How Trauma Can Show Up
Trauma is not only about what happened. It is about how an experience stays with you. It can come from a single event or from something that went on for a long time.
- Flashbacks, intrusive memories or nightmares
- Feeling on edge, easily startled or unable to relax
- Avoiding people, places or conversations that remind you of what happened
- Numbness, disconnection or feeling far away from your own life
- Shame, guilt or beliefs like "I am not safe" or "It was my fault"
- Difficulty trusting others or feeling close in relationships
These are understandable responses to overwhelming experiences. They are not a sign that something is wrong with you.
My Approach to Trauma Therapy
Safety comes first. Before we approach difficult memories, we build skills to help you feel grounded, calm your body and manage strong emotions.
I draw on trauma-focused therapy, CBT, DBT skills, mindfulness and person-centered work. You set the pace, and nothing is rushed.
Trauma can also live in the body. Tension, exhaustion, a racing heart or trouble sleeping are common. Part of our work is helping your nervous system learn that the danger has passed.
Trauma often affects how you see yourself and other people. Alongside symptom relief, we pay attention to the beliefs and relationship patterns that grew out of what happened, so that change reaches the parts of life that matter most to you.
What to Expect in the First Sessions
Our first sessions focus on getting to know you. We talk about what brings you in, how symptoms show up day to day, and what you hope will be different. You decide how much to share about the past, and when.
We also build a toolkit for difficult moments, such as grounding exercises, breathing techniques and ways to notice early signs of being overwhelmed. Many people find these skills helpful on their own, even before deeper processing begins.
From there, we create a plan together. It might include EMDR, trauma-focused talk therapy, skills work, or a combination. The plan can change as you do.
How EMDR Can Help with Trauma and PTSD
I am trained in EMDR, an evidence-based therapy that is especially well-supported for PTSD and trauma. It is recommended in PTSD treatment guidelines from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense.
EMDR helps your brain process memories that feel stuck, so they become less intense and less triggering. You do not need to describe every detail. Learn more about EMDR therapy.
EMDR is not the right first step for everyone. If life feels very unstable right now, we may spend more time on stabilization and coping skills first. When you feel ready, we can decide together whether and when to begin processing.
Take the First Step
Sessions take place by secure, HIPAA-compliant video, or phone if needed, for adults anywhere in New York or New Jersey. Many people feel safer starting therapy from home or another private space. In-person sessions in Montclair, NJ are available on request.
Reaching out can feel like a lot, especially when trust has been hard. A free 15-minute consultation is a low-pressure way to ask questions, hear how I work, and see if working together feels right. You can contact me here.
Therapy is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911.
