Trauma & PTSD Therapy

Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can profoundly affect daily functioning, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Yorel Clinic provides specialized trauma and PTSD therapy focusing on empirically supported methods to help clients process traumatic experiences, reduce symptoms, and regain a sense of safety and purpose.

Key benefits of Yorel Clinic’s Trauma & PTSD program

  • Evidence-based interventions: We use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and EMDR when indicated.
  • Safety-first approach: Sessions are paced to prevent re-traumatization and emphasize grounding and stabilization.
  • Cultural and spiritual sensitivity: Therapists integrate clients’ cultural perspectives and spiritual beliefs into the healing process when appropriate.
  • Integrative supports: Mindfulness, body-awareness practices, and somatic techniques are offered alongside cognitive therapies to address the body-mind impact of trauma.
  • Skilled clinicians: Therapists are trained in trauma modalities and ongoing professional development to maintain high treatment fidelity.

Program components and clinical pathway

Comprehensive assessment

Treatment begins with a thorough assessment to document trauma exposure, symptom severity, comorbid conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, substance use), medical history, and social supports. This informs the selection of the most appropriate trauma modality and a realistic treatment plan.

  • Phase 1: Stabilization and skills building

    Before trauma processing begins, clinicians focus on safety, emotional regulation, grounding, and distress tolerance skills. Clients learn practical strategies for managing flashbacks, panic, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.

  • Phase 2: Trauma processing

    When stabilization is sufficient, processing begins using modalities best suited to the client:

    • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Focuses on identifying and modifying unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma.
    • Prolonged Exposure (PE): Uses graduated, controlled exposure to trauma memories and avoided situations to reduce fear and avoidance.
    • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Uses bilateral stimulation paired with trauma memory reprocessing for symptom reduction (delivered by trained clinicians).
    • TF-CBT (for those who experienced trauma in childhood, when clinically applicable).

  • Phase 3: Integration and relapse prevention

    After processing, therapy shifts to integrate gains, strengthen resilience, and develop relapse-prevention plans. Clients learn to identify early warning signs and apply coping strategies to maintain progress.

Integrative Interventions

Targeted modalities supporting mind, body, and community healing.

Somatic and body-based interventions

Trauma has physiological impacts; we offer somatic approaches—like breathwork, progressive muscle relaxation, and trauma-informed yoga techniques—to help clients reconnect with their bodies and reduce hyperarousal.

Spiritual and meaning-centered approaches

For clients who desire it, therapists incorporate meaning-making and spiritually-aligned practices to help rebuild a sense of purpose and coherence after trauma. This may include narrative therapy, ritual work, or faith-based supports, always guided by client preferences.

Family and community involvement

Trauma affects not only the individual but also family systems. With consent, family sessions can improve communication, foster supportive dynamics, and repair relationship disruptions caused by trauma-related behaviors

Outcomes and monitoring progress

Our clinicians use standardized symptom measures to track progress and modify treatment plans as needed. Many clients experience reductions in intrusive memories, hypervigilance, anxiety, and improved sleep and interpersonal functioning. Treatment duration varies; some see meaningful change within several months, while complex trauma may require longer terms of care.

Common questions

  • Can trauma therapy make symptoms worse?

    When conducted by trained clinicians in a paced, safety-focused manner, trauma therapies aim to reduce symptoms over time. Initial sessions may feel emotionally intense as memories are approached, but clinicians provide stabilization tools and titrate the pace to ensure safety.

  • How long does trauma therapy take?

    Duration depends on trauma complexity, symptom severity, and treatment goals. Short-term trauma-focused protocols can be 8–12 weekly sessions for some; complex or multiple traumas may require longer-term care.

  • Is EMDR offered?

    Yes. EMDR may be used when clinically appropriate and when conducted by clinicians trained and certified in EMDR protocols.

Access and referrals

To access trauma services, call our intake team at (253) 733-9020. Tell the intake coordinator you are seeking trauma therapy to prioritize matching you with a clinician experienced in trauma-focused modalities. We offer telehealth sessions for greater accessibility.