Trauma, Traumatic Invalidation, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Therapy in New York City
Over the life course, approximately 70.4% of people will experience a traumatic event (e.g., exposure to actual or threatened violence) (Kessler et al., 2017), and an even greater number will experience traumatic invalidation—that is, when one’s internal experiences are dismissed, minimized, or misinterpreted by important others (Harned, 2022). Emerging research suggests that even experiences of traumatic invalidation can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Harned, 2022). Given the high prevalence of both traumatic events and forms of invalidation, it is essential to provide care that addresses both acute and chronic manifestations of PTSD. As a clinician, my goal is to help clients heal from traumatic experiences and live their lives to the fullest.
Evidence Based Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
As a clinician, scientist, and PTSD therapist in NYC, I am dedicated to providing the most up to date and evidence based treatments for PTSD:
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CPT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs (known as “stuck points”) related to their trauma. It focuses on modifying maladaptive thoughts about safety, trust, power, esteem, and intimacy to reduce PTSD symptoms.
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PE is a behavioral therapy that reduces PTSD symptoms by helping clients gradually confront trauma-related memories and avoided situations. In this model, clients engage in both imaginal and in vivo exposure to process trauma-related memories and shift patterns of avoidance.
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DBT PE integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with Prolonged Exposure to treat PTSD in individuals with significant emotion dysregulation and/or multiple complex comorbid conditions. It incorporates an adapted version of PE that emphasizes emotional processing following exposure to traumatic memories, thereby reinforcing new learning and reducing avoidance.
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WET is a brief, five-session, evidence-based treatment that uses structured writing exercises to help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce avoidance. These writing exercises facilitate emotional integration and symptom reduction.
Working Together for Post Traumatic Stress Therapy in New York City
All of the aforementioned interventions are grounded in the foundational principle that exposure is essential to effectively address PTSD symptoms, including emotional, cognitive, and behavioral avoidance.
We will work together as a team to determine which intervention is the best fit for your PTSD treatment needs. Throughout this process, we will discuss available evidence-based options for PTSD treatment and decide collaboratively which approach aligns best with your goals, preferences, and readiness. We will also track your progress over time using measurement-based care, meaning we will regularly monitor your symptoms with validated self-report measures in addition to discussing your progress during sessions. This approach ensures that we are using data to guide decisions and that your treatment remains responsive, effective, and personalized to you.
Interested in PTSD and Trauma Therapy in NYC?
References
Harned, M. S. (2022). Treating trauma in dialectical behavior therapy: The DBT prolonged exposure protocol (DBT PE). Guilford Publications.
Kessler, R. C., Aguilar-Gaxiola, S., Alonso, J., Benjet, C., Bromet, E. J., Cardoso, G., ... & Koenen, K. C. (2017). Trauma and PTSD in the WHO world mental health surveys. European journal of psychotraumatology, 8(sup5), 1353383.