2 Best Trauma Therapists in NYC

Specialized trauma therapy for individuals and families in New York

Living in New York City, life moves fast, but trauma can stop you in your tracks. You are jogging down the stairs to the subway, and suddenly, out of nowhere, your brain flashes to the traumatic memories of the worst experience of your life. Or you're walking down a crowded sidewalk and your chest gets tight and you start having a panic attack in public. Or you haven't been to what used to be your favorite neighborhood in months because of what happened there. Or maybe your trauma symptoms are more internalized - like avoiding thinking about it at all, feeling totally disconnected from the world around you, or trouble sleeping most nights.

Trauma can be caused by a number of shocking, scary, or dangerous events. These events could have occurred long ago, even back to childhood, or more recently, and can include childhood abuse, violence, abuse or loss, domestic violence, childhood trauma, a natural disaster, or even exposure to long-term stress. Symptoms of trauma can vary widely, but common ones include:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories

• Nightmares or difficulty sleeping

• Emotional numbness or detachment

• Hypervigilance (being on constant alert)

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Anxiety, panic attacks, or overwhelming fear

• Irritability or sudden outbursts of anger, or intense feelings

• Avoidance of reminders of the trauma

• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches

• Feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame

• Difficulty trusting others or forming relationships

• Depression or persistent sadness

• Painful feelings

• Low self-esteem or feelings of hopelessness

• Dissociation (feeling disconnected from yourself or surroundings)

These symptoms can range in intensity from mild to severe trauma symptoms, and may interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. However, therapy offers hope and healing. At the New York City Psychotherapy Collective, our trauma therapists are here to guide you through this process. By working with a trained mental health professional, you can start your journey to trauma recovery.

About the New York City Psychotherapy Collective

Trauma can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, but you don't have to face it alone. Our team specializes in treating trauma in New York for individuals and families, offering personalized care to address your unique needs. We use evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Somatic Therapy to help you process and overcome your past traumatic experiences.

At New York City Psychotherapy Collective, our goal is simple: to help you reclaim control of your life. Trauma doesn't define you, and together, we can create a future that isn’t dominated by it.

New York City Psychotherapy Collective is a boutique private therapy practice specializing in telehealth to support our clients at all stages of their healing journey. Our practice is grounded in empathy, understanding, and respect. We believe that every person deserves to be heard and supported, especially navigating the challenging conversations about and healing from trauma. Our therapists are trained in a range of therapeutic modalities to ensure you receive the care best suited to your needs and the most effective treatment for your specific symptoms. Our therapeutic approach is to prioritize the therapeutic relationship above all else, and match you with the right therapist for your specific life experiences.

2 highly recommended trauma & PTSD therapists in NYC

We’re proud to introduce our trauma therapists, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to help you on your healing journey. Our team is experienced in treating various forms of trauma, including PTSD, childhood abuse, and complex trauma. All of our therapists use evidence based treatment to build coping strategies in your healing process, and each therapist takes a holistic approach to your mental health counseling experience. Our extensively trained, expert therapists treat trauma by creating a safe environment, understanding your family dynamics, unpacking your traumatic experience, helping you learn strategies to increase your self compassion, teaching you relaxation methods, and providing you with evidence based approaches so that you can feel confident that the benefits of your trauma therapy will be safe, effective, and long-lasting.

Success stories

Over the years, we’ve seen incredible transformations in our clients.

One of our clients came to us after experiencing significant childhood trauma, leading to trust issues and emotional numbing. They were diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and struggled with hypervigilance, intrusive memories, and difficulty forming close relationships due to a fear of being hurt or abandoned.

Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the client worked on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that were reinforcing their emotional distress. Through techniques like cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy, they began to develop more balanced beliefs about themselves and others. They also re-engaged in meaningful activities, helping them reconnect with their emotions and form healthier relationships. As a result, CBT allowed them to overcome the emotional barriers created by their past, regaining a sense of self-worth and improving their quality of life.

Another client, after experiencing a traumatic accident, was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and struggled with physical tension, panic attacks, and intrusive flashbacks. Despite previous therapy, they continued to experience chronic muscle tightness and heightened anxiety.

Through Somatic Therapy, they learned to release the tension stored in their body and manage their stress responses. By incorporating body awareness exercises, breathing techniques, and gentle movement, the client experienced significant relief. Over time, they reduced their anxiety and developed a deeper connection between their mind and body, leading to improved emotional and physical well-being.

Finally, we have also successfully worked with clients experiencing CPTSD, or complex post traumatic stress disorder. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) can develop from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, like chronic childhood abuse or domestic violence. While closely related to PTSD, CPTSD presents with distinct symptoms. The key differences between these two conditions lie in the duration of the trauma and the specific symptoms experienced.

In addition to the PTSD symptoms listed above, people with CPTSD typically experience ongoing issues with emotion regulation, identity/sense of self, and relationships. Sometimes, clients can self-medicate to numb the memories and pain, resulting in substance abuse, eating disorders, or other behavior that negatively impact their physical health. According to the ICD-11, complex PTSD include the core symptoms of PTSD, but also includes:

• Intense emotional responses, like frequent outbursts of anger and aggression in response to negative experiences or emotions.

• A persistent belief in one's own inadequacy and unworthiness, often accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt.

• Significant challenges in forming and maintaining healthy, fulfilling relationships with others.

One of our clients came to us after learning about CPTSD in a professional development session at their workplace and recognized many of the symptoms in their own life, due to their prolonged childhood trauma and emotional neglect. The client identified that they often shoved their feelings deep down, especially negative feelings, and prioritized everyone else's needs above their own to try to prevent anyone from ever being mad at them or leaving them. This led to many unfulfilling relationships in the client's life where they were always giving to others but never asking for or accepting anything in return, yet resenting others for not seeing their deep rooted pain and desire for love. This dynamic had a deeply negative impact on their emotional wellbeing, preventing them from pursuing the fulfilling life they desired and deserved.

Through a combination of effective treatments like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and inner child work, this client learned how their body responds to trauma and stress, how to manage those symptoms, and how to identify and reframe their problematic thinking patterns. Through body awareness exercises, breathing techniques, and gentle movement, they learned to release physical tension and manage stress. Once the client felt more in control of their body, they were able to address the distressing and problematic thoughts and feelings that had developed since the trauma, which led to a significant reduction in anxiety and a deeper mind-body connection, allowing the client to begin practicing setting boundaries in their life.

FAQs about trauma therapy

How to get started

Contact Us: Reach out to schedule an initial consultation. 

Initial Assessment: During the first session, we’ll assess your needs and create a tailored treatment plan.

Begin Therapy: Start working with your therapist to achieve your goals.

You’re more than your trauma. Start healing today.

At New York City Psychotherapy Collective, we believe that your trauma does not define you. Take the first step toward healing by contacting us today. Together, we can help you build a brighter future, free from the burdens of the past.