What is your go-to approach for PTSD/trauma therapy?

When working with individuals with a history of trauma and trauma symptoms, I start with a comprehensive assessment. I explain to the client that working through trauma can be difficult; however, I help them understand that the therapeutic process will go at their pace when they are ready. During the intake, I make sure that the client doesn't go too much into the details of the trauma in order to preserve a sense of containment and safety. I use primarily trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and narrative therapy approaches to help the client reprocess their traumatic memories to work toward desensitization. I like to give the analogy of watching a scary movie. During the first viewing, the movie is frightening. With each subsequent watch, the intensity of the movie diminishes. Providing psychoeducation regarding trauma is an important part of the process, as it helps the client better understand and normalize their experience of trauma and then take the emotional risks necessary to reprocess their trauma.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

Some of the tools I introduce include: Mindfulness: Nonjudgmental awareness of trauma cues and trauma symptoms., Emotional regulation skills: These skills serve to help a client de-escalate after experiencing hyperarousal or an intense emotional response., Cognitive restructuring: This involves addressing and modifying unhelpful thoughts that contribute to a distressing experience.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress when they are consistently meeting therapeutic goals and objectives. For trauma-related conditions, goals and objectives are usually based on trauma symptoms such as âre-experiencing,â hypervigilance, emotional reactivity, or fear/avoidance of certain situations.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement PTSD/trauma therapy?

Skill integration is an integral part of recovery. Practicing skills learned in session in real time helps a client more effectively manage and tolerate trauma symptoms.

What should someone do to prepare for starting PTSD/trauma therapy?

To prepare for their first PTSD/trauma therapy session, someone can take comfort in knowing that a trained trauma therapist will ease them into the process and allow the client to dictate the pace of trauma work.

Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Philadelphia, PA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Find a provider Call (267) 440-7066

All Philadelphia services

Services

Individual therapy Couples/marriage therapy Child therapy Family therapy Online therapy Psychiatry/medication Teen counseling
Counseling approaches & specialties

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) ADHD therapy Anger management therapy Anxiety therapy Christian counseling Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Depression counseling Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) Eating disorders EMDR therapy Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) Grief & loss counseling Humanistic therapy Insomnia therapy LGBTQIA+ counseling Life transitions counseling Motivational interviewing Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapy (OCDT) Person-centered therapy (PCT) Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) Strength-based therapy Stress management therapy Trauma/PTSD therapy
Our Providers
Call (267) 440-7066
Philadelphia, PA therapy

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you

Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a Trauma/PTSD can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

No current openings

All PA providers are fully booked, but check back tomorrow — sessions become available daily!

Common approaches to Trauma/PTSD therapy

Starting Trauma/PTSD therapy

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.

Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Insurance options

Self-pay costs

Our Pennsylvania therapists and counselors accept 1 insurance plans

See my self-pay options

Self-pay costs at Philadelphia

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews

View all reviews

★★★★★

My therapist appointment was great and has been since I have been seeing him once a week. His name is David Harmon and he is really good listener and has given me some a great tools to begin healing from past trauma. I highly recommend him.

Read more My therapist appointment was great and has been since I have been seeing him once a week. His name is David Harmon and he is really good listener and has given me some a great tools to begin healing from past trauma. I highly recommend him.

Leigh Feb 2024