PTSD Treatment in Gainesville, FL
After a frightening or overwhelming experience, it is natural to feel shaken. But when nightmares, flashbacks, constant alertness, or avoidance continue for weeks or months, you may be living with post-traumatic stress disorder. At Sage Wellness in Gainesville, FL , our trauma-informed therapists use proven methods, including EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy, to help you heal without having to relive every painful detail.
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What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing events such as a car accident, physical or sexual assault, abuse, sudden loss of a loved one, violence, natural disaster, or medical trauma. PTSD keeps the brain’s threat system on high alert, so reminders of the event can trigger the same fear and body reactions as the original experience. Trauma is about the impact on your life, not about whether your experience was “bad enough.” Learn more about our broader trauma treatment services.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Avoiding people, places, or conversations that remind you of the event
- Feeling on edge, easily startled, or hypervigilant
- Irritability, anger outbursts, or difficulty concentrating
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Guilt, shame, numbness, or feeling disconnected from others
- Difficulty remembering parts of the event
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
EMDR and ART for PTSD
Our therapists are trained in two highly effective, evidence-based trauma therapies: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Both use bilateral stimulation, usually guided eye movements, though tapping or audio tones can be used, to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. As a result, memories lose their emotional charge, and triggers can become much less intense.
One benefit of these approaches is that you do not need to describe your trauma in detail. ART also helps clients replace negative images with positive ones, and many clients report relief within just a few sessions. Our counselors also integrate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), DBT skills for emotional regulation, and mindfulness to help you feel safe in your body again.
Compassionate Care for Every Survivor
PTSD affects adults, teens, and children. We provide individual therapy for adults, kids and teens counseling for younger survivors, and couples therapy or family therapy when trauma affects relationships at home. Group therapy can also ease the isolation that often follows trauma.
PTSD commonly overlaps with symptoms treated through our anxiety treatment and depression treatment, as well as panic attacks and grief and loss. Explore all conditions we treat or meet our trauma therapists.
If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, call 911, call or text 988, or call the Alachua County Crisis Center at 352-264-6789.
PTSD Treatment FAQs
Can PTSD be treated?
Yes. Evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and trauma-focused CBT help many people significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and reclaim their lives.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. EMDR and ART allow the brain to reprocess memories without requiring you to describe every detail of what happened.
How quickly does ART work for PTSD?
Many clients report relief within one to two ART sessions, though the number of sessions needed depends on your history and goals.
What is bilateral stimulation?
Bilateral stimulation uses guided eye movements, tapping, or audio tones that alternate between the left and right sides to help the brain reprocess distressing memories.
Can PTSD develop years after an event?
Yes. Symptoms can appear soon after an event or emerge months or years later, often during periods of stress or when something triggers a memory.
Do you treat PTSD in children and teens?
Yes. Our kids and teens counselors provide trauma-informed care and work closely with parents to help young clients feel safe and supported.
Is PTSD therapy available by telehealth?
Many trauma therapy approaches can be provided through secure telehealth for Florida residents. Your therapist will help you decide whether in-person or virtual sessions are best.
Begin Healing From Trauma
Your past does not have to define your future. Call or text (352) 474-8882 - 8th Ave Office or (352) 474-8882 - Haile Village Office to schedule a free phone consultation with a trauma-informed therapist at Sage Wellness.
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