Services
Tampa Trauma Therapy
Our highly skilled trauma therapists in Tampa offer support and relief from the symptoms of past traumas, PTSD, depression and anxiety.
Understanding Trauma Therapy
Experiencing a traumatic event or multiple traumatic events can impact an individual emotionally and psychologically, which can leave long lasting impacts on someone's mental health. For individuals who have had a traumatic experience, it can be difficult to navigate the world following the experience, whether it is immediately after (e.g., acute stress disorder) or long-term (PTSD symptoms) due to intrusive trauma memories that are difficult to move on from.
Through trauma-focused therapy modalities like cognitive processing therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and accelerated resolution therapy, individuals can begin to process and treat PTSD, complex trauma, and a variety of symptoms to live a more fulfilling and happy life. There are many mental health resources in the greater Tampa Bay area; however, at It Begins Within our mental health clinicians specifically provide St. Petersburg and Tampa trauma therapy utilizing several evidence-based trauma therapies.
Specifically, we have several trauma therapists that specialize in a variety of trauma focused treatments. Treatment designed individually to decrease psychological trauma symptoms and mental health symptoms, teach coping skills, and assist with the healing and growth of an individual.
What is Considered Trauma or a Traumatic Event?
A traumatic event is categorized by an experience where an individual felt physically or psychologically unsafe. Examples of events include sexual assault, car accidents, physical abuse, and much more. Each person will categorize trauma differently. For example, one person may feel that their parent’s divorce was traumatic for them, whereas another individual may feel that they were not psychologically affected by the same event. It is important to validate each person's experience because everyone is affected by events in their lives differently. However, universally a person will feel emotional or psychological harm from the traumatic experience that results in trauma-related issues, ptsd symptoms, and trauma-related beliefs. This is where therapy comes in to help alleviate any negative outcomes from a traumatic event(s).
How Do You Know if You Need Trauma Therapy?
You can benefit from trauma treatment if trauma-related symptoms are affecting your mental health and manifesting into unhealthy behavioral patterns that impact your overall quality of life. Past trauma can have profound effects on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Further, traumatic experiences can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, leading to symptoms such as hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and emotional dysregulation.
These symptoms can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall happiness. Additionally, unresolved trauma can contribute to the development of a more severe mental health disorders (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, substance use, etc.) and other unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma can manifest itself in a variety of forms, some of which may be subtle and very disruptive to our lives if left untreated. As mentioned above, unresolved trauma remains in our bodies and can express itself through emotional, physical and behavioral symptoms. If you are regularly experiencing any of the following, we strongly encourage you reach out to our team or another specialized trauma therapy group for the help you deserve.
Symptoms you may experience when suffering from a trauma include:
Feeling anxious, scared, or constantly on edge
Sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts
Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
Feeling numb or disconnected from emotions
Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
Racing heart or panic attacks
Withdrawing from social activities or relationships
Engaging in risky behaviors like substance use or self-harm
Types of issues that trauma therapy can help you heal from
Trauma treatment is designed to address a wide range of issues stemming from past traumatic events, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms
Acute Stress Disorder
Complex trauma
Trauma-related unhealthy behavior patterns, such as substance abuse or difficulty sleeping
Trauma-related beliefs and feelings of shame or helplessness
Traumatic stress and its impact on mental health disorders
Trauma-related memories and flashbacks
Chronic trauma resulting from prolonged exposure to stressful or dangerous situations
Psychological harm caused by trauma-related experiences, such as sexual assault or physical abuse
Trauma responses and coping mechanisms, including avoidance or numbing behaviors
Generational trauma passed down through families
Eating disorders and other mental health conditions exacerbated by trauma
Therapy for Sexual Trauma in Tampa & St. Petersburg
Sexual trauma can leave lasting emotional, psychological, and physical wounds, but healing is possible with the right support. At It Begins Within, we specialize in therapy for sexual trauma in the Tampa and St. Petersburg area, helping survivors navigate the complex journey of recovery in a safe, supportive space. Whether the trauma stems from childhood abuse, sexual assault, or harassment, we tailor our therapeutic approach to your unique needs and situation.
Our trauma-informed care includes evidence-based approaches which include, EMDR, TF-CBT, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Therapy is clinically proven to help individuals process the past trauma, reduce symptoms like flashbacks or anxiety, and regain a sense of empowerment.
A note from Dr. mary Perleoni, LMHC
Having worked with thousands of individuals (including adults & children) directly and through supervisees, there are a few very important things I would like to share with you if this is something you are battling with in your life.
First, this experience does not define you. While it may have happened to you, and you will have to “deal” with it, you can take back control of how you feel about it and the meaning you attach to it — no matter how challenging that thought may be, it is within your power.
It is important to understand that trauma actually lives in the body (which can be seen in numerous scientific studies & journals), and left unresolved can have destructive impacts on your physical and mental health.
Finally, it is “okay” to not be okay. I don’t care what anyone tells you, you don’t have to deal with this today, tomorrow or anytime until you are ready. Undertaking any form of trauma therapy can resurface painful memories and may cause what feels like temporary steps backwards — but will ultimately help you transform your pain into healing and fulfillment. Just remember that whenever you are ready, help is available to you and healing is possible.
If you're ready to begin healing, we invite you to explore our in-depth guide to therapy for sexual trauma for helpful insights, resources, and tips on finding the right therapist in Tampa or St. Petersburg.
