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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a trauma can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 124 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.
Katybeth Eller

Hear from Katybeth Eller, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Katybeth Eller's profile

What is your go-to approach for PTSD/trauma therapy?

I love to work with clients who are wondering if they have complex PTSD. The skills I use most are psychoeducation, CBT and DBT approaches for increasing knowledge about emotional regulation, and self-compassion skills. I talk about how toxic shame and guilt can result from experiencing childhood trauma and/or childhood emotional neglect. This goes hand-in-hand with late-diagnosed ADHD adults. CPTSD and ADHD have significant symptom overlap. I also specialize in ADHD, so getting to the root cause of the symptoms is always a goal.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

Psychoeducation is one of my most valued and utilized skills. I want to help people understand the consequences of childhood trauma without having to relive it. This helps to teach the client self-validation, self-normalization, and compassion toward the self. I help clients make connections between their current functioning and childhood experiences. I use standard screening tools available to all counselors to assist with this. This type of therapy usually takes several years to unpack fully. During this time, I provide support for grief, betrayal trauma, and rebuilding healthy relationships and address the client's current relational functioning.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy when they are able to recognize old patterns of their behaviors, pause and respond instead of reacting to situations, and use coping techniques in real-time.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement PTSD/trauma therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in PTSD/trauma therapy with journaling! It's the easiest and most accessible way to increase their self-awareness. There are also workbooks, available at major bookstores and online, catered to many different struggles.

What should someone do to prepare for starting PTSD/trauma therapy?

To prepare for their first PTSD/trauma (tele)therapy session, someone can make sure you schedule a time when they can fully focus on the session. They can also get comfy by getting the drink of their choice and eating before the session so they are satisfied. They can be ready to experience some unpleasant emotions during the session, but know that they can always redirect the therapist's questions by stating, I don't want to talk about that yet, or I'm not ready to dig into that topic right now. The client is always in control of the time and topic!

Starting Trauma therapy

What is trauma therapy?

Trauma therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on treating the psychological impact of traumatic events on individuals. Trauma therapy helps people process and heal from their trauma by guiding them through their trauma in a compassionate and supportive way, allowing clients to feel the full scope of what happened to them and eventually move on from the event(s). This process helps people who have experienced trauma find ways to feel safe in their lives.

How does trauma therapy work?

Trauma therapy will often require individuals to walk through their experiences in a controlled and compassionate setting (unless the client has a dissociative disorder) so that they can fully process the event, an activity that will allow them to move on from what happened and feel safe again. Thriveworks Charlottesville therapists will also help clients learn healthy coping mechanisms to deal with their symptoms outside of therapy.

Is trauma therapy conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks trauma counseling in Charlottesville, VA is conducted both in person and online through online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does trauma therapy last?

If an individual is working through a single event that occurred during adulthood, they may only need a few months of treatment. However, in instances of childhood trauma or repeated traumatic events, therapy may continue over the course of years. Trauma therapy usually ends when the client believes they have met their therapeutic goals, however long that takes to occur. Thriveworks therapists in Charlottesville, VA will continue to provide care for as long as necessary to help clients meet their therapeutic needs.

Need more help deciding?

Trauma Therapy

Some people find it difficult or impossible to relax, often saying it even hurts to do so. These symptoms often lead to sleep difficulties including inability to fall or stay asleep, kicking, night sweats, nightmares, frequent waking often as though being startled awake.

Similarly, psychological symptoms may involve mood swings, memory problems, emotional pain, substance abuse or addiction (self-medicating), a noticeable change in personal hygiene or housekeeping behavior, taking exceptional risks, isolating, wondering “what’s the point”, flashbacks, aggression, self-mutilation or suicidal thoughts.

The most important thing is to identify these symptoms as they arise – don’t feel guilt or shame about them. If you or someone you know is experiencing the effects of trauma, be proactive! Some of these ideas can help:

  • Get moving! Remember, trauma freezes us in a state of arousal and fear, so exercises like walking, running, swimming or even dancing work well to stave off that fear. If 30 minutes at a time isn’t possible, try three 10 minute sessions daily and really get in touch with your body.
  • Connect with others. Isolation, while tempting, is not helpful to recovery. Get out and connect with people through social events, volunteering or even joining a support group. Connecting doesn’t mean you have to discuss your trauma – in fact, sometime stalking about the trauma can make things worse, much like peeling a scab off an injury prevents healing.
  • Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Many people have found yoga, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises to be very helpful.
  • Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, rest, and avoid using alcohol or other substances as these may make things worse.

