PTSD & Trauma Recovery
PTSD is highly treatable, and recovery is possible. Decades of research show that evidence-based psychotherapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and EMDR are among the most effective treatments for PTSD. My practice specializes in CPT and PE, helping people make sense of what happened, reduce PTSD symptoms, overcome avoidance, and reconnect with the people, places, and activities that matter most.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD
Many people find that trauma leaves them stuck in questions that never seem fully resolved:
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"What should I have done differently?"
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​"Why did this happen?"
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"What does this mean about me?"
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CPT provides a structured way to examine these beliefs, understand where they came from, and determine whether they are supported by the full context of what happened.
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I often describe CPT as solving a long math problem or untangling a necklace. Together, we slow down and examine the beliefs you developed after the trauma, separating what is helpful and accurate from conclusions that may be keeping you stuck.
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As these beliefs begin to shift, many people find greater clarity, self-compassion, and freedom from constantly revisiting the trauma in search of answers. One of my favorite parts of CPT is watching people move from asking "Why did this happen?" toward "What do I want my life to look like now?
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) for PTSD
PTSD often teaches people that avoidance is the safest option. Avoiding memories, emotions, situations, and reminders can provide short-term relief, but it frequently keeps PTSD symptoms going and can gradually shrink the parts of life that feel safe or manageable.
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Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) helps people gradually approach what has become difficult rather than continuing to organize their lives around fear and avoidance. The goal is not to force yourself into overwhelming situations, but to expand your comfort zone and reconnect with the people, places, and activities that matter most to you.
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I often compare the process to entering the shallow end of a pool rather than jumping into the deep end. Together, we develop a structured plan that helps you approach difficult situations one step at a time and discover that you are capable of handling much more than PTSD has led you to believe.
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Over time, situations that once felt overwhelming often become more manageable, confidence grows, and the trauma begins to feel like part of your story rather than something that controls it.
Want to learn more?
Watch this brief overview of Cognitive Processing Therapy and how it helps people recover from PTSD.
Want to learn more?
Watch this overview of Prolonged Exposure Therapy and how it helps people confront trauma safely and effectively.
Why These Treatments Work
PTSD isn't caused by weakness. In many ways, it's the brain doing exactly what it was designed to do - learning to protect you after something overwhelming happened. The challenge is that the same strategies that helped you survive can continue long after the danger has passed.
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Avoidance is one of the biggest reasons PTSD continues long after the traumatic event has ended. Avoidance doesn't just mean staying away from reminders of the trauma. It can also look like staying constantly busy, emotionally shutting down, isolating, using anger to push people away, relying on alcohol or other substances to numb painful feelings, or avoiding thoughts and emotions altogether. These strategies often make sense in the short term, but over time they begin shrinking your life.
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) take different paths, but both help people move beyond trauma by reducing avoidance, learning how to approach difficult thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed or shutting them down completely, and reconnecting with meaningful life.
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Most importantly, these treatments work.
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They have been studied for decades and remain among the strongest recommendations in national PTSD treatment guidelines because they consistently help people recover.
How Do I Know Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and not everyone with PTSD benefits from the same treatment. Part of our work together is understanding your symptoms, your goals, and what evidence-based approach gives you the best opportunity for recovery.
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The good news is that PTSD treatment works. During our consultation, we'll talk through your symptoms, your goals, what you've already tried, and what feels most important to you. Rather than trying to fit you into a particular treatment, we'll decide together whether CPT, PE, or another evidence-based approach best fits your goals, symptoms, and preferences.
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You don't have to figure this out before contacting me - that's my job.
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If you'd like to learn more before scheduling, the PTSD Treatment Decision Aid can help you explore and compare evidence-based treatment options:
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PTSD Recovery Resources
Tools, stories, and guidance to support recovery — whether you're between sessions or just starting to explore your options.
PTSD Coach App
The PTSD Coach app provides practical tools for managing symptoms, tracking progress, practicing coping skills, and accessing educational resources between sessions.
AboutFace
Hear veterans share their personal experiences with PTSD treatment and recovery. This resource provides real-world perspectives on seeking help, choosing treatment, and life after PTSD.
PTSD Treatment Decision Aid
Compare evidence-based PTSD treatments and learn how different approaches work so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Ten Sessions (This American Life)
Listen to a compelling story following one person's experience completing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and recovering from PTSD.
