PTSD Therapy in Phoenix, AZ

PTSD therapy with Dr. Howe offers a supportive and confidential space for individuals to process the emotional and psychological impact of trauma. Using evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dr. Howe helps clients identify and manage the symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional numbness. Each therapy session is tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual, fostering healing and emotional resilience.

Early intervention in PTSD therapy is crucial for effective recovery. Dr. Howe works collaboratively with clients to create a personalized treatment plan, offering strategies to regain emotional balance, rebuild self-worth, and improve daily functioning. Through therapy, individuals can develop the tools needed to process trauma, heal from its effects, and move toward a fulfilling life.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This may include situations such as combat, natural disasters, serious accidents, physical or sexual assault, or witnessing violence. PTSD can also result from prolonged exposure to stressful or abusive environments, such as childhood trauma or ongoing workplace stress. The impact of these events can be long-lasting, affecting emotional health and day-to-day functioning. Therapy for PTSD aims to help individuals process their trauma, regain emotional balance, and rebuild their sense of safety.

SYMPTOMS OF PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can manifest in various ways, affecting how an individual feels, thinks, and behaves. These symptoms can be triggered by reminders of the traumatic event, and they may interfere with everyday life. Common symptoms of PTSD include:

Flashbacks

Reliving the traumatic event as if it’s happening again.

Nightmares

Disturbing dreams related to the trauma.

Hypervigilance

Being constantly "on edge" or easily startled.

Emotional Numbness

Feeling detached from others or unable to experience emotions fully.

Avoidance

Steering clear of people, places, or activities that are reminders of the trauma.

Difficulty Trusting Others

Struggling to feel safe or trusting those around you.

These symptoms can affect work, relationships, and overall well-being, which is why therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals manage and process their trauma.

Treatment for PTSD

PTSD therapy is most effective when it addresses both the emotional and cognitive aspects of trauma. At Dr. Howe Psychology, treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs, using evidence-based approaches to help individuals process their trauma, manage distress, and rebuild emotional resilience. Dr. Howe primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but also integrates other therapeutic approaches as needed to provide comprehensive care.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most effective and commonly used treatments for PTSD, helping individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns related to trauma. It assists in reframing distorted beliefs and building healthier coping strategies, reducing symptoms such as hypervigilance and flashbacks.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT encourages individuals to accept their difficult emotions and trauma-related thoughts without avoidance, while committing to actions aligned with their values. This helps clients develop greater psychological flexibility and improve their ability to engage in meaningful activities despite distress.

Adlerian Therapy

This approach explores how early life experiences and perceptions of self can shape current behavior. Adlerian techniques help individuals understand their coping mechanisms, build purpose, and improve interpersonal relationships.

Strength-Based Approach:

This method focuses on identifying and building on an individual’s inherent strengths, resilience, and coping resources. It emphasizes empowerment, encouraging clients to use their personal strengths to navigate the challenges of PTSD.

Each treatment plan is customized to address the specific needs and goals of the client, ensuring a supportive and healing environment for long-term recovery.

Effective therapy begins with a supportive environment where clients feel safe, respected, and understood. Dr. Howe creates a confidential space grounded in empathy and professionalism, where individuals can explore their experiences and work toward meaningful, lasting change.

Collaboration: Therapy is a partnership. Each treatment plan is shaped by the client’s goals, values, and lived experience—ensuring that progress is practical, relevant, and aligned with what matters most.

Trust: Building trust is central to the therapeutic process. Dr. Howe offers consistent, nonjudgmental support, encouraging openness and honest reflection at every stage of the journey.

Confidentiality: Client privacy is treated with the highest level of ethical care. Sessions are held in a secure, respectful setting where personal information is protected with discretion and integrity.

What to Expect from PTSD Therapy

Beginning for a PTSD Therapy can feel like a big step, but Dr. Howe’s process is designed to be clear, supportive, and focused on your unique needs from the very first session.

1

Initial Consultation

 Discuss your trauma history, symptoms, and therapy goals to build trust and tailor your treatment plan.

2

Personalized Treatment Plan

Dr. Howe will create a treatment strategy based on your specific symptoms, needs, and recovery goals.

3

Therapeutic Sessions

Sessions focus on symptom relief, emotional healing, and processing trauma using evidence-based techniques like CBT and EMDR.

4

Ongoing Support

 Regular check-ins and adjustments to your treatment plan ensure continuous support and progress toward recovery.

Dr. Savana Howe

About Dr. Savana Howe

Dr. Savana Howe is a licensed clinical psychologist with years of experience helping individuals navigate personal challenges. She specializes in providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Dr. Howe’s approach is collaborative, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions. Her goal is to empower clients to understand themselves better and make meaningful changes that promote emotional well-being and personal growth.

Benefits of PTSD Therapy

PTSD therapy with Dr. Howe provides real, achievable outcomes to help you regain control over your life. Benefits include:

Improved Emotional Regulation

Learn to manage emotions effectively and reduce emotional reactivity to trauma triggers.

Reduction in PTSD Symptoms

Decrease symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance, improving overall quality of life.

Better Relationships and Social Connections

Therapy helps rebuild trust, improve communication, and restore meaningful connections with others.

Increased Sense of Safety and Trust

Develop greater emotional stability, creating a feeling of safety in your environment and relationships.

Reconnection with Self-Worth and Purpose

Build confidence, rediscover your identity, and regain a sense of purpose and direction in life.

Getting Started

Contact Dr. Howe today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation and begin your journey toward better mental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

PTSD is typically treated through a combination of therapy, medication, and supportive techniques. Dr. Howe primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients address the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma. While Dr. Howe focuses on therapy, the treatment plan can also include other methods to ensure a holistic approach to healing. Treatment options include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is the most commonly used therapy for PTSD. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to trauma-related symptoms.

     

  • Medication: Antidepressants (such as SSRIs or SNRIs) and anti-anxiety medications are often prescribed to help manage symptoms like depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Treatment plans can include cooperation with other healthcare professionals for medication management.
  • Exposure Therapy: A form of CBT, exposure therapy helps individuals gradually confront trauma-related memories in a safe environment, reducing fear and avoidance behaviors.

     

  • Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance coping mechanisms.

     

Support Groups: Group therapy or peer support groups provide a sense of community, allowing individuals to share their experiences and gain emotional support from others with similar struggles.

Each individual’s treatment plan is customized, with regular assessments to adjust the approach as needed, helping individuals heal and regain control over their lives.

The length of PTSD therapy depends on the severity of symptoms and individual progress. Generally, clients begin to see improvements after a few months of therapy. Treatment duration can vary, but Dr. Howe works with each client to establish a personalized plan, with regular progress assessments to determine if adjustments to the plan are needed. Some individuals may continue therapy for several months, while others may benefit from periodic check-ins after achieving significant progress. Sessions can be conducted in-person or through telehealth for flexibility and convenience.

PTSD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation, which includes discussing your trauma history, current symptoms, and their impact on daily life. Dr. Howe may use standardized assessments or questionnaires to measure symptom severity and to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. A clear diagnosis is based on your experiences, the duration of symptoms, and their effects on your emotional and physical well-being. This thorough evaluation helps to determine the most effective treatment plan for your specific needs.