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Trauma & PTSD Treatment

Specialized trauma-focused therapy including EMDR and evidence-based healing

Understanding Trauma & PTSD

Trauma isn't just about what happened to you—it's about how your nervous system got stuck in survival mode and can't turn off the alarm. Maybe you survived something terrifying and now find yourself constantly on edge, scanning for danger even when you're safe. Perhaps certain sounds, smells, or situations send you right back to that moment, your heart racing as if it's happening again. You might have nightmares, avoid reminders of what happened, or feel disconnected from yourself and others.

Trauma can come from a single overwhelming event (assault, accident, natural disaster) or from ongoing experiences (abuse, combat, medical trauma, childhood neglect). Complex trauma from repeated experiences in childhood can affect how you see yourself, others, and the world. Whatever caused your trauma, the pain is real, and it's not your fault. Healing is possible. Trauma-focused therapies can help your brain process what happened and move forward without being haunted by the past.

You might be experiencing:

Intrusive memories or flashbacks that feel like you're reliving the trauma
Nightmares or disturbing dreams about the traumatic event
Hypervigilance—constantly scanning for danger, easily startled
Avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the trauma
Emotional numbness or feeling detached from others
Negative beliefs about yourself ("I'm damaged," "It's my fault")
Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in relationships
Irritability, angry outbursts, or difficulty controlling emotions
Difficulty concentrating or feeling like you're in a fog
Self-destructive behaviors or turning to substances to cope

If you're in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out immediately: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). For sexual assault support: RAINN Hotline 1-800-656-4673.

Our Medication Approach

While trauma-focused therapy (like EMDR or prolonged exposure) is the primary treatment for PTSD, medication can help manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, nightmares, and hyperarousal. Medication can make it easier to engage in therapy and can improve quality of life, especially when symptoms are severe.

SSRIs and SNRIs (First-Line Treatment)

These antidepressants are the primary medications for PTSD. They help with intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, irritability, and depression.

  • FDA-approved for PTSD: Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Also effective: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Venlafaxine (Effexor)
  • Take 4-6 weeks to reach full effect
  • Help reduce hyperarousal and improve mood

Prazosin (For Nightmares)

Originally a blood pressure medication, prazosin is highly effective for trauma-related nightmares and sleep disturbances.

  • Taken at bedtime to reduce nightmares and improve sleep quality
  • Can be life-changing for people whose sleep is severely disrupted

Mood Stabilizers and Atypical Antipsychotics

Sometimes used for severe symptoms or when SSRIs aren't enough, particularly for anger, impulsivity, or dissociation.

  • Low-dose quetiapine (Seroquel) for sleep and anxiety
  • Aripiprazole (Abilify) or risperidone as augmentation

Benzodiazepines (Limited Use)

We generally avoid benzodiazepines for PTSD as they can interfere with trauma processing and carry dependency risk.

  • Only for short-term use in acute crisis situations
  • Research shows they may actually worsen PTSD long-term

Our Prescribing Philosophy

  • Medication supports therapy but doesn't replace it—trauma-focused therapy is essential
  • Target specific symptoms: nightmares, hyperarousal, depression, etc.
  • Start low and increase gradually to minimize side effects
  • Regular monitoring and adjustment based on your response
  • Be cautious with potentially addictive medications given higher risk in trauma survivors

Therapy & Lifestyle Changes

Trauma-focused therapy is the cornerstone of healing. These therapies help your brain process the traumatic memories so they're stored as "past events" rather than ongoing threats. You can't change what happened, but you can change how it affects you today. Most people see significant improvement with evidence-based trauma therapy.

Therapy Approaches We Recommend

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

One of the most effective trauma treatments. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds) while you briefly focus on traumatic memories. This helps your brain reprocess the memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge.

  • You don't have to talk through every detail of what happened
  • Often faster than traditional talk therapy for trauma
  • Effective for single-event trauma and complex trauma
  • Well-researched and endorsed by WHO and APA

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy

Helps you gradually confront trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations you've been avoiding. Through repeated, controlled exposure, your brain learns the memories aren't dangerous and anxiety decreases.

  • Gold standard treatment with strong research support
  • Typically 8-15 sessions

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Helps you identify and change unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma ("It was my fault," "I can't trust anyone," "The world is dangerous"). Combines cognitive restructuring with processing the trauma narrative.

Trauma-Focused CBT

Combines trauma processing with coping skills, emotional regulation, and addressing trauma-related thoughts and behaviors. Particularly effective for complex trauma.

Somatic Therapies

Focus on the body's response to trauma. Includes approaches like Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Helps release trauma stored in the body and restore a sense of safety.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Complex Trauma

Particularly helpful for complex trauma from childhood. Works with different "parts" of yourself that developed to cope with trauma, helping them heal and work together.

Lifestyle Changes That Make a Real Difference

Build a Sense of Safety (Foundation for Healing)

Trauma leaves your nervous system on high alert. Creating safety—physical, emotional, and relational—is essential for healing.

  • Make your living space feel safe: locks, lighting, comfortable zones
  • Establish routines and predictability
  • Set boundaries with people who don't feel safe

Grounding Techniques

When flashbacks or overwhelming emotions hit, grounding brings you back to the present.

  • 5-4-3-2-1 technique: Name 5 things you see, 4 you touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste
  • Deep breathing, cold water on face, holding ice
  • Remind yourself: "That was then, this is now. I am safe."

Movement and Exercise

Trauma gets stored in the body. Movement helps release it and regulates your nervous system.

  • Yoga (especially trauma-informed yoga) is particularly helpful
  • Walking, running, dancing—anything that feels good to your body
  • Start gentle; listen to your body's signals

Sleep Hygiene

Trauma disrupts sleep, and poor sleep makes trauma symptoms worse. Creating a consistent, safe sleep routine is crucial. Consider prazosin medication if nightmares are severe.

Avoid Alcohol and Substances

It's tempting to use substances to numb trauma pain, but they interfere with healing, worsen PTSD symptoms, and increase risk of addiction. If you're struggling with substances, let us know—we can help.

Connection and Support

Trauma isolates. Healing happens in connection with safe people.

  • Support groups with other trauma survivors
  • Trusted friends or family who can listen without judgment
  • It's okay to take connection slowly—rebuild trust at your pace

Self-Compassion

Trauma survivors often blame themselves. Remember: What happened to you was not your fault. How you survived was the best you could do at the time. You deserve healing and peace.

Healing Is Possible

You don't have to carry this alone anymore. Trauma can be healed. With evidence-based trauma therapy and compassionate support, you can process what happened and move forward. Our team specializes in trauma-informed care and we understand the courage it takes to seek help. We're here for you.