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Therapists answer…

How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?

Jennie DenneyJ

Jennie Denney

AMFT
Online & In-Person
How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?
When I work with clients navigating trauma or PTSD, my first priority is creating a sense of emotional safety. Trauma often lives in the body and nervous system, not just in memory—so we move slowly, with care, and always at your pace. I use a trauma-informed, attachment-based lens to help you feel more grounded in the present while gently exploring what’s been overwhelming or unresolved in the past. One of the primary tools I use is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a research-backed method that helps your brain reprocess traumatic experiences so they no longer feel as raw, triggering, or intrusive. EMDR doesn’t require you to retell every detail—instead, it allows your brain and body to do the healing work in a structured, contained way. I may also integrate parts work (like Internal Family Systems), somatic awareness, and relational processing depending on your needs. My goal is never to push you into the trauma, but to walk with you through it—helping you make sense of what happened, reconnect with your inner strength, and reclaim a sense of safety and wholeness.
Hi, I’m Jennie Denney, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist passionate about helping individuals, teens, couples, and families navigate the hard stuff—like self-harm, identity challenges, religious trauma, and relationship ruptures. My approach is trauma-informed and deeply rooted in attachment work, and I use integrative methods like EMDR, IFS, and EFT to support lasting change. I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and grounded in real connection. I'm here to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
Teresa FranzT

Teresa Franz

LCSW
Online & In-Person
Why is trauma processing important?
People who have experienced trauma often don't realize how extensive the effects can be. Many people I work with often don't even identify traumatic events from their past as traumas. They come to therapy wanting to deal with anxiety or depression, but after a few sessions, we discover how deeply an event hurt them. Trauma affects your body by creating wiring in your brain to keep you from getting hurt, but it can get over-active, like an over-protective best friend! When you get triggered, even by something that seems unrelated, your body kick starts a survival program that releases stress hormones into your body so you can fight for your life or run away. This would be helpful if you were getting ready to fight a bear, but is not so helpful when you need to manage day to day tasks. Trauma processing can help your body to stop reacting to everyday triggers and to find healing from pain. People ask, how will they know they are done. My answer is, when your body and mind feel like the event is just a memory without feeling the intensity as if the event is still happening in the present. Through careful, specific trauma therapy, you can finally release your painful past and move forward into a healthy life.
I get it! On the outside, maybe you seem fine. You’re balancing everything life throws at you...but there are times when you’re overwhelmed. You feel like whatever you do, it doesn’t seem to be “enough.” Everyone around you seems to be happier, more put together, and you can't figure out why. You spend so much effort pushing feelings away, that you’re not enjoying life. It doesn't have to be this way. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, stressful relationships, parenting, depression, or grief, there's a path towards joy and calm! Asking for help can be scary, but don’t worry! I’ve got you! I want to work with you to let go of the dark cloud that hangs over you so you can enjoy life again (or maybe for the first time). I use evidence-based therapies and tailor your treatment to you. I specialize in counseling for teens, young adults, women, first responders, and veterans, and can provide Christian counseling, but treat people from all backgrounds. My clients tell me that they've never felts so safe and cared for than in our therapy sessions. You don't have to feel alone in this any more. I offer a FREE 15 minute consultation for you to get to know me and to make sure you feel comfortable. I received my Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas and trained at the Veteran's Health Administration in the PTSD Clinic. I also provided school-based mental health to high school students, worked in a group practice treating individuals and couples, and have led grief groups and camps. I'm an active volunteer for justice and to make the world a safer, kinder place for everyone.
Spotted Rabbit Studio .S

Spotted Rabbit Studio .

