Trauma Therapy in NYC
Compassionate Trauma Therapy to Help You Heal, Grow, & Reconnect with Yourself
Are past experiences making it hard to move forward? Keeping you feeling stuck?
Have you ever found yourself replaying painful memories, feeling on edge without knowing why, or struggling to fully trust others even when you want to? Do you notice yourself getting stuck in patterns that don’t make sense logically, but feel impossible to break?
Trauma doesn’t always “come knocking at your door” to announce itself as ONE BIG EVENT. Sometimes, it’s an overwhelming experience; other times, and most often, it’s a collection of small but painful moments that build up over time, and sometimes it’s just everything. However it shows up, its imprint often lingers — in anxiety, depression, difficulties in relationships, or even a subtle sense that you can’t fully trust yourself or others.
When the weight of past experiences keeps on re-surfacing, it can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself, unsafe in your own body, or unsure if you’ll ever be able to move forward. And more than anything, all you want is to feel grounded, safe, AND reconnect with yourself.
You’re Not Alone: How Trauma Shows Up
Trauma doesn’t always come from one single event. Sometimes it’s passed down through families and communities, showing up as generational or cultural trauma. Experiences like systemic racism, immigration struggles, war, poverty, or family patterns of neglect can leave lasting marks, even if you didn’t experience them directly. These imprints can quietly shape how you see yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.
For others, trauma can emerge through caring for those in pain — what’s often called vicarious trauma. Therapists, healthcare workers, teachers, first responders, and caregivers may carry the emotional weight of others’ suffering, leading to exhaustion, anxiety, or even numbness. If this sounds familiar, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you — it means you’re human. And the good news is that trauma therapy can help you recognize these patterns, release the weight you’ve been carrying, and begin to feel safe and whole again.
How Trauma Therapy Helps
Your Reactions Are Human
In psychodynamic therapy, we understand that the past never really stays “in the past” — it continues to shape how you see yourself, how you relate to others, and how safe you