PTSD Counseling

PTSD Counseling & Therapy in Virginia

Traumatic events can be hard on anyone, but time usually heals those wounds and self-care helps the person eventually cope and move forward. However, witnessing or experiencing something traumatic can lead to severe anxiety, flashbacks, and constantly dealing with uncontrollable emotions or thoughts that disrupt everyday life.

If you feel like you are stuck due to past or current trauma, MySpectrum Counseling & Coaching provides PTSD counseling in Virginia — regardless of where you live in the state. Our compassionate, professional services are available in-person and through one of our teletherapy options, including our Tele Veteran / Tele First Responder Therapy (/tele-vet-first-responder-therapy/).

Whether you are near our home office in North Chesterfield, our soon-to-open office in Springfield, or anywhere else in the state, our therapists can deliver convenient, comfortable care.

Types of PTSD Symptoms

The four types of common PTSD symptoms are:

  • Intrusive memories

  • Avoidance symptoms

  • Negative thought processes and mood changes

  • Physical and emotional reactions

PTSD symptoms may be categorized into one of these four types, but most people will experience a mix of types. For example, an individual may constantly deal with intrusive memories — so the person begins to avoid anything that could trigger those memories. The spectrum of PTSD symptoms is vast.

Common PTSD Signs and Symptoms

Individuals with PTSD can face a slew of unwelcome symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, hypervigilance, and even hallucinations. Many constantly relive the traumatic event in their thoughts, in nightmares, or in flashbacks. Most experience some level of employment or relationship problems due to their symptoms. In addition, many people experience physical health complications as a result of the ongoing and profound effects of PTSD. This is why at MySpectrum Counseling & Coaching, we focus on wellness… for you as a whole person.

You may need trauma counseling for PTSD if you:

  • Evade talking about the event or avoid reminders

  • Have issues trusting other people

  • Experience depression or anxiety

  • Feel like you are always “on edge” or “on alert”

  • Have turned to drugs or alcohol to cope

  • Find it hard to feel happy or feel anything

  • Have lost interest in things you once enjoyed

  • Are struggling to maintain a job, housing, or other basic needs

  • Have thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Some people with PTSD also develop immense feelings of shame or guilt, or deal with negative feelings or beliefs about their trauma and how it has affected their lives.

PTSD Risk Factors

Some factors can make you more likely to need post-trauma counseling than others, such as:

  • Being exposed to trauma for long periods

  • Experiencing trauma as a child

  • Having co-existing mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety

  • Having a history of substance abuse

  • Having close relatives with mental health conditions

  • Having a high-risk job where traumatic event exposure is common, such as emergency personnel or military

People who do not have a good support system in their life — whether that system is made of close family members or a few trusted friends — may also be more at risk of developing PTSD.

MySpectrum Counseling & Coaching

MySpectrum Counseling & Coaching is a trusted mental-health provider in North Chesterfield, VA with 15+ years of clinical experience helping children, teens, and adults thrive. Our licensed team — LPC, LCSW, LMFT — holds advanced certifications in CBT, DBT, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Play Therapy, and Substance Use Treatment. We are HIPAA-compliant, insured, and credentialed with major health plans across Virginia.

MySpectrum Counselling & Coaching is a 2023 Inc. 5000 “fast-growing business” honoree (Rank #244 nationally / #1 in Richmond), a recognition featured in the September 2023 issue of Inc. As a member of ChamberRVA, we follow high standards of accountability, community engagement, and ethics.

How PTSD Trauma Therapy Can Help

Even though most people survive traumatic experiences and move on soon after the event, just as many people have difficulty coping. PTSD trauma counseling can be the step you take that helps you reach a point when the traumatic events of the past no longer dictate your life, at least to the degree that they are now. Through counseling, you are given the tools you need to recognize stress reactions and learn how to cope with those reactions in a more positive way.

At MySpectrum Counseling & Coaching, we create tailored therapy and coaching plans for our clients to target their needs. Post-traumatic stress disorder counseling may involve several types of therapy — including anxiety counseling, grief counseling, and individual therapy. We believe that help should never be stigmatized — it should be invigorating for the individual.

Ready to regain control of your life? We’re here for you, waiting to give you a hand. Contact MySpectrum to find a trauma therapist who can help.

FAQs

What is MySpectrum Counseling & Coaching’s PTSD counselling?

Our PTSD counselling is focused on healing traumatic events that affect daily life, such as flashbacks, anxiety, or emotional distress.

How does therapy address PTSD symptoms?

Our therapy helps deal with symptoms like negative mood changes, intrusive memories, avoidance and strong physical or emotional reactions.

Do you handle work or relationships affected by trauma?

Our PTSD therapy is specifically designed to support people whose trauma affects their job, relationships, or overall life.

How do you provide PTSD counselling?

We provide both in-person and teletherapy counselling. You can choose what works best for you.

Do you offer weekend therapy appointments?

Yes. Weekend sessions are available by appointment based on clinician availability.

What kinds of therapy do you provide?

We provide tailored therapy plans, including individual therapy, anxiety counselling and grief support to fit your needs.

What our clients say

4.5 from 169 Google reviews

  • I really appreciate MySpectrum because they took my child on as a patient when I couldn't get any other practice to return my call. They returned my call promptly and did all they could to help us. We did Teletherapy and it worked very well. My child preferred Teletherapy over in person.
    Sandra M.
  • I have found my experience to be beneficial. Video chat connection has worked exceptionally well. I feel my provider has been dedicated and insightful. Communication with MySpectrum is quick and easy, there is always someone available to answer questions or promptly return voice mails.
    Hanna L.
  • I’ve worked with several counselors and therapists over the years and MySpectrum is by far the best experience I’ve had. Fantastic staff all around. Everyone is so supportive, from office staff to counselors.
    Courtney S.

Read more client reviews

130+ insurance plans accepted

Insurance and private pay accepted, and CareCredit is available

MySpectrum accepts many major insurance plans — including Medicare and Medicaid in Virginia, and some Medicaid plans in other states — and also welcomes private-pay clients. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and location. Our intake team can help verify benefits and explain private-pay options before scheduling.

  • UnitedHealthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • CareFirst BCBS
  • Optima Health
  • Tricare
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
See accepted plans & rates

Award-winning care

A Practice, Not a Platform. Real care. Right fit. Faster access. Our work has been recognized by Inc., by our own team, and by the communities we serve.

  • Inc. 5000 2023 honoree badge — MySpectrum ranked #244 Inc. 5000 — #244 nationally, #1 in Richmond (2023)
  • Inc. 5000 2024 honoree badge — MySpectrum ranked #1514 Inc. 5000 — #1514 nationally (2024)

Where we practice

We offer online counseling in 14 states where our licensed therapists are available, plus limited in-person sessions in Virginia. Select your state to see who is available.

Availability depends on therapist licensure, insurance participation, specialty, and current scheduling capacity. See the full map.

Ready to take the first step?

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our counseling therapists.