Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

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

Good news! We have 62 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.
Deborah Parker

Hear from Deborah Parker, Counselor (Resident In Counseling)

View Deborah Parker's profile

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

My preferred approach to PTSD/trauma therapy involves a holistic and client-centered approach that prioritizes the individual's unique needs and preferences. I believe in integrating evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), particularly exposure therapy and mindfulness-based interventions, tailored to suit the client's comfort level and readiness. By fostering a safe and empathetic therapeutic environment, I aim to empower clients to explore and process their traumatic experiences at their own pace, while also equipping them with coping skills and strategies to manage distressing symptoms. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of building a strong therapeutic alliance and facilitating a collaborative relationship between myself and the client to foster trust, validation, and empowerment throughout the healing journey.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

In trauma therapy, I prioritize teaching clients a variety of practical tools and coping strategies to effectively manage their symptoms and promote healing. These tools may include grounding techniques to help clients stay focused and connected to the present moment during times of distress. These techniques include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and sensory awareness exercises. Additionally, I incorporate psychoeducation to help clients understand the physiological and psychological effects of trauma on the body and mind, empowering them with knowledge to better navigate their experiences. Furthermore, I introduce skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance, such as identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, practicing self-compassion, and utilizing relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery. By equipping clients with a diverse toolkit tailored to their individual needs, I aim to empower them to effectively navigate the challenges of trauma recovery and build resilience for the future.

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

As a therapist, I gauge meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy through various assessments, including the clinician-administered PTSD scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5), which is a measure of symptoms that tracks progress. I use indicators that reflect the client's growth, resilience, and improved functioning. One crucial sign of progress is the client's increased ability to regulate emotions and manage distressing symptoms associated with their trauma, demonstrating greater resilience and coping skills. Additionally, observable shifts in behaviors, such as a reduction in avoidance behaviors or an increased willingness to engage in therapeutic exercises and activities related to processing the trauma, signify progress. Furthermore, improvements in the client's interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and overall quality of life serve as meaningful markers of advancement in their healing journey. Ultimately, I monitor progress collaboratively with the client, regularly reassessing treatment goals and celebrating their achievements along the way, fostering a sense of empowerment and agency in their recovery process.

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

Clients can engage in several activities in their personal time to supplement trauma therapy and enhance their healing process. Regular practice of relaxation techniques taught in sessions, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery, can help manage stress and promote emotional regulation outside of therapy sessions. Practice helps clients learn to use their tools in calmer times so that they are easier to utilize in distress. Journaling can also be a valuable tool for processing emotions, organizing thoughts, and tracking progress throughout the therapy journey. Engaging in activities that promote self-care and self-compassion, such as spending time in nature, practicing hobbies, or connecting with supportive friends and family members, can further contribute to overall well-being. Additionally, exploring resources such as self-help books, podcasts, or online support groups related to trauma recovery can provide additional insights and perspectives to complement the work done in therapy. By incorporating these practices into their daily lives, clients can actively participate in their healing process and reinforce the skills learned in therapy sessions.

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

Preparing to begin trauma therapy involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and productive start to the healing journey. Firstly, it's essential to research and select a therapist who specializes in trauma treatment and with whom you feel comfortable and safe. Prior to the first session, it can be helpful to reflect on your reasons for seeking therapy, identify specific goals or areas of focus you'd like to address, and consider any past experiences or triggers related to your trauma that you may want to discuss. Additionally, establishing a support system of trusted friends or family members who can provide emotional support throughout the therapy process can be beneficial. Finally, practicing self-compassion and acknowledging the courage it takes to embark on this journey can help cultivate a mindset of openness and readiness for the transformative work ahead.

Starting Trauma/PTSD therapy

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 Midlothian therapists and counselors accept 29 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

