Online Trauma and PTSD therapists in Nebraska

I've been working with trauma survivors since prior to graduate school, beginning in 2004. While I have experience in treating a wide range of traumatic related symptoms, I've found that I'm most effective in treating first responders (healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters), ministry leaders and volunteers serving in crisis management roles, and those who've experienced single incident traumas (car accidents, medical trauma, physical assault, natural disasters). I also specialize in helping individuals who've experienced traumatic grief/loss (those who witnessed a traumatic event). I've completed training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) through the Veteran Affairs Medical Center and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) through an EMDRIA approved trainer. I use several different approaches to prepare clients for the hard work of facing their pasts. When you're ready, we will work together to decide what treatment will be most effective for you.  

I have received multiple specialized trainings in EMDR and Internal Family Systems therapies to work effectively with a wide variety of trauma symptoms.  

I specialize in the treatment of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder. Experiencing any trauma can negatively impact quality and leave a person feeling disconnected. By utilizing evidence-based treatments such as prolonged exposure therapy (PE), I will teach you to better manage intrusive trauma memories so you can start living life again.  

Treatment for trauma and PTSD is really hard. It doesn't feel good to remember the things we most want to forget and unfortunately there is no easy way to heal. You've likely already discovered that avoidance won't work. What we will work on together is feeling the feelings in session so that they are less likely to creep up on you when you don't expect or want them. We'll look at your thinking surrounding the event and how your thinking has changed over time. It will get better.  

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop from being exposed to a wide variety of traumatic events such as motor vehicle crashes, home accidents, sexual assault, domestic violence, or being involved in a natural disaster. As the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) describes it, PTSD happens after “being witness to or being exposed to situations involving threatened or actual serious physical harm or death.” But it’s important to keep in mind that experiencing a trauma doesn’t mean a person will absolutely develop PTSD.  

None of us can escape some level of trauma; inevitably, it will be a part of life. How much it affects us, however, depends on many factors including the nervous system we were born with, our outer resources, and how much relational support we receive to help us recover from the trauma. Many people do not have access to adequate resources to help them recover from trauma (and this is very subjective and personal, varying from person to person), and the trauma continues to affect them in (sometimes subtle, but still) impactful ways. If certain factors come together, PTSD may develop out of trauma. Often clients feel like they have failed because they can't completely "get over" their PTSD reactions. I have often reminded clients that PTSD is "the gift that keeps on giving". It can be very hard, perhaps impossible, to completely eradicate PTSD reactions, because the reaction is not just of the mind, it is of the whole body. My approach to helping clients with trauma and PTSD involves looking at it holistically and working to understand how the trauma changed you, your reaction across many facets of your life (thoughts, feelings, habits, behaviors, self-care or lack thereof, expectations, how you view the world), and then working on replacing what is harmful with what is helpful. The goal isn't to completely get rid of the PTSD symptoms (which is likely impossible) but rather to dramatically reduce its effect on you, so you can live your best life, and so an occasional symptom breaking through will not derail you.  

Traumatic experiences can breed feelings of confusion, sadness, anger, and shame. Let's slowly look at the parts of these experiences that often go unspoken and work on being resilient in the face of them.  

Hey! If you're carrying the weight of past wounds, we're here to offer a safe space and support. We specialize in helping teens and adults navigate through the impact of trauma. Together, we can work on understanding your experiences, finding healing, and building resilience. Our sessions provide a judgment-free zone where you can express yourself and work towards a brighter future. Healing from trauma is a courageous journey, and we're here to walk beside you every step of the way. Your well-being matters, and we're honored to be part of your path towards recovery and empowerment. (Note: We have specific therapists who specialize in this area at our practice. See our website for more information) (Note: We have specific therapists who specialize in this area at our practice. See our website for more information)  

Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily demands? Do you have unresolved trauma from past experiences which make it difficult to function? Utilizing a Cognitive Behavior (CBT) approach, we will help develop new ways to respond to your past and help you take charge of your life.  

I am experienced in working with individuals navigating a history of trauma and abuse. I can help you return to safety and help you understand (and change) how it impacts you currently so that you can experience the world as a safe space again.  

For a number of years I have been doing Veteran's exams, having the honor of hearing, often for the first time in their lives, the traumas they have had that are continuing to live in their lives years later. Those experiences have made me much less afraid to help people to speak the unspeakable, knowing that is the first step to taking back their lives.  

There's nothing wrong with seeking support when you need it, especially in these uncertain times. I am now offering clients telehealth sessions so we can continue our work together through secure video chat. I look forward to assisting you in achieving a greater sense of balance, mental health and well-being.   

