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Trauma Therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg

Intensive Trauma Therapy & Counseling Near Me

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Trauma can take many shapes, while some experiences are unmistakably painful, others affect us in ways we can’t always see, name, or even recall initially. Our skilled, trauma-informed therapists in Tampa and St. Petersburg help individuals uncover, process, and heal from the deep wounds trauma leaves behind.

Understanding Trauma & Trauma Therapy

Trauma doesn’t always look like what people expect. It can stem from a single event, or it can build slowly over time (through emotional neglect, betrayal, or even unmet needs stemming from childhood). You might not even recognize it as trauma, but the symptoms show up like anxiety, disconnection, shame, or a regular feeling of being "on edge."

At It Begins Within, we view trauma as anything that overwhelms your ability to cope and leaves a lasting impact on your sense of safety, identity, or worth. Through our work in Tampa and St. Petersburg, we help people just like you uncover what’s underneath the surface and begin to heal.

Whether you’re carrying the weight of complex trauma, or experiencing unresolved pain from something more recent, our trauma-informed therapists offer a safe, non-judgmental space to guide you through exploring, processing, and growing through your trauma.

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What is Trauma?

Trauma isn’t just what happened to you, it’s what happened inside you as a result. It’s the fear, confusion, or overwhelm that can stay in your body long after the moment has passed. Sometimes it comes from something obvious, like an accident, assault, or a deep personal loss. Other times, it comes from things that built up silently like emotional neglect, betrayal, or deeper seeded attachment issues that can stem from when you were young.

“Trauma isn’t always about what happened — it’s about how your brain and body learned to survive. When those survival responses keep firing long after the danger is gone, that’s when trauma therapy can truly help.”
— Dr. Mary Perleoni, LMHC | Founder & Trauma Therapist, It Begins Within

People often live with trauma symptoms without realizing their root. Feeling emotionally numb, reactive, constantly anxious, or disconnected from yourself or others doesn’t mean you’re broken — it means you’ve been carrying more than your nervous system was meant to handle alone.

At It Begins Within, our role is to help you name it, understand it, and begin to resolve it — on your terms, in your own time.

What Trauma Therapy Looks Like at It Begins Within

Everyone experiences trauma differently, which means healing should never be one-size-fits-all treatment plan. At It Begins Within, our approach to trauma counseling is personalized, evidence-based, and grounded in a deep sense of compassion. Whether you're managing the aftershocks of a single experience or unraveling the complex layers of long-term emotional pain, our therapists meet you exactly where you are. Without judgment, and at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Trauma Counseling in Tampa & St. Petersburg

Trauma therapy isn’t limited to “big” or “obvious” events. It’s about how those experiences impacted you. We specialize in helping people across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties heal from:

  • Sexual abuse or assault (including childhood or adult experiences)

  • Loss or grief—losing a loved one, divorce, sudden life changes

  • Childhood trauma—emotional neglect, domestic violence, unstable caregivers

  • Emotional abuse—gaslighting, manipulation, or betrayal in relationships

  • Medical trauma—life-altering diagnoses, surgeries, or hospitalizations

  • Accidents or disasters—car crashes, natural disasters, physical injuries

  • Military or combat trauma (veterans, first-responders and their families)

  • Betrayal trauma—infidelity, abandonment, lies that shattered trust

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What Is Intensive Trauma Therapy — and Is It Right for You?

Intensive trauma therapy is designed for those who feel stuck in traditional sessions or need a deeper dive into their healing journey. It’s particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced complex trauma, are navigating acute distress, or prefer a more immersive experience for healing.

Who Is It For?

  • Clients feeling plateaued in traditional weekly therapy

  • Survivors of childhood trauma or unexpected life events

  • Those seeking more rapid stabilization and healing

In contrast to standard therapy, which often occurs on a weekly basis, intensives consist of longer sessions (90 minutes to 3 hours) across one or more days. This format allows for deeper processing without the usual emotional start-and-stop.

Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy Modalities We Use

The training and skill of a trauma therapist lies in knowing which approach each unique person needs, and when to use it. At It Begins Within, that’s exactly what you can expect. Our clinicians aren’t generalists, they’re highly trained in specific types of trauma and deeply experienced in the modalities that support healing most effectively.

Our therapists are trained in a range of powerful, trauma-informed approaches, including:

What is the Best Therapy for Trauma?

Here’s the honest (and maybe slightly disappointing) truth from Dr. Mary Perleoni - There is no one “best” therapy for trauma. Trauma lives in the body, the nervous system, and the stories we tell ourselves. While evidence-based options like EMDR, ART, CBT, and somatic therapy are powerful, the best approach is the one that meets you where you are.

An example of a clients healing journey from trauma

“We started with more traditional talk therapy and shadow work to explore unconscious beliefs. Then, once she had enough internal safety, we moved into EMDR and body-based techniques — helping her not just understand the trauma, but finally release it. Later, we rewrote the narrative with CBT to reflect her resilience and power.”

