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.

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I understand from experience how challenging it can be, particularly for young women, to find safety and security within yourself when dealing with an... I understand from experience how challenging it can be, particularly for young women, to find safety and security within yourself when dealing with anxiety, low self-esteem, and negative thoughts. Read more

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Anne Hilburn

Hear from Anne Hilburn, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

View Anne Hilburn's profile

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

My go-to approach for PTSD therapy and therapy for exposure to traumatic events is to focus on stabilization, then use internal family systems. I prefer this approach because exposure to trauma typically threatens an individual's sense of safety and often challenges their beliefs about themselves and the world.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

In trauma-focused therapy, I help clients learn to make sense of the traumatic event they experienced, identify sources of stability and potential supports in their lives, and learn to identify and manage reactions to triggers of psychological trauma symptoms.

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

I know a client is making meaningful progress in trauma-focused therapy if they have a more integrated, rather than fractured, sense of self.

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

Clients can supplement their trauma-focused therapy by seeking out support from loved ones, engaging in restorative movement activities (ex., trauma-focused yoga), and participating in support groups.

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

To prepare for their first trauma-focused therapy session, someone can reflect on the areas of their life affected by the traumatic event they experienced.

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 Cambridge therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Cambridge
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
★★★★★
Cheryl Boissy has been fantastic! She listens very well with a caring ear which means a great deal to me.
Read more Cheryl Boissy has been fantastic! She listens very well with a caring ear which means a great deal to me.
Gary Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry East Cambridge is located on Cambridge St. – the Cambridge St at Third St bus stop is right in front of our building. We’re sandwiched between a CVS Pharmacy and East Cambridge Firehouse.

Phone number

(857) 217-2585

Languages spoken by MA 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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