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Therapists answer…

How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?

Sara SanfordS

Sara Sanford

Psychotherapist
Online & In-Person
How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?
Trauma changes how we see the world—and how we see ourselves. It can make the body feel unsafe, relationships feel overwhelming, and the future feel uncertain. Trauma-focused therapy provides a safe, compassionate space to gently process what you’ve been through and reconnect with your inner strength. This isn’t about retelling your story over and over. It’s about reclaiming your relationship with your body, your emotions, and your sense of self. Why Trauma-Focused Therapy? Whether your trauma stems from a single event or chronic experiences, its impact can linger in the nervous system long after the danger has passed. You might feel stuck in cycles of hypervigilance, shutdown, shame, or emotional overwhelm. Trauma-focused therapy supports you to: Develop internal and external safety Understand how trauma shows up in your thoughts, behaviors, and relationships Reconnect with parts of yourself that were shut down or fragmented Build resilience and emotional regulation tools Healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. And you don’t have to navigate it alone. What is Trauma-Focused Therapy? This therapy approach integrates mind-body techniques and trauma-informed practices to meet you where you are. It often blends talk therapy with somatic awareness, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation work. In our sessions, trauma therapy might include: Learning how to ground and soothe your body Processing traumatic memories at a safe pace Identifying triggers and creating coping strategies Working through self-blame, fear, or disconnection We go slow. We stay present. We honor your pace and boundaries. Who is This For? Trauma-focused therapy can be especially helpful for: Survivors of childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect Individuals with PTSD or Complex PTSD People experiencing dissociation, flashbacks, or emotional numbness Those impacted by systemic, relational, or intergenerational trauma Anyone ready to feel more safe, whole, and grounded Even if it feels hard to trust or open up, therapy can offer a space where healing becomes possible. How We’ll Work Together You are the expert on your story. My role is to help you access your inner resources while creating a space that feels safe and supportive. In our work together, you’ll: Learn to track and regulate your nervous system Build tools for self-compassion and resilience Process trauma in ways that don’t retraumatize Reconnect with your body, boundaries, and inner wisdom We won’t rush. We’ll focus on creating the safety and trust needed to support true healing. So, if you have experienced a traumatic event of any kind, there is no better time to start improving your quality of life than today. You can connect with me at www.SaraSanfordTherapy.com anytime.
I specialize in trauma, including childhood abuse, complex and traumatic relationships, and the ways our minds and bodies sometimes disconnect to help us survive. If you’ve felt numb, isolated, or like you're just going through the motions, you’re not alone—and I promise there’s nothing wrong with you. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in both neuroscience and deep compassion. I offer a space where you don’t have to explain everything in perfect words—where your emotions, your body, and your survival strategies are all welcome. As someone who’s walked this path myself, I know how heavy it can feel to carry pain that was never yours to begin with. Healing is possible, even if it hasn’t worked before. We’ll work gently and intentionally to untangle what’s been holding you back, so you can start to feel safe, connected, and fully yourself. You will never be judged for your choices or your experiences, but rather valued for every aspect of your individual journey. You just need to show up—I’ll meet you there, and we’ll move forward together. You can learn more about me on my website at www.SaraSanfordTherapy.com or call/text 415-870-6494.
Jaquelyn RomanoJ