The UCEBT Trauma, Stress, and Resilience (TSR) Program provides expert care in the treatment of stress and trauma-related issues. Most people at some point in their lives will experience a trauma or other difficult event, such as a loss of a loved one, medical illness, financial stressors, work burnout, divorce, etc. Depending upon our unique past and current circumstances, these events impact each of us differently. In the aftermath, some may develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, grief, or experience other life challenges. In spite of our best efforts, sometimes the problems persist and common coping strategies (like isolation, working long hours, alcohol, etc.) can create new problems. Fortunately, there are now several proven therapies to get people unstuck and tap into our natural human ability to heal after a painful life event. Our center is committed to offering the most effective treatment options for both supporting you during a difficult period as well as long-term skills to foster resiliency for the future. There are several gold standard evidence-based treatments right now for trauma. Our clinicians in this program have formal training and expertise in: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Cognitive Processing Therapy -- CPT is a therapy that focuses on helping individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to their traumatic experiences. It aims to promote cognitive restructuring and reduce distressing symptoms. CPT has been recommended as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA/DoD). This episode of This American Life does a great job capturing what to expect in CPT and illustrating its effectiveness: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/682/ten-sessions Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interventions -- TF-CBT is a structured therapy that focuses on helping individuals process and cope with traumatic experiences. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-specific interventions. TF-CBT has also been widely recommended as a treatment PTSD by the APA and the VA/DoD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) -- This modality uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce distressing symptoms. In contrast to the "top-down approaches" listed above, this is a "bottom-up approach," meaning that it starts with addressing the physiological and sensory aspects of an individual's experience before moving on to cognitive or higher-order processes. This approach recognizes that trauma can have a profound impact on the nervous system and bodily sensations. The goal is to help individuals process and release traumatic experiences by accessing the body's wisdom and resources. By directly targeting the limbic system (the feeling center of the brain) and sensory receptors throughout the body, a bottom-up approach aims to undo trauma's imprint on the body and promote healing. It acknowledges that trauma responses are not solely cognitive but also involve physiological and sensory aspects. Prolonged Exposure -- PE is a type of therapy that involves gradually and systematically exposing individuals to trauma-related memories, situations, or objects that they have been avoiding. The goal is to help individuals confront and process their traumatic experiences, reducing avoidance and fear. PE has also been recommended as a treatment for PTSD by the APA and the VA/DoD. The Gottman Method for Couples Therapy Written Exposure Therapy (WET) -- Sometimes, flashbacks can be so debilitating and spike our SUDS so suddenly, that all of the above-mentioned modalities end up doing more harm than good. This modality is a brief, trauma-focused talk therapy that involves a series of [typically] five 30- to 45- minute sessions. The therapy involves writing about the thoughts and feelings experienced during the traumatic event, which allows individuals to engage with the memory and potentially overcome shame or embarrassment associated with the experience. The goal is to help individuals find new ways to think about their traumatic experiences and gain relief from PTSD symptoms. There is little 'down time' between sessions, meaning an individual could schedule all five sessions back-to-back and effectively stop flashbacks or other reexperiencing symptoms within a week, which no other modality can match in terms of efficiency.  

As a psychologist specializing in trauma and PTSD, my treatment approach is rooted in compassion, safety, and evidence-based interventions. Through therapies such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), I collaborate with individuals to process traumatic memories, challenge negative beliefs, and develop effective coping strategies. Creating a safe therapeutic environment is paramount, allowing clients to explore their experiences at their own pace while feeling supported and validated. Psychoeducation about trauma responses and self-regulation techniques empowers individuals to manage symptoms and regain a sense of control over their lives. Additionally, I integrate mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and grounding exercises to promote emotional regulation and resilience. My goal is to facilitate healing, restore a sense of safety, and empower individuals to thrive beyond their traumatic experiences.  

Many of our therapists specialize in trauma and PTSD. Dr. Sanness specializes in PTSD, Dissociation, Complex Trauma, and has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings to help clients with these difficulties. Dr. Nelson has training in Prolonged Exposure therapy which can be very helpful to individuals with PTSD.  

Trauma doesn't necessarily have to be a single event. Instead, smaller, prolonged, or recurring stressful experiences can also be classified as traumatic. I work with clients who want to find ways to calm their nervous system so they aren't in a constant state of fight, flight, or freeze. They want to learn what their wants and needs are instead of being solely focused on making others around them happy. Learning to set boundaries is challenging but can significantly improve your relationships. Learning how to trust again may feel difficult, and therapy can be the first step in this process.  

You deserve to reclaim your sense of safety, peace, and well-being. As a compassionate therapist specializing in trauma and PTSD, I offer personalized support and evidence-based techniques to help you process your experiences, reduce symptoms, and rediscover joy in life.  

With the ability to utilize a variety of psychological methods and techniques, the clinicians at Peakminds are adept supporting the needs and goals of clients. Peakminds is dedicated to supporting veteran's and their families within their experiences of trauma and PTSD and welcome the opportunity to work with such populations.  

An event, that can cause you to fear for your safety or your very life can happen to anyone. When such an event occurs, we are often so stunned by it, that we think “This isn’t supposed to happen to me or to someone I love. This only happens to other people.” There are a variety of ways to experience such a trauma: a car accident, sexual assault, robbery, witnessing an illness or death, domestic violence, being a soldier, being left abruptly by your spouse or parents, and experiencing severe weather catastrophes. Often when this happens, our bodies and minds do predictable things to protect ourselves. These symptoms might seem strange if you have never experienced them before.  

Experiencing relational trauma can be incredibly challenging, and the wounds it leaves can affect every aspect of your life. In therapy, I'm here to offer a helping hand to individuals seeking healing from relational trauma. We'll create a safe and understanding space where you can process the pain and confusion caused by past experiences. Together, we'll explore how these traumas have impacted you and work on building resilience, self-compassion, and healthier ways of connecting with others. Healing is a personal journey, and I'm here to walk alongside you, offering support and guidance as you rediscover a sense of safety, trust, and meaningful connections in your life. Your path to healing begins here.