Trauma Therapist Baltimore

Baltimore Therapy Group - Accepting New Patients

What is Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Traumatic events can range from physical or emotional abuse, neglect, and accidents to natural disasters or combat. The goal of trauma therapy is to help individuals understand and manage the complex emotions, behaviors, and physical sensations that arise from these experiences. A trauma-informed therapist will work closely with you to create a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship, which is essential for effective healing and recovery. By addressing the impact of trauma in a compassionate and structured environment, trauma therapy aims to restore a sense of control and well-being.

Benefits of Trauma Therapy for Mental Health

Engaging in trauma therapy can offer numerous benefits for your mental health. Some of the key advantages include:

• Reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Experience fewer flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.

• Improved emotional regulation: Gain better control over your emotions and reactions.

• Enhanced coping skills: Develop effective strategies to manage stress and adversity.

• Increased sense of safety and trust: Build confidence in yourself and your relationships with others.

• Improved relationships and social connections: Strengthen your bonds with family, friends, and community.

• Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety: Alleviate feelings of sadness and worry.

• Empowerment and control: Feel more empowered and in control of your life.

We Provide Trauma Informed Care

Trauma-informed care is a holistic and strengths-based approach to treatment that recognizes — in the right therapeutic context those with trauma histories can thrive. At the Baltimore Therapy Group our trauma therapists emphasize empowerment, collaboration, and safety in the therapeutic relationship. It is our goal to help those we work with recognize and build a sense of resilience after experiencing a range of traumas including emotional, physical and sexual violence as well as cultural- and gender-based traumas. Along the way, this will mean understanding the impact of trauma including changes in mood and relationships as well as adopting potentially harmful ways of coping. Therapy can help address emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. We know, and research supports us in this — in the long run, it’s more common to exhibit resilience than distress following a trauma. We’d like to help ensure that you find your resilience.

What to Expect in Therapy:

• A safe and supportive environment where you can explore your experiences and feelings.

• Techniques and strategies to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

• Therapy can help address emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.

• Attachment-focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) as a therapeutic approach that emphasizes a reparative relationship between therapist and client.

What to Expect in Therapy

When you begin trauma therapy, you can expect to work with a trained therapist who will create a safe and supportive environment for you to explore and process your traumatic experiences. Your therapist will use evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behavior therapy (DBT), or psychodynamic therapy to help you manage your symptoms and work through your trauma. During therapy, you will:

• Develop a trusting relationship with your therapist: This foundation is crucial for effective therapy.

• Learn coping skills and techniques: These will help you manage your emotions and behaviors.

• Process and work through your traumatic experiences: Do this in a safe and supportive environment.

• Gain a greater understanding of yourself and your experiences: This self-awareness is key to healing.

• Improve your relationships and social connections: Strengthen your ability to connect with others.

Jennifer mcmillan, LCPC
Trauma therapist

Jen utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with aspects of Dialectical Behavior therapy (DBT) when partnering with her clients to find relief from the symptoms of trauma and PTSD. While traditional talk therapy can be beneficial, it often has limitations, especially for individuals who have experienced trauma. Incorporating additional methods, such as mindfulness and somatic techniques, can enhance healing and promote deeper understanding beyond mere conversation. She brings a trauma-informed and strengths based approach to her work. Before joining the Baltimore Therapy Group, Jen held positions with Brown University Medical School and Keypoint Health Services.

Cassandra Ekstrom, LCSW-C
FERENZ certified trauma therapist

Cassie use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction to work with those wanting to better understand and resolve the effects of trauma in their lives. She helps clients address and heal from experiences of sexual abuse, using attachment-focused EMDR to support those affected by relational trauma. She is proud to have advanced training and certification in the treatment of trauma from the Ferentz Institute. She also enjoys working with those wanting to improve depression/sadness, anxiety/worry and overcome addictions.