  • 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

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Midlothian
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
★★★★★
I love my counselor. She's been very helpful in me navigating the grief of losing my mother and other family issues. I highly recommend Thriveworks!
Read more I love my counselor. She's been very helpful in me navigating the grief of losing my mother and other family issues. I highly recommend Thriveworks!
Kristina Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have known Dena Wentz for many years. She is a compassionate and insightful advocate for everyone she encounters. She fully listens to you when you talk and is perceptive enough to take each individual's life situation into context. Instead of using a "one size fits all" approach, Dena truly works to understand each person's unique position and how that affects her or him on a larger scale. With Dena, I always feel appreciated and supported!
Read more I have known Dena Wentz for many years. She is a compassionate and insightful advocate for everyone she encounters. She fully listens to you when you talk and is perceptive enough to take each individual's life situation into context. Instead of using a "one size fits all" approach, Dena truly works to understand each person's unique position and how that affects her or him on a larger scale. With Dena, I always feel appreciated and supported!
Midlothian Aug 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have worked with Mrs. Dena Wentz for over a decade. During this time, she has always been an extremely stable positive force in our clinic. Her sense of fairness and common sense is beyond reproach and she keeps us all grounded in our approaches to various patient care circumstances. She often makes us stop and think about where the patient is coming from when we are frustrated with a patient's lack of compliance or adherence to recommended therapies. She is the kind of person you want to listen to your difficulties and concerns because she is such a caring and empathetic person. She will then make significant efforts to provide you with solutions. She is also a very thoughtful cheerleader and motivator for our team and makes sure to mark our achievements and our professional acknowledgments. She has frequently been there for me when I have struggled to work with patients and helped facilitate the communication channels I need to accomplish my role. I highly value my relationship with Dena we all are fortunate to have her on our team!
Read more I have worked with Mrs. Dena Wentz for over a decade. During this time, she has always been an extremely stable positive force in our clinic. Her sense of fairness and common sense is beyond reproach and she keeps us all grounded in our approaches to various patient care circumstances. She often makes us stop and think about where the patient is coming from when we are frustrated with a patient's lack of compliance or adherence to recommended therapies. She is the kind of person you want to listen to your difficulties and concerns because she is such a caring and empathetic person. She will then make significant efforts to provide you with solutions. She is also a very thoughtful cheerleader and motivator for our team and makes sure to mark our achievements and our professional acknowledgments. She has frequently been there for me when I have struggled to work with patients and helped facilitate the communication channels I need to accomplish my role. I highly value my relationship with Dena we all are fortunate to have her on our team!
Midlothian May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Giovonni is a wonderful person- professionally and personally! She cares for her clients with so much positive energy, while also meeting them where they are. I am grateful to know her as a professional & wish her all the best!
Read more Giovonni is a wonderful person- professionally and personally! She cares for her clients with so much positive energy, while also meeting them where they are. I am grateful to know her as a professional & wish her all the best!
Midlothian Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Stephen Handley is such a great guy to work with. He is consistently helpful and caring throughout all of our conversations. I highly recommend him for anyone but especially adolescents and young men. He has helped me tremendously.
Read more Stephen Handley is such a great guy to work with. He is consistently helpful and caring throughout all of our conversations. I highly recommend him for anyone but especially adolescents and young men. He has helped me tremendously.
Midlothian Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. CAMILLE BRENKE HAS CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE GOOD. HER CHOICE OF MEDS HAS BEEN BETTER THAN ANY DOCTOR I HAVE SEEN. ALSO VERY NICE AND KIND.
Read more Dr. CAMILLE BRENKE HAS CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE GOOD. HER CHOICE OF MEDS HAS BEEN BETTER THAN ANY DOCTOR I HAVE SEEN. ALSO VERY NICE AND KIND.
Midlothian Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
It is such a pleasure to write a review for Erica Stewart. She truly has a heart for people. She serves others with an unselfish heart and listens without judgment. She has helped me tremendously through the years and I know she will continue to help others through their journey.
Read more It is such a pleasure to write a review for Erica Stewart. She truly has a heart for people. She serves others with an unselfish heart and listens without judgment. She has helped me tremendously through the years and I know she will continue to help others through their journey.
Midlothian Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ms. Erica Stewart, LCSW is an outstanding clinician. I have had the opportunity to see her work in action over many years while serving as a fellow clinician in the community. She is skillful and talented in many area including the field of counseling. More importantly - she cares about those she provides services to in counseling. She has a warm, caring and positive demeanor/nature and is one who has always gone beyond the call of duty to be of assistance to others. She has worked with many populations and helped clients and persons in the community to reach their personalized goals regardless of one's situation, culture, race or socio-economic status. Regardless of who you are - if you are seeking caring, skillful and compassionate services to help you during a time of difficulty, Ms. Stewart is an outstanding option to turn when seeking services. She is an asset to the great Thriveworks Midlothian Team. Ms. E. Stewart, LCSW is highly recommended with a 5+*, A+ rating.
Read more Ms. Erica Stewart, LCSW is an outstanding clinician. I have had the opportunity to see her work in action over many years while serving as a fellow clinician in the community. She is skillful and talented in many area including the field of counseling. More importantly - she cares about those she provides services to in counseling. She has a warm, caring and positive demeanor/nature and is one who has always gone beyond the call of duty to be of assistance to others. She has worked with many populations and helped clients and persons in the community to reach their personalized goals regardless of one's situation, culture, race or socio-economic status. Regardless of who you are - if you are seeking caring, skillful and compassionate services to help you during a time of difficulty, Ms. Stewart is an outstanding option to turn when seeking services. She is an asset to the great Thriveworks Midlothian Team. Ms. E. Stewart, LCSW is highly recommended with a 5+*, A+ rating.
Midlothian Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Midlothian is located on Village Mill Dr, just off of the Midlothian Turnpike and west of Midlothian Mines Park and Stonehenge Golf and Country Club. We're currently sharing a building with Two Men and a Truck, and are neighbored by Christine W. Seliskar, M.D., FAAP, Padgett Properties - Real Estate Sales & Property Management, and Capital Ale House. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(804) 537-2024

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Hindi
  • Urdu
  • English
  • Dutch
  • Tagalog
  • Filipino
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
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

Shown in ET

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