Licensed Creative Arts Therapist
Online & In-Person
What is your experience with clients with trauma or abuse?
The vast majority of individuals who come to therapy have a history of trauma, although most don't realize it. While some folks grew up in obviously abusive households, others grew up with families who were well intentioned but lacked true emotional connection with each other. As a result, adults who have experienced childhood emotional neglect often struggle to be their authentic self and to allow themselves to feel and validate their emotional experiences. People pleasing is a common trait, as is rebelling against rules and authority as they never really got their needs met growing up and aren't really sure how to do so now as an adult. Spotted Rabbit Studio sees that every client's current beliefs and behaviors are not only a response to their previous life experiences, but attempts to protect themselves emotionally and/or get their needs met. Our therapists will assist you in identifying your traumatic triggers, and help you understand how trauma has changed your brain functioning so you can stop trying to fight yourself to act differently. We encourage emotional acceptance and validation, while creating opportunities to practice different ways of acting on these emotions so that they don't negatively impact your life. Additionally, we spend time strengthening your sense of self and taking action toward your own personal values so that you are living a life full of meaning and purpose.
We all want to love, be loved, do something meaningful, and have purpose in our lives, yet all too often prior relationships and life experiences have left us with coping skills that are unhealthy, ineffective or just downright baffling. As a practice, Spotted Rabbit Studio specializes in working with adults who have a history of childhood emotional abuse and/or neglect. Those we work with often find that they have difficulty with relationships, struggle to relax, and wish they were in more control of their lives. For clients with disordered eating, we work from a HAES and intuitive eating approach. Additionally, several of our therapists are LGBTQIA+ and we work with clients to explore and develop their gender and sexual identity. We also specialize in teens and adults with neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, OCD). Some of our therapists are in network with Cigna and MVP commercial plans. We offer sessions in-person at our Studios in Brighton and Pittsford NY, or online.
Alexis AdamsA

Alexis Adams

MSN, PMHNP-BC, RN
Online Therapy
How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?
Working with clients who have experienced trauma and PTSD requires a nuanced and empathetic approach. I prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment for healing. I utilize a combination of evidence-based approach, medication management, and integrative modalities to address the complex effects of trauma on mental health. By collaborating closely with clients and honoring their individual experiences, I aim to facilitate healing, resilience, and empowerment in their recovery journey.
I'm Alexis Adams, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for empowering individuals through their mental health journey. My educational background includes a recent MSN from Frontier Nursing University and a strong foundation in nursing and psychology from Colorado State University and the University of Colorado at Boulder. I am also a current functional psychiatry fellow with Psychiatry Redefined. My clinical expertise spans across various settings, including labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care, emergency care, and mental health. I pride myself on providing compassionate care to patients. I focus on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment plans, and thoughtful medication management. Beyond clinical practice, I'm an advocate for continuous learning. My commitment to excellence is reflected in my receipt of the Certificate of Honor for my response to the Aurora theater shooting. I approach each patient as an individual with a unique set of physiological, genetic and environmental factors contributing to their mental health. I balance a traditional psychiatric approach with functional and integrative modalities. I look forward to being a part of your health journey, offering not only expert care but also understanding and support.
Aida DabreoA

Aida Dabreo

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Therapy
How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?
When working with clients who have experienced trauma or PTSD, I prioritize providing a safe and supportive environment. I prioritize building trust and rapport with clients, as well as educating them about their symptoms and reactions. We work together to develop coping skills and resilience so that we can successfully navigate triggers. My approach combines compassion, patience, and empowerment to assist clients in their healing journey towards well-being, regardless of the obstacles they face.
Hello, I'm Aida, your compassionate guide to mental wellness. Offering a range of services including diagnosis, medication management, talk therapy, and CBT, I center my approach around your unique needs and preferences. With a deep understanding of mental health complexities, I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel valued, heard, and empowered. I believe in forming genuine connections, recognizing and respecting your individual experiences and challenges. Through collaboration and a holistic approach, I develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your diverse needs, fostering trust and promoting positive outcomes. My communication style is warm, non-judgmental, and solution-oriented. Dedicated to delivering empathetic, patient-centered care, I believe in the profound impact of compassion on mental health. I'm honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey, establishing a sincere connection every step of the way.
Aishwarya RajuA

Aishwarya Raju

DO
Online & In-Person
How do you work with clients with trauma and PTSD?
Working with clients who have experienced trauma and PTSD requires a sensitive and trauma-informed approach. Establishing a safe and trusting therapeutic environment is paramount. I begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment to understand the specific traumas, triggers, and symptoms they are experiencing. This assessment helps inform the treatment plan. I employ evidence-based techniques such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to address the underlying trauma. These approaches help clients process and reframe traumatic experiences in a supportive and controlled setting. Additionally, grounding and mindfulness exercises are incorporated to help clients regulate their emotions and manage distressing symptoms. Psychoeducation about trauma and its effects, as well as coping skills for managing triggers, are provided. It's important to approach the work at the client's pace, allowing them to reclaim a sense of control and autonomy over their own healing journey. Regular check-ins, ongoing support, and flexibility in the treatment approach are crucial for ensuring the client feels heard, validated, and empowered on their path towards healing and recovery.
I treat various patients, including ages 5 and up, and all socioeconomic ranges. I aim to provide my patients with whatever they need through our outpatient programs. I embrace a holistic approach to the care I provide to my patients.