Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Elma, WA
I’m Dr. Stan Kolpak, and I specialize in guiding individuals and couples through life’s challenges to build stronger, healthier relationships and personal growth. With a background in Couples counseling, individual therapy, trauma, and sexual issues. I offer a compassionate and collaborative approach tailored to your unique needs and goals.
I’m Dr. Stan Kolpak, and I specialize in guiding individuals and couples through life’s challenges to build stronger, healthier relationships and personal growth. With a background in Couples counseling, individual therapy, trauma, and sexual issues. I offer a compassionate and collaborative approach tailored to your unique needs and goals.
I am most comfortable treating conditions related to trauma, emotional distress, and self-esteem issues.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing on a range of evidence-based modalities to best support each client's unique needs. I utilize trauma-focused therapy to address and heal past wounds, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge and change unhelpful thought patterns, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients embrace their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Additionally, I incorporate Motivational Interviewing to enhance motivation and commitment to change, and I maintain a client-centered focus, ensuring that therapy is tailored to each individual's goals and strengths.
I am most comfortable treating conditions related to trauma, emotional distress, and self-esteem issues.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing on a range of evidence-based modalities to best support each client's unique needs. I utilize trauma-focused therapy to address and heal past wounds, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge and change unhelpful thought patterns, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients embrace their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Additionally, I incorporate Motivational Interviewing to enhance motivation and commitment to change, and I maintain a client-centered focus, ensuring that therapy is tailored to each individual's goals and strengths.
Life is complicated. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it’s messy. When your life’s problems become overwhelming, it helps to get help. I firmly believe that each of us has the ability to resolve most of our life’s problems. Professional assistance can help you to see the way forward more clearly.
Life is complicated. Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it’s messy. When your life’s problems become overwhelming, it helps to get help. I firmly believe that each of us has the ability to resolve most of our life’s problems. Professional assistance can help you to see the way forward more clearly.
More Therapists Nearby
Elizabeth Ryan Palmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AP, LCSW, RN
Verified Verified
Montesano, WA 98563
Additionally, she is trauma-informed and is certified in the use of EMDR, a beneficial trauma therapy modality.
Elizabeth Palmer treats clients ages 18 & up. Sessions will be virtual (using a HIPAA compliant platform).
Additionally, she is trauma-informed and is certified in the use of EMDR, a beneficial trauma therapy modality.
Elizabeth Palmer treats clients ages 18 & up. Sessions will be virtual (using a HIPAA compliant platform).
I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, & depression.
My name is Jessica Gonzalez. WA Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I am licensed in Washington with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I have a person-centered therapeutic approach. Some common theoretical approaches I use in my work include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, & depression.
My name is Jessica Gonzalez. WA Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I am licensed in Washington with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I have a person-centered therapeutic approach. Some common theoretical approaches I use in my work include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Jenni Juarez
Counselor, MS, LMHC, CMHS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Montesano, WA 98563 (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Jenni Juarez and I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist based in Washington state with nearly a decade of experience. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. I hold a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Central Washington University and have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, I am credentialed as a Child Mental Health Specialist.
Welcome! My name is Jenni Juarez and I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist based in Washington state with nearly a decade of experience. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. I hold a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Central Washington University and have specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, I am credentialed as a Child Mental Health Specialist.
Online Therapists
COUPLES: Whether you are hoping to relate to each other in healthier and more fulfilling ways, deepen intimacy, and/or you feel stuck in spite of your best efforts, I am ready to meet you where you are at. Together, we can heal painful patterns in your relationship so that everyone's needs are met. INDIVIDUALS: I work in a deeply compassionate, trauma-informed way to help you heal your wounds (including those from racial trauma). I welcome clients of all ages, and after 15 years as a middle and high school teacher, I really enjoy working with adolescents and teens. I am particularly welcoming of BIPOC & LGBTQ+ folks.
COUPLES: Whether you are hoping to relate to each other in healthier and more fulfilling ways, deepen intimacy, and/or you feel stuck in spite of your best efforts, I am ready to meet you where you are at. Together, we can heal painful patterns in your relationship so that everyone's needs are met. INDIVIDUALS: I work in a deeply compassionate, trauma-informed way to help you heal your wounds (including those from racial trauma). I welcome clients of all ages, and after 15 years as a middle and high school teacher, I really enjoy working with adolescents and teens. I am particularly welcoming of BIPOC & LGBTQ+ folks.
