Trauma Therapy in NYC

Trauma is more than a memory of a difficult event; it is a complex emotional response that shapes how you see yourself, others, and the world. It often leaves lasting emotional scars that disrupt your sense of self and limit your belief in what is possible. In my Manhattan practice, I provide what Robert Stolorow calls a "relational home"—a safe, unflinching space where unbearable emotional pain can gradually transform into manageable and meaningful feelings.

The Fragmentation of the Self

When an experience is too overwhelming to process, it can fragment your emotional world. This may show up as intense guilt, shame, anger, or a persistent feeling of being "on edge." Trauma therapy gently gathers these pieces, integrating them into a cohesive story and allowing you to move from reactive survival toward intentional, empowered living.

Transforming Suffering into Resilience

Although trauma can feel like an immovable obstacle, it can also foster profound self-awareness. In therapy, we explore the impact of your history without judgment. As Kahlil Gibran wrote, "Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls." The goal is to ensure that your scars mark resilience rather than define your identity.

Common Indications for Trauma Support

• Hypervigilance: Constant, exhausting scanning of your environment for potential threats.
• Emotional Numbing: Feeling disconnected from your own emotions or from others.
• Relational Patterns: Difficulty establishing trust or repeating unhealthy cycles in relationships.
• Intrusive Thoughts: Recurring memories or flashbacks that make the past feel present.

A Reflection on Relational Healing

"When we dwell with others’ unendurable pain, their shattered emotional worlds are enabled to shine with a kind of sacredness that calls forth an understanding and caring engagement."
— Robert Stolorow

The Path to Recovery: Our Therapeutic Approach

Healing combines deep psychological insight with practical strategies for daily life:

1. Establishing Stabilization

Before engaging with traumatic memories, we prioritize grounding techniques and emotional regulation to ensure safety and control in the present.

2. Processing and Integration

We explore the patterns and limiting beliefs formed by trauma, helping you reclaim confidence and reduce distress over time.

3. Strengthening the Sense of Self

Through self-compassion and therapeutic reflection, you rebuild a resilient identity that is no longer defined by past trauma.

4. Navigating the Future with Agency

We equip you with adaptive tools to manage triggers, cultivate healthy relationships, and create a balanced, fulfilling life.