Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops when the brain's threat-detection system gets stuck in high alert after a traumatic experience. The event is over, but the body and mind keep responding as if it isn't. Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbing, and avoidance are not signs of weakness — they are signs of a nervous system that learned to survive.
PTSD Symptoms
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic event
- Hypervigilance — a constant sense of being on guard or in danger
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations that trigger memories
- Emotional numbing or feeling detached from others
- Negative beliefs about yourself or the world ("I am broken," "nowhere is safe")
- Irritability, anger outbursts, or difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
Racial PTSD
Research increasingly recognizes that chronic exposure to racism can produce PTSD-like symptoms — a condition sometimes called racial PTSD or race-based traumatic stress. The ongoing nature of racism means the "threat" never fully passes, which makes standard PTSD treatment protocols insufficient on their own. Our therapists are trained to address this specific presentation.
Evidence-Based Treatment
We use EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, and somatic approaches to treat PTSD. These are among the most well-researched trauma treatments available, and we adapt them to honor the cultural context of each client.