PTSD Treatment in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
PTSD is your body and mind’s natural response to overwhelming events and not a sign of weakness whatsoever. At IBW, we’ve supported hundreds of combat veterans, survivors of sexual assault, and adults who endured childhood abuse in finding relief from PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD).
Whether your trauma stems from violence, neglect, or sudden loss, the symptoms (flashbacks, anxiety, sleepless nights, and a constant feeling of being “on edge”) can feel exhausting and isolating. Our licensed trauma therapists in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota specialize in leading evidence based treatments such as EMDR therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy & Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Understanding PTSD and Its Impact
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a recognized mental health condition that develops after overwhelming or traumatic events. These events can include (but are not limited to) military combat, assault (including physical, sexual or a credible threat), accidents, natural disasters, physically and emotionally abusive relationships, and childhood abuse. Sometimes symptoms appear right away after the incident, many times they don’t surface until years later as Complex PTSD (C-PTSD).
PTSD is clinically defined as a lasting stress response after experiencing or witnessing trauma. It goes beyond normal fear by causing intrusive memories or flashbacks, nightmares, heightened anxiety, and avoidance of reminders of the event. If these symptoms persist for more than a month and begin to disrupt daily life, relationships, or sleep, it may be PTSD.
PTSD does not discriminate. It can affect children, adults, men, and women from every walk of life, at any time. What matters most is first identifying what you are facing, and then knowing that healing is possible. Almost everyday within our practice we help individuals reclaim their life, and begin writing a new story for themselves, a story which is filled with resilience, strength, and hope for the future.
Treatment for PTSD in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Effective PTSD treatment brings together several parts of healing. It starts with understanding what you are actually facing and feeling. From there, therapy helps you build healthy ways to cope with the situation itself and with the daily struggles that often follow, like trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or avoiding certain people and places. These can make healing harder and slow it down. Treatment also works to reduce the physical toll trauma takes on your body. Ultimately, it helps you regain control so you can rewrite the narrative and decide what your story looks like from here.
At It Begins Within, our licensed therapists use a personalized approach that may include evidence-based trauma therapies like EMDR, ART, and CPT, alongside coping skill development, mindfulness strategies, and stress management techniques. For some clients, collaboration with a psychiatric provider may be an option to manage severe symptoms. By tailoring and blending these approaches, we help individuals not only reduce symptoms but build lasting resilience and confidence in daily life.
ART uses guided eye movements and image rescripting to ease painful memories, often in just a few sessions, without having to describe the trauma out loud.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer trigger overwhelming PTSD symptoms.
CPT teaches new ways of thinking about the trauma, reducing guilt and fear while building healthier patterns for daily life.
Somatic therapy focuses on how trauma lives in the body, using grounding, breathwork, and movement to ease PTSD symptoms.
When appropriate, PTSD medication can reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and support therapy, providing a balanced path to recovery.
Licensed PTSD Therapists in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
-
![Roberta Bruni, LCSW, MCAP, Accelerated Resolution Therapy Master Practitioner for PTSD at It Begins Within Healing Center in St. Petersburg, FL]()
Roberta Bruni, LCSW, MCAP
Roberta Bruni is a Master Practitioner in Accelerated Resolution Therapy and also trained in EMDR, with more than 25 years of experience. In St. Petersburg, she treats PTSD, complex trauma, and the substance use that often follows, helping clients reduce the charge of traumatic memories.
-
![Paris McDonald, MS, LMHC, Army Veteran and PTSD therapist trained in EMDR and CPT at It Begins Within Healing Center in Tampa, FL]()
Paris McDonald, MS, LMHC
Paris McDonald is a U.S. Army Veteran and Tampa therapist trained in EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy. She focuses on PTSD in military members, veterans, first responders, and their families, helping clients process trauma and rebuild stability at home and in their relationships.
-
![Ciana Nguyen, LCSW, PTSD therapist for veterans and military families at It Begins Within Healing Center in Tampa and Sarasota, FL]()
Ciana Nguyen, MS, LCSW
Ciana Nguyen brings experience from Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare settings to her work with veterans, active-duty service members, and military families. Serving Tampa and Sarasota, she supports deployment stress and reintegration, and helps children and families process complex trauma.
-
![Ashley Canto, LCSW, certified TF-CBT therapist for children and teens with PTSD at It Begins Within Healing Center in St. Petersburg, FL]()
Ashley Canto, MS, LCSW
Ashley Canto is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and has more than five years of experience with children in high-trauma environments. In St. Petersburg, she helps children, teens, and their families build safety, resilience, and healthier ways to cope.
-
![Melissa Zentner, LMHC, child and adolescent trauma therapist trained in TF-CBT at It Begins Within Healing Center in St. Petersburg, FL]()
Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC
Melissa Zentner brings more than 12 years of experience helping children, teens, and adults heal from trauma. In St. Petersburg, she draws on Trauma-Focused CBT training from the North Carolina Child Treatment Program and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics from The Child Trauma Academy.
