Specialized PTSD & Trauma Therapy for Healing & Recovery
Evidence-based trauma treatments including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and trauma-focused approaches. Compassionate care for Washington, New York, Oregon, Nevada & Arizona residents.
Common PTSD Symptoms & Signs
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward healing.
Re-experiencing
- Flashbacks and nightmares
- Intrusive memories
- Emotional distress to reminders
- Physical reactions to triggers
Avoidance
- Avoiding trauma-related thoughts
- Staying away from places/people
- Difficulty remembering event details
- Emotional numbness
Hyperarousal
- Easily startled or on edge
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability or anger outbursts
- Hypervigilance
Cognitive Changes
- Negative beliefs about self/world
- Blame of self or others
- Diminished interest in activities
- Feeling detached from others
Sleep Disturbances
- Insomnia or restless sleep
- Nightmares and night terrors
- Fear of sleeping
- Fatigue and exhaustion
Social Impact
- Relationship difficulties
- Social isolation
- Work or school problems
- Substance use issues
Important: PTSD symptoms can develop immediately after trauma or months/years later. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, professional help is available.
Trauma We Specialize In Treating
PTSD can result from various traumatic experiences. We provide specialized care for all types of trauma.
Military & Combat Trauma
Specialized care for veterans, active duty, and first responders dealing with combat-related PTSD.
Sexual Assault & Abuse
Trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual violence, assault, and domestic abuse.
Accidents & Disasters
Treatment for PTSD from car accidents, natural disasters, and traumatic injuries.
Childhood Trauma
Specialized approaches for childhood abuse, neglect, and complex trauma (C-PTSD).
Specialized PTSD Treatments
We offer trauma-focused, evidence-based therapies that have been proven effective for PTSD recovery.
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps process traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones) while focusing on trauma-related thoughts and feelings.
Our EMDR program includes:
- Comprehensive trauma history assessment
- Preparation and stabilization phase
- Targeted memory processing
- Installation of positive beliefs
- Body scan and closure procedures
Benefits of EMDR
- Process trauma without detailed talking
- Reduce emotional distress from memories
- Install positive self-beliefs
- Effective for single-event and complex trauma
- Often works faster than talk therapy alone
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma, such as self-blame, shame, and negative worldviews.
Our CPT approach includes:
- Understanding PTSD symptoms
- Identifying "stuck points" in thinking
- Challenging unhelpful beliefs
- Processing trauma memories
- Developing balanced thinking patterns
Benefits of CPT
- Reduce feelings of guilt and shame
- Improve understanding of trauma impact
- Develop healthier thinking patterns
- Evidence-based for various trauma types
- Structured 12-session protocol
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
PE helps reduce PTSD symptoms by gradually approaching trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations that have been avoided since the trauma.
Our PE therapy includes:
- Psychoeducation about PTSD
- Breathing retraining for anxiety
- Imaginal exposure to trauma memories
- In vivo exposure to avoided situations
- Processing and integration work
Benefits of PE
- Reduce avoidance behaviors
- Decrease fear and anxiety responses
- Improve daily functioning
- Gold standard PTSD treatment
- Highly effective for specific trauma
Medication Management for PTSD
Carefully prescribed medications can help manage PTSD symptoms while engaging in therapy, particularly for sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression.
Medications we may consider:
- SSRIs (first-line treatment for PTSD)
- SNRIs for depression and anxiety
- Prazosin for trauma-related nightmares
- Medications for sleep regulation
- Adjuvant medications as needed
Benefits
- Reduce hyperarousal symptoms
- Improve sleep quality
- Decrease depression symptoms
- Enhance therapy engagement
- Manage co-occurring conditions
The PTSD Recovery Process
Healing from trauma is a journey. Here's what to expect when you begin PTSD treatment with us.
Comprehensive Assessment
90-minute evaluation to understand your trauma history, symptoms, and treatment goals. We create a safe, supportive environment for sharing.
Treatment Planning
Personalized treatment plan combining evidence-based therapies tailored to your specific trauma and recovery goals.
Stabilization & Safety
Learning coping skills, emotion regulation techniques, and establishing safety before processing traumatic memories.
Trauma Processing
Gradual processing of traumatic memories using chosen evidence-based therapy (EMDR, CPT, or PE) at your pace.
Integration & Growth
Integrating healing into daily life, rebuilding relationships, and developing post-traumatic growth and resilience.
PTSD Treatment FAQs
PTSD treatment duration varies based on trauma type, severity, and individual factors. Many evidence-based therapies like CPT and PE are structured as 12-16 session protocols. EMDR treatment length depends on trauma complexity. For single-event trauma, treatment may take 3-6 months. For complex PTSD or multiple traumas, treatment may last 6-12 months or longer. We move at your pace and prioritize safety and stabilization.
Not necessarily. Different therapies approach trauma processing differently. With EMDR, you don't need to provide detailed narratives - you focus on the memory while following bilateral stimulation. In CPT, you write about the trauma but focus more on thoughts and beliefs. In PE, you gradually approach trauma memories. We work within your comfort level and prioritize creating a sense of safety and control throughout treatment.
Sometimes, yes. As you begin to process traumatic memories, you may temporarily experience increased symptoms like nightmares, anxiety, or emotional distress. This is often part of the healing process as suppressed memories and emotions surface. We carefully pace treatment to minimize distress, teach coping skills beforehand, and ensure you have support systems in place. Most patients find symptoms decrease significantly within the first few weeks of treatment.
Yes, we specialize in military and combat-related PTSD. We have experience working with veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders. We understand military culture, combat trauma, and the unique challenges faced by service members. We work with VA benefits and Tricare, and we're trained in military-specific trauma therapies. Many of our therapists have additional training in veteran mental health.
While PTSD symptoms can be significantly reduced or eliminated for many people, trauma experiences remain part of one's history. The goal of treatment is not to forget the trauma but to reduce its emotional impact and power over your life. Many people achieve full remission of PTSD symptoms. Others may have occasional symptoms but with greatly reduced intensity and frequency, along with effective coping skills. Our focus is on helping you regain control and live fully despite trauma history.
Begin Your Healing Journey Today
You don't have to carry trauma alone. Our specialized team provides compassionate, evidence-based PTSD treatment in a safe, supportive environment.
Trauma-informed care | Evidence-based therapies | Military/veteran specialization | Telehealth available
Serving: Washington • New York • Oregon • Nevada • Arizona