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 9 therapists in California available for an online or in-person session.
Elizabeth Walker

Hear from Elizabeth Walker, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

View Elizabeth Walker's profile

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

My go-to approach for helping people in PTSD/trauma therapy is bringing awareness that trauma is on a spectrum and is individualized to a person's perspective. I use psychodynamic and attachment theory-based modalities to explore how past trauma influences current behaviors and beliefs. I prefer to explore causes for feeling unsafe because, as adults, we can create our own sense of safety.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I believe the following tools are helpful when experiencing PTSD/trauma symptoms:

  • Staying in the present moment/mindfulness
  • Creating feelings of safety
  • DBT skills of distress tolerance and emotional regulation

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 have a greater sense of calm and well-being.

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

Clients can supplement their time in PTSD/trauma therapy by practicing mindfulness, using deep breathing, noticing when surroundings are safe, and connecting trauma reactions in the present to the traumatic event.

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

To prepare for your first PTSD/trauma therapy session, just show up for sessions!

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 San Jose therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Shield of California | BCBS

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

  • Humana PPO | EPO | HDHP

  • Imperial Health Plan Medicare Advantage

  • JP Farley Corporation

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Self-pay costs at San Jose
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 Thriveworks San Jose reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Alexandera provides excellent service. I felt comfortable and safe. She made it easy to open up and talk.
Read more Alexandera provides excellent service. I felt comfortable and safe. She made it easy to open up and talk.
San Jose Jan 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry San Jose is located in Bascom - Forest on Forest Ave where it intersects with Clarmar Way. We are in the same building as Peninsula Oral Surgery San Jose. And just before you reach us, in a separate building, is Communications Workers-America. There are also houses behind us.

Phone number

(669) 238-4947

Languages spoken by CA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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 PT

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 PT

6 photos