Trauma/PTSD

Trauma manifests in a myriad of ways in our minds and bodies. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from experiencing or witnessing a life threatening event or significant loss, whereas complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) may result from chronic abuse, neglect or other forms of mistreatment that happened repeatedly over a period of time. These experiences of intense fear make an imprint on the nervous system, impacting our physical and emotional responses to our partners, children, families, friends, and colleagues. Often our inclination is to avoid, ignore or push through these traumas in an effort to minimize the associated pain. However these efforts are futile as unresolved traumas create invisible barriers that hinder the development of a strong sense of self and healthy relationships.

In romantic relationships, trauma can disrupt our ability to trust, to feel safe emotionally and physically, and can interfere with the enjoyment of sex and intimacy. These impacts of trauma may ebb and flow over time, intensifying during big life transitions and resurfacing as we age. Whether you are seeking individual or couples therapy, the therapists at PCT create a trauma-informed space to process trauma, understand its impacts on your relationships and build coping skills to move forward. We are patient and emphasize building a trusting relationship together. Therapists at PCT understand that healing from trauma takes time and progress may not always be linear, but that this work leads to healthier relationships and a stronger sense of self-worth.

PCT clinicians who specialize in this area

Dr. Anna Kemble

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Sex Therapist

Dr. Jenny Sneeden

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Andrew Wilkins

Clinical Psychology Pre-Doctoral Fellow

Megan Gallagher

Clinical Psychology Pre-Doctoral Intern