Know When to Seek Help

While everyone heals at their own rate, not everyone can heal on their own. If your symptoms interfere with your normal daily functions, or if your relationships are being negatively impacted, it’s time to reach out to a professional, and we at Thriveworks Charlottesville are here to provide you the professional help you need, right away. We operate with a “no waiting list” policy. Call us today and see a counselor within 24 hours, and sometime seven the same day! We’re excited to help you on your road to recovery!

Call today at 434-812-4009! We’re ready to start when you are—and you’re welcome to book online to get started, too.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Charlottesville therapists and counselors accept 30 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

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Self-pay costs at Charlottesville
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.6 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I have been seeing Sharon Davis for about 6 weeks now, and she is helping me greatly with my relationship with my husband. She is extremely knowledgeable and has given me some wonderful exercises for my anxiety. I just love working with Sharon, she really helps me to understand my emotions, and the need to love myself!
Read more I have been seeing Sharon Davis for about 6 weeks now, and she is helping me greatly with my relationship with my husband. She is extremely knowledgeable and has given me some wonderful exercises for my anxiety. I just love working with Sharon, she really helps me to understand my emotions, and the need to love myself!
Cynthia Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have had the pleasure of working with Hiawatha as a colleague. His easy going manner and warmth as a clinician helps him to quickly connect with others. It is clear to me that Hiawatha cares a great deal for those he supports.
Read more I have had the pleasure of working with Hiawatha as a colleague. His easy going manner and warmth as a clinician helps him to quickly connect with others. It is clear to me that Hiawatha cares a great deal for those he supports.
Charlottesville Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Reaching out to Thriveworks was a great decision. The service is excellent and the representative matched me with the best counselor for my needs. I have to admit that I was skeptical at first, but I was pleasantly surprised when I met Anita Dean. She is very knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about others. I have observed that she doesn't create cookie cutter plans. Instead, she creates a plan specific to the needs of her her clients. My husband and I lost our sweet family pet of over 15 1/2 years and it also caused the loss of a child to resurface. Anita, has handled my situation with care and assisted me as I walked through the grief process. I am so grateful.
Read more Reaching out to Thriveworks was a great decision. The service is excellent and the representative matched me with the best counselor for my needs. I have to admit that I was skeptical at first, but I was pleasantly surprised when I met Anita Dean. She is very knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely cares about others. I have observed that she doesn't create cookie cutter plans. Instead, she creates a plan specific to the needs of her her clients. My husband and I lost our sweet family pet of over 15 1/2 years and it also caused the loss of a child to resurface. Anita, has handled my situation with care and assisted me as I walked through the grief process. I am so grateful.
Charlottesville Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★
I have been involved in therapy for most of my adult life. I can say with all honesty and sincerity that my experience with Thriveworks has been the best so far and I am 55, now that's saying a lot!
Read more I have been involved in therapy for most of my adult life. I can say with all honesty and sincerity that my experience with Thriveworks has been the best so far and I am 55, now that's saying a lot!
Charlottesville Oct 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great experience so far.
Charsville Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great practice!
Charlottesville Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I really loved working with John Stone. He’s an awesome councelor from what i can gather from one visit. The environment was also comfortable and relaxing in his office. He made me feel it was safe to approach him. Im gonna continue my seesions with him.
Read more I really loved working with John Stone. He’s an awesome councelor from what i can gather from one visit. The environment was also comfortable and relaxing in his office. He made me feel it was safe to approach him. Im gonna continue my seesions with him.
Charlottesville Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Exceptional place with the best docs!
Charlottesville Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

We share a building with Shear Magic Salon, Sei Bella Salon, New Looks Studio, Hairflair, Ishan Gala Foundation, Embrace Home Loans, Alpha Home Care Services, and JBD Mobile Catering & Events. We are located at the corner of Commonwealth Drive and Greenbrier Drive. Next to us on Commonwealth Drive is Commonwealth Drive Cemetery and Charlottesville Blue Ridge Dental. Across the street is Lighten Up hair salon.

Phone number

(434) 205-6776

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm

Shown in ET

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