Katherine Afuola
Counselor, MS, LMHC, SUDP, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98110 (Online Only)
I have been trained in EFT/Tapping Therapy, Trauma informed cared and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
I am an open minded trauma informed and compassionate licensed mental health professional and substance use counselor who is able, and ready, to assist in best practices towards the goals and needs of your current situation. I utilize EFT/Tapping, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques. I also work from a multicultural point of view and understand that culture is what defines us and our values.
I have been trained in EFT/Tapping Therapy, Trauma informed cared and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
I am an open minded trauma informed and compassionate licensed mental health professional and substance use counselor who is able, and ready, to assist in best practices towards the goals and needs of your current situation. I utilize EFT/Tapping, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques. I also work from a multicultural point of view and understand that culture is what defines us and our values.
I also have training in EMDR and Brainspotting which is helpful in healing from trauma.
I am passionate about working with couples who are struggling with conflict resolution and communication. I enjoy teaching couples new skills that can help them have the relationship they have always hoped to achieve. I also find it rewarding to work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression and trauma. I also enjoy supervising new clinicians as they work toward their license. I currently teach and supervise in the MAP program of Seattle University. I have my PSYPACT certificate and am able to see clients from any PSYPACT state for telehealth.
I also have training in EMDR and Brainspotting which is helpful in healing from trauma.
I am passionate about working with couples who are struggling with conflict resolution and communication. I enjoy teaching couples new skills that can help them have the relationship they have always hoped to achieve. I also find it rewarding to work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression and trauma. I also enjoy supervising new clinicians as they work toward their license. I currently teach and supervise in the MAP program of Seattle University. I have my PSYPACT certificate and am able to see clients from any PSYPACT state for telehealth.
The framework of my therapeutic orientation includes trauma informed care, CBT with a focus on DBT and mindfulness, attachment theory, BIPOC & LGBTQA allied, and Health at every size.
All humans have the capacity for hope, healing, and happiness. I have devoted my life to being a therapist that will provide a safe space for clients to venture through this process with unconditional authenticity and support. As a therapist I commit to providing you with the individual, personalized healing space that you deserve.
The framework of my therapeutic orientation includes trauma informed care, CBT with a focus on DBT and mindfulness, attachment theory, BIPOC & LGBTQA allied, and Health at every size.
All humans have the capacity for hope, healing, and happiness. I have devoted my life to being a therapist that will provide a safe space for clients to venture through this process with unconditional authenticity and support. As a therapist I commit to providing you with the individual, personalized healing space that you deserve.
Adriana Reedy
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lynnwood, WA 98036 (Online Only)
Whether facing grief, burnout, caregiver fatigue, trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, or feeling stuck, I'm here to support you toward the life you want to live.
Life can be messy, and we often do what we need to survive in this chaotic world. As a queer mountain woman familiar with both rural and urban settings, I understand how environments impact how we navigate the world. Whether facing a major change, finding your usual strategies ineffective, or feeling stuck, I’m here to meet you where you’re at and help you get to where you want to be. I embrace a nonjudgmental, strengths-based approach that honors your unique experiences. With a sense of humor and compassion, I create a safe space for you to freely express yourself and collaboratively explore your goals.
Whether facing grief, burnout, caregiver fatigue, trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, or feeling stuck, I'm here to support you toward the life you want to live.
Life can be messy, and we often do what we need to survive in this chaotic world. As a queer mountain woman familiar with both rural and urban settings, I understand how environments impact how we navigate the world. Whether facing a major change, finding your usual strategies ineffective, or feeling stuck, I’m here to meet you where you’re at and help you get to where you want to be. I embrace a nonjudgmental, strengths-based approach that honors your unique experiences. With a sense of humor and compassion, I create a safe space for you to freely express yourself and collaboratively explore your goals.
My areas of focus are anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, couples counseling, and development across the life span.
We experience many changes and challenges, such as relocation, growing within relationships, parenthood, or changes in education, career or employment status. Loss comes in many forms, and grief looks different for each individual. Therapy is a way to navigate these challenges, to grow self-awareness and coping skills, and to find meaning in the unexpected, while exploring the external and internal factors that influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
My areas of focus are anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, couples counseling, and development across the life span.
