Trauma Therapy 

A trauma-trained therapist is a mental health professional who provides assistance to people who have experienced psychological trauma. Trauma therapists help people process traumatic experiences and develop coping methods for dealing with the aftermath of trauma, with the eventual goal of achieving psychological stability and reduced symptoms for the patient. People who specialize in trauma therapy may pursue specialized certifications to offer the best services to their clients and trauma therapists can work in a wide variety of settings using a multi-modal approach. There are many proven and effective “power therapies” such as EMDR, Brainspotting and Somatic Experiencing that can be added to the traditional psychotherapies commonly used in trauma work e.g. CBT. Therapists who are able to integrate some of these cutting-edge techniques into their work with patients can dramatically improve the quality of life for trauma survivors, teaching them new skills, thus increasing their ability to cope with future distressing life events.

An EMDR trained therapist is able to offer this effective intervention to reduce trauma-related symptoms: anxieties, flashbacks, phobias, self-esteem issues, relationship blocks, performance problems and triggers for addictions. This treatment modality is based on neuroscience of the brain and uses bilateral stimulation to reprocess memory networks and release the emotional charge associated that creates obstacles to your emotional health in the present.

If you have a good rapport with another therapist but find yourself stuck in the therapy process, an EMDR therapist can provide EMDR as an adjunct service to remove progress blocks.  You can continue to work with your primary therapist with new success after your EMDR sessions.

Trauma can manifest in many ways. Psychological trauma can be the result of intense physical or emotional experiences, a single-event trauma, prolonged exposure to psychologically unhealthy environments, developmental traumas and many other things. People may be referred to a trauma therapist by another health care provider, or may seek out a therapist on their own because they are having difficulty managing their psychological health after a traumatic experience.

The trauma therapist works with the patient to identify the source of the trauma and examine contributing factors, such as existing mental illness and past experiences. This information is used to help the patient work through the trauma in therapy sessions, using a variety of psychological and integrative techniques. This can include talk therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, somatic therapies (such as yoga therapy), EMDR, SE and many other types of therapy. Trauma therapy must support the client and never re-traumatize in the process. The approach is customized to the client and can include consultation with other mental health providers if the therapist thinks it is necessary.

Trauma therapy can help people address post traumatic stress disorder, depression, dissociation, anxiety, substance use, and many other complications of trauma. People who are having difficulty with tasks of daily living may benefit from working with a therapist to identify areas of difficulty and address them with behavioral strategies. Some people never fully recover from trauma and need to see a therapist or use medication for life to address problems as they arise, while others may be able to become well-adjusted after a series of therapy sessions.  Kim Seelbrede incorporates EMDR as needed and desired by her clients.  EMDR is often the treatment of choice for teens who are not willing participants in traditional “talk therapy.”

Kim Seelbrede is a psychotherapist, EMDR therapist and integrative therapist with a private practice in New York City. In her Manhattan therapy practice, Kim has experience addressing the following concerns: relationships, marital difficulties, divorce, parenting, career, professional performance enhancement, anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, depression, loss/grief, adolescent psychotherapy, underachievement, perfectionism, identity issues, LGBT, body image, eating disorders, addiction, substance abuse, sexuality, PTSD, trauma, stress reduction, transitions, life purpose, health concerns, women’s issues, therapy for men, pain management and wellness. Kim Seelbrede has advanced training in EMDR therapy and Brainspotting and uses it with clients who prefer to work in this way, or when she feels it is a technique that will be helpful for the client. Clients include CEOS, senior executives, entrepreneurs, financial analysts, performers and creative individuals with a focus on helping them identify and remove barriers to success and happiness. Kim Seelbrede offers adjunctive EMDR, meditation and yoga therapy to medical and mental health professionals in New York City. To learn more about her psychotherapy approach, visit her therapy website at www.kimseelbrede.com call 646.248.9196 or email.

Kim holds a master’s degree in social work from New York University (MSW) and received advanced post-graduate training inpsychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)  from New York University. Kim uses an eclectic approach which draws from attachment theory, object relations theory, self-psychology, ego-psychology, family systems, CBT, crisis counseling and solution-focused therapy with her clients as needed. Kim has pursued advanced education in the fields of psychology, wellness and complementary health care for nearly 10 years.  Kim draws from extensive education and life experiences including training from the Urban Zen Integrative Therapist Program (UZIT) during which she completed clinical rotations working directly with cancer and surgical patients at Hope Lodge and at Beth Israel Medical Center and has studied nutritional theories from leading experts in the field. Kim Seelbrede is an integrative healthcare blogger for the Urban Zen Foundation.

In her separate integrative therapy practice Kim Seelbrede works with healthy clients as well as clients facing and managing health challenges. Kim collaborates with health care providers and can provide support with the following techniques:  gentle yoga movement, restorative yoga poses, stress reduction, breath awareness (pranayama), controlled breathing techniques, guided imagery, meditation, nutrition, essential oil treatment (aromatherapy), Reiki, life coaching and contemplative care. All of these unique integrative therapy modalities provide a gentle and balanced approach to the following concerns:  pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, digestive issues, fatigue and serious chronic illness. Please email or call Kim 646.248.9196 with questions or to arrange a consultation in her Manhattan office. For more information about her holistic integrative therapy practice visit her at www.nyintegrativetherapy.com  follow Kim Seelbrede’s psychology, yoga and health-related tweets on Twitter or friend her onFacebook.

Kim Seelbrede offers adjunctive EMDR, meditation and yoga therapy to medical and mental health professionals in New York City.