Our Approach to Trauma Therapy
Both EMDR and CPT are designed to help you process trauma safely and at your own pace, empowering you to reclaim your life and your sense of self-worth
Trauma can affect every part of your life, from your emotions and relationships to your sense of safety in the world. Whether you’ve experienced childhood trauma, a recent traumatic event, or long-term exposure to stressful situations, the impact can be overwhelming.
Trauma can leave you feeling stuck, isolated, or as if you’re trapped in a cycle of distressing memories and emotions. You are not alone, and there is hope for healing.
At Radiance, our therapists provide trauma treatment through evidence-based methods such as EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help people process traumatic memories, change unhelpful thought patterns, and reclaim a sense of safety and control in their lives.
Both EMDR and CPT are designed to help you process trauma safely and at your own pace, empowering you to reclaim your life and your sense of self-worth
EMDR is a research-supported therapy designed to help people heal from the emotional distress caused by traumatic or upsetting experiences. Instead of focusing only on talking about the event, EMDR helps the brain reprocess memories so they are no longer as triggering or overwhelming. Using guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR allows you to access and integrate these memories in a safe, structured way—reducing symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional numbness. Many clients find that EMDR helps them move beyond past trauma and feel more grounded, confident, and at peace in the present.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based specialized form of cognitive therapy that is specifically designed to help individuals process trauma. CPT helps you understand how the trauma has affected your beliefs about yourself, others, and the world, and works to “untangle” those beliefs so you can heal and move forward. It is especially effective for individuals who have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through CPT, you will examine how the trauma has influenced your thoughts and behaviors, and we will work together to shift those unhelpful patterns. This approach helps you understand that while the trauma was not your fault, the way you respond to it can be within your control. Our therapists will guide you in reframing unhelpful thought patterns and developing a healthier outlook on life.
Sometimes our clients attend trauma therapy for EMDR but find that CBT is helpful as well. CBT is a practical, evidence-based approach that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected—especially after trauma. When distressing experiences lead to persistent fear, shame, or negative beliefs about oneself or the world, CBT provides tools to challenge and change those patterns. Through guided reflection and skill-building, clients learn to reduce trauma-related symptoms, regain a sense of control, and develop healthier ways of thinking and coping. CBT can be highly effective for post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and other trauma-related difficulties, supporting lasting emotional healing and resilience.
It’s important to recognize that healing from trauma is a journey, and that you do not have to carry the weight of your past alone. You deserve to feel safe, supported, and free from the emotional burdens that trauma can impose. Whether you’re struggling with flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, or difficulty trusting others, we are here to help you process those painful experiences and find new ways to move forward.
At Radiance, our therapists use trauma-informed care to ensure that therapy is a safe, supportive space where you can explore your feelings without fear of judgment. We understand that trauma affects every aspect of your being, and we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs, working with you every step of the way. If you need a therapist specializing in trauma, we are here to provide the guidance and support you need.
If you’re ready to start healing from trauma, our trauma therapists offers the tools you need to process your experiences, change your relationship with the past, and find hope for the future. You deserve to feel whole again, and we are honored to be a part of that journey.
All of our clinicians work virtually and can see clients located in PA. Some of our clinicians can also see clients in a variety of other states (see profiles below). We can usually accommodate evening and weekend appointment requests for virtual appointments. Some of our therapists also see clients in-person in our Rittenhouse Square office.