We experience many changes and challenges, such as relocation, growing within relationships, parenthood, or changes in education, career or employment status. Loss comes in many forms, and grief looks different for each individual. Therapy is a way to navigate these challenges, to grow self-awareness and coping skills, and to find meaning in the unexpected, while exploring the external and internal factors that influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Cynthia Piepenbrok
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CCTP, CTMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Edmonds, WA 98020 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, loss & grief, life transitions, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and relationship issues.
Many of us, at one time or another, experience a feeling of being overwhelmed by life. There are even phases when everything seems to be going wrong. Anxiety and depression are common responses to the difficulties of life. If you are on here searching for help you are most likely at a point in your life where things feel out of balance.
I have worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, loss & grief, life transitions, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and relationship issues.
Many of us, at one time or another, experience a feeling of being overwhelmed by life. There are even phases when everything seems to be going wrong. Anxiety and depression are common responses to the difficulties of life. If you are on here searching for help you are most likely at a point in your life where things feel out of balance.
Phoenix Rises Counseling LLC
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medina, WA 98039 (Online Only)
I am an EMDR therapist, certified by EMDRIA, and I specialize in healing from traumatic relationships or traumatic events in the present and the past.
I help you heal the hurt of traumatic childhoods, abusive relationships, or the lingering pain of traumatic events; the feeling of "not enough-ness", "having to prove my worth", or "settling for less". I help you move on from hurtful relationships or choosing "the wrong partner" so you can achieve a loving partnership. I help you find yourself again. I help you shed your old skin. I work to bring freedom from current PTSD, chronic PTSD, "small" or "big" traumas, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I also welcome open relationships, ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, kink, and sex-positivity for individual and couples counseling.
I am an EMDR therapist, certified by EMDRIA, and I specialize in healing from traumatic relationships or traumatic events in the present and the past.
I help you heal the hurt of traumatic childhoods, abusive relationships, or the lingering pain of traumatic events; the feeling of "not enough-ness", "having to prove my worth", or "settling for less". I help you move on from hurtful relationships or choosing "the wrong partner" so you can achieve a loving partnership. I help you find yourself again. I help you shed your old skin. I work to bring freedom from current PTSD, chronic PTSD, "small" or "big" traumas, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I also welcome open relationships, ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, kink, and sex-positivity for individual and couples counseling.
Areas of therapeutic focus: Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Sexual Identity, Addiction, Relationships.
My approach to Mental Health Counseling is to view the client as expert in their own life. I do not play the role of expert in my client's lives. I do, however act as a guide, advocate, educator, and support person. What I will do is attempt to see your issues from your perspective and your view of the world. I work within the framework of Person-Centered Therapy, which focuses on the client being the expert, Existential Therapy, which focuses on behavior and looks at how the client thinks, feels, and behaves and the impact they have on others.
Areas of therapeutic focus: Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Sexual Identity, Addiction, Relationships.
My approach to Mental Health Counseling is to view the client as expert in their own life. I do not play the role of expert in my client's lives. I do, however act as a guide, advocate, educator, and support person. What I will do is attempt to see your issues from your perspective and your view of the world. I work within the framework of Person-Centered Therapy, which focuses on the client being the expert, Existential Therapy, which focuses on behavior and looks at how the client thinks, feels, and behaves and the impact they have on others.
Twin Lakes Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
15 Endorsed
Federal Way, WA 98023
Twin Lakes Counseling provides individual, couple, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in the South Sound community. We are a group of marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors who offer quality, affordable mental health services for a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, pre- and post-natal work, and relationship conflict. We have clinicians trained in play therapy, the Gottman method, TF-CBT, psychodynamic work, and more. Located in Federal Way with easy access to Northeast Tacoma, our neighborhood counseling center makes finding the help you need simple and accessible.
Twin Lakes Counseling provides individual, couple, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in the South Sound community. We are a group of marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors who offer quality, affordable mental health services for a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, pre- and post-natal work, and relationship conflict. We have clinicians trained in play therapy, the Gottman method, TF-CBT, psychodynamic work, and more. Located in Federal Way with easy access to Northeast Tacoma, our neighborhood counseling center makes finding the help you need simple and accessible.
