Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Washington

I understand that dealing with trauma and PTSD can be difficult and overwhelming. As a psychologist, I've dedicated my doctoral training and career to learning evidence-based practices for trauma-informed care and psychological treatments for PTSD. It can be challenging to find a therapist who knows when and how to apply different interventions for trauma, as exposure techniques and other treatments may not be appropriate for every case. As your therapist, I'll work with you to find the best treatment options for your unique situation. I specialize in helping people heal from religious trauma, but I'm here to support you regardless of the nature of your trauma. During our therapy sessions, I'll provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can share your experiences and explore how trauma has affected different areas of your life. Together, we'll work at a pace that's comfortable for you and use treatments that fit your individual needs. Overall, my goal is to provide empathetic support as you work towards healing from trauma and PTSD. I'm here to help you navigate the healing process and find a path to recovery that's right for you.

You are exhausted from constantly holding things together, even when everything inside is falling apart. You're overwhelmed by stress, disconnected from your relationships, and questioning beliefs that once felt certain. These struggles can leave you anxious, burnt out, and unsure of who you are or what comes next. That’s where reaching out to a professional can help. Dr. Dominic Schmuck is a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience helping adults through life transitions, relationship trauma, and religious shifts (including from high-demand faiths like Mormonism, which he personally left). He works with thoughtful, driven individuals ready to face what’s not working and create a more grounded, meaningful life. Dominic’s style is practical, collaborative, and direct—with a touch of humor when it helps. Sessions focus on real change, not just talk. Clients appreciate his ability to hold space for hard emotions while offering clarity, tools, and support to move forward. If you’re ready to feel more like yourself again and take the next step toward growth, Dominic is here to help. Call, email, or visit his website to schedule a free consultation. Note: Dr. Dominic Schmuck accepts Aetna insurance (excluding Medicaid, Medicare, and Aetna CVS plans) or private pay. Superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement. Therapy hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–2pm.

Patience, empathy, using effective grounding, and understanding not everyone is the same - caretaking each client’s personal experience. 

My name is Nikki (Nakisha) Hughs. I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with over 15 years of experience. I have worked with a variety of clientele in various environments. I believe this has allowed me the ability to provide the best possible care for my clients. A little about me, I grew up in the PNW, love the outdoors to specifically include anything water or mountains. In the spring and summer months, you will find me kayaking, jet skiing, white water river rafting, hiking and backpacking. The winter months, I enjoy hiking and snowshoeing. My ultimate passion and future goal include international traveling and possibly settling on a beach but continuing to practice telehealth. I am so glad you are here and have decided to embrace this journey together. 

Trauma can show up in countless ways, impacting our minds, bodies, and overall lives. With ten years of experience working with individuals affected by various forms of trauma, including PTSD and Complex-PTSD, I take a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes harm reduction. I personalize my approach for each person, but I’ve found that combining trauma-informed somatic experiencing, Internal Family Systems interventions, and creative arts can be particularly effective in supporting healing.

I’m so glad you’ve found your way here! You can call me Mckenna or Kenna (they/them). I identify as Queer, neurodivergent, a “spoonie”, and was raised on the unceded land of the Duwamish people, now known as Seattle. As an ally to those with marginalized identities, I’m grounded in the belief that our collective liberation is interconnected. I recognize how structural harms shape our experiences and healing journeys, and I’m committed to creating an inclusive, gender-affirming, sex-positive space rooted in Health at Every Size, and beyond. My work blends Liberation Psychology and Feminist Theory, striving to be authentic, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive. I hold a MA from Antioch University Seattle, trained in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy and am currently accepting new clients at Playful Minds Counseling. I have experience providing LGBTQIA2S+ and neurodivergent-affirming care to teens and young adults navigating their sexual orientation and gender exploration, life transitions, family dynamics (particularly for children of immigrants and third culture individuals), disability & chronic illness, trauma/PTSD/C-PTSD, and suicidal ideation. I believe in the healing power of the creative arts and will introduce you to art therapy. Whether or not we incorporate art in our work together, creativity can show up in many ways, and I look forward to exploring that with you.

Trauma processing is an essential part of healing because unprocessed trauma can linger in the body, mind, and emotions, affecting our overall well-being, relationships, and even our physical health. When trauma is not fully addressed, it can create lasting impacts that shape how we think, feel, and respond to the world around us. Here’s why it’s so important to process trauma: Releasing Emotional Burdens: Unprocessed trauma often leads to emotional numbness, anger, fear, sadness, or shame. Processing trauma allows us to express and release these heavy emotions, helping us restore a sense of emotional balance and relief. Breaking the Cycle of Re-traumatization: When trauma is not addressed, it can lead to re-enacting patterns or triggers in our lives that keep us stuck in past pain. By processing trauma, we can begin to break these harmful cycles, allowing ourselves to respond to life’s challenges in healthier ways. Restoring a Sense of Safety: Trauma often disrupts our sense of safety, both internally and externally. Processing trauma helps us rebuild trust in ourselves and in others, and it restores our ability to feel safe in the present moment. Healing the Body: Trauma isn’t just a mental experience—it affects our bodies as well. It can create tension, pain, and stress responses in the nervous system. By processing trauma, we can help release physical tension and ease the body’s reaction to past events, reducing symptoms like chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Improving Mental Health: Left unprocessed, trauma can contribute to mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Processing trauma can help reduce the intensity of these symptoms, improving your overall emotional and mental well-being. Restoring Agency and Control: Trauma can leave us feeling powerless or disconnected from our own sense of control. Processing trauma helps us reclaim that sense of agency, allowing us to make empowered choices in our lives and feel more in control of our future. Enhancing Relationships: Trauma affects how we relate to others. By processing trauma, we can heal from past relational wounds, reduce trust issues, and build stronger, more connected relationships. It opens the door to better communication and healthier ways of engaging with the people in our lives. Living More Fully: Trauma can hold us back from fully living in the present or embracing new experiences. By working through trauma, we free ourselves from the constraints of the past and open up to new possibilities, growth, and joy in life. In short, trauma processing is important because it helps us heal, rebuild, and reclaim our lives. It’s not about erasing the past—it’s about integrating those experiences in a way that allows us to move forward with greater strength, clarity, and 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.