If you’re looking for trauma therapists in Richmond, VA, our licensed professionals are here to help. Almost all of our therapists offer treatment for trauma & PTSD in a variety of forms.
At Aspect Counseling and Psychiatry, our therapists work closely with our board-certified nurse practitioners to provide a continuity of care. This can include both therapeutic interventions alongside medication.
- Our trauma therapists are available for in-person sessions in Richmond, VA, as well as telehealth throughout Virginia
- Almost all of our therapists & nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) work with clients struggling with PTSD and many forms of trauma
- We never take a one-size-fits-all approach; every client is unique
- Our PMHNPs work alongside our trauma therapists to help diagnose conditions, run tests, and prescribe medication, if needed
If you’re still curious how a trauma therapist might be able to help, let’s talk about the signs & symptoms of PTSD, different types like trauma, and the types of therapy we use to treat it.
- What is a Trauma Therapist?
- Different Types of Trauma
- What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
- How Our Trauma Therapists Can Help
- Types of Therapy We Use to Treat Trauma
- What to Expect During a Trauma Therapy Session
- PTSD/Trauma Therapy FAQs
- Our Therapy Office
- Take The First Step
What is a Trauma Therapist?
A trauma therapist is a licensed mental health professional who specializes in helping individuals heal from overwhelming or distressing experiences.
Trauma can affect the brain and body in ways that impact relationships, self-esteem, and daily functioning. Whether the trauma stems from childhood experiences, abuse, violence, accidents, grief, or other life-altering events, trauma therapists provide tools and strategies to help clients process painful memories safely.
Working with trauma counselors allows you to:
- Develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Reduce intrusive thoughts or flashbacks.
- Rebuild a sense of safety and trust.
- Begin to restore peace and confidence in your daily life.
Different Types of Trauma
Trauma can take many forms, and no two people experience it in exactly the same way. Some individuals develop post-traumatic stress after a single event, while others may struggle with the long-term effects of repeated or ongoing experiences.
Whether it stems from childhood experiences, accidents, violence, or loss, trauma can leave lasting emotional and physical effects.
Recognizing the type of trauma you’ve experienced is often the first step toward finding the right kind of therapy and support.
Childhood Trauma
Experiences such as neglect, abuse, or witnessing violence in childhood can leave lasting emotional scars. Therapy provides a safe space to process those memories, understand their impact, and begin to heal.
Trauma from Accidents or Injuries
Car accidents, serious injuries, or sudden medical emergencies can trigger PTSD or ongoing anxiety. Trauma-focused therapy helps individuals regain a sense of safety and reduce fear associated with these events.
Military & Combat Trauma
Veterans and active-duty service members may struggle with PTSD due to combat experiences or military-related trauma. Specialized therapies like EMDR and prolonged exposure therapy can be highly effective in treating these symptoms.
Sexual Assault & Abuse
Survivors of sexual assault or abuse often carry deep emotional pain that affects their daily lives and relationships. Trauma therapy offers compassionate support and proven techniques for healing and recovery.
Grief & Loss Trauma
The sudden or traumatic loss of a loved one can cause overwhelming emotions and prolonged grief. Therapy helps individuals process loss in a healthy way and find coping strategies to move forward.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD can affect people of all ages, including veterans, survivors of abuse, accident victims, and first responders.
Signs & Symptoms
PTSD can affect people differently, but common symptoms often include:
- Flashbacks or reliving the traumatic event
- Nightmares or intrusive thoughts
- Avoidance of places, people, or situations that trigger memories
- Heightened anxiety or constant feelings of danger
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Irritability, anger, or mood swings
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, seeking support from a PTSD therapist can provide effective coping tools and long-term healing.
How Our Trauma Therapists Can Help
Our trauma therapists in Richmond, VA, provide evidence-based care to guide you through the healing process. Each therapy plan is tailored to your unique situation, and our team ensures that you feel safe and supported.
