Trauma Therapy for PTSD
& Trauma Recovery
New York & Florida
Trauma is a shock to the system. It leaves a deep imprint, affecting both mind and body. In the aftermath, the body’s natural defense system—our fight, flight, or freeze response—can get stuck in high gear. The very reactions meant to protect you can stay switched on, even when the danger is over. It’s common to experience strong physical and emotional reactions—fear, sadness, anger, guilt, or numbness. You might notice distressing memories, feel on edge, or have a hard time relaxing. Trauma can also shift how you see yourself, others, or the world—leading to beliefs that the world is unsafe, or that you are to blame. These are normal responses to a highly abnormal situation. It’s your mind and body’s way of trying to process what happened and keep you safe.
For some people, these reactions lessen over time as the mind and body begin to heal. Other times, feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations remain intense or even grow stronger. You might notice yourself steering clear of certain places, situations, or memories, making life feel smaller. It’s also common to feel constantly on edge or caught up in negative beliefs about yourself or the world. When these patterns persist, it can feel like the trauma is still in control—making daily life feel exhausting, limited, or disconnected.
Understanding Trauma and PTSD
Trauma can stem from a wide range of experiences—such as sexual or physical assault, childhood abuse, combat exposure, serious accidents, natural disasters, medical events, witnessing violence, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but when the effects of trauma linger and start interfering with daily life, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) becomes a diagnosis to explore.
PTSD is a natural response to overwhelming events that the mind and body haven’t yet fully processed. Some common symptoms of PTSD include:
Intrusive memories: Distressing, unwanted thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the trauma.
Avoidance: Steering clear of certain places, people, situations, or thoughts that remind you of what happened.
Hyperarousal: Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, having trouble sleeping or concentrating, or feeling overly alert to danger.
Negative mood and beliefs: Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, sadness, or a sense of detachment, often tied to the trauma. It’s also common to hold negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world—such as believing the world is unsafe or that you are at fault.
These reactions are the result of how trauma affects both the brain and body—keeping you stuck in a heightened state of alertness, even when the danger has passed.
Beyond PTSD: Other Trauma Responses
PTSD is one way trauma can affect people, but it’s not the only way. Some people experience depression, substance use, unexpected panic attacks, or other forms of anxiety. If your trauma was recent, you may still be moving through initial stages of shock, grief, or adjustment.
For those who have experienced prolonged or repeated trauma—especially starting in childhood—other challenges may emerge. These may include difficulties with trust, overwhelming shame, intense emotions, self-harm, or feeling disconnected from yourself. These struggles can occur alongside PTSD or on their own.
No matter how you’re responding to trauma, effective treatments are available to help you heal.
How Trauma Therapy Can Help
The good news is that PTSD and trauma-related symptoms are highly treatable. Therapy offers a space to safely process your experiences, reduce distressing symptoms, and reclaim parts of life that trauma may have taken over.
One of the most effective, research-supported treatments for PTSD is Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy. Effective, evidence-based treatments for other impacts of trauma are available as well.
How can Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy Help?
In order to heal after a trauma, processing of painful memories and difficult emotions is important yet challenging. Knowing how to move forward can feel impossible. Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy is a highly effective, research-supported approach that helps you work through your traumatic experience—in a safe, supportive, and structured way.
Together, we would take things step by step, create space to process what happened, and gradually approach the parts of life your trauma has kept you avoiding. Over time, many people find themselves able to process difficult emotions, reclaim a sense of safety, and take back control of their lives.
What to Expect in PTSD Therapy
A non-judgmental, supportive space where your experiences and emotions are met with understanding—not shame or judgment.
Therapeutic tools and strategies tailored to your unique experience and the specific ways trauma has impacted your life.
A focus on helping you reconnect with what matters most—without trauma symptoms steering the course.