Trauma lingers like an unshakeable shadow, altering how you see the world and yourself. It's the persistent replay of a past, distressing event that disrupts your inner calm and security. Emotionally, it surfaces as a turbulent mix of fear, sadness, and anger, often intertwined with vivid flashbacks that abruptly transport you back to those moments of terror. On a physical level, it manifests as a perpetual state of alertness, with tightened muscles and a racing heart, making restful sleep a rarity, often disrupted by unsettling nightmares. This constant state of tension can lead to a deep sense of disconnection, creating a feeling of isolation and turning even the most familiar environments and relationships into sources of stress and unease. Trauma redefines your life experience, casting a long, imposing shadow over your every day.
Whether you're grappling with a 'big T' trauma, such as sexual assault or violence, or dealing with complex PTSD, relational trauma or childhood emotional abuse or neglect, the impact of trauma is profound and lasting. We don’t just specialize in general trauma, but are very specialized in the types of trauma and resulting issues that arise from trauma. To dig deeper into all of the issues we treat, please refer to our specialty pages.
Read in-depth about our specialties
Overcome negative self-beliefs that hold you back through integrative EMDR therapy.
In our role as clinical psychologists, we employ a diverse array of therapeutic techniques to develop a detailed and personalized treatment strategy for those dealing with trauma and PTSD. Initially, we utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as a foundational tool to process traumatic memories and lessen their emotional impact. This technique, which involves bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, is crucial in diminishing the distress directly associated with trauma memories. Based on the specific needs of each patient and the therapeutic approach, we may integrate Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to focus on emotional healing. EFT aids in dissecting and reshaping emotional responses, or we may blend in attachment-focused therapy for individuals whose trauma has affected their capacity to establish and sustain secure relationships. Additionally, we incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for those experiencing significant emotional fluctuations and impulsive behaviors following their trauma. DBT's emphasis on skills like distress tolerance, mindfulness, and emotional regulation augments other therapies by offering practical strategies for managing everyday symptoms and responses.
By merging these methods, we construct a multi-layered treatment approach that addresses the different aspects of PTSD. This comprehensive strategy enables us to confront trauma from various perspectives - including memory processing, emotional regulation, cognitive restructuring, relationship dynamics, and skill development - paving the way for a thorough journey towards healing and resilience.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Rebecca Hoffenberg, Psy.D., is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in the treatment of childhood sexual abuse, verbal abuse, and neglect. She understands that these early experiences can leave deep, lasting imprints on self-worth, relationships, and overall emotional well-being. Many survivors carry unprocessed trauma in their bodies, leading to chronic self-doubt, emotional disconnection, and difficulty trusting themselves and others. Dr. Hoffenberg’s approach integrates Advanced Relational EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Somatic Reprocessing, helping individuals not only heal from the past but also reclaim a sense of empowerment and self-compassion in the present.
With extensive training in relational EMDR, Dr. Hoffenberg provides a safe, structured environment where clients can process traumatic memories and release the emotional and physical tension stored within them. Her trauma-informed and somatic approach acknowledges the way trauma is held in both the mind and body, allowing for deeper healing and reconnection with one’s sense of self. By incorporating ACT, she helps clients develop resilience, reshape limiting beliefs, and find meaning beyond their pain. Through this comprehensive and compassionate approach, Dr. Hoffenberg guides survivors toward breaking free from the cycle of trauma and rebuilding their lives with strength, clarity, and self-trust.
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Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Laura Faiwiszewski, Psy.D., is a Clinical Psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders, phobias, and high-functioning anxiety. She understands that anxiety can manifest in different ways—whether it’s an intense fear of specific situations, a constant undercurrent of stress, or a relentless pressure to achieve. Many individuals struggling with high-functioning anxiety appear successful on the outside but internally battle self-doubt, overthinking, and exhaustion. Dr. Faiwiszewski uses a combination of Hypnosis, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance-Based Therapy to help clients break free from the patterns that keep them feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or on edge.
With her integrative approach, Dr. Faiwiszewski helps clients reprocess deeply ingrained fears and anxieties, using EMDR to address the subconscious roots of distress. Her expertise in hypnosis allows clients to access deeper states of relaxation, retraining the mind to respond to stress in a healthier way. CBT provides practical tools to challenge anxious thoughts, while acceptance-based therapy fosters a mindset of resilience and self-compassion. Through this multi-faceted approach, Dr. Faiwiszewski empowers clients to regain control over their anxiety, overcome limiting fears, and move forward with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.