We help clients:
- learn grounding techniques to manage anxiety and flashbacks
- identify and change unhelpful thought patterns
- build resilience and self-compassion
- work through both recent and long-standing trauma
Trauma Therapists in Richmond, VA
Allison Ernest
PMHNP-BC, RN, MSN
Amber Zarger
LCSW
Carla Crews
LCSW
Carlie Powers
LMFT, CST, CAADC
Elizabeth Markey
PMHNP-BC, MSN, CNM, PMH-C
Gabby Scalzo
PhD, LCP
Jennifer Peele
PMHNP, FNP-BC, APRN
Jonathan Yoder
PMHNP-BC
Josh Barefoot
LPC
Kristina Gilbert
LPC
Laurie Manns
LPC, CSAC
Michelle Kempf
LPC
Mikeyda Travers
LPC
Molly Iracane
LCSW
Paula Connolly
LCSW
Rachel Salinas
LPC
Robyn D’Reaux-Rodgers
LCSW
Ryan Ernest
PMHNP-BC
Shenika Whitaker-Carlos
LCSW, CSOTP
Types of Therapy We Use to Treat Trauma
There are several proven approaches to trauma treatment, and our therapists may recommend one or a combination depending on your needs:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – focuses on reshaping negative thoughts.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – helps process traumatic memories in a healthier way.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy – gradually reduces the fear associated with trauma reminders.
- Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy – addresses the root emotional impact of trauma.
CBT for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely recommended treatments for PTSD. CBT helps you recognize how trauma-related thoughts influence emotions and behaviors.
By challenging negative beliefs and developing healthier patterns, CBT can reduce fear, guilt, and avoidance behaviors that often accompany PTSD.
EMDR Trauma Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized trauma therapy that helps clients reprocess distressing memories in a way that reduces their intensity.
During EMDR sessions, guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation are used to help the brain process memories more effectively. Many clients experience significant relief from flashbacks and intrusive thoughts after a course of EMDR therapy.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD
Prolonged Exposure Therapy is another effective method for treating PTSD. In a safe and supportive environment, clients gradually confront trauma-related thoughts, feelings, and situations they have been avoiding.
Over time, this reduces the intensity of fear and allows healing to take place. Prolonged exposure is particularly effective for clients who experience avoidance and hyper vigilance.
What to Expect During a Trauma Therapy Session
Beginning trauma therapy can feel overwhelming, but our therapists create a calm, welcoming environment. Sessions may include:
- talking through your experiences at a pace you’re comfortable with
- learning grounding techniques and relaxation strategies
- identifying triggers and developing coping tools
- working with evidence-based therapies like CBT, EMDR, or exposure therapy
Healing from trauma takes time, but every session moves you closer to peace and recovery.
PTSD/Trauma Therapy FAQs
Here are some specific questions you might have about the trauma therapy we provide at our office in Richmond.
The timeline varies depending on the severity of the trauma and your goals. Some clients notice progress in just a few months, while others may benefit from longer-term care.
While there is no “quick fix,” many people experience significant symptom relief and improved quality of life through trauma therapy.
Not always. Therapists work with you at your pace. Some therapies, like EMDR, don’t require detailed recounting of traumatic events.
Yes. Teens can also benefit from working with trauma therapists, especially if they’ve experienced bullying, abuse, or other distressing events.
Yes. Our office accepts many forms of insurance, including medicare. Check our insurance page for a complete list of insurance providers.
You’re in the right place. Our skilled trauma and PTSD therapists are here to support you and guide you toward recovery.
Our Therapy Office
Our therapy office is located in the heart of West End Richmond, in the Innsbrook business complex—at the crossroads of I-64, I-295, Hwy 288, and West Broad St. We share the Liberty Plaza I building with several law offices, financial services companies, and other Richmond-area businesses, at the corner of Cox Rd. & North Park Dr.
4801 Cox Road, Suite 205
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Directions →
Take The First Step
Healing from trauma takes time, but with the right support, recovery is possible. Our trauma therapists in Richmond, VA provide proven treatments like CBT, EMDR, and prolonged exposure therapy to help you reclaim peace and stability in your life.
Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, past trauma, or ongoing emotional distress, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.