Jessica C. Morgan Integrative Therapies LLC
Counselor, MD, LMHC, NBC-HWC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98112 (Online Only)
I work alongside my clients, as they bravely take the risks involved in introspection and change. From personal experience, I know how hard this can be, AND, not changing is even more painful. I want to guide you as you explore and overcome the obstacles disrupting your functioning or behavior; I want to support you as you explore feelings of stress, trauma, sadness, confusion, worry, anger… I don’t see you as a diagnosis: I see you as a complex person living a complicated life, experiencing emotional upheavals that prevent you from feeling well, at ease, filled with stress and worry, and leave you unable to enjoy your life.
I work alongside my clients, as they bravely take the risks involved in introspection and change. From personal experience, I know how hard this can be, AND, not changing is even more painful. I want to guide you as you explore and overcome the obstacles disrupting your functioning or behavior; I want to support you as you explore feelings of stress, trauma, sadness, confusion, worry, anger… I don’t see you as a diagnosis: I see you as a complex person living a complicated life, experiencing emotional upheavals that prevent you from feeling well, at ease, filled with stress and worry, and leave you unable to enjoy your life.
These are a few ways I can help: Exploring Family Dynamics, Childhood Trauma, Anxiety and Depression, Managing Work Challenges, Relationship Challenges, developing Positive Parenting Skills, Personal Growth and Development, Bereavement and Grief.
If you would like to start focusing on yourself instead of others and set healthy boundaries. Trying to find ways to let go of whatever is weighing you down. If you want to understand how your past may influence your present and focus on your future. Ready to break negative family cycles and start building stronger bonds. If anxiety and depression is stealing your joy and you want it back. Began challenging negative social messages and negative patterns of thinking. If you are missing a loved one and need to heal their loss one day at a time. I am here and ready to support you in reaching your goals.
These are a few ways I can help: Exploring Family Dynamics, Childhood Trauma, Anxiety and Depression, Managing Work Challenges, Relationship Challenges, developing Positive Parenting Skills, Personal Growth and Development, Bereavement and Grief.
If you would like to start focusing on yourself instead of others and set healthy boundaries. Trying to find ways to let go of whatever is weighing you down. If you want to understand how your past may influence your present and focus on your future. Ready to break negative family cycles and start building stronger bonds. If anxiety and depression is stealing your joy and you want it back. Began challenging negative social messages and negative patterns of thinking. If you are missing a loved one and need to heal their loss one day at a time. I am here and ready to support you in reaching your goals.
I grew up in Maryland in a large family with 5 siblings, and later moved to Washington. Through my experiences of being a foster family and living with a family member with a mental illness, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a social worker. My experience includes working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, postpartum concerns, PTSD, and grief. My therapeutic style is authentic, compassionate and grounding. We are our own harshest critic, and by focusing on your strengths, we can work together to improve any areas that need it. My role is to listen, help you see new ways of thinking about things.
I grew up in Maryland in a large family with 5 siblings, and later moved to Washington. Through my experiences of being a foster family and living with a family member with a mental illness, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a social worker. My experience includes working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, postpartum concerns, PTSD, and grief. My therapeutic style is authentic, compassionate and grounding. We are our own harshest critic, and by focusing on your strengths, we can work together to improve any areas that need it. My role is to listen, help you see new ways of thinking about things.
I believe it is important to explore one's values to establish goals that are rich in purpose and direction. I encourage those I work with to ask themselves "what have I been through?" vs. "what is wrong with me?". I am currently providing hybrid services, with remote and in-person availability. I have experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD, psychosis, and other conditions. I work with adult (18+) individuals. I also am versed in concepts and models of codependency and narcissistic abuse. I have worked in inpatient and intensive outpatient settings and have navigated many degrees of mental health and diagnostic presentations.
I believe it is important to explore one's values to establish goals that are rich in purpose and direction. I encourage those I work with to ask themselves "what have I been through?" vs. "what is wrong with me?". I am currently providing hybrid services, with remote and in-person availability. I have experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD, psychosis, and other conditions. I work with adult (18+) individuals. I also am versed in concepts and models of codependency and narcissistic abuse. I have worked in inpatient and intensive outpatient settings and have navigated many degrees of mental health and diagnostic presentations.
See more therapy options for Elma
Trauma and PTSD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.