Trauma and CPTSD Therapy on the Upper West Side
Collaborative, evidence-based support that fits your busy life. Offering in-person trauma therapy on the Upper West Side and telehealth across New York.
Schedule a free consultation at a time that works for you, and let’s explore what we can achieve together!
No matter how long it’s been or how much pain you’ve endured, you don’t have to carry that weight or let it define your life. You might feel guilty, ashamed, confused, perhaps even unsafe—but healing is possible! I’m here to support you through trauma therapy in New York.
While trauma can feel incredibly isolating, you’re not alone. About 6% of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, and around 5% struggle with it in any given year.
Trauma can stem from many experiences, including serious accidents, chronic abuse or neglect, sexual violence, bullying, and health problems. That’s why trauma therapy can make a real difference in helping you process and manage the intense emotions that follow a traumatic event.
Common Symptoms Trauma Therapy Can Help With
Symptoms of trauma can be grouped into four categories:
Intrusion Symptoms
- Unwanted and involuntary thoughts.
- Recurrent and distressing memories.
- Upsetting dreams or nightmares.
- Flashbacks that can be so vivid they feel real in the moment.
Avoidance Symptoms
- Staying away from people, places, activities, things, or situations that trigger distressing memories.
- Avoiding thoughts or reminders of the traumatic event.
- Refusing to talk about what happened or express associated feelings.
- Avoidance typically disrupts daily life.
Changes in Thought and Mood
- Depressive symptoms, such as low mood and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Inability to recall important details about the traumatic event.
- Persistent feelings of horror, fear, anger, shame, or guilt.
- Distorted beliefs about oneself, others, or the event.
Changes in Arousal and Reactivity
- Being easily startled, hypervigilant.
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping.
- Irritability or frequent angry outbursts.
- Engaging in reckless or self-destructive behavior.
Some individuals can also display dissociative symptoms:
- Derealization: Feeling disconnected from your surroundings or perceiving the world as distorted, dreamlike, or unreal.
- Depersonalization: Feeling detached from yourself, as if observing your body from the outside.
Types of Trauma
Trauma can have many causes and take many forms. For some, it comes from a single event—what we call acute trauma—while for others, it may result from chronic or repeated exposure to distressing situations. The impact of trauma varies widely, affecting each person in their own unique way.
While I support people navigating a wide range of traumatic experiences, my main focus is on Complex PTSD (CPTSD). Unlike traditional PTSD, which often arises from a single traumatic event, CPTSD develops from long-term exposure to trauma over months or years.
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
CPTSD is a mental health condition that develops from chronic, repeated trauma, such as prolonged child abuse or domestic violence. It typically develops during childhood or within relationships where escape isn’t possible.
CPTSD also includes symptoms that distinguish it from PTSD, such as:
- Difficulty managing intense emotions (e.g., explosive anger, overwhelming sadness).
- Changes in consciousness or self-awareness, such as dissociation or memory gaps related to the trauma.
- Persistent feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness; low self-esteem; and self-blaming thoughts.
- Mistrust, discomfort, or withdrawal in relationships. Some may also find themselves drawn to toxic or destructive dynamics.
- Conflicted feelings about “systems of meaning”, including spiritual, religious, or philosophical beliefs (e.g., questioning your faith, the goodness of humanity, or the meaning of life).
If you’re struggling with any of these symptoms and are near the Upper West Side in New York City, I can support your healing and growth through trauma and CPTSD therapy.
Get Started With Trauma Therapy in New York
Are you tired of feeling like you’re merely surviving—and even that seems difficult at times? I’m here to help you grow and heal with strength and self-compassion.
How Can I Help You Through Trauma Therapy in NYC
As a trauma specialist in NYC, I help individuals who silently carry the weight of long-term trauma. I’m especially dedicated to supporting high-achieving professionals, particularly women, who may appear to be thriving but are struggling beneath the surface. I understand how trauma can show up in unexpected ways—especially for those navigating demanding careers and personal lives.
Through trauma and PTSD treatment in New York, I’ll help you understand how past experiences impact your present life. You can still pursue your goals without letting unresolved trauma control your life. Together, we’ll honor your resilience and address the pain you’ve carried for so long. After all, that’s not a weakness—it’s part of being human.
My goal is to help you build a balanced life where old patterns don’t hold you back. In trauma and PTSD therapy in NYC, you’ll find a safe, judgment-free space to express yourself and develop healthier coping skills. Over time, you’ll learn to trust yourself and your true potential.