-
![Emma Groskind, LCSW, Certified EMDR Therapist for PTSD and trauma at It Begins Within Healing Center in Tampa, FL]()
Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW
Emma Groskind is a Certified EMDR Therapist through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and is certified in Trauma-Focused CBT. Based in Tampa, she helps adults and couples reprocess traumatic memories so the past no longer controls how they feel today.
-
![Amanda Farris, LCSW-QS, EMDR and somatic therapist for PTSD at It Begins Within Healing Center in St. Petersburg, FL]()
Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW
Amanda Farris has more than 10 years of experience and specializes in Attachment-Focused EMDR and somatic experiencing. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Qualified Supervisor in St. Petersburg, she helps teens, adults, and couples release trauma held in both the mind and the body.
-
![Dr. Alex Castañeda, PhD, LMHC, EMDR therapist for trauma and PTSD at It Begins Within Healing Center in Tampa, FL]()
Dr. Alex Castañeda, LMHC
Dr. Alex Castañeda holds a PhD in Psychology and has advanced training in EMDR. He treats trauma and process addiction in Tampa and offers virtual therapy to clients anywhere in Florida.
Recognizing Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can emerge after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, manifesting in a variety of physical and emotional symptomolgoy. Understanding these symptoms is the first step toward seeking trauma-informed therapy. Below, the key symptoms of PTSD will be explained, explore how they can differ across various individuals, and explain why early intervention is critical to prevent them from worsening.
Key Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms (trauma), can linger in the mind and body and typically are grouped into four main categories
Intrusive Thoughts - Unwelcome & distressing memories of the trauma that can present as vivid flashbacks, nightmares, or sudden recollections.
Avoidance Behaviors - You may go out of your way to avoid people, places, or activities that remind you of the trauma.
Mood Changes - Trauma can impact emotional wellbeing, leading to feelings of persistent sadness, guilt, or shame. You might even feel detached from loved ones or lose interest in hobbies that once brought joy. Most common mood changes result in anxiety and depression symptoms.
Physical Reactions - The body stays on high alert after trauma (fight or flight mode), resulting in symptoms like being easily startled, feeling tense or irritable, or struggling with sleep issues such as insomnia.
Children Suffering From PTSD
At It Begins Within, we specialize in helping children who have experienced trauma — from abuse and neglect, to loss or exposure to violence. PTSD often looks different in children than in adults, showing up as clinginess, tantrums, separation anxiety, nightmares, or regressions.
Our licensed child therapists use evidence-based approaches tailored for young clients, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR for children, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). These proven methods give kids the tools to process trauma safely, build resilience, and restore a sense of safety and stability at home and school.
Identifying PTSD Symptoms in Your Child
If your child has frequent nightmares, sudden mood changes, heightened anxiety, or avoids places that remind them of a traumatic event, they may be showing signs of PTSD. Early intervention can make all the difference — and we’re here to help.
Why PTSD Support Matters in Tampa Bay
At It Begins Within Therapy, we work with individuals and families across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. Post-traumatic stress doesn’t just affect veterans or survivors of severe trauma, it impacts people from all walks of life. This includes those navigating adversity from childhood, relationship trauma, and chronic stress.
Understanding the facts about PTSD
The National Center for PTSD, estimates that approximately 13 million U.S. adults have PTSD during a given year. Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
While another important study found that those suffering with untreated PTSD also significantly impacted their physical health. The link to negative physical ailments was clear: the likelihood of respiratory issues increased by 2.6x, the likelihood of suffering from migraines was 1.9x higher and a 1.4x increased likelihood of diabetes. Source: NIH
These national numbers mirror what we witness across our clients in Tampa, PTSD is more common and more disruptive than many people realize. But healing is absolutely possible with the right tools and support.
If you're seeking PTSD therapy in Tampa whether for yourself or a loved one, our team offers trauma-informed care designed to help you process what you've been through and regain a sense of peace.
PTSD Therapy Virtually & Near You in Florida
PTSD Therapy in St. Petersburg, FL
At It Begins Within Therapy in St. Petersburg, our licensed trauma therapists specialize in PTSD therapy, including EMDR, cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and exposure therapy for PTSD. We help adults and couples heal from trauma in a calm, supportive environment—serving communities across Pinellas County, including Clearwater, Largo, Gulfport, Seminole, Feather Sound, and Treasure Island.
PTSD Therapy in Tampa, FL
Our Tampa office is located near Westshore and provides personalized trauma treatment for adults, professionals, and families throughout Hillsborough County (including South Tampa, Hyde Park, Carrollwood, Brandon, and Riverview). Our therapists use evidence-based methods such as CBT for PTSD and EMDR trauma therapy to help reduce flashbacks, anxiety, and hypervigilance so you can rebuild a sense of safety and confidence.
