Experiencing a traumatic event can feel like your world has been turned upside down. Whether you’re struggling with flashbacks, avoiding certain places, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others, you’re not alone in this journey. Healing is possible, and trauma therapy offers a proven path forward.
At Groundbreaker Therapy, we understand that trauma affects everyone differently. That’s why we specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), an evidence-based approach that helps you develop the skills needed to process traumatic experiences while building emotional resilience for lasting recovery. We also provide specialized support for emerging adults looking for a boost.
Understanding Trauma Therapy
Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can overwhelm your ability to cope. Trauma therapy is a specialized treatment designed to help individuals heal from the emotional and psychological effects of trauma. Unlike general counseling, trauma therapy specifically addresses how traumatic experiences impact your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, trauma involves exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. However, trauma can also result from ongoing experiences like childhood abuse, domestic violence, or even discrimination and systemic oppression.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that about 6 of every 100 people in the United States will experience posttraumatic stress disorder at some point in their lives. This means millions of trauma survivors are seeking effective ways to heal and reclaim their lives.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma-Related Symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. PTSD symptoms can include:
- Flashbacks and traumatic memories that feel like they’re happening again
- Sleep disturbances, including nightmares and insomnia
- Intense emotions that feel overwhelming or unpredictable
- Negative thoughts about yourself, others, or the world
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma
- Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on edge
Trauma can also lead to other mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and depression. Many trauma survivors experience what’s called complex trauma, which results from repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences, often in childhood or within relationships.
The Lasting Impact of Traumatic Events
A traumatic experience—whether it’s sexual violence, a serious injury, combat exposure, or childhood abuse—can create lasting changes in how you see yourself and the world around you. These experiences often result in trauma memory that feels “stuck” in your nervous system, causing your body to react as if the danger is still present.
Complex trauma histories differ from single-event trauma because they typically involve repeated exposure to traumatic stress, often during critical developmental periods. This can lead to challenges with emotional regulation, self-concept, and forming healthy relationships.
Trauma reminders—sights, sounds, smells, or situations similar to the original traumatic event—can trigger intense physical and emotional responses, even when you’re actually safe.
Building Coping Skills Through Trauma Therapy
One of the most important aspects of trauma therapy is learning coping skills to manage intense emotions and trauma-related symptoms. Many trauma survivors have learned to cope in ways that once helped them survive but now interfere with their daily lives.
Through therapy, you can develop healthier coping mechanisms, including:
- Relaxation techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation
- Cognitive restructuring to challenge negative beliefs and thought patterns
- Emotional regulation skills to manage overwhelming feelings
- Mindfulness practices to stay grounded in the present moment
- Distress tolerance techniques for navigating difficult situations
These skills help you respond effectively to stress and trauma reminders while building confidence in your ability to handle whatever life brings.
Evidence-Based Approaches to Trauma Treatment
Trauma-focused treatment uses evidence-based treatments that have been proven effective through research and clinical practice. According to systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines, several approaches show strong evidence for treating trauma:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to your traumatic experiences. This approach combines cognitive restructuring with behavioral techniques to address both the thoughts and actions that maintain trauma symptoms.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Prolonged exposure therapy gradually helps you confront trauma-related memories and situations you’ve been avoiding. Through careful, systematic exposure in a safe environment, this approach can reduce the power these memories hold over your daily life.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation to help you process traumatic memories. While effective for many people, it’s worth noting that Groundbreaker Therapy focuses on other approaches that we believe offer more comprehensive healing for complex trauma.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy is particularly effective for complex trauma and emotional regulation challenges. DBT teaches four core skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. This comprehensive approach addresses not just trauma symptoms but also helps you build a more fulfilling life.
Trauma-Informed Therapy vs. Trauma-Focused Treatment
It’s important to understand the difference between trauma-informed therapy and trauma-focused therapy:
Trauma-informed care creates a safe and supportive environment that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma. This approach ensures that all aspects of treatment actively resist re-traumatization while supporting your recovery journey.
Trauma-focused therapy directly addresses and processes traumatic memories as the central focus of treatment. This approach helps you work through specific traumatic experiences in a structured way.
At Groundbreaker Therapy, we provide trauma-informed therapy that creates the foundation for healing while incorporating trauma-focused elements when you’re ready to process traumatic memories.
The Role of Your Trauma-Focused Therapy From a Licensed Psychologist Who Specializes in Trauma
Working with an experienced trauma therapist is crucial for your healing journey. A skilled therapist guides you through the therapy process while helping you:
- Address trauma-related beliefs and negative thought patterns
- Build practical coping skills for daily life
- Process difficult emotions in a safe environment
- Develop healthier relationships with yourself and others
Your therapist may recommend individual therapy, group therapy, or a combination of both, depending on your specific needs and comfort level.
Understanding Complex Trauma and Complex PTSD
Complex trauma and complex PTSD involve more than the standard PTSD symptoms. If you’ve experienced repeated trauma, especially during childhood or in relationships, you might struggle with:
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Negative beliefs about yourself or your worth
- Challenges in forming and maintaining relationships
- Problems with identity and self-concept
- Other mental health symptoms, like dissociation or mood disorders
DBT is particularly effective for complex trauma because it addresses these broader challenges while building the skills needed for emotional stability and healthy relationships. The approach also incorporates cultural considerations and supports spiritual well being, recognizing that healing happens within the context of your whole life.