What are the Benefits of Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy and trauma counseling provides individuals with the tools and support needed to process and heal from distressing experiences. For those in Tampa trauma therapy offers an accessible pathway to reclaiming emotional and psychological well-being in a supportive and caring environment.
One of the key benefits of trauma therapy is its ability to help individuals understand and reframe their traumatic experiences. Therapy enables you to process emotions and reduce feelings of fear, shame, or guilt that may linger long after the event. Through evidence-based approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), trauma therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Trauma therapy fosters resilience and equips individuals with coping strategies to manage triggers and stress. Clients learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, leading to improved self-esteem and emotional regulation. In the long term, this healing process can strengthen relationships and improve overall quality of life.
For residents of Tampa, trauma therapy also provides the opportunity to connect with a therapist who understands the unique challenges of the local community. Whether dealing with personal trauma, relationship challenges, or life transitions, individuals can not only recover from past pain but also build a healthier, more empowered future.
We also provide trauma therapy for St. Petersburg, FL.
What is the Best Therapy for Trauma?
There are many different forms of trauma treatment or trauma informed therapy. It is important if you have experienced a traumatic event and are exhibiting trauma related symptoms that you specifically engage in trauma therapy opposed to traditional talk therapy. Trauma therapy is different than regular talk therapy because it is evidence based therapy that has shown to be helpful with reducing trauma symptoms, performed by a trauma informed therapist. Trauma lives in your body, that is why symptoms such as anxiety and depression manifest following a trauma past; therefore, it is important to release this trauma from the body using one of the following approaches.
Different Types of Trauma Therapy
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CPT is a type of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals process and cope with the impact of traumatic events by helping individuals develop a more helpful way of thinking and responding to traumatic experiences.
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TF-CBT integrates elements of CBT with exposure therapy to address the emotional and psychological effects of trauma. TF-CBT includes psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, exposure (through a trauma narrative), and cognitive restructuring.
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ART utilizes a combination of techniques, including guided eye movements and imagery, to facilitate the rapid processing and resolution of traumatic memories. By accessing and reprocessing these memories in a safe and controlled manner, ART helps individuals effectively neutralize their emotional charge and alleviate distressing symptoms.
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Through a structured protocol, EMDR helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories, allowing them to integrate these experiences into their overall memory networks in a healthier and more adaptive way. During EMDR sessions, individuals engage in bilateral stimulation, such as following the therapist's finger movements or auditory tones, while simultaneously focusing on the traumatic memory. This process facilitates the brain's natural healing mechanisms, enabling individuals to experience reduced emotional distress and increased psychological resilience.
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Individuals gradually confront and process distressing trauma memories and situations they have been avoiding. Through repeated exposure to these memories and situations in a safe and controlled environment, individuals learn to reduce their fear and anxiety responses, allowing for emotional processing and integration of the traumatic experience.Each of these approaches offers unique techniques for processing trauma-related memories, modifying unhelpful beliefs, and building healthy coping skills. The best therapy for you will depend on your specific symptoms, preferences, and treatment goals.
Tampa Trauma Therapist
At It Begins Within Healing Center our trauma-informed therapists are trained and certified in evidence-based practices to treat trauma. When seeking trauma therapy, it's crucial to work with a qualified and skilled trauma therapist who has specialized training in treating trauma-related issues.
Look for therapists who:
Have advanced degrees in mental health fields such as psychology, counseling, or social work
Are licensed mental health professionals in their state or country
Have additional training or certification in trauma therapy modalities
Adhere to trauma-informed care principles, prioritizing safety, trust, and empowerment in therapy sessions
Have experience working with trauma survivors and understand the unique challenges they face
By seeking treatment from a qualified trauma therapist and mental health professional, you can feel confident that you're receiving the support and expertise needed to effectively address your symptoms and begin your journey towards healing.
Trauma Therapy Experts in Tampa & St. Petersburg
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![Expert tampa trauma therapist]()
Dr. Mary Perleoni
Psychotherapist
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![St. Petersburg trauma therapist]()
Amanda Farris
Psychotherapist
Understanding Trauma in Tampa & Beyond
At It Begins Within Healing Center, we offer trauma therapy to support Tampa & St. Petersburg residents. Trauma affects more in our community than you may be aware of, which is reflective of national studies such as:
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), which found that 70% of U.S. adults have faced a traumatic event. Source: NIMH
The National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), reporting that untreated trauma significantly increases the risk of lifetime anxiety disorders (30.5%) and major depression (20.4%) among those exposed. Source: National Comorbidity Survey Replication
These studies highlight the need for healing in Tampa, where personal and local challenges like hurricanes add to the burden. Our personalized approach helps you process trauma and rebuild hope. Ready to start? Our Tampa Bay team is here for you.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Trauma therapy offers a path toward healing and recovery for individuals who have experienced past traumatic events. By addressing trauma-related symptoms, beliefs, and behaviors, trauma therapy empowers individuals to reclaim their lives and build resilience in the face of adversity. If you've experienced trauma and are struggling to cope, don't hesitate to seek support from one of our qualified trauma therapists. We can provide the guidance and resources you need to heal and thrive. Remember, you don't have to face your trauma alone—help is available, and healing is possible. Contact us for a free consultation with a skilled therapist who understands what you are going through.
Schedule Free Consultation
We offer comprehensive mental health services and are dedicated to the best outcome for our clients. Please reach out to us today to book a session with one of our skilled therapists.