Treatment for PTSD & cPTSD in NY, NJ, & CT

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Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder & Complex PTSD

Living with the after-effects of trauma can feel like being stuck in a constant state of high alert, where the past continually intrudes on the present. For those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (cPTSD), symptoms like flashbacks, severe anxiety, and emotional numbness can be debilitating. At Metro NY DBT Center, we provide expert, evidence-based treatment designed to help you process traumatic memories, calm your nervous system, and build a future defined by safety and wholeness.

Our clinicians are extensively trained in the leading trauma therapies to help you resolve the core symptoms of PTSD and cPTSD. We offer these targeted mental health services across NY, NJ, & CT.

Understanding PTSD and cPTSD

While both conditions stem from trauma, they have distinct features. Understanding them is the first step toward finding the right treatment.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) typically develops after experiencing or witnessing a single, terrifying event, such as an accident, natural disaster, or assault. Its core symptoms include re-experiencing the event (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance of reminders, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and hyperarousal (e.g., being easily startled, irritability).
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  • Complex PTSD (cPTSD) often results from prolonged or repeated trauma where escape was difficult or impossible, such as ongoing childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity. In addition to all the symptoms of PTSD, cPTSD includes broader difficulties with:


  • Emotion Regulation: Chronic difficulty managing intense emotions.


  • Self-Concept: Persistent feelings of worthlessness, shame, or guilt.


  • Relationships: Severe difficulties in forming and maintaining trusting relationships.

Our treatment is designed to address the specific layers of your experience, whether it involves a single event or a history of complex trauma.

Our Approach to Treating PTSD and cPTSD

We utilize structured, evidence-based approaches that are considered the best therapy for trauma. Our goal is to go beyond just managing symptoms and help you process the trauma at its root.

Evidence-Based Therapies
Our program integrates several leading models for trauma treatment:

Why Choose Metro NY DBT for Therapy for PTSD & cPTSD?

Choosing us for trauma treatment means accessing a team that can address both the trauma itself and the complex emotional challenges that come with it.

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Expertise in Gold-Standard Treatments



We are highly skilled in the leading evidence-based therapies for PTSD and cPTSD, including EMDR and Prolonged Exposure.

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Integrated Skills for Complex Cases



Our unique expertise in DBT makes us exceptionally equipped to treat cPTSD and cases where trauma co-occurs with emotional dysregulation, self-harm, or suicidality.

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A Foundation of Safety and Trust



We understand that safety is paramount. Our trauma-informed clinicians work collaboratively to build a secure therapeutic relationship before addressing any traumatic material.

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Personalized Care



We recognize that every trauma is unique. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific history, symptoms, and goals.

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Schedule Therapy for PTSD in NYC, NJ, & CT

You do not have to live with the debilitating symptoms of PTSD or cPTSD forever. Healing is possible. If you are ready to process the past and reclaim your life, we are here to guide you. Contact Metro NY DBT Center to learn more about our PTSD treatment services.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD & cPTSD Therapy

  • What is the main difference in treatment for PTSD vs. cPTSD?

    Treatment for classic PTSD often focuses directly on processing the specific traumatic memory with therapies like PE or EMDR. Treatment for cPTSD is typically more phased. It begins by building foundational skills for safety, emotion regulation, and self-worth (often using DBT) before moving on to process the traumatic memories. This ensures the individual is stable enough to engage in the work without becoming destabilized.

  • Is it possible to recover from cPTSD?

    Yes, absolutely. While healing from complex trauma can be a longer and more intensive journey, recovery is possible. Effective treatment helps individuals manage symptoms, build a stronger sense of self, develop healthy relationships, and experience a significant reduction in the distress caused by their past.

  • How do I know if I have PTSD or just a normal reaction to a bad event?

    It's normal to experience distress after a traumatic event. The key differences with PTSD are the duration and severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms—such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, and hypervigilance—persist for more than a month and significantly interfere with your ability to function in your daily life, it may be PTSD. A comprehensive assessment with a trauma therapist can provide a clear diagnosis.

  • I don't remember all of my trauma. Can therapy still help?

    Yes. You do not need a complete, linear memory of your trauma to benefit from therapy. Treatments like EMDR and DBT can help you manage the emotional and physiological symptoms you are experiencing in the present, even with gaps in your memory. The focus is on healing the impact of the trauma, regardless of how clearly it is recalled.

  • Will I have to talk about the details of my trauma over and over?

    Not necessarily. While some therapies like Prolonged Exposure involve recounting the traumatic memory, the process is highly structured and controlled. Other therapies, like EMDR, can process the memory with less detailed verbal retelling. Your therapist will discuss the different options with you, and you will collaboratively choose the approach that feels safest and best for you.

  • Is it safe to talk about my trauma? Won't it make things worse?

    This is a very common and valid concern. Your safety is our top priority. Our therapists are trained to help you approach traumatic memories gradually and in a controlled way, ensuring you are never overwhelmed. A significant portion of therapy is dedicated to building coping skills and a strong sense of safety before directly processing the trauma.

  • How do I know if what I experienced "counts" as trauma?

    Trauma is not defined by the event itself, but by your body and mind's response to it. If an event or experience was overwhelming and has left you with lasting distress that impacts your daily life, it is worth exploring in therapy. There is no hierarchy of pain; your experience is valid.