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 15 therapists in Connecticut available for an online or in-person session.
Cristina Perera

Hear from Cristina Perera, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

View Cristina Perera's profile

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

I prefer to use cognitive processing therapy (CPT), which provides psychoeducation about trauma and how to develop coping mechanisms. This approach helps clients change their thinking about the trauma.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

Throughout my years of experience, I have found that when trauma occurs, the brain will not allow any clear recall until the person is ready to process the event. Information about the trauma has to be presented slowly, with attention to the client's emotional state and boundaries.

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

Clients are making progress when they are no longer mentally going back to the time of the trauma, nor are they avoiding the subject.

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

When triggered, clients can attempt to change the narrative they are telling themselves in the moment.

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

In my opinion, the first session of PTSD therapy doesn't require preparation. I focus on meeting the client where they are and providing a safe and comfortable environment to help them discuss trauma.

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 New Haven therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Connecticut Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Connecticare

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at New Haven
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 New Haven reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I started seeing Cristina after I suffered a tremendous loss. She has been a light in my healing journey and I feel so lucky to have connected with her. I cannot recommend her enough and know that anyone who has the fortune of receiving her care is in great hands!!
Read more I started seeing Cristina after I suffered a tremendous loss. She has been a light in my healing journey and I feel so lucky to have connected with her. I cannot recommend her enough and know that anyone who has the fortune of receiving her care is in great hands!!
New Haven Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Cristina Perera is helping me in many ways to get out of my fears and insecurities in my life! I really will live appreciating her as a great therapist!!!
Read more Cristina Perera is helping me in many ways to get out of my fears and insecurities in my life! I really will live appreciating her as a great therapist!!!
New Haven Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Christina is one amazing counsler. She has helped tremendously with my marriage and business relationships.
Read more Christina is one amazing counsler. She has helped tremendously with my marriage and business relationships.
New Haven Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Overall, my experience with Thriveworks has been fantastic. My wife and both sought counseling after having some tough times, and Thriveworks quickly connected us with therapists that have had a positive impact on our lives. The continuing support has been invaluable. Getting insurance and payment info processed is also smooth and efficient. I would definitely recommend the service to anyone looking for help.
Read more Overall, my experience with Thriveworks has been fantastic. My wife and both sought counseling after having some tough times, and Thriveworks quickly connected us with therapists that have had a positive impact on our lives. The continuing support has been invaluable. Getting insurance and payment info processed is also smooth and efficient. I would definitely recommend the service to anyone looking for help.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My husband and I have been attending marriage counseling for a few months now and Christina has been great. She is so down to earth and really tries to understand us as a couple and individuals. Her style is unique and very hard to find.
Read more My husband and I have been attending marriage counseling for a few months now and Christina has been great. She is so down to earth and really tries to understand us as a couple and individuals. Her style is unique and very hard to find.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve been in and out of therapy most of my life. I’ve worked with many different providers in people and doctors, and I have to say that I have found my match. Finally, after all these years, wonderful can’t say enough good things will continue to use the service for many years to come, or at least until I figure out all my own stuff.
Read more I’ve been in and out of therapy most of my life. I’ve worked with many different providers in people and doctors, and I have to say that I have found my match. Finally, after all these years, wonderful can’t say enough good things will continue to use the service for many years to come, or at least until I figure out all my own stuff.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Christina has been a blessing. She has a way of listening that helps you come to an understanding of the current situation on your own and doesn't push anything on you.
Read more Christina has been a blessing. She has a way of listening that helps you come to an understanding of the current situation on your own and doesn't push anything on you.
New Haven Feb 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Carolnette Graham is a friend and a confidant and also one of the therapist at Thrive Counseling New Haven. She is a great listener, thoughtful, empathic, kind hearted, compassionate, sweet and warm. She gives some of the best advice. A2qfter a talk with her you will see immediate improvement in your situation because of how she takes her time to let you talk and then help you to figure out how you feel about the situation and what leads to you feeling that way. She is also friendly and full of energy. She is indeed a nice and helpful individual.
Read more Carolnette Graham is a friend and a confidant and also one of the therapist at Thrive Counseling New Haven. She is a great listener, thoughtful, empathic, kind hearted, compassionate, sweet and warm. She gives some of the best advice. A2qfter a talk with her you will see immediate improvement in your situation because of how she takes her time to let you talk and then help you to figure out how you feel about the situation and what leads to you feeling that way. She is also friendly and full of energy. She is indeed a nice and helpful individual.
New Haven Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry New Haven is located off of Sherman Ave, just east of Monitor Square and west of the Hospital of St Raphael. We're inside the Sherman Medical Building, along with Renal Research Institute New Haven Home Dialysis and Quest Diagnostics. The closest bus stop is George St and Sherman Ave. 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

(203) 633-8772

Languages spoken by CT providers

  • Russian
  • English
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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