Stressful Events, Trauma & PTSD
In-person and telehealth treatment for trauma, PTSD, and stressful life events in Massachusetts and Virginia by trauma-informed therapists.
What are trauma, PTSD, & stressful life events?
Trauma, post-traumatic stress, and stressful life events can deeply affect how a person thinks, feels, and functions. Whether caused by a single incident—such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster—or by ongoing experiences like abuse, neglect, or chronic stress, these events can overwhelm the nervous system and create lasting emotional and physical impacts. People may experience flashbacks, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, emotional numbness, or a sense of being “on edge.”
Trauma isn’t just about what happened, but how it’s stored and processed in the body and mind. If left unaddressed, it can shape self-perception, relationships, and daily life. Healing from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is possible through evidence-based therapy that helps individuals regain safety, connection, and control. At our practice, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to support recovery and growth after difficult life experiences. Whether the event was recent or happened years ago, you deserve support and relief.
Common types of trauma
How do I know if I have trauma or PTSD?
Many people hesitate to identify their experiences as “trauma” because the word can feel heavy or stigmatizing. But trauma isn’t just about extreme or catastrophic events—it’s about the impact those experiences leave on your mind and body. Stressful or overwhelming events can affect how safe you feel in the world, how you relate to others, and how you experience yourself. What qualifies as trauma can vary greatly from person to person, and there’s no single definition that fits everyone’s story.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a formal diagnosis in the DSM that involves specific criteria, such as intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood changes, and heightened arousal that persist over time and significantly interfere with daily life. But even if your experiences don’t meet the full criteria for PTSD, they can still have a real and lasting impact. Many people experience trauma symptoms without having a diagnosis, and their pain is no less valid.
PTSD often shows up as intrusive thoughts or flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, or a sense of being “on edge.” These responses are not signs of weakness—they’re the body and brain’s way of trying to stay safe after something overwhelming has happened. Therapy can help you make sense of these experiences, reduce distress, and rebuild a sense of safety and control
What does healing look like?
Healing from trauma isn’t about erasing what happened — it’s about reclaiming your sense of safety, connection, and self. Over time, and with the right support, it’s possible to feel less defined by painful experiences and more grounded in your present life.
Many people notice:
A greater sense of safety and calm. The nervous system becomes less reactive, and moments of ease become more frequent.
Reduced intrusive thoughts or flashbacks. Painful memories hold less power, and everyday triggers feel more manageable.
Improved emotional regulation. You may feel more in control of your emotions, less overwhelmed, and more capable of expressing your needs.
Stronger boundaries and self-trust. Healing can bring clarity about what you need to feel safe and supported.
Healthier relationships. As you heal, connection often becomes easier — both with yourself and with others.
Renewed hope and possibility. The world can begin to feel larger, safer, and more open again.
Our Approach to Trauma Therapy
Healing from trauma looks different for everyone, which is why we use evidence-based, individualized approaches that support both the mind and body. Our therapists integrate ACT, DBT, CBT, and somatic interventions to help you process what happened, reduce distress, and build new pathways toward safety and connection.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, allowing you to understand how trauma has shaped your beliefs and behaviors. By creating more balanced and flexible ways of thinking, you can feel less controlled by fear or shame.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on making room for difficult emotions without letting them define you. Instead of fighting your inner experience, ACT helps you reconnect with your values and take meaningful action, even in the presence of pain.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) builds practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. These tools can help calm an overactivated nervous system and support greater stability day to day.
Somatic approaches address how trauma lives in the body. Through grounding, breathwork, and body awareness, somatic work helps re-establish a sense of safety and release stored tension.
We move at your pace, with collaboration and consent at the center of the process. Our goal is to help you build a stronger sense of self, reconnect with your body, and move forward with more ease and resilience.