My Approach to Trauma Treatment in NYC
I believe in a practical, collaborative approach where you are the expert on yourself. As a partner in your treatment, my goal is to ensure you feel truly heard. I want to help you feel better as soon as possible and get back on the road to a better life.
My approach to trauma and PTSD therapy is grounded in a strong therapeutic relationship and a combination of evidence-based techniques.
Some of these approaches include:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT combines exposure techniques with cognitive restructuring. By safely confronting traumatic memories, gradually re-engaging with avoided situations, and challenging negative beliefs related to the trauma, this approach helps you develop healthier perspectives and face your experiences with greater peace and clarity.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Trauma
DBT includes specific techniques that target PTSD symptoms and self-destructive behaviors. It helps you manage overwhelming emotions and navigate relationships affected by trauma. DBT also teaches vital skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—common areas of difficulty for those with CPTSD.
Self-Compassion Techniques
Self-compassion means extending kindness to yourself when you’re suffering, feeling inadequate, or experiencing failure. Practicing self-compassion can significantly improve both mental and physical health by reducing anxiety, depression, and harsh self-criticism.
Through trauma therapy in NYC, New York, I’ll help you take control of your life and celebrate your strengths. As your trauma therapist, I will support you in managing your emotions and facing your trauma. Over time, you’ll gain the confidence to move through life with greater ease and peace of mind.
Get Started
Take the First Step Toward Trauma Therapy in NYC
Looking to start trauma therapy in New York? Opening up to the possibility of healing can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to support you with compassion and understanding.
After a brief screening via Zoom, we’ll discuss your goals and needs. If you feel like we’re a good fit, we’ll schedule your first session—right then and there! You can find my fees and insurance details on my rates and insurance page.
Resources
More Ways To Support Your Mental Health
From The Blog
Looking to better understand yourself and what you’re going through? I write about anxiety, depression, trauma, career struggles, perfectionism, and the unique challenges faced by high-achieving professionals.
Explore my latest blog posts for honest reflections and practical perspectives to support your mental health journey.
Read HereFrom The P.O.V. Of A Therapist
Ever wonder what really gets said in a therapist’s office? Candid stories and thoughtful insights from real sessions shared in my Substack, “Notes From a Therapist.” Plus additional resources such as books, podcasts, and videos.
Discover my latest posts and subscribe to get updates sent straight to your inbox.
Visit HereFrequently Asked Questions
Can I overcome trauma or PTSD?
Absolutely. Trauma and PTSD therapy are highly effective. It is entirely possible to feel safe in the world again and to manage stress in healthier, more sustainable ways.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are several treatment options we can explore together. We’ll consider your unique needs and expectations, and weigh the benefits and potential risks to find what works best for you.
What can I do to cope with my trauma?
If you’re struggling with persistent and distressing trauma symptoms or PTSD, proper treatment is essential for true healing. Trauma rarely resolves on its own, but small, practical steps can help manage symptoms and ease emotional distress.
Here are a few helpful tips:
- Prioritize self-care, rest, and relaxation.
- Engage in regular physical activity—aerobic exercise, in particular, has been shown to benefit people with PTSD.
- Maintain a balanced diet and practice good sleep hygiene.
- Spend time with loved ones and, if you feel comfortable, share your triggers with them.
- Practice mindfulness or other stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Be gentle with yourself: set realistic goals, foster self-compassion, establish healthy boundaries, and practice emotional regulation.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs, as they can worsen symptoms over time.
How do I know if I have CPTSD?
Many people live for years with the effects of chronic trauma without realizing there’s a name for what they’re going through. So if you’re wondering whether your experience might be related to Complex PTSD (CPTSD), you’re not alone.
While only a mental health professional can provide a diagnosis, reflecting on the questions below may help you better understand what you’re dealing with:
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have difficulty managing intense emotions—such as feeling overwhelmed by anger, sadness, or anxiety that seems disproportionate to the situation, or struggling to calm yourself down?
- Do you carry a persistently negative view of yourself—feeling fundamentally flawed, worthless, or different from others in ways that cause you distress?
- Do you struggle with relationships—like finding it hard to feel close to others, maintaining healthy boundaries, or often feeling like you don’t belong?
- Did you experience long-term trauma—particularly in childhood or in situations where you couldn’t escape, like prolonged abuse, neglect, or repeated traumatic events?
If you resonate with these questions, you may be living with symptoms of CPTSD. Together, we can build a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and help you move forward from trauma toward the life you deserve.