Trauma Focused Therapists in New York

Trauma-focused therapy modalities can help people understand how their past experiences affect their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in present-day. These modalities can also help individuals cope with the emotional and physical symptoms that stem from trauma by using specific skills and strategies, like mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Ideally, this form of therapy will help people bring more light into their lives.

Elena Conte is a clinical psychotherapist who treats depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. She also has experience working collaboratively with clients navigating relationship issues within couples and families. Elena uses a gentle, holistic approach to assess client concerns and inspire them to reach their highest potential.

It's important to work with a therapist who has years of experience in working with trauma. I'm a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (Level II) and have 25+ years of experience working with survivors of childhood abuse, sexual assault, relational violence, gun violence and the 9/11 terrorist attack. Experiencing a life threatening event (or an event that feels devastating) has an impact on how you think and feel. You might also feel the trauma response in your body: have you ever cringed, wanted to run away, felt nauseous or numb when you were reminded of a stressful event? You had to survive the event and use whatever skills were available to you. Trauma focused therapy works to decrease the negative emotions and bodily sensations. We also work on the negative beliefs you tell yourself because of what you went through. Often the brain generalizes to other situations such as a thought of "I'm not safe anywhere". That's not a very comfortable belief to have and only feels true. It also leads to avoidance of any situation going forward that could be frightening. Good trauma work focuses on all components: thoughts, emotions, the body and behaviors. You can do this with several types of therapy like Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and even Psychodynamic therapy. It's important to know that you are not your trauma even though it has had an impact on your life. You won't forget what happened to you, but it will no longer hold you back and you will feel it less intensively. Post traumatic growth is the belief that you have many strengths and abilities, not because of the trauma you went through, but in spite of what you went through. You survived the adversity because you are a strong, worthy and an amazing person.

Are you ready to make some changes? I’m a therapist with 25+ years of experience. I help clients with anxiety and trauma develop new skills and insights to feel calmer, confident and in control. If you are struggling with feeling fearful, nervous, overwhelmed, irritable and physically ill, I can help. Therapy can provide you with the tools to be your authentic self, improve relationships and just feel better.  I’m Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and am a Certified Clinical Anxiety Professional and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (Level II). I would love to speak with you about any questions you have and what you’d like to accomplish in therapy. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if we’d work well together. Let’s chat today. 

Trauma shows up in every aspect of our lives but is often not identified. Healing starts as we connect our present issues to our past experiences 

I’ve been passionate about working with individuals for over 25 years. I know that empathy and compassion are the key to building strong therapeutic relationships. 

Trauma-focused therapy is a specialized approach designed to help individuals who have experienced trauma process and heal from their painful experiences. Trauma can be deeply disrupting, not just emotionally but also physically and mentally, leaving long-lasting effects on how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. Trauma-focused therapy provides a structured, safe space to work through these impacts, regain a sense of control, and ultimately heal. Here’s how trauma-focused therapy works and how it can help: 1. Creating a Safe, Supportive Environment The first step in trauma-focused therapy is establishing a safe, non-judgmental, and trusting therapeutic relationship. For many people, trauma erodes their sense of safety, so it’s crucial to create a space where you can feel comfortable, heard, and supported. This safe environment allows you to begin the process of addressing painful memories without the fear of being judged or retraumatized. 2. Educating and Understanding Trauma In trauma-focused therapy, part of the work involves learning about the impact of trauma. Understanding how trauma affects the mind, body, and emotions can be empowering. We’ll explore how your past experiences may still be influencing your current thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. This awareness helps you make sense of your reactions and helps us identify how to move toward healing. 3. Gradual Exposure to Trauma Memories One of the core aspects of trauma-focused therapy is gently and safely re-experiencing the trauma memories. This doesn’t mean overwhelming yourself, but gradually exploring the emotions and thoughts associated with the traumatic event(s) in a controlled way. This helps to reduce the emotional charge of the memories over time, allowing you to regain control of the trauma instead of feeling overwhelmed or trapped by it. 4. Reprocessing and Reframing Trauma-Related Thoughts Trauma often leads to negative and distorted thoughts, such as feelings of shame, guilt, or believing that you are somehow responsible for what happened. In trauma-focused therapy, we work on identifying these negative thought patterns and replacing them with more balanced, healthy beliefs. Through techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), we can help you process and reframe these thoughts, promoting a healthier sense of self and understanding of the event. 5. Building Coping Strategies and Emotional Regulation Trauma can make it difficult to regulate emotions, leading to overwhelming feelings of anxiety, anger, or sadness. In trauma-focused therapy, we develop practical coping strategies that help you manage distressing emotions. Mindfulness, grounding techniques, and relaxation exercises are often used to help you stay present and reduce anxiety when memories or triggers arise. 6. Strengthening Resilience and Empowerment While trauma may feel like it takes away your power, trauma-focused therapy aims to help you reclaim your sense of control and agency. We focus on building resilience—your inner strength to cope with challenges—and empower you to move forward with confidence. This can involve rediscovering your values, passions, and strengths that were overshadowed by trauma. 7. Addressing the Impact on Relationships Trauma can affect how we relate to others, often leading to difficulties in trusting, communicating, or feeling safe in relationships. Trauma-focused therapy can help you rebuild these connections. We explore how trauma has shaped your relationships, work through relational challenges, and help you set healthy boundaries, leading to healthier and more fulfilling connections with others. 8. Finding Healing and Meaning One of the most profound benefits of trauma-focused therapy is helping you find meaning in your experiences, so they no longer define you in a negative way. This might involve grieving, acceptance, or even discovering ways to use your experiences to grow and empower others. Healing from trauma doesn’t mean forgetting it, but learning how to integrate it in a way that allows you to live a more whole and fulfilled life. How Trauma-Focused Therapy Can Help: Emotional Relief: It helps you process overwhelming emotions and reduce the impact of emotional triggers. Reduced Symptoms: It can reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, leading to an improved sense of well-being. Restoring Control: It helps you regain a sense of control and safety in your life, which is often disrupted after trauma. Improved Relationships: It supports the healing of relational wounds and helps you build healthier, more trusting relationships. Increased Resilience: It empowers you with coping tools and emotional skills, so you feel stronger and more capable in handling future challenges. Trauma-focused therapy can help you move from a place of feeling stuck and overwhelmed by your trauma to one of healing, empowerment, and growth. You don’t have to carry the weight of trauma alone, and with the right support, it’s possible to reclaim your life and your sense of peace.

I’m Keri, a holistic practitioner dedicated to supporting your journey toward balance, wellness, and a deeper connection with yourself. Whether you're navigating stress, chronic discomfort, emotional blocks, or simply seeking a more grounded and aligned life, I’m here to help you heal from the inside out. My approach combines mind, body, and spirit—offering personalized care that honors your unique story. Through [modalities you offer—e.g., Reiki, herbal medicine, intuitive guidance, bodywork], I hold a space where transformation can gently unfold. If you're ready to feel more empowered, centered, and vibrant, I invite you to explore how we can work together. Your healing begins here.