Trauma and PTSD Therapy in Scottsdale, AZ
Therapeutic Approaches at Pathways Counseling Services
At Pathways Counseling Services, therapists employ evidence-based practices to address trauma and PTSD. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help clients reframe negative thought patterns associated with their trauma.
Additionally, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another effective method that facilitates the processing of traumatic memories.
Consequently, these therapies can lead to significant improvements in emotional regulation and coping strategies.
Moreover, therapists create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings without judgment. This approach fosters trust and encourages open communication about painful experiences. Furthermore, group therapy sessions provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with others who share similar struggles.
As a result, clients often find comfort in knowing they are not alone on their journey to recovery.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a psychotherapeutic approach designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories.
Moreover, it enables individuals to process their experiences in a way that reduces emotional pain.
Consequently, many therapists at Pathways Counseling Services utilize this evidence-based practice to support clients dealing with trauma and PTSD. For example, EMDR therapy involves structured sessions where clients recall distressing events while simultaneously engaging in guided eye movements.
This dual focus helps to reprocess traumatic memories, allowing clients to integrate these experiences into their broader life narrative.
Additionally, research has shown that EMDR can lead to significant reductions in symptoms of PTSD. Therefore, it has gained recognition as an effective treatment option endorsed by organizations such as the American Psychological Association.
Clients seeking support for trauma or PTSD may also benefit from related services such as EMDR therapy, CBT, individual therapy, mindfulness-based support, and anxiety therapy. For general education about PTSD symptoms and treatment options, clients can also review trusted mental health resources from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Could PTSD Therapy Help You?
This quick self-check can help you consider whether therapy may be helpful for trauma or PTSD-related symptoms. This is not a diagnosis.
Our Therapists
Meet Ali Kasulaitis, LAC — Child, Teen & Family Therapist
Read MoreAli Kasulaitis, MS, LAC
Therapist
Meet Haley Anderson, MSW, LMSW - Child and Teen Therapist
Read MoreHaley Anderson, MSW, LMSW
Therapist
Meet Allison Zimmer, MS, LAC - Anxiety and Substance Therapist
Read MoreAllison Zimmer, MS, LAC
Therapist
Meet David Merrick, MS Ed. LPC-S - Teens and Adult Therapist
Read MoreDavid Merrick, MS Ed. LPC-S
Clinical Director
Meet Sofia Softas-Nall therapist Scottsdale AZ - Trauma, LGBTQIA Therapist
Read MoreSofia Softas-Nall, MS, MA, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Meet Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC - EMDR Therapist
Read MoreStephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC
Therapist
Meet Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC
Founder of Pathways Counseling Services
Stephanie Levitt, MA, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counselor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the founder of Pathways Counseling Services. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Stephanie supports clients navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, intrusive memories, relationship stress, and major life transitions.
On the Trauma and PTSD Therapy page, Stephanie’s work reflects a compassionate, structured, and trauma-informed approach to helping clients feel safer, more grounded, and more supported as they process difficult experiences.
Stephanie is trained in a range of evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure-based strategies when clinically appropriate, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and mindfulness-based techniques. Her work focuses on helping clients reduce emotional reactivity, understand triggers, strengthen coping tools, and regain a greater sense of stability and control.
Stephanie believes in walking beside clients with empathy, clarity, and clinical skill. Trauma therapy is paced carefully so clients can build trust, grounding skills, and emotional safety before moving into deeper work.
Outside the therapy room, Stephanie has been featured on podcasts, radio shows, and panel discussions where she speaks about trauma recovery, PTSD, women’s mental health, and practical strategies for long-term healing.
View Stephanie’s profile on Psychology Today →
Contact us today for your Trauma and PTSD therapy session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma and PTSD Therapy
What is trauma and PTSD therapy?
Trauma and PTSD therapy helps individuals process overwhelming experiences and reduce the emotional, physical, and relational impact those experiences may continue to have. Therapy may include EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, grounding skills, and other evidence-based approaches.
How do I know if I have PTSD?
PTSD can include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, emotional triggers, avoidance, trouble sleeping, feeling constantly on edge, irritability, numbness, or difficulty feeling safe. A licensed therapist can help you better understand your symptoms and recommend appropriate support.
What types of trauma can therapy help with?
Trauma therapy can support people who have experienced abuse, accidents, loss, violence, medical trauma, childhood trauma, relationship trauma, sudden life changes, or other overwhelming experiences. Therapy is tailored to each person’s history, symptoms, and goals.
What does EMDR therapy do?
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, helps the brain process distressing memories so they feel less overwhelming. EMDR does not erase what happened, but it may reduce emotional intensity, triggers, and body-based distress connected to past experiences.
Is trauma therapy safe?
Yes. Trauma therapy should be carefully paced and collaborative. Your therapist will help you build grounding skills, emotional regulation tools, and a sense of safety before moving into deeper trauma processing.
Will I have to talk about everything that happened?
Not necessarily. Some trauma therapies, including EMDR, do not require you to describe every detail out loud. Your therapist will work with you in a way that feels safe, respectful, and manageable.
How long does trauma therapy take?
The length of trauma therapy depends on your history, symptoms, goals, support system, and comfort level. Some clients notice progress within several sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Can trauma therapy help with anxiety and emotional triggers?
Yes. Trauma therapy can help reduce anxiety, emotional reactivity, avoidance, intrusive memories, and body-based stress responses connected to past experiences. Therapy can also help you build tools for grounding and nervous system regulation.
Do you offer trauma and PTSD therapy in Scottsdale, AZ?
Yes. Pathways Counseling Services provides trauma and PTSD therapy in Scottsdale, AZ. Therapists support clients with trauma-related symptoms, PTSD, anxiety, emotional triggers, intrusive memories, and nervous system dysregulation.
Can trauma therapy be done through telehealth?
Yes. Trauma-informed therapy can often be provided through secure telehealth sessions when clinically appropriate. Some approaches, including EMDR in certain cases, may also be adapted for virtual therapy depending on the client’s needs.
What if I feel unsafe or have thoughts of self-harm?
If you are in immediate danger or may harm yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Therapy can provide ongoing support, but emergencies require immediate crisis care.
Do you accept insurance for trauma and PTSD therapy?
Pathways Counseling Services is a fee-for-service practice and does not bill insurance directly. If your insurance plan offers out-of-network mental health benefits, Pathways can provide a superbill that you may submit for possible reimbursement.
