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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."

A trauma is 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 resolve it — on your terms, in your own time. Regardless if you are seeking help to overcome a past childhood trauma or searching for complex ptsd therapists near me, the team at IBW is here to help.

Specialized Trauma Counselors Near Me in Tampa & St. Petersburg

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

    Paris McDonald, MS, LMHC

    Trauma Recovery & Couples Therapist | Veterans, Military & Military Families

    Specialties:

    EMDR-informed trauma therapy for veterans, first responders & military families

    Couples counseling, PTSD, anxiety, and identity transitions

    Education & Credentials:

    MS in Applied Clinical Psychology, University of South Carolina, Aiken

    Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida)

    US Army Veteran

    Populations Served: Veterans • First Responders • Couples • Adults • Teens
    Locations:Tampa Bay

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

    Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC

    Founder | Couples, Individuals & Child Trauma Therapist

    Specialties:

    Trauma-focused work with couples and individuals

    Childhood trauma and TF‑CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

    Education & Credentials:

    Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision (UCF)

    Master’s in Mental Health Counseling (University of Saint Joseph)

    LCS, LMHC, PhD-level supervisor

    Populations Served: Adults • Couples • Children • Adolescents • Families
    Locations:Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota

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

    Kaitlyn Shelp, MA, LMHC

    Infidelity & Trauma Recovery Therapist | ART Specialist

    Specialties:

    Infidelity trauma, betrayal recovery, and relationship repair

    Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma and anxiety

    Self-worth, emotional resilience, and identity healing

    Education & Credentials:

    Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Florida)

    Certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

    Populations Served: Individuals navigating betrayal & emotional trauma
    Locations:Tampa & St. Petersburg

  • 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 | Certified TF‑CBT Specialist for Adults & Children

    Specialties:

    Childhood trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, impulse regulation

    Couples therapy & marriage counseling

    Credentials & Training:

    MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, East Carolina University

    Certified in TF-CBT (NC CTP)

    Gottman Method Level 1

    Neurosequential Model in Therapeutics

    Populations Served: Children • Teens • Adults • Couples • Families
    Locations:Tampa & St. Petersburg

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

    Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW

    Child, Adolescent & Women’s Trauma Therapist

    Specialties:

    Trauma, anxiety, grief, and identity development

    Clinician-trained in EMDR & TF‑CBT

    Education & Credentials:

    MSW, University of Louisville, with mental health specialization

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Florida)

    Certified in EMDR & TF-CBT

    Populations Served: Teens • Women • Adults
    Locations:Tampa & Florida (virtual)

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

    Kelly Morrissey, MA, LMHC, LMFT

    Lifespan Integration & Family Systems Therapist

    Specialties:

    Complex trauma, inner-child healing, family systems

    Certified Lifespan Integration Therapist

    Credentials & Training:

    MA in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling, USF

    Certified in Lifespan Integration Therapy

    Qualified Supervisor, LMFT & LMHC

    Populations Served: Adults • Families • Couples • young adults
    Locations:Tampa

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

    Amanda Farris, MS, LCSW

    Holistic Trauma & Anxiety Therapist

    Specialties:

    EMDR-informed trauma therapy, DBT, ACT, somatic and mindfulness integration

    Attachment-focused therapy for adolescents and families

    Credentials & Training:

    MSW, University of South Florida

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Qualified Supervisor (Florida)

    Certified in EMDR, DBT, ACT

    Registered Yoga Teacher

    Populations Served: Teens • Adults • Couples • Families
    Locations:St. Petersburg

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

    Tyler MacDonald, MA, LMHC

    Men’s Trauma & Performance Counselor

    Specialties:

    Trauma, identity, and emotional healing in men

    Performance therapy for professionals, executives, and high-performers

    Education & Credentials:

    MA in Mental Health Counseling

    LMHC, specializing in men’s emotional wellness

    Populations Served: Men • Teen Boys • Executives • Surgeons • High-achievers
    Locations:St. Petersburg & Tampa

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

    Ashley Canto, MA, LMHC

    Child, Tween & Teen Trauma Specialist

    Specialties:

    TF‑CBT, Play Therapy & Parent-Child Relationship Training

    Childhood anxiety, trauma, and behavioral concerns

    Education & Credentials:

    MSW, University of South Florida

    Certified in TF‑CBT, CPT, PMT, Play Therapy, EFT, Motivational Interviewing

    Populations Served: Children (3+) • Tweens • Teens • Families
    Locations:St. Petersburg

trauma counseling near me

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.”

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

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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

  • Relationship trauma therapy - lasting trust and attachment injuries

What Is Intensive Trauma Therapy & 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

  • Individuals who have experienced complex trauma

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.

Types of Intensive Trauma Therapy

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Your Path to Healing Through Traumatic Therapy

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • When looking for a complex PTSD therapist near you, prioritize licensed clinicians with advanced training in trauma-specific methods such as EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, or somatic therapy. Because complex PTSD often stems from prolonged or repeated trauma, it’s important to find a therapist who understands how to work with layered triggers, attachment wounds, and emotional regulation

  • Yes. Somatic therapy addresses the body’s stored stress responses, which talk therapy alone may not fully resolve. It helps regulate the nervous system, reduce hypervigilance, and improve overall emotional stability.

Trauma Therapy Near Me in Florida

trauma therapy in st petersburg, fl

Our St. Petersburg therapy office provides compassionate, evidence-based trauma counseling for adults, teens, and children throughout Pinellas County — including Clearwater, Largo, Gulfport, Seminole, Feather Sound, and Treasure Island. Whether you’re healing from PTSD, complex trauma, relationship wounds, or childhood experiences that still affect you today, our trauma therapists in St. Petersburg offer personalized care.

 

trauma therapy in tampa, fl

Located near Westshore and South Tampa, our Tampa office provides expert trauma therapy for adults, teens, and children across Hillsborough County — including Hyde Park, Brandon, Riverview, and Apollo Beach. Our Tampa trauma therapists help clients heal from PTSD, complex trauma, and relationship wounds, offering approaches such as the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and other evidence-based trauma treatments.

 

Begin Your Healing Journey Today Supported by Trauma Therapists Near Me

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.