About trauma and abuse
On this page you will find therapists who list trauma and abuse among their primary specialties, with information on approaches, experience and languages. Browse the listings below to review profiles and learn more about each practitioner's focus.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether trauma and abuse is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page has trauma and abuse among the areas they told the platform they work with. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for trauma and abuse
Savithri (Savi) Jayaweera, NCPS
Ref 151058
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English, Hindi, Sinhala
View listingAngela Teasdale, NCPS
Ref 119622
Supportive counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingCarmen Chaney, LIMHP
Ref 48397
Therapist blending practical skills and compassion
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Family Languages: English
View listingJoy Nussen, LMFT
Ref 13668
Practical, compassionate therapy for adults
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSheira Byrne, BACP, NCPS
Ref 182668
Practical, compassionate support for overwhelming problems
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Grief Languages: English
View listingJames French, BACP
Ref 203032
Practical support for anxiety and life transitions
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDr. Paula Alvarez, LCSW
Ref 29756
Compassionate clinical social worker with practical tools
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Anger Languages: English
View listingTomasz Konieczny, BACP, NCPS
Ref 199992
Practical, compassionate online counselling
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Anger Languages: English, Polish
View listingMargaret Johnston, LMHC
Ref 62092
Calm listening that helps you move forward
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Grief Languages: English
View listingDavid Potts, LCSW
Ref 23255
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Grief Languages: English
View listingNicola Claydon, NCPS
Ref 183763
Calm, practical support for complex life issues
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Relationship, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingPamela Benoit, NCPS, BACP
Ref 180577
Compassionate practical psychotherapy
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingChristina Rodriguez, LPC
Ref 286005
Helping people build calm and stronger self-worth
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingRichard Gordon-Smith , NCPS
Ref 120083
Straightforward, experienced counsellor for complex issues
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingAnnette OBryant, LPC
Ref 77726
Compassionate counselor focused on practical change
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Parenting Languages: English
View listingCaroline Woodford, BACP
Ref 203033
Person-centred counselling with practical tools
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Eating Languages: English
View listingVictoria Postles, BACP
Ref 164179
Practical, person-led counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Grief Languages: English
View listingDanielle Horn, LMSW
Ref 272733
Focused therapy that digs to the root
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJemma Heath, NCPS
Ref 197911
Support for stress, relationships and confidence
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingWellington Cesar Assis Bueno, BACP
Ref 226813
Healing emotions, building clearer choices
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingJennifer Blundell, PACFA
Ref 233210
Respectful, practical therapy for stress and trauma
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Grief Languages: English
View listingJoanne Rothery, NCPS
Ref 179003
Compassionate counsellor for stress and trauma
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingDr. Heather Clark, LPC
Ref 126027
Calm-focused therapy with practical tools
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJennifer Lee Sylvester, LCSW
Ref 116075
Experienced LCSW offering respectful, practical care
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSara Lowe, LPC
Ref 104527
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJulie Peterson, LCSW
Ref 315653
Compassionate, practical support for life changes
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Family Languages: English
View listingMichael Pfisterer, LCSW
Ref 6636
Practical goal-focused therapy
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Parenting Languages: English
View listingFrank Centonze, LPC
Ref 297421
Direct, practical counseling for emotional recovery
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingLauren Anzelone, LCSW
Ref 70436
Supportive LCSW guiding practical change
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Anger Languages: English
View listingSara Deal, BACP
Ref 175917
Person-centred counsellor for everyday struggles
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJudith Ramsay, BACP
Ref 135275
Counselling that focuses on practical change
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingAlexandra Matustik, LMFT
Ref 350108
Compassionate therapist for life transitions
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Relationship, Parenting Languages: English
View listingSherry Ramsey Hansen, LPC
Ref 352558
Collaborative counselor focused on practical progress
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJade Round, BACP
Ref 180505
Practical, person-focused therapy for life challenges
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingGayden Mcfarlin Fite, LPC-MHSP
Ref 273754
Calm, experienced guide for anxiety and trauma
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingAdrian Jackson, BACP
Ref 271038
Compassionate counsellor using practical, person-focused methods
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingDestiny York, LPC
Ref 340789
Compassionate, practical counseling for life changes
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Addictions, LGBT Languages: English
View listingSarah Anderson, NCPS
Ref 133882
Practical support for stress and life changes
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingMichele Ellis, LCSW
Ref 355791
Compassionate support for overwhelming life challenges
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Anger Languages: English
View listingCecile Terrelonge, BACP
Ref 134582
Person-centred counsellor offering practical support
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingAnjanette Morton, LMHC
Ref 207471
Calm, practical support for life changes
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingJoshua Plantz, LMHC
Ref 10378
Practical, goal-focused counseling for life challenges
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingMichael Witham, LPC
Ref 56161
Practical, person-focused counseling for daily struggles
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Anger Languages: English
View listingLisa Peter, LCSW, LIMHP
Ref 288708
Practical skills for anxiety and relationships
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMyisha Jones, LCSW
Ref 355003
Compassionate, practical therapy for stress and trauma
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Family Languages: English
View listingRev. Catherine Bogue, LCSW
Ref 168255
Compassionate guidance for life’s hard changes
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Addictions Languages: English
View listingFaith Beaulieu, LCMHC
Ref 23986
Somatic-minded counselor for focused change
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, LGBT Languages: English
View listingDianna Wheeler, LPC
Ref 354614
Practical support for healing and stronger coping skills
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingMore about trauma and abuse
Understanding trauma and abuse and their effects
What trauma and abuse can look like
Trauma and abuse cover a broad range of experiences that can alter how you relate to yourself, others and the world. Trauma can follow a single frightening event, repeated hurtful experiences, or ongoing stressors that overwhelm your ability to cope. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial, and it often occurs within relationships where power is imbalanced. The impact is not limited to memories of what happened - it can show up in your body, your sense of self, your relationships and your daily functioning.
