Trauma Therapy

Without Professional Support, Most People Fall Back Into Unhealthy Trauma Patterns 

The hallmark of trauma is that it keeps people stuck in cycles of fear, guilt, shame, and loneliness. That’s why many people who’ve experienced an abusive relationship—especially if it took place in childhood—are likely to keep getting into abusive relationships. Because of how trauma has eroded their self-confidence and sense of objectivity, it’s hard for them to remove themselves from harmful situations. 

What trauma survivors need is someone who can bear witness to their pain, validate their feelings and reactions, and help guide them out of toxic and abusive relationships. As a mental health professional who specializes in treating trauma, I am confident that I can fill that role in your life.

A Life Of Healing and Recovery Awaits Through The Power Of Trauma Therapy

The work of helping patients overcome their traumas is richly rewarding. It takes a lot of time, support, and willingness to bear quiet witness to the hardships they’ve endured, but the outcomes are truly beautiful. People become whole again and live freely and thrive. Suddenly the past doesn’t weigh so heavily on them and they can move through life without feeling threatened, defensive, or overly reactive. 

In counseling with me, you’ll have a safe place to disclose your trauma without fear of judgment and explore how it has affected your confidence, your thinking, and your interpersonal relationships. We’ll look at what trauma has taken away from you, as there is often an enormous sense of loss that comes with trauma—loss of trust, loss of love, or loss of safety. We’ll help you deal with the grief of your loss and work through the maladaptive ways you’ve learned to cope with it over time.

I offer therapy for trauma survivors of all kinds, including survivors of sexual abuse, child abuse, and narcissistic relationships. The long-term goal is to help you stabilize your mood through the use of medication and overcome longstanding trauma patterns through the power of psychotherapy.

What To Expect In Trauma Treatment Sessions

Since I am both a therapist and a board-certified psychiatrist, I’m able to provide a more comprehensive approach to treatment than most practitioners. Below are some of the main areas we’ll focus on in trauma therapy:

• Diagnoses and medical testing—Trauma often goes hand in hand with anxiety, depression, and various phobias. We’ll evaluate for any co-occurring psychiatric conditions and conduct medical testing to rule out any other causes of your symptoms.

• Mindfulness practices—I’ll teach you grounding techniques and deep breathing exercises that you can use when trauma reactions overwhelm your senses. I’ll also teach you visualization practices for imagining different reactions and formulating a future where you are healthy and thriving. 

• Insight-oriented psychotherapy—You’ll learn to normalize your trauma reactions, identify the ways you were manipulated, and enact new ways to respond to people or things that trigger your trauma. I may even refer you to literature that helps with psychoeducation, giving you new insights into your trauma and helping you intellectualize your struggles. 

• Medication management—Medication is an optional part of treatment, but it can go a long way in helping you stabilize your mood and manage your trauma symptoms. Together, we’ll discuss your pharmaceutical options and come up with a treatment plan that’s comfortable for you, whether that involves medication or not.

It takes tremendous courage to address trauma, but when you have an experienced and trusted therapist who makes you feel safe and validated, there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel awaiting you.

You May Have Some Questions About Trauma Therapy…

Will you tell me to leave my relationship if it’s toxic or abusive?

This decision is ultimately yours, as I recognize that there are many complex reasons you might choose to stay in or leave your relationship (e.g., if you have children together or your other options are limited). My focus will be on teaching you to identify negative patterns and helping you boost your self-confidence and self-advocacy skills. This way, you’ll be able to confront toxic, abusive, or narcissistic people in a way that allows you to be heard and doesn’t escalate difficult situations.

How long will trauma therapy take? 

Lifelong patterns that have become deeply ingrained can take a long time to overcome. It takes courage, perseverance, and determination to find freedom from these shackles. The good news is that you have made it this far, and that speaks to your strength and resilience. Although it can take months—or even years—to fully heal from trauma, it’s possible to find relief early on in the process through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.

What if talking about my trauma makes me feel worse?

Talking about traumatic experiences isn’t easy, and the road to recovery isn’t linear. It’s normal to feel vulnerable and emotional at times, but I am here to honor your grief and remind you that healing is within reach. Over the years, I’ve helped numerous trauma patients process and resolve their pain and get to a place where trauma no longer controls their lives. I’m confident that I can help you achieve the same outcome.

You Have a Profound Capacity For Healing

Whether you’re trying to heal from an abusive relationship, a painful loss, a violent event, or any other traumatic experience, you are capable—and worthy—of a future where you are in control of your life. To learn more about my approach to trauma therapy, you can use the contact form or call 646-593-2134. 

Serving patients in Portland, Oregon and New York, New York.