Jaquelyn Romano

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Online Therapy
How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?
I use a trauma-informed approach to create a safe, supportive space for healing. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I help clients process their experiences, regulate emotions, and build resilience, empowering them to move forward with strength and confidence.
*About me Hi, I’m Jacquelyn Romano, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Therapist with 15 years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate a range of emotional challenges. At Mind Over Matter Marriage and Family Therapy, I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, postpartum depression and anxiety, and other parenting-related concerns. I take a holistic, compassionate approach to therapy, grounded in mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed practices. My goal is to create a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported. I believe in a collaborative approach—working together to build the skills, coping strategies, and insight that will empower you to make meaningful changes in your life. Life can present many challenges, but with the right support, it’s possible to heal and create the life you desire. It takes great courage to embark on a journey of change, and I’m here to walk alongside you as you build a more fulfilling and balanced life. Remember, it’s never too late to begin healing, and I look forward to being a part of your journey toward growth and empowerment. *Treatment philosophy I take a holistic, compassionate approach to therapy, integrating mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where clients can explore their emotions and build resilience. I help individuals and couples identify and challenge negative thought patterns, using mindfulness to foster self-awareness and emotional regulation. I specialize in trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges, including postpartum support. Ultimately, I empower clients with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges, heal from past wounds, and build healthier, more fulfilling lives. *Practice Description At Mind Over Matter Marriage and Family Therapy, we provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy tailored to individuals, couples, and groups facing a wide range of life challenges. Whether you’re struggling with relationship difficulties, managing day-to-day stress, or navigating transitions in life, our approach is designed to help you gain insight, build coping strategies, and foster emotional well-being. For Individuals: We work with clients to address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and work-life balance. Through techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, we help individuals understand their emotions, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and develop skills for resilience. For Couples: Our couples therapy focuses on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and resolving conflicts. We utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples reconnect emotionally and strengthen their bond, whether they’re dealing with relationship challenges, life changes, or parenting stress. For Groups: We offer group therapy sessions to provide a supportive community for those facing similar struggles, from coping with stress to managing anxiety. Group therapy fosters shared experiences, encourages personal growth, and helps participants develop new strategies for navigating life's challenges. At Mind Over Matter, we’re committed to creating a safe, collaborative space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered to take control of your mental health and relationships.
Dorine MartinD

Dorine Martin

Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & In-Person
How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?
Building trust is crucial when working with clients who have experienced trauma or PTSD. You should also carry out a thorough assessment, offer psychoeducation, use evidence-based therapies, address symptoms while taking medication into account, teach coping mechanisms, work with a multidisciplinary team, place an emphasis on self-care and cultural sensitivity, and maintain ongoing support for comprehensive and customized care.
Welcome! I'm Ms. Martin, a Family Nurse Practitioner with over three decades of dedication to nursing and patient care. My journey in healthcare began at Florence-Darlington Technical College, where I earned my Associate Degree in Nursing. Fueled by a passion for advanced practice, I furthered my education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina, followed by a Master's degree focusing on Family Nurse Practice. As a board-certified expert recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, I've honed my skills across various healthcare settings, ensuring that my approach is both compassionate and comprehensive. At Mindology, which I had the privilege of co-founding, we're committed to making mental healthcare accessible and free from judgment. My expertise encompasses managing and treating a spectrum of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and challenges with life adjustments. I also specialize in addressing ADHD, ADD, OCD and weight loss, women and men's health. When I'm not caring for my patients, you'll find me enjoying quality time with my family and my standard poodle Miles Davis or indulging in my love for travel. Your mental wellbeing is my priority, and I'm here to support you on your journey to better health.
Grace KimG

Grace Kim

Clinical psychologist
Online & In-Person
What's your experience with clients with trauma or abuse?
Traumatic experiences greatly impact your understanding of safety, trust, intimacy, control, and self-esteem. As a result, you may struggle to maintain healthy relationships and find yourself in a cycle of shame and emotional disconnect. Through therapy, you can understand your triggers and ineffective patterns with compassion and learn to relate with yourself and others in a more balanced manner. You will also develop skills to reduce anxiety, manage emotions, and attain peace.
Hi, I’m a clinical psychologist licensed in the states of California and Iowa. I have specialized experience working with culturally diverse adults struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, shame, and relationship difficulties. Moreover, I have a subspecialty treating mental health symptoms influenced by women specific issues, such as postpartum depression, menopause, gender role challenges, and body image concerns. I also help couples who want to develop deeper intimacy, increase emotional safety, and communicate more effectively with one another. Overall, my passion lies in helping people 1) address shame by cultivating self-compassion, 2) develop healthy relationship boundaries, and 3) live a values-based lifestyle. In all my work, I prioritize creating a space of radical acceptance and safety for individuals to examine their lives honestly and accurately. I am confident that radically genuine living is a life worth living, and I strive to help patients develop an inner haven through which they can live unapologetically as their true selves.