Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can deeply impact your mental health, emotional well-being, and ability to connect with others. While the symptoms of trauma may feel overwhelming, healing is possible. Riverside Psychology offers empathetic, supportive therapy for trauma for individuals in Westchester County, New York, in a safe, judgment-free space. A PTSD therapist can help you process traumatic memories and explore your emotions so you can find peace and regain control.
Understanding the Effects of Trauma
Trauma stems from distressing life experiences. Even when the event itself has passed, the body and mind remain in a state of alert, responding to reminders as though the danger is still present. While trauma is different for everyone, common causes include the following:
Loss of a loved one
Witnessing violence
Natural disasters
Accidents
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Military combat
Symptoms of trauma can linger for years after the event, significantly disrupting daily life and relationships. Individuals with trauma may experience the following signs:
Intrusive memories
Flashbacks of the event
Feelings of fear, anger, or sadness
Emotional numbness
Avoidance behaviors
Loss of interest in activities
Withdrawal
Trauma is incredibly personal, and our therapists tailor counseling sessions to address each client’s unique needs, creating a compassionate space to rebuild emotional safety.
Our Approach to Trauma Therapy
The clinicians at Riverside Psychology believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential to recovery, and we’ll meet you where you are, empowering you to heal at your own pace. With evidence-based methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness strategies, and other trauma-informed techniques, counseling for trauma helps you develop healthy coping skills, reframe unhelpful thoughts, and reduce distressing symptoms.
The Modalities We Use
Each person’s healing process looks different. Some clients may focus on regaining stability and learning grounding skills, while others may work toward processing painful memories. Our therapists provide structure and guidance, always respecting your readiness and boundaries. We may incorporate the following evidence-based techniques into a trauma therapy session:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma can shape the way you view yourself and the world. CBT helps you identify unhelpful thoughts and gently replace them with more balanced perspectives. Over time, this process can lessen feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame that often follow trauma.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT helps individuals manage the intense emotions that often follow traumatic experiences. With DBT, clients learn how to identify emotional triggers, respond to distress without becoming overwhelmed, and replace self-blame with self-compassion. Skills such as emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and active communication help reduce impulsive reactions and foster a stronger sense of control.
Mindfulness Practices
When memories or emotions feel intense, mindfulness teaches you how to stay connected to the present moment. By focusing on breathing, sound, or touch, you can remind your body that you are safe, reducing anxiety and achieving a sense of calm. Techniques like naming what you see, feeling your feet on the floor, or practicing slow breathing can calm the nervous system.
Somatic Awareness
Trauma often lives in the body through tension, restlessness, or feelings of fear. Somatic work helps you reconnect with physical sensations and find ways to release stress and tension. Somatic awareness enables you to restore a sense of safety within yourself.
By combining these methods with warmth and empathy, Riverside Psychology supports each client in regaining control over their emotions, relationships, and sense of identity, allowing them to reconnect with themselves, strengthen emotional resilience, and rediscover hope.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Compassionate Team
Healing from trauma takes courage and trust. If you’re ready to start your journey, Riverside Psychology is here to support you with therapy for trauma in Westchester County, NY. We provide virtual therapy options for your convenience. Contact us today to find out how we can help you heal and thrive.