It’s completely normal to feel uncertain or even fearful about beginning trauma counseling. You might not know what to expect, or you may wonder if your experiences are “serious enough” to talk to a therapist about. If you’ve been avoiding painful memories for a long time, opening up about them can feel overwhelming.
I get it—starting this kind of therapy takes courage. As a trauma-focused therapist, I’m here to provide a safe, supportive space and bring the training and experience needed to guide you through the healing process.
One of the most common concerns I hear is: “I wasn’t in the military, so I probably don’t have PTSD.” This is a widespread misconception. While a lot of early research on PTSD came from work with veterans, we now know that anyone can develop PTSD—not just those who’ve served in combat. Traumatic experiences such as abuse, accidents, loss, violence, or even witnessing something disturbing can lead to PTSD symptoms.
The encouraging news is that the same evidence-based treatments that help veterans also work incredibly well for civilians. I regularly support individuals who have never been in the military but have lived through trauma and are now on a path toward healing.
You don’t have to go through this alone—and it’s never too late to begin your healing journey.
“What I Went Through Doesn’t Seem ‘Traumatic Enough’” Many people downplay their experiences, thinking, “It wasn’t that bad,” or “Others have gone through worse.” But trauma isn’t about how dramatic something looks from the outside—it’s about how it impacted you. According to the DSM-5-TR (the primary guide used by mental health professionals to diagnose conditions), trauma involves experiencing, witnessing, or being exposed to events involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.
That means even if something didn’t happen directly to you, it can still have lasting effects. For example, a child who sees a parent being abused may develop PTSD. Or a person who was sexually assaulted may try to convince themselves it “wasn’t really that serious”—but any form of sexual assault can be deeply traumatic.
“I Don’t Have All the Symptoms of PTSD… I Just Need to Talk About Something That Really Affected Me.” Even if you don’t meet the clinical criteria for PTSD, therapy can still be incredibly valuable. Trauma counseling and talk therapy can help you work through difficult or painful experiences. Sometimes, what we need most is someone who can truly listen, understand, and help us make sense of the confusion or emotions we’re carrying. My background in trauma and PTSD allows me to support you through complex feelings and guide you toward healing—even if there’s no formal diagnosis involved.
“I’m Afraid Talking About It Will Make Me Feel Worse.” That fear is completely valid. Sometimes, revisiting painful memories can stir up intense emotions—especially if you’ve been avoiding them for a long time. But you won’t be doing it alone. As a therapist trained in trauma and PTSD, I’ll be there with you every step of the way, making sure we move at a pace that feels safe.
You’ll also learn coping tools like breathing techniques, grounding skills, and relaxation strategies to help you stay centered when things feel overwhelming. While the first steps might be challenging, with support and the right strategies, we can work through the pain together—and move toward relief, clarity, and healing.
Does Counseling Actually Help?
It’s a common question—and a completely valid one. While each person’s journey is unique, the reality is that trauma therapy is highly effective for many people. The methods we use are evidence-based and widely recognized as some of the most successful treatments available for PTSD.
I specialize in trauma therapy and have undergone extensive training in this area, which means you’re getting care from someone who truly understands how to help. With the right support, healing is absolutely possible. Many clients begin to feel meaningful shifts within just a few weeks or months of starting therapy. You don’t have to stay stuck—real change is within reach.