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Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Yunusova specializes in treating PTSD, racial trauma, and survivors of physical assault, domestic violence, and combat trauma. She employs a diverse and comprehensive therapeutic approach that blends EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), attachment-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This multifaceted method allows her to address the complex and varied experiences of her patients effectively, providing tailored care that meets the unique challenges of each trauma type.
Utilizing EMDR, Dr. Yunusova helps patients process and diminish the intense emotional impact of traumatic memories. EFT is integrated to explore and restructure emotional responses, which is particularly beneficial for addressing the deep-seated emotions associated with racial trauma and the physical aspects of abuse. Attachment-focused therapy further supports those whose trauma has disrupted their ability to form secure relationships by fostering healthier attachment patterns. Together with CBT and DBT, her approach offers a holistic treatment experience that addresses the psychological, emotional, and relational dimensions of trauma, empowering individuals to reclaim control of their lives and move toward lasting healing.
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Citrin specializes in healing the deep emotional wounds caused by sexual trauma in all its forms—including childhood sexual abuse, partner abuse, rape, and other violations. She understands that these experiences leave not only profound trauma but also intense confusion, shame, and self-doubt, distorting a person’s sense of self and trust in others.
Central to her practice is the use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which helps clients reprocess traumatic memories in a safe, controlled environment. This approach empowers individuals to confront and heal from the emotional turmoil and persistent guilt that often follow sexual trauma. In tandem with EMDR, Dr. Citrin employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to challenge and transform the harmful thought patterns that abuse can create, enabling clients to rebuild trust in themselves and their relationships.
Her trauma-informed care ensures that every client feels supported and validated throughout their journey, offering a compassionate space to process their experiences with self-compassion and understanding. Through her empathetic and comprehensive approach, Dr. Citrin guides survivors toward reclaiming their sense of self, finding emotional peace, and ultimately restoring hope for a healthier future.
Clinical Psychologist
Ami Zala has profound expertise in addressing PTSD and the lasting impacts of childhood physical abuse. She understands that such abuse can leave you feeling two very distinct yet intertwined ways—either constantly on guard, as if you’re about to be attacked again, or burdened with the guilt of feeling like you were a "bad" person, merely for defending yourself. These responses are two sides of the same coin, deeply influenced by the cultural beliefs and societal norms that shape our understanding of abuse.
Ami’s culturally competent care recognizes that each culture defines abuse, assertiveness, and self-protection differently. For some, standing up for yourself may be seen as a necessary act of survival, while in others, it might be interpreted as wrongdoing, intensifying feelings of self-blame. Drawing on the transformative power of EMDR within a trauma-informed and relational framework, Ami helps you safely reprocess traumatic memories and unravel these conflicting emotions. Her approach empowers you to heal, rebuild a positive and authentic sense of self, and navigate the complex interplay between cultural beliefs and personal experience.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) stands out as an exceptionally effective therapy for trauma healing, and its efficacy is grounded in substantial research. The essence of EMDR's effectiveness lies in its unique approach to processing and recontextualizing traumatic memories. During EMDR sessions, bilateral stimulation, often through eye movements, triggers the brain's natural information processing system, akin to the mechanisms at work during REM sleep. This process facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic memories, transforming them from a state of acute distress to one where they can be integrated into the individual's life experience more adaptively.
Research has consistently shown that EMDR can significantly reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories. Studies, such as those published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology and the Journal of Traumatic Stress, have demonstrated the efficacy of EMDR in reducing symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional distress. In these studies, EMDR not only helped participants process their traumatic experiences but also led to a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms, often in fewer sessions compared to traditional forms of therapy.
Another critical aspect of EMDR's effectiveness is its ability to alter negative belief systems associated with trauma. For instance, a belief like "I am to blame" can be transformed into "I did the best I could." This cognitive aspect of EMDR is crucial in fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience in individuals who have experienced trauma. It also promotes improved emotional regulation, a key factor in long-term trauma recovery. By processing traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment, individuals learn to manage their emotional responses more effectively.
The research-backed effectiveness of EMDR makes it not just a treatment for the symptoms of trauma, but a pathway to holistic healing. It allows individuals to reframe and integrate their traumatic experiences, reducing their ongoing impact and enabling personal growth. EMDR's comprehensive approach, supported by empirical evidence, marks it as a robust and effective therapy for those grappling with the effects of trauma.
Let us lead you on a journey towards empowerment, helping you to liberate yourself from the grips of trauma and cultivate inner resilience and a positive self-perception.