Your PTSD Treatment and Healing Journey
Effective PTSD treatment involves a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique experiences and goals. Treatment may include:
- Individual trauma therapy sessions
- Skills training for emotional regulation and coping
- Group therapy for peer support and connection
- Coordination with other mental health services when needed
Some individuals may also benefit from medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as part of their comprehensive treatment approach, though this is always determined in collaboration with qualified medical professionals.
The goal is to help you fully integrate knowledge from therapy into your daily life, build resilience, and promote healing that lasts beyond your time in treatment.
Why Groundbreaker Therapy Uses DBT for Trauma
At Groundbreaker Therapy, we’ve chosen Dialectical Behavior Therapy as our primary approach because it offers the most comprehensive framework for trauma healing. DBT provides the perfect balance of emotional regulation, cognitive restructuring, and practical coping skills.
Here’s why DBT is especially effective for trauma survivors:
- Mindfulness helps you stay present and grounded, reducing the impact of flashbacks and intrusive memories
- Distress tolerance teaches you to navigate intense emotions without harmful coping behaviors
- Emotional regulation provides tools to manage the mood swings and overwhelming feelings that often accompany trauma
- Interpersonal effectiveness helps rebuild trust and connection in relationships
DBT’s emphasis on building a “life worth living” means we’re not just focused on reducing symptoms—we’re helping you create a fulfilling, meaningful life despite your traumatic experiences.
Taking the First Step Toward Healing
Recovery from trauma is possible. While the journey isn’t always easy, with the right support and evidence-based treatment, you can develop the skills and resilience needed to thrive.
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting what happened or pretending it didn’t affect you. Instead, it means learning to carry your experiences in a way that doesn’t control your life. Through trauma-informed therapy rooted in evidence-based treatments like DBT, you can:
- Reduce trauma-related symptoms
- Develop healthier coping strategies
- Build stronger, more satisfying relationships
- Reclaim your sense of safety and empowerment
- Create a meaningful life aligned with your values
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy
How long does trauma therapy typically last?
The length of trauma therapy varies depending on your individual needs, the complexity of your trauma history, and your treatment goals. Many people begin to notice improvements within the first few months, while more comprehensive healing often takes longer. DBT skills training typically involves several months of consistent practice to fully integrate new coping strategies.
What should I expect during my first trauma therapy session?
Your first session will focus on getting to know you and understanding your experiences. Your therapist will ask about your trauma history, current symptoms, and treatment goals while ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout the process. This initial assessment helps create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
How do I know if I need trauma therapy?
Consider trauma therapy if you’re experiencing persistent symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, emotional numbness, or difficulty functioning in daily life following a traumatic experience. Even if your symptoms don’t meet the full criteria for PTSD, trauma therapy can help you process difficult experiences and develop healthier coping strategies.
Can trauma therapy help with anxiety and depression?
Yes, trauma therapy can be highly effective for anxiety and depression, especially when these conditions stem from traumatic experiences. DBT’s focus on emotional regulation and distress tolerance provides valuable tools for managing anxiety, while its emphasis on building a meaningful life can help address depressive symptoms.
Are there specific types of trauma that DBT is particularly effective for?
DBT is especially effective for complex trauma, childhood trauma, relationship trauma, and situations involving emotional dysregulation. It’s also beneficial for trauma survivors who have struggled with self-harm, substance use, or other harmful coping behaviors.
How does Groundbreaker Therapy ensure patient confidentiality and privacy?
As a private-pay practice, Groundbreaker Therapy maintains the highest standards of confidentiality. All sessions are conducted in accordance with professional ethics and legal requirements, ensuring your privacy and creating the safe environment necessary for trauma healing.
Can telepsychology be as effective as in-person therapy for treating trauma?
Research shows that telepsychology can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many trauma survivors. Groundbreaker Therapy offers secure teletherapy services across multiple states, allowing you to access specialized trauma treatment from the comfort and safety of your own environment.
How does Groundbreaker Therapy integrate mindfulness into trauma treatment?
Mindfulness is a core component of DBT and plays a crucial role in trauma healing. Through mindfulness practices, you learn to stay present with your experiences without being overwhelmed by them. This helps reduce the impact of flashbacks and intrusive memories while building your capacity to cope with difficult emotions.
Photo by Aarón Blanco Tejedor on Unsplash
Begin Your Healing Journey Today
Trauma may have changed your life, but it doesn’t have to define your future. At Groundbreaker Therapy, Dr. Matthew G. Mandelbaum provides compassionate, evidence-based care specifically designed for highly sensitive, intelligent individuals ready to heal from traumatic experiences.
Whether you’re dealing with recent trauma or working through experiences from years past, DBT-informed trauma therapy can help you develop the skills and resilience needed to create a life of meaning and fulfillment.
Take the first step toward healing—schedule your session with Groundbreaker Therapy today.