Recognizing the need for trauma-focused treatment can be overwhelming. As you research, you will see that there are different options available to you. Here at Thrive, we are only concerned with providing evidence-based, results-focused treatments to help you minimize trauma-related symptoms and get to living life how you’d like to be living it.  Trauma Affects Different People in Different Ways Trauma can affect people in many ways. One way is that it can cause Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.  PTSD is debilitating; however, it is treatable. PTSD isn’t just a history of trau ..read more

Losing a loved one to suicide is an incredibly painful experience. It can leave lasting wounds on the heart and mind. We understand that the journey through such complex grief is unique for everyone. Seeking treatment can be a vital step in the healing process. It’s important to recognize that there is no specific timeline for seeking help. However, there are some signs that indicate it might be time to reach out for support. If you find yourself struggling to cope with overwhelming emotions, feeling isolated, or experiencing persistent thoughts and memories that disrupt your daily life, it m ..read more

Over the years, as a trauma therapist, I’ve worked with many patients who’ve lost a loved one to suicide. Losing a loved one is one of life’s most profound and painful experiences. When that loss occurs due to suicide, the grieving process can become even more complex and challenging. Today we will explore the common reactions that people often experience when they lose someone to suicide, with the hope that understanding these reactions can help remind us that this complex type of grief shows up in a variety of ways. Additionally, please know that suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss ..read more

Today’s world is more interconnected than it has ever been. Social media platforms have become a hub for sharing experiences, personal stories, and even mental health struggles. While it’s essential to promote open conversations about mental health, self-diagnosing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on social media posts can be misleading and potentially harmful. Today, we’ll explore the reasons why self-diagnosing PTSD through social media is a risky practice and why seeking professional guidance is crucial for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Limited Context One of the sign ..read more

Living in New York can be an exhilarating experience. However, it can also be challenging, especially for those who have faced trauma and are living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a city that never sleeps, seeking help for PTSD might seem like an overwhelming task. Fortunately, online PTSD therapy has emerged as a lifeline for New Yorkers, offering a range of effective treatments. In this post, we’ll explore ways online PTSD therapy can be a game-changer for those living in New York. Accessibility to PTSD Treatment New York City’s sprawling landscape and often unpredictable tr ..read more

I was recently asked how I have the experience I do providing CPT, and my answer is always the same: it was expert consultation for over 11 years! I began as a new therapist in a PTSD clinic at the VA, and we ran both residential and outpatient programs where CPT was delivered regularly. Trauma work as a clinician is tough, and having go-to evidence-based treatments can help us know where to start and what steps to follow.  While I was trained as a specialist in PTSD and it’s what I did day in and day out, I realize this is not the norm for most clinicians.  Most providers are in age ..read more

So much information online (and on this website) speaks to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, its symptoms, the toll it takes, the pain it causes, and the relationships it can ruin. PTSD is a disorder that worsens over time and is exhausting. However, PTSD is a treatable condition and I’d like to talk about some expectations you can have after treatment. Hopefully, this helps to build some hope that PTSD does not have to be a life sentence. What is PTSD? First and foremost, here’s a quick refresher on what PTSD is. Remember: PTSD is not simply having a trauma history. PTSD is a current ..read more

Healing Through Screens: The Power of Online Trauma Therapy In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, the boundaries of therapy and healing have expanded beyond the confines of traditional face-to-face sessions. Online trauma therapy has opened up new avenues for individuals to seek help, share their stories, and embark on a journey of healing from the comfort of their own screens. There are also decades of research showing that evidence-based trauma therapies are just as effective as in-person. In this blog post, we will explore the transformative power of online trauma therapy and ho ..read more

Benzodiazepines, PTSD, and Anxiety Benzodiazepines are a class of medications commonly prescribed for the management of anxiety disorders. Sometimes, they will also be prescribed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They can provide temporary relief from symptoms. However, it is crucial to understand the potential negative impacts associated with long-term benzodiazepine use. Today, we explore the adverse effects of benzodiazepines on individuals with PTSD and anxiety. We will shed light on the importance of cautious prescribing and alternative treatment approaches. I’ve been doing PTSD ..read more

Years ago, as a client and I were wrapping up a pretty intense therapy session, she asked, “How do you do this? How do you listen to some of the worst moments of people’s lives day after day? Don’t you get burnt out?” I talked with her about the importance of self-care and setting good boundaries, being present, and having empathy for those with whom I work. But at the same time, not taking on their traumas as my own. The Viktor Frankl quote “What is to give light must endure burning,” came to mind. In essence, she was asking me about compassion fatigue. If you’re trying to provide light for o ..read more