Specialized Trauma Counselors in Tampa & St. Petersburg

  • Paris, trauma therapist in Tampa specializing in EMDR for couples and military veterans

    Paris McDonald, MS, LMHC

    EMDR Trauma Therapist for Veterans & First-Responders in Tampa

  • Dr. Mary Perleoni, trauma therapist specializing in infidelity and IVF-related emotional trauma

    Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC

    Infidelity & IVF Trauma Therapist in St. Petersburg

  • Kaitlyn, advanced ART trauma therapist using SART for infidelity and relationship healing

    Kaitlyn Shelp, MA, LMHC

    Certified SART & ART Therapist for Infidelity & Relational Trauma in Tampa

  • Melissa, TF-CBT trauma therapist in Tampa with a focus on women’s issues and childhood emotional trauma

    Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC

    Trauma-informed Therapist for Women & Children, Certified in TF-CBT

  • EMDR-certified women’s trauma therapist based in Tampa, Florida

    Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW

    EMDR Trauma Therapist in Tampa Specializing in Women’s Trauma

  • rauma specialist using Lifespan Integration for long-term trauma recovery and integration

    Kelly Morrissey, MA, LMHC, LMFT

    Lifespan Integration Therapist for Complex Trauma & Inner Child Healing

  • Amanda, holistic trauma therapist using EMDR, parts work, and mind-body techniques in Tampa

    Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW

    EMDR & Somatic Therapist for Shadow and Parts Work in Tampa

  • Tyler, trauma-informed therapist helping men heal emotional wounds and trauma in St. Pete

    Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC

    Men’s Trauma Therapist in St. Petersburg Specializing in Identity & Emotional Healing

  • Ashley, child trauma specialist in Tampa using play therapy and TF-CBT with kids and teens

    Ashley Canto, MA, LMHC

    Child & Adolescent Trauma Therapist Using Play Therapy and TF-CBT

trauma counseling near me

Your Path to Healing from Trauma | Key Takeaways

  • Trauma manifests in many forms—it's not always visible, but its impact on your emotional and physical well-being is real.

  • Healing is possible, and you don't have to navigate this journey alone.

  • It Begins Within offers personalized, trauma-informed therapy in Tampa and St. Petersburg, tailored to your unique experiences and goals.

  • Our top-rated Tampa therapists utilize various evidence-based modalities—including EMDR, ART, TF-CBT, and more, to support your personalized healing process.

  • Intensive trauma therapy provides an option for deeper, more focused work for those ready to accelerate your healing.

Understanding Trauma in Tampa & Beyond

At It Begins Within Healing Center, we offer trauma therapy to support Tampa & St. Petersburg residents. Trauma affects more in our community than you may be aware of, which is reflective of national studies such as:

  • The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), which found that 70% of U.S. adults have faced a traumatic event. Source: NIMH

  • The National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), reporting that untreated trauma significantly increases the risk of lifetime anxiety disorders (30.5%) and major depression (20.4%) among those exposed. Source: National Comorbidity Survey Replication

These studies highlight the need for healing in Tampa, where personal and local challenges like hurricanes add to the burden. Our personalized approach helps you process trauma and rebuild hope. Ready to start? Our Tampa Bay team is here for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy

How do I know if I need trauma therapy?

If you're experiencing symptoms like anxiety, emotional numbness, flashbacks, trust issues, or ongoing distress after a painful event, trauma therapy may be helpful. People often seek support after sexual abuse, grief, childhood neglect, infidelity, divorce, assault, or medical trauma. If your past still affects your present, it’s time to reach out.

What’s the difference between regular therapy and trauma-informed therapy?

Trauma-informed therapy takes into account the lasting impact of trauma on the brain, body, and behavior. It prioritizes safety, consent, and empowerment throughout the process. Our therapists at It Begins Within are specifically trained to avoid retraumatization and use therapeutic methods proven to support trauma recovery.

Who is a good candidate for intensive trauma therapy?

Intensive trauma therapy is ideal for people who need more than weekly sessions, feel stuck or emotionally overwhelmed, or want to work through trauma at a deeper pace. It’s especially helpful for those healing from complex trauma, childhood abuse, or recent life-shaking events.

Do you offer trauma therapy for children and teens?

Yes. We have therapists specially trained in child and adolescent trauma therapy using interventions like play therapy, TF-CBT, and parent-child techniques. We support children who’ve experienced family disruption, abuse, grief, bullying, or other forms of emotional distress.

How do I know if I have unresolved trauma?

Unresolved trauma can show up as anxiety, irritability, emotional numbness, trouble sleeping, flashbacks, or difficulty in relationships. If past experiences still affect how you feel or respond today, trauma therapy can help you make sense of those patterns and begin to heal.

Is trauma therapy available in-person or virtually?

Yes. We offer trauma therapy both in-person at our Tampa and St. Petersburg offices and virtually for clients across Florida. You can choose the setting that feels safest and most convenient for you.

Begin Your Healing Journey Today

Let us support you in healing from the past, coping with the present, and instilling hope for the future. Your path to inner peace starts here.