In-Person PTSD Therapy in Sarasota, FL
Our Sarasota office offers in-person PTSD counseling for clients from Lakewood Ranch, Siesta Key, Venice, and Palmer Ranch. Our therapists specialize in trauma-focused care, integrating EMDR, mind-body therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD to help you process traumatic memories and restore calm to your nervous system.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD
Answers provided by It Begins Within Therapy Founder, Dr. Mary Perleoni, LMHC
What are the 7 symptoms of PTSD?
Dr. Perleoni: In my work with clients here in Tampa, PTSD often shows up in very real, day-to-day ways that can feel overwhelming. The classic symptoms fall into four main categories, but I see seven common struggles:
Intrusive memories – vivid flashbacks or distressing recollections that pop up when you least expect them.
Nightmares – dreams that disrupt sleep and make you dread going to bed.
Avoidance behaviors – steering clear of people, places, or conversations that bring the trauma back.
Negative mood changes – feelings of guilt, shame, or emotional numbness that make it hard to connect with loved ones.
Hypervigilance – being on constant alert, easily startled, or unable to relax in public spaces.
Difficulty concentrating – struggling with memory, focus, or finishing tasks at work or school.
Physical reactions – a racing heart, sweating, or nausea when triggered by reminders of the trauma.
If these symptoms last more than a month and start to interfere with daily life, that’s when I encourage seeking professional support. You don’t have to “just live with it.”
Can PTSD be healed?
Dr. Perleoni: I want to be very clear — healing from PTSD is absolutely possible. I’ve worked with combat veterans, survivors of abuse, and professionals who never thought life could feel normal again. With the right evidence-based therapies, most people notice significant improvement, often within the first few months. Recovery doesn’t erase what happened, but it does mean you can reclaim your life, find peace again, and move forward without feeling trapped by the past.
What is the best therapy for PTSD?
Dr. Perleoni: There isn’t a single “one-size-fits-all” therapy, because trauma affects each person differently. At our Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota therapy offices, we use approaches like:
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – helps shift unhelpful beliefs like guilt or self-blame.
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) – reprocesses traumatic memories so they lose their intense emotional charge.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) – Like EMDR, ART utilizes bi-lateral stimulation to help reduce the feeling of trauma in the body.
Some clients prefer a cognitive approach, others benefit more from body-based or somatic therapies. My role is to help match you with the approach that fits your story, your comfort level, and your goals.
How long do people with PTSD need to stay in therapy to get better?
Dr. Perleoni: This is one of the most common questions I get in Tampa. The honest answer is: it depends. For single-incident trauma (like a car accident), many people see major relief after 8–15 sessions of CPT or EMDR. With more complex or childhood trauma, treatment can take longer — sometimes 6 months to 2 years.
What I’ve seen consistently is that clients often start noticing shifts within the first month: better sleep, less reactivity, or more confidence in daily routines. Therapy length really depends on your trauma history, your support system, and your willingness to engage in the process.
What coping skills can I do on my own to help manage PTSD symptoms?
Dr. Perleoni: I always encourage my clients to build a toolbox of coping skills. A few that work well:
Grounding techniques – like the 5-4-3-2-1 method, to pull you back when flashbacks hit.
Breathing and muscle relaxation – to calm your nervous system during spikes of anxiety.
Mindfulness and journaling – to stay present and safely process emotions.
Exercise – even a 20-minute walk can help discharge trauma stored in the body.
Routine – structure creates predictability, which helps your brain feel safe.
These tools don’t replace therapy, but they can make daily life feel more manageable while we do the deeper work together.
What is Complex PTSD?
Dr. Perleoni: Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) usually comes from trauma that was prolonged and inescapable — like childhood abuse, domestic violence, or repeated relational trauma. Along with the typical PTSD symptoms, people with C-PTSD often struggle with emotion regulation, a negative self-concept, and difficulty trusting or staying connected in relationships.
Healing C-PTSD often requires a phased approach: first establishing safety and stability, then carefully processing trauma, and finally working on reconnecting with life and relationships. I’ve walked alongside many clients through this process, and while it takes time, the transformation can be profound.
What does a PTSD episode look like?
Dr. Perleoni: Episodes look different for everyone, but here’s what I often see in clients: a sudden flashback, zoning out, panic attacks, or feeling frozen in place. Sometimes it’s uncontrollable crying, other times it’s anger or withdrawal. Physically, people may shake, sweat, or feel their heart pounding.
If you’re with someone during an episode, the most helpful response is to stay calm, speak gently, and remind them they’re safe in this moment. In therapy, we practice skills to handle these episodes so that over time, they lose their intensity and frequency.
Schedule Free PTSD Therapy Consultation
We offer comprehensive mental health services and free consultations with all of our trauma therapists. If you’re searching for PTSD counseling, we would be honored to be a part of your healing journey.