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

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +4 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, Divorce / Breakup, +7 more

As a person with many life experiences, I enjoy helping other adults find success along life’s journey. I believe in the benefits of therapy and the... As a person with many life experiences, I enjoy helping other adults find success along life’s journey. I believe in the benefits of therapy and the resiliency of clients to develop the skills they need to manage their emotions, achieve their goals, and live a meaningful and purposeful life. Read more

49 more therapist available in North Carolina

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Kathy Pendlay

Hear from Kathy Pendlay, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHC-A)

View Kathy Pendlay's profile

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

Go-to approaches for helping people in PTSD/trauma therapy are narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Some individuals find benefits in the use of these approaches, as they can help with processing/reframing difficult memories and alleviating related symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help provide clients with healthier mindsets and rational approaches to address underlying fears. When applying solution-focused therapy, the goal is to help clients identify what their vision for their lives is and keep this vision as a key motivator for continued work on themselves.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I teach the following tools in PTSD/trauma therapy:

  • Breathing exercises
  • Imagery
  • Journaling prompts
  • Meditation
  • Various exercises to help regulate the nervous system

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

Signs a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy are: when they share that their outlook on life and relationships have improved, feel they can consistently engage in healthy activities and relationships, and/or they are using therapy tools that help their daily functioning.

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

Clients can supplement their time in PTSD/trauma therapy by journaling their feelings, listening to videos, and reading books on related topics. Clients can also practice self-care and surround themselves with people who help them feel supported and cared for.

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

To prepare for their first PTSD/trauma therapy session, someone can make a list of the following to share with the therapist: details and history of related events, symptoms that are consistently affecting them, and what they hope to get out of therapy. A client can also begin planning how they will be able to make time for therapy in their schedules and doing research on what trauma therapy would look like to help them get an idea of what they can expect.

Starting Trauma/PTSD therapy

What is PTSD/trauma therapy?

At Thriveworks, Trauma/PTSD therapy involves dedicated efforts to address and navigate through past and/or recent traumatic events. Therapists specializing in trauma create a secure environment to process and heal from these experiences, aiming to reduce trauma-related symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.

How does PTSD/trauma therapy work?

Our Thriveworks providers use Trauma/PTSD therapy treatments like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR, CBT, and exposure therapy with the goal of helping clients process the traumatic events they have experienced so that they can to start feeling safe and secure again.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:

  • Flashbacks and distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances
  • Intense anxiety and irritability
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood and thought patterns
  • Increased arousal, like difficulty concentrating or exaggerated startle response

How do you overcome PTSD triggers?

The best way to overcome PTSD triggers is to seek the assistance of a professional therapist, such as those at Thriveworks, who can help you to understand and treat your PTSD triggers.

What type of therapist is best for PTSD?

In most cases, a therapist who specializes in Trauma/PTSD therapy is the best type of mental health professional to address the symptoms of PTSD.

Is PTSD/trauma therapy conducted in person or online?

PTSD/trauma therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long should you go to therapy for PTSD?

If a client is working through a single traumatic event that occurred as an adult, trauma or PTSD therapy may only take a few months, but in general, it can take a year or more to effectively treat trauma symptoms and PTSD. The duration of treatment is highly dependent on the client and the severity of their symptoms.

How successful is therapy for PTSD?

The success rate of therapy for PTSD depends entirely on the individual’s symptoms, commitment to attending sessions, and personal abilities.

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 Cornelius therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Cornelius
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Krystal made my first session very comfortable and welcoming. Her goal is to get the best version of yourself she can. I can’t thank her enough for saving my life when I didn’t even know how desperate I was to be saved. HIGHLY recommend her services.
Read more Krystal made my first session very comfortable and welcoming. Her goal is to get the best version of yourself she can. I can’t thank her enough for saving my life when I didn’t even know how desperate I was to be saved. HIGHLY recommend her services.
Belinda Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I personally didn’t think therapy would work for me but I gave thriveworks a shot and do not regret it! They truly know how to figure out the problem and will work with you to find multiple solutions. Everyone that works there is so nice, from the phone operators to the actual therapists. Don’t sit on the fence about your mental health!
Read more I personally didn’t think therapy would work for me but I gave thriveworks a shot and do not regret it! They truly know how to figure out the problem and will work with you to find multiple solutions. Everyone that works there is so nice, from the phone operators to the actual therapists. Don’t sit on the fence about your mental health!
Parker Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Kathy Pendlay is a compassionate, knowledgeable counselor. She is a great listener and understands how complicated life can be. She provides helpful, practical insights for dealing with difficult people and situations.
Read more Kathy Pendlay is a compassionate, knowledgeable counselor. She is a great listener and understands how complicated life can be. She provides helpful, practical insights for dealing with difficult people and situations.
Cornelius Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Clair Crow is warm and caring. She is exactly the therapist that makes you feel comfortable from the start.
Read more Clair Crow is warm and caring. She is exactly the therapist that makes you feel comfortable from the start.
Cornelius Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cornelius is located off of W Catawba Ava in Johnsbury Square. We are in the same building as Jo Anne Barron, Southern Homes of the Carolinas. Nearby businesses include Artistic Interior Design and Goodwill.

Phone number

(980) 217-8678

Languages spoken by NC 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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