD
Difficult or traumatic experiences can continue to affect emotions, relationships, coping, and a person's sense of safety long after the experience has ended. Trauma is not defined by the event itself, but by its impact and whether its effects are still showing up in your daily life. Online therapy is available to adults in New York and Florida experiencing intrusive memories, avoidance, emotional numbing, hypervigilance, and other lasting effects of difficult or overwhelming experiences.
Not every difficult experience leads to PTSD, and not everyone who experiences trauma develops lasting symptoms. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a specific condition with a defined set of symptoms, including intrusive re-experiencing, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and heightened reactivity, that persist over time and interfere with functioning.
Some people seek therapy not because they meet criteria for PTSD, but because a past experience continues to affect how they see themselves, how they relate to others, or how they move through the world. Both are valid reasons to seek support. Treatment begins with understanding your current concerns and goals, not with assuming a particular diagnosis or explanation.
Common Symptoms of Trauma & PTSD
Re-experiencing
- Intrusive memories or unwanted recollections of the experience
- Flashbacks, feeling as though the experience is happening again
- Nightmares or disturbing dreams related to the experience
- Intense distress when reminded of what happened
Avoidance
- Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or memories related to the experience
- Avoiding people, places, or situations that serve as reminders
- Emotional numbing or feeling detached from others
- Loss of interest in activities that used to matter
Changes in thinking and mood
- Negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world
- Persistent feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
- Feeling cut off from other people or unable to trust
Heightened reactivity
- Feeling constantly on alert or easily startled
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Reckless or self-destructive behavior
These symptoms can occur after a range of experiences and do not by themselves establish a PTSD diagnosis. Frequency, duration, context, and the degree to which they interfere with your life are all part of a careful assessment.
How I Treat Trauma & PTSD
Trauma treatment requires careful pacing, a strong therapeutic relationship, and an approach tailored to your specific history and current goals. I do not apply a single protocol to every person. Treatment is shaped by what you are experiencing and what you want to work toward:
Trauma-Informed Care
Everything I do is grounded in trauma-informed principles, including safety, trustworthiness, choice, and collaboration. Before any trauma processing work begins, we focus on building a foundation of safety and developing coping skills so you feel supported throughout the process. The pace is always yours to set.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-focused CBT addresses both the distressing memories associated with trauma and the beliefs that often develop in its wake, such as self-blame, shame, or a pervasive sense of danger. This approach has a meaningful evidence base for trauma-related concerns and is adapted to each person's specific experience.
Mindfulness-Based Strategies
Mindfulness-based strategies can help you notice thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without automatically reacting to them. For people dealing with trauma-related concerns, this can support a greater sense of presence and help create some distance from distressing reactions.
Considering Therapy for Trauma-Related Concerns?
If a past experience is still affecting your daily life, therapy can help. I offer a free 15-minute consultation, no commitment required.