Trauma Therapy

Care That Respects How Trauma Has Shaped You, Not Pressure To “Get Over It”

Trauma Can Continue To Affect How You Feel, React, And Relate—Even When Life Appears Calm On The Outside

Trauma does not only live in memory. It often lives in the nervous system, shaping how you respond to stress, relationships, and everyday situations. You may notice emotional reactivity, numbness, hypervigilance, or a persistent sense of unease that feels difficult to explain.

Trauma responses are not signs of weakness. They are adaptations—ways the mind and body learned to protect you during overwhelming experiences. Psychotherapy offers a space to understand these responses with care and to begin restoring a sense of safety, stability, and choice.

Mitchel Eisenstein, LCSW provides trauma-informed psychotherapy through secure telehealth for adults throughout New York State.

What Exactly Is Trauma?

Trauma can arise from many different situations, including:

Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
Childhood neglect or attachment disruptions
Violence or assault
Military combat
First responder or emergency work
Serious accidents or injuries
Natural disasters or fires
Loss of a loved one

Trauma does not require a single catastrophic event. Repeated emotional stress, invalidation, or lack of safety over time can also have lasting effects.

Common Effects Of Trauma

Trauma can affect emotional, cognitive, physical, and relational functioning. You may notice:

Mood swings or emotional reactivity
Anxiety or persistent fear
Depression or loss of interest in once-meaningful activities
Nightmares or intrusive memories
Avoidance of reminders associated with distress
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Hypervigilance or being easily startled
Emotional numbness or detachment
Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness

These effects can interfere with work, relationships, and your sense of self. Many people describe feeling as though they are always “on guard,” even when they are safe.

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, immediate support from emergency services or a crisis hotline is essential.

How Are The Effects Of Trauma Identified In Therapy?

The effects of trauma are explored through a careful clinical evaluation that looks at your history, current experiences, emotional patterns, and daily functioning.

Diagnosis is not about labeling or defining you. It is about understanding how trauma may be shaping your internal world and identifying supportive ways to address its impact.

You are never required to disclose more than you are ready to share. Therapy prioritizes choice, pacing, and emotional safety.

How Trauma Is Addressed Through Psychotherapy

Trauma-informed psychotherapy focuses on helping the nervous system regain a sense of safety while gently working through the emotional impact of past experiences.

Therapy does not require reliving trauma. Instead, it emphasizes stabilization, awareness, and building the capacity to respond rather than react.

Depending on your needs, therapy may incorporate:
Cognitive-behavioral approaches
Psychodynamic therapy
Mindfulness and grounding practices
Stress and emotional regulation strategies
Anger and relationship-focused work

When appropriate, referrals for psychiatric evaluation or medication support can be discussed as part of a comprehensive care plan.

A Collaborative And Individualized Approach

Trauma affects each person differently. Some people seek therapy soon after distressing experiences, while others come years later when the effects feel harder to manage.

Therapy is tailored to your history, strengths, and goals. Progress happens gradually and respectfully, without pressure or expectation.

You do not need to have everything figured out before beginning.

Telehealth Trauma Therapy In New York

PTSD affects each person differently. Some people seek therapy shortly after a traumatic experience. Others come years later, when symptoms no longer feel manageable.

Therapy is shaped around your history, your strengths, and your goals. You are never required to share more than you are ready to share, and progress unfolds gradually.

Telehealth Therapy for PTSD in New York

Mitchel Eisenstein, LCSW provides trauma-informed psychotherapy through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth. Based in East Setauket, New York, he works with adults throughout New York State.

Telehealth allows therapy to take place in a familiar and comfortable environment while maintaining privacy and continuity of care.

If trauma continues to affect your sense of safety, relationships, or daily life, support is available when you feel ready to reach out.

A formal diagnosis is not required to begin therapy. Many people seek psychotherapy to address trauma-related symptoms such as emotional reactivity, avoidance, or feeling constantly on guard.