What happened to you mattered. Healing from it is possible.
Trauma is not only what happened, it is what happened inside you as a result. Whether it stems from a single overwhelming event or years of painful experiences, trauma can leave you feeling on edge, numb, disconnected, or trapped in patterns that don’t seem to make sense . You might struggle with sleep, intrusive memories, hypervigilance, or a sense that you are never quite safe.
If any of this sounds familiar, please know two things:your responses are normal reactions to abnormal experiences and trauma is treatable. With the right support, the nervous system can learn safety again. Life can feel like yours once more.
Understanding trauma and PTSD
Trauma can follow many experiences: accidents, assault, abuse, neglect, loss, medical events, or growing up in an environment that never felt secure. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a single event, while complex PTSD often grows out of repeated or prolonged experiences, such as early-life neglect or an unsafe relationship. Our blog on understanding PTSD breaks down the symptoms and why they happen.
Trauma commonly shows up as:
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Hypervigilance, feeling constantly on guard or easily startled
- Avoiding people, places, or reminders
- Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected from yourself
- Difficulty trusting, sleeping, or regulating emotions
- Shame, self-blame, or a harsh inner critic
Importantly, trauma lives in the body as much as the mind, which is why effective treatment addresses both.
How we help you heal
There is no single right way to heal from trauma, so our approach is tailored to you. Depending on your needs, treatment may draw on EMDR therapy, which helps the brain reprocess stuck memories, somatic and body-based work that releases stored tension and restores a felt sense of safety, and evidence-based approaches such as Trauma-Focused CBT and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Above all, the work is paced and grounded in a trusting relationship. Your path forward:
- Reach out for a no-pressure consultation so we can understand what you are carrying.
- Get matched with a trauma-trained therapist who fits your needs and pace.
- Begin gently, building safety and skills first, then deeper processing as you are ready.
Who you might work with
Trauma is a core strength across our team. Lyndsay Wilson, Heather Britt, Natalie Cox, Dr. Nisha Bhatt, Dr. Neva Murray, Helen Tarleton, and Olivia Blakey all bring specialized trauma training, spanning EMDR, somatic work, parts work, TF-CBT, and CPT. Whatever your story, we can match you with someone equipped to help you carry and ultimately set down its weight.
You deserve to feel safe in your own life again
Healing does not mean forgetting. It means the past no longer controls your present. Overcoming trauma is possible. You do not have to do it alone.
Call us at (615) 582-2882, email clientcare@nashvillepsych.com or contact us here to get started. We’ll match you with a trauma-trained therapist at a pace that feels safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?
PTSD typically develops after a single traumatic event, while complex PTSD (C-PTSD) usually stems from prolonged or repeated experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or a long-term unsafe relationship earlier in life. Both can cause distress, hypervigilance, and difficulty regulating emotions, and both respond to trauma-focused therapy.
Do I have to relive my trauma in therapy?
No. Effective trauma therapy does not require you to repeatedly relive painful events. Approaches like EMDR and somatic work can reduce the intensity of memories without detailed retelling. Your therapist always prioritizes your sense of safety and control.
Is my reaction ‘bad enough’ to count as trauma?
If an experience still affects how you think, feel, or function, it is worth addressing, regardless of how it compares to anyone else’s. Trauma is about impact, not about whether an event seems “big enough.” You do not need to justify your pain to seek support.
How long does trauma therapy take?
It depends on your history and your goals. Some people find relief from a recent event in a few months, while complex trauma can take longer. Your therapist will work with you on a realistic, flexible plan.
Do you offer online trauma therapy?
Yes. We provide secure telehealth across Tennessee. We also offer telehealth counseling to individuals in the following PSYPact states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Marianas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Many trauma approaches, including EMDR, can be delivered effectively online. Your therapist can advise on the best fit for you.
How do I get started?
Call us at (615) 582-2882, email clientcare@nashvillepsych.com or contact us here to get started. We’ll match you with a trauma-trained therapist at a pace that feels safe.
