Trauma Therapy
Find Healing and Reclaim Your Life.
Have you ever felt like the past has a way of sneaking into your present—showing up as anxiety, sleepless nights, or a constant sense of unease? Maybe certain memories or triggers leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the people you love. You might notice physical symptoms, like tension in your body that never quite goes away, or struggle to quiet the critical voice in your head telling you you’re not enough. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Trauma has a way of leaving its mark, but it doesn’t have to define your story. Trauma therapy provides a compassionate space where you can explore, heal, and find your way back to feeling whole again.
What You Can Expect in Trauma Therapy.
Starting trauma therapy can feel like a big step, but it’s also a powerful one. You’re not just addressing what happened to you—you’re giving yourself the space to heal and grow in ways that might feel out of reach right now. Here’s what you can expect when we work together:
1. A Safe and Supportive Space
Trauma can make the world feel unsafe, and that’s why our first priority is creating a space where you feel comfortable and supported. Whether you’re ready to dive in or need time to build trust, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. This is your journey and you’re in control.
2. Understanding Your Unique Experience
Trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is therapy. We’ll take the time to explore your story, understand how trauma has affected your life, and identify the goals you want to work toward. Your experiences, strengths, and values shape the way we approach your healing, ensuring you feel truly seen and heard.
3. Tools for Healing
Trauma therapy is about more than just talking—it’s about finding ways to process and release what’s been stored in your body and mind. Techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems) can help you reprocess painful memories, while fostering deep healing and self-compassion. Trauma often creates inner conflict—a part of you might feel stuck in fear or shame, while another part just wants to feel free. Together, we’ll work to heal the impact from the past and reconnect with the calm, wise, and compassionate core of who you are—someone you may recognize currently having difficulty connecting to.
4. Practical Skills for Everyday Life
Trauma can influence how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world, and can impact everything from our relationships to how we respond to stress. In therapy, we’ll work on building practical skills to help you navigate daily challenges, manage triggers, and feel more grounded. These tools aren’t just for the therapy room—they’re for your life.
5. Progress, Not Perfection
Healing isn’t a straight line—it’s a process of discovery and growth. Some days you’ll notice big shifts; other days, the progress might feel smaller. Both are part of the journey. Therapy is about giving yourself the grace and support to move forward in your own time, in your own way.
What is trauma, and how does it affect your mental health?
Trauma is any experience that overwhelms your ability to cope. If something bad happened where your normal coping mechanisms didn’t work, you’ve been through a traumatic experience. There are many different types of traumatic experiences. Maybe you experienced a single traumatic event that happened once and was really intense, such as a car accident or assault. Or, maybe your history includes trauma experiences that happened over and over again, like having a hyper-critical parent, enduring a toxic relationship or childhood neglect or abuse. Often, we downplay our own experiences, thinking, “It wasn’t that bad,” or comparing our pain to others who we feel “had it worse.” But the truth is, just because you’ve been carrying something quietly doesn’t mean it hasn’t weighed heavily on you.
Trauma doesn’t always look the way you expect—it can show up as anxiety, irritability, difficulty trusting others. Trauma affects us mentally, but it can also take a toll on our physical well-being, getting stored in our bodies in ways we might not even realize. Sometimes people with a history of trauma may experience more physical symptoms, such as chronic pain or fatigue. When we experience trauma, our body’s stress response—the fight-flight-freeze-fawn reaction—kicks into gear to protect us. While this is a powerful survival mechanism, it can leave us feeling stuck long after the event is over. Trauma doesn’t just “go away” with time or logic; it settles into the body at a cellular level, keeping our nervous system on high alert.
In therapy we approach trauma with care, recognizing how deeply these experiences impact your mind and body. Using modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems), we will work together to untangle the roots of your pain and create space for healing.
How do I know if I’ve experienced trauma?
Trauma isn’t defined by the event itself but by how it affects you. Have you ever felt stuck in patterns of fear, shame, or self-doubt? Maybe you’re easily startled, find it hard to relax, or have persistent thoughts about something painful from your past. These could be signs of trauma. Everyone processes experiences differently, so it’s okay if your response doesn’t look like someone else’s. Trauma therapy helps you understand your unique story and develop the tools to move forward, no matter what’s been holding you back.
What are the signs that trauma is impacting my life?
Trauma can manifest in many ways, including:
• Flashbacks or intrusive memories
• Avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of the event
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling "on edge"
• Numbing or detachment from emotions
• Persistent feelings of guilt or shame
These symptoms aren’t your fault—they’re your brain’s way of protecting you. Trauma therapy helps you understand these responses and teaches you how to soothe them so they no longer control your life.
What if I don’t remember my trauma clearly?
It’s common for trauma to feel blurry or fragmented. This doesn’t mean your experiences are any less valid. EMDR and IFS don’t require you to have a detailed memory of what happened. Instead, we focus on the emotions and sensations that arise in the present, allowing your brain to process and heal at its own pace. Your safety and comfort are always the top priorities.
Trauma Treatment Can Help.
People often ask me if trauma can be healed, and I tell them wholeheartedly that, yes, healing from trauma is absolutely possible. Trauma may feel like a permanent part of your life, but it does not have to define you. EMDR and IFS are evidence-based approaches that help you process difficult memories safely in a supportive environment. EMDR uses guided bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to help your brain reprocess traumatic events. IFS works by connecting with the different parts of who you are—such as the protective, wounded, or critical parts—to create internal harmony and self-compassion. Together, these methods can help you break free from the grip of trauma and build a sense of peace and resilience.
What does trauma therapy look like?
Trauma therapy is a collaborative process that will be tailored to your needs. In our sessions, we will partner to create a safe and supportive environment where you feel empowered to share as much or as little as you’re ready for. Using tools like EMDR, we’ll address painful memories without forcing you to relive them. With IFS, we’ll gently explore your inner world, giving space to the parts of you that feel hurt, afraid, or angry. Over time, you’ll begin to notice shifts—a greater sense of calm, clarity, and connection to yourself and others.
How can EMDR and IFS help with trauma recovery?
EMDR and IFS are highly effective in addressing trauma because they work with the brain and body’s natural healing processes. EMDR helps "unstick" traumatic memories so they no longer trigger overwhelming emotions. IFS promotes a compassionate relationship with your inner self, helping you nurture the parts of you that feel broken or wounded. By combining these approaches, we address trauma holistically, creating deep and lasting change.
FAQs About Trauma and Therapy
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The right time for therapy is when you’re ready. That might be when you notice patterns holding you back, when a memory feels too heavy to carry alone, or simply when you’re curious about healing.
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Every journey is unique. Some people notice changes within a few sessions, while others may work through their trauma over months or years. Your progress will depend on your goals and the depth of the trauma you are wanting to address.
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No matter how long it’s been, it’s never too late to begin healing. Trauma therapy meets you where you are, helping you process what happened and move forward at your own pace. With tools like EMDR and IFS, you can rewrite your story and create a future that feels hopeful and free.
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EMDR is considered safe for most people. However, we’ll assess your specific needs and readiness before beginning to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
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Fees vary depending on the session length. I offer a clear breakdown of costs on my Investment & FAQs page, as well as during our initial consultation. Additional resources will be provided to help you make an informed decision.
Begin Trauma Therapy in Tempe, Arizona
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1. Schedule a Consultation.
I offer a complimentary conversation to discuss your specific needs, and any concerns and questions you may have. I'll ask for some basic information to get to know you and also use this time to answer any questions that you might have. If it feels like we are a good fit for working together, we will schedule either an in-person or online appointment.
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2. Therapy Begins.
In the first couple of sessions, I will learn more about you and together we will explore the goals you have for therapy.
Goal setting that aligns with your values and needs is very important in counseling. Think about it, if we want to get somewhere it’s helpful to have a plan. Are we going in the right direction? Are we making the progress that you want? Working on your anxiety is no different and we always want to set you up for success.
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3. Find Healing.
Together, we’ll explore how trauma may be impacting your life, uncover its root causes, and work to shift your relationship with those past experiences. Our goal is to help you release the weight of trauma, build a stronger sense of calm and compassion, and regain confidence in your daily life. The journey is about moving beyond surviving and stepping toward thriving.
The length and frequency of sessions will depend on your unique goals and needs. For some, a few sessions may be enough to address specific concerns, while others may benefit from regular weekly or bi-weekly sessions for deeper healing. We’ll work together to create a plan that feels right for you and ensures the support you need for lasting change.
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Trauma Therapy in Tempe, AZ
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re ready to explore how trauma therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and find lasting healing, please reach out to learn more or schedule a consultation. My practice in Tempe, AZ, offers both in-person and virtual sessions, making therapy accessible no matter your schedule.
You don’t have to face this alone—let’s start your journey together.
I’m here when you’re ready.
Other Mental Health Services at Wonder Counseling & Consulting
Trauma treatment is only one service I provide in the Tempe, AZ counseling practice. Life is complicated and more often than not we may struggle with more than one issue. Additional services are available in the Tempe office, as well as online anywhere in Arizona. I’m here to help you find the peace and calm you are looking for.
Additional specialties: