TRAUMA therapy & PTSD Counseling

FAQs About Trauma Counseling & PTSD Therapy.

How do I schedule Post-traumatic stress disorder therapy and trauma counseling in Montclair, NJ?

You can schedule either in-person therapy at our Montclair office or online sessions (available in NJ, NC, FL, and UT)

• .📅 Book Appointment Online – All appointments must be booked online.

📍 Office location:

 Mountains Therapy

 51 Upper Montclair Plaza, Suite 18

 Montclair, NJ 07043

What is trauma therapy?

Trauma counseling in Montclair, NJ is a specialized form of therapy designed to help individuals overcome the effects of traumatic experiences. It focuses on processing traumatic memories, reducing distressing symptoms, and promoting emotional healing.



What types of trauma are typical for PTSD therapy?

Traumas addressed in PTSD therapy may include childhood trauma, domestic violence, emotional abuse, sexual trauma, combat trauma, medical trauma, natural disasters, community violence, cultural or systemic trauma, grief and loss, refugee or displacement trauma, religious or spiritual trauma, and more.

Who can benefit from trauma and PTSD therapy?

Anyone who has experienced trauma and is struggling with symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, or avoidance can benefit from trauma counseling in Montclair, NJ.

What are the common types of trauma and PTSD therapy?

Trauma therapy in Montclair, NJ may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Exposure Therapy
• Somatic Experiencing
  Each approach is tailored to the individual’s needs.

What does trauma therapy involve?

Trauma therapy typically involves creating a safe space, discussing or processing traumatic experiences, building coping skills, and gradually reducing symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, and hypervigilance.

What happens in a trauma therapy session?

A session may include grounding exercises, guided trauma processing (such as EMDR or exposure work), and learning coping strategies. Your therapist in Montclair, NJ will move at a pace that feels safe.

What is an example of trauma therapy?

An example is EMDR therapy, where clients recall distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, helping the brain reprocess and reduce the emotional charge of traumatic experiences.

What to expect when you start trauma therapy?

In the beginning, you can expect to build trust with your counselor, discuss goals, and learn grounding skills. Deeper trauma processing typically begins once you feel stable and supported.

How long does trauma therapy usually take?

The length of trauma counseling in Montclair, NJ depends on the type and severity of trauma. Some people see progress in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term therapy.

How to tell if trauma therapy is working?

Signs include reduced flashbacks or nightmares, improved coping skills, better emotional regulation, and a greater sense of safety and resilience.

What are the physical signs your body is releasing trauma?

Physical signs may include crying, shaking, deep sighs, muscle relaxation, or emotional release during or after therapy sessions.

Can you heal yourself from trauma?

While self-help strategies such as mindfulness, journaling, and grounding can support recovery, professional trauma counseling in Montclair, NJ provides the most effective and lasting healing.

How long does it take to get over trauma?

Recovery is different for everyone. Some people improve within months, while others require years of ongoing support depending on the depth of trauma.

What are the 7 trauma release exercises?

These exercises are body-based practices designed to reduce tension and release stored trauma, often focusing on shaking, stretching, and deep relaxation techniques.

How do you know if your body is holding onto trauma?

Common signs include chronic muscle tension, unexplained pain, hypervigilance, sleep issues, and emotional reactivity. Trauma therapy in Montclair, NJ can help identify and address these symptoms.

Does crying release trauma?

Yes. Crying can be a natural way the body releases emotional pain and stress. In trauma counseling, crying is often part of the healing process.

What is the best therapy to deal with trauma?

Both CBT and EMDR are widely considered the most effective trauma therapies. Somatic and mindfulness-based approaches may also be recommended in Montclair, NJ.

Who should not do EMDR?

EMDR may not be suitable for individuals who are currently unstable, in crisis, or unable to manage distress. A trauma therapist in Montclair, NJ will assess readiness before starting EMDR.

How to heal your brain from trauma?

Healing often involves therapy (CBT, EMDR, DBT), stress management, supportive relationships, and lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and mindfulness.

What is better for trauma, CBT or EMDR?

Both can be highly effective. CBT helps reframe negative thoughts, while EMDR directly reprocesses traumatic memories. Many clients in Montclair, NJ benefit from a combination of approaches.

What are the three main recommended treatments for trauma?

The most commonly recommended treatments are CBT, EMDR, and Exposure Therapy.

What disorder is EMDR most commonly used to treat?

EMDR is most commonly used to treat PTSD but can also help with anxiety, depression, phobias, and grief.

What are the 8 stages of EMDR?

The eight stages are history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation.

Why would someone do EMDR therapy?

EMDR helps reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and fosters healthier coping, making it especially effective for trauma and PTSD.

When is EMDR not recommended?

EMDR may not be recommended for individuals experiencing severe dissociation, psychosis, or those without a stable support system.

Who is not a good candidate for EMDR?

People currently in unsafe environments or unable to manage overwhelming emotions may not be ready for EMDR until more stability is achieved.

Why is EMDR so controversial?

EMDR is sometimes debated because it uses eye movements as part of treatment, which was initially met with skepticism. However, extensive research has shown it to be highly effective for trauma.

What are the goals of trauma and PTSD therapy?

Goals include reducing symptoms, processing traumatic memories, building coping skills, and promoting long-term resilience and emotional healing.

Is trauma and PTSD therapy difficult or retraumatizing?

Trauma counseling can sometimes feel intense, but therapists in Montclair, NJ are trained to ensure safety, pace sessions appropriately, and avoid retraumatization.

Can trauma therapy cure PTSD?

There is no quick cure, but trauma therapy in Montclair, NJ can significantly reduce symptoms, improve daily functioning, and help clients reclaim their lives.

What should I look for in a trauma and PTSD therapist?

Look for a licensed professional trained in trauma-specific methods such as EMDR, CBT, or somatic approaches, and ensure you feel safe and comfortable with them.

Do I need to talk about my trauma in therapy?

Not always. Therapists in Montclair, NJ can use non-verbal methods such as EMDR, art therapy, or body-based practices when direct discussion feels overwhelming.

What are the signs that I may need trauma therapy?

Signs include intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, ongoing fear or sadness, and difficulty functioning in daily life. Trauma therapy in Montclair, NJ can help.

Are there self-help techniques I can use alongside therapy?

Yes. Mindfulness, grounding techniques, journaling, breathing exercises, and joyful activities can complement trauma therapy in Montclair, NJ.

Can trauma and PTSD therapy be done online?

Yes. Trauma counseling in Montclair, NJ is available online through secure telehealth platforms, making therapy more accessible.

What is the difference between ASD and PTSD?

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) lasts between 3 days and 1 month after trauma. PTSD persists longer than 1 month and often impacts daily functioning.

How can I support a loved one undergoing trauma therapy?

Offer empathy, patience, and encouragement. Respect their boundaries and support them in attending therapy sessions in Montclair, NJ.

What if I don’t feel comfortable with my therapist?

It’s important to communicate concerns openly. If needed, you can seek another therapist in Montclair, NJ who feels like a better fit.

Can teens receive trauma therapy?

Yes. Trauma therapy for adolescents in Montclair, NJ may include creative approaches such as art or play therapy, alongside trauma-focused counseling.

Is medication necessary for trauma treatment?

Medication is not always necessary, but it may be prescribed to help manage symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances, alongside therapy.

What can I do if I experience a flashback or panic attack outside of therapy?

Grounding techniques such as deep breathing, noticing your surroundings, or using comforting self-talk can help. Your therapist in Montclair, NJ can create a personalized plan with you.