How responses vary
Your responses to trauma and abuse are shaped by many factors, including your history, support network, cultural background and current life circumstances. Some people notice anxiety, flashbacks or nightmares. Others feel numb, detached or emotionally flat. You may notice changes in sleep, appetite, concentration or trust. For many, the experience alters how safe the world feels and how you make decisions about relationships or work. Understanding these patterns is a first step toward finding approaches that help you regain a sense of agency and balance.
Signs you might benefit from therapy for trauma and abuse
Emotional and cognitive signals
If you find yourself reliving painful memories, avoiding reminders of what happened, or feeling hypervigilant, these are common indicators that targeted support could help. You might notice intrusive thoughts, persistent shame or guilt, or difficulty managing intense emotions. Sometimes the signs are more subtle, such as a growing sense of emptiness or difficulty trusting others. When these patterns interfere with your ability to work, connect with people or enjoy activities, many people seek therapy to address the root causes and learn new ways of coping.
Behavioral and physical signs
Physical symptoms like chronic tension, headaches, gastrointestinal issues or startled reactions can be linked to unresolved trauma. You may also see changes in behavior - withdrawing from relationships, turning to substances to cope, or acting out in ways that feel out of character. If your sleep is persistently disrupted or nightmares are frequent, that can be another signal that focused therapeutic work could be beneficial. You do not need to reach a crisis point to consider therapy; earlier intervention often makes it easier to build resilience and reduce long-term impact.
What to expect in trauma-focused therapy sessions
The initial phase - assessment and stabilization
Early sessions typically focus on building a working relationship with a therapist and creating safety around the work you will do together. Your therapist will ask about what happened, how it affects your life now, and what your goals are. You will also talk about coping strategies that help you manage intense emotions between sessions. This phase is important because addressing trauma directly without sufficient emotional regulation skills can be overwhelming. A pace that feels manageable for you is central to effective work.
Processing and integration
As therapy progresses, you and your therapist may explore memories, beliefs and sensations tied to the traumatic events. The goal is to process those experiences in a way that reduces their power over your daily life and to integrate new meanings and adaptive responses. Processing can look different depending on the approach and your preferences - it may involve talking, working with your body's sensations, reframing beliefs, or guided experiential practices. Throughout this work you and your therapist will collaborate on when and how to approach difficult material.
Consolidation and moving forward
Later phase work often focuses on strengthening relationships, developing new coping strategies and applying insights to everyday situations. Therapy can help you rebuild confidence, set boundaries and approach relationships with clearer expectations. The pace and outcomes depend on your history and goals, and many people find steady progress even when healing feels nonlinear.
Common therapeutic approaches used for trauma and abuse
Approaches that address memory and meaning
Several approaches seek to help you process distressing memories and shift unhelpful beliefs that arose from trauma. You may find therapists who list cognitive behavioral approaches among their methods, which focus on identifying and modifying patterns of thinking that maintain distress. Some therapists list narrative approaches, where the focus is on reshaping the story you tell about what happened and its meaning in your life. Others list exposure-based methods that support gradual, controlled engagement with memories or reminders to reduce avoidance and anxiety over time.
Body-focused and relational approaches
Because trauma often affects the body and attachment systems, many therapists include somatic or body-centered methods among their approaches. These techniques emphasize awareness of bodily sensations and movement as part of processing. You may also find therapists who list internal systems work, which explores internal parts and how they relate to one another, or those who include skills-based approaches that teach emotional regulation and distress tolerance. Therapists who list emotion-focused work emphasize helping you experience, name and transform painful emotions in a supportive context.
Eye movement and integrative methods
There are approaches that involve bilateral stimulation and specific memory processing techniques; when you read listings you may see therapists who list EMDR among their approaches. Some therapists list mindfulness-informed practices or trauma-informed forms of cognitive therapy. It is helpful to read therapist profiles to learn which approaches they use and how they describe applying them so you can choose someone whose style feels compatible with your preferences.
How online therapy works for trauma and abuse and tips for choosing a therapist
How online sessions are structured
Online therapy for trauma and abuse typically takes place through video or phone sessions that mirror the structure of in-person work. You and your therapist will agree on session length, frequency and the tools you use between meetings. Many people appreciate the convenience of meeting from a familiar setting and the ability to access clinicians in different regions. When working online it is important to establish a comfortable environment where you can speak openly and take care of yourself after difficult sessions. You and your therapist will discuss safety plans and strategies to manage intense emotions between meetings.
Choosing a therapist who fits your needs
When selecting a therapist for trauma and abuse, consider several practical and personal factors. Look at how therapists describe their focus areas, the approaches they list, the populations they mention working with and the languages they offer. Read their statements about working with trauma to get a sense of whether their tone and priorities align with yours. Experience with particular issues or communities may be important to you, as can a therapist's description of how they approach boundaries and pacing. Trust your instincts about whose profile feels approachable and respectful.
Questions to guide your decision
Before you reach out, it can help to clarify what you want from therapy and what makes you feel safe. Consider asking potential therapists how they structure trauma work, how they support clients between sessions and what kinds of outcomes they prioritize. You may want to know how they integrate skills-building with processing work, or how they approach culturally informed care. While profiles provide a starting point, the initial conversation with a therapist is often the best way to assess fit and determine whether their approach aligns with your goals and values.
Finding the right match for trauma and abuse work is a personal process. Using listings to compare specialties, approaches and languages can help you identify therapists whose profiles resonate with your needs. As you explore, focus on how each therapist describes their work and how comfortable you feel with their language and priorities - that comfort is an important foundation for effective therapy.