Trauma can leave deep emotional and psychological scars, whether it’s caused by a single traumatic event or a series of distressing experiences over time.
Trauma therapy is a specialized form of treatment designed to help individuals process traumatic memories, manage symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and reclaim their sense of safety and well-being.
We offer evidence-based, trauma-informed care to help clients heal and thrive.
What Kind of Experiences Cause Trauma?
Trauma is the emotional response to a distressing or life-threatening event. These events might include sexual violence, abuse, a serious accident, natural disasters, or witnessing violence. Trauma doesn’t always stem from a single traumatic event; complex and developmental trauma often result from prolonged exposure to stressful circumstances, especially during childhood.
Trauma affects not just the mind, but the body and spirit too—leading to symptoms that interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Common Trauma-Related Symptoms
Trauma responses vary widely, but common signs of post traumatic stress disorder and trauma-related symptoms include:
- Flashbacks or intrusive trauma memories
- Avoidance of trauma reminders
- Anxiety, depression, or anger
- Negative beliefs about oneself or the world
- Feelings of detachment or numbness
- Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle responses
- Sleep disturbances and nightmares
- Difficulty concentrating or functioning in real life situations
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, trauma therapy may be an essential step toward recovery.
The Role of Trauma Therapy in Recovery
Trauma therapy is a structured therapy process that helps individuals understand and address the emotional and psychological impact of trauma. It aims to provide coping strategies, reduce symptoms, and improve emotion regulation.
At MICS, we offer various trauma-focused treatments that are personalized to meet each client’s needs. Whether you’ve experienced trauma recently or are struggling with long-held trauma-related memories, our trauma-informed therapists are here to help.
Evidence-Based Trauma Focused Therapies We Offer
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR therapy is a widely researched, highly effective approach to treating trauma and PTSD. It consists of eight phases, including assessment, desensitization, and installation of positive beliefs.
During EMDR sessions, bilateral stimulation—often in the form of guided eye movement—is used to help clients process traumatic memories. This allows the brain to reframe and fully integrate knowledge of the trauma in a safe way.
Specific memories, emotions, and negative thoughts are targeted to help clients reduce the emotional charge and physiological reactions associated with them. EMDR works particularly well for clients dealing with complex PTSD, sexual violence, and other severe forms of traumatic stress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a cornerstone of trauma treatment. This cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and challenging negative beliefs and thought patterns that have developed as a result of a traumatic experience. It often includes techniques like imaginal exposure and in vivo exposure to reduce avoidance behaviors and anxiety.
CBT helps clients develop healthy coping skills, process trauma-related memories, and manage symptoms associated with PTSD and other mental health conditions.
Trauma-Informed Therapy and Care
Trauma-informed therapy means that our therapists understand the widespread impact of trauma and actively resist re-traumatization. Trauma-informed care emphasizes safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment.
This approach considers the whole person—including physical health, emotional well-being, and even spiritual well-being—and ensures that therapy is conducted in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is a body-based trauma therapy designed to help individuals release stored stress and trauma that lingers in the nervous system. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, this approach is grounded in the idea that traumatic stress can become “trapped” in the body, leading to persistent symptoms such as hypervigilance, anxiety, dissociation, and physical tension.
Rather than focusing primarily on verbal processing or traumatic memories, Somatic Experiencing helps clients tune into bodily sensations and track their physical responses in a safe, gradual way. The goal is to support the body’s natural ability to regulate and return to a sense of safety and balance.
This method is especially effective for those who feel disconnected from their bodies or overwhelmed by trauma reminders. Somatic Experiencing can be a vital tool in helping clients reestablish a sense of internal safety and control—without the need to relive or retell traumatic events.
Who Can Benefit from Trauma Therapy?
At MICS, we support individuals from all walks of life, including:
- Adults struggling with symptoms of PTSD or complex trauma
- Children and teens dealing with developmental trauma or recent traumatic events
- Couples managing trauma-related issues within their relationship
- Survivors of sexual violence, abuse, and serious accidents
- First responders and professionals dealing with chronic exposure to traumatic stress
If you’re facing a single traumatic event or years of unresolved trauma, our therapists offer compassionate, individualized treatment plans to meet your unique needs.
The Therapy Process at MICS
Every trauma therapy journey at MICS begins with a comprehensive assessment. We collaborate with clients to establish goals, identify trauma reminders, and choose the most effective treatment methods.
Therapy may involve individual therapy sessions, EMDR therapy, or trauma-focused CBT. Additional sessions may be recommended depending on the severity of the symptoms and the complexity of the trauma.
We also incorporate mindfulness practices like body scan exercises and grounding techniques to help clients stay connected and present throughout the therapy process.
The Benefits of Treating Trauma
With the right trauma-focused therapies, clients can experience:
- Spiritual and psychological healing
- Reduced PTSD symptoms and anxiety disorders
- Improved emotion regulation and self-awareness
- Enhanced coping strategies for real-life challenges
- Better relationships and communication
- A stronger sense of control, self-worth, and resilience
Trauma treatment is not about forgetting the past—it’s about reclaiming your life and building a healthier future.
Begin Your Healing Journey Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with the impact of a traumatic experience, help is available. Monmouth Integrative Counseling Services offers specialized trauma therapy and PTSD treatment in Manasquan, Brick, and statewide through telehealth counseling.
Our trauma-informed therapists are trained in EMDR, CBT, and other effective methods to help you process traumatic memories and build lasting resilience. You don’t have to face this alone.