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

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I am a compassionate, progressive therapist who uses a modern approach to therapy that includes social justice, affirmation of self, and accountabilit... I am a compassionate, progressive therapist who uses a modern approach to therapy that includes social justice, affirmation of self, and accountability at the heart of each session. Read more

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I've had the pleasure of fostering great rapport with clients by helping them navigate the difficulties and challenges of their lives.

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My mission as a Hispanic mental health counselor is to provide personalized care for the members of my community so that they may lead a more positive... My mission as a Hispanic mental health counselor is to provide personalized care for the members of my community so that they may lead a more positive life. Read more

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As your provider, it is my duty to meet you where you are at, wherever that may be. I will work with you to develop an individualized, holistic care p... As your provider, it is my duty to meet you where you are at, wherever that may be. I will work with you to develop an individualized, holistic care plan that will allow you to achieve recovery and work towards turning your dreams into reality. Read more

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Victoria Baca Villagomez

Hear from Victoria Baca Villagomez, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

View Victoria Baca Villagomez's profile

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

We start by building the therapeutic relationship. We will work on relaxation and self-regulation skills from CBT and DBT approaches. If needed, we will also work on exposure to the traumatic memories. We will constantly work on cognitive restructuring.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

Some of the tools that are used are:

  • Grounding techniques
  • Relaxation skills
  • Dive response
  • Cognitive restructuring
  • Different skills to manage interpersonal relationships
  • Cognitive processing
  • Exposure therapy

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

I see progress when the client:

  • Stops experiencing nightmares, flashbacks, and/or intrusive thoughts
  • Has the ability to self-regulate in stressful situations
  • Experiences “perceived threats” without the fight or flight response getting activated
  • Is desensitized to past trauma

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

Clients can do:

  • Exercise
  • Yoga
  • Self Help groups
  • Acupuncture
Overall, activities that activate the parasympathetic nervous system for “rest and digest.”

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

You can explore your intentions. Reflect on what you hope to achieve or address in therapy.

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.

Need more help deciding?

Trauma and PTSD Therapy in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Trauma is a distressing experience that has a psychological impact on an individual. For example, someone who is physically assault, mentally or emotionally abused, a survivor of a natural disaster (like a tornado or hurricane), or a victim of bullying. There are many different events that can be classified as trauma—the decisive factor is whether the event has a serious impact on the individual who witnessed or experienced the traumatic event.

Victims of traumatic events often struggle in different areas of life after exposure to the event. Fortunately, help is readily available. Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) therapists and psychologists are experts in helping their clients to properly process their trauma, manage its impact, and ultimately get back to a normal life post-trauma. If you’ve experienced a traumatic event, it’s important that you get proper treatment. Consider reaching out to Thriveworks Counseling in Fort Lauderdale, FL to begin work with a trauma or PTSD therapist/psychologist. Call us today to schedule an appointment at (754) 400-5514.

Common Symptoms of PTSD: Flashbacks, Detachment, and More

Common symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Unwanted memories of the shocking or dangerous event
  • Flashbacks to the distressing experience
  • Distress from triggers that remind the individual of their trauma
  • Difficult falling or staying asleep
  • Lack of interest in day to day activities
  • Detachment from daily tasks and friends, family
  • Lack of positive emotions, such as happiness or fulfillment
  • Self-destructive behavior

If you are exhibiting these symptoms in your day to day after experiencing a distressing or dangerous event, reach out to Thriveworks Counseling in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They understand that your mind might be in a vulnerable state right now. They want to help you process your trauma and manage your symptoms so that you can heal properly and move on.

How Does Therapy for Trauma or PTSD Work?

There are different approaches to trauma or PTSD therapy. Popular and effective approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Your therapist or psychologist will determine which approach might be the right approach for you, based on your unique experience, symptoms, and goals for therapy. Common goals in trauma or PTSD therapy are…

  • Processing and accepting trauma
  • Learning new coping tools
  • Improving daily functioning
  • Getting back to “normal”
  • Feeling happy and excited again

What do you want out of therapy for trauma or PTSD? What are your specific goals? Discuss your ideas with your Thriveworks therapist or psychologist. As we mentioned previously, they will consider these goals when they design your treatment plan.

Schedule Trauma Therapy at Thriveworks Counseling in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Are you searching for therapy in Broward County after experiencing a traumatic event? Bearing witness to a scary, shocking, or dangerous event can have a long-term or even lasting impact. But it doesn’t have to. The trauma and PTSD therapists at Thriveworks Counseling in Fort Lauderdale, FL want to work with you to guide you on a journey of healing. They have the skills, the training, and the experience to provide you with the help that you need to move forward with your life. They know that you are capable of becoming that happy person again. And their confidence and support will help you get there.

If you are ready to schedule an appointment, give Thriveworks a call at (754) 400-5514. We can’t wait to meet you!

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 Fort Lauderdale therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • APEX Memorial Hermann

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Florida Blue | BCBS | Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Florida Blue | Medicare Advantage

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Fort Lauderdale
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 recently switched from "Doctors On Demand" to "Thriveworks." I am seeing both a psychiatrist and a talk therapist. Both have thus far been exceptional. My psychiatrist is thorough in evaluating how medications are effecting me and advising possible alternatives if we need to reconsider a course of action. I appreciate his holistic approach to my treatment, probing how diet and other lifestyle choices may impact my emotional well being. My talk therapist listens carefully to me, shares a central theme that emerges from our session and recommends exercises that help delve deeper into issues that impact my ability to cope and thrive. I amvery happy with their service. Thank you.
Read more I recently switched from "Doctors On Demand" to "Thriveworks." I am seeing both a psychiatrist and a talk therapist. Both have thus far been exceptional. My psychiatrist is thorough in evaluating how medications are effecting me and advising possible alternatives if we need to reconsider a course of action. I appreciate his holistic approach to my treatment, probing how diet and other lifestyle choices may impact my emotional well being. My talk therapist listens carefully to me, shares a central theme that emerges from our session and recommends exercises that help delve deeper into issues that impact my ability to cope and thrive. I amvery happy with their service. Thank you.
Monty Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Kaitlyn is outstanding! She is a thorough listener with wonderful recommendations and treatment plans.
Read more Kaitlyn is outstanding! She is a thorough listener with wonderful recommendations and treatment plans.
Kyle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Amazing experience. I like it
Johnny Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Pedro is a warm and empathetic clinician. He is a great listener and provides excellent feedback while making you feel comfortable opening up. I highly recommend Pedro!
Read more Pedro is a warm and empathetic clinician. He is a great listener and provides excellent feedback while making you feel comfortable opening up. I highly recommend Pedro!
Fort Lauderdale Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Although, I haven't known Pedro for a long time it is clear that it doesn't take a long time to realize Pedro is compassionate, helpful and a supportive person. Pedro encourages friends and colleagues to strive to their highest potential. Pedro has immaculate management skills. I remember Pedro consistently emphasizing the importance of treating people the way you would like to be treated.
Read more Although, I haven't known Pedro for a long time it is clear that it doesn't take a long time to realize Pedro is compassionate, helpful and a supportive person. Pedro encourages friends and colleagues to strive to their highest potential. Pedro has immaculate management skills. I remember Pedro consistently emphasizing the importance of treating people the way you would like to be treated.
Fort Lauderdale Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Pedro is an excellent clinician who's primary concern is his clients wellbeing. He goes above and beyond to provide the best clinical care for his patients, and creates an individualized treatment plan to help assist with their specific needs. The clinical world is far better off having someone like this practicing in the field.
Read more Pedro is an excellent clinician who's primary concern is his clients wellbeing. He goes above and beyond to provide the best clinical care for his patients, and creates an individualized treatment plan to help assist with their specific needs. The clinical world is far better off having someone like this practicing in the field.
Fort Lauderdale Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Fort Lauderdale is located at 2425 E Commercial Blvd #405, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Phone number

(754) 219-9481

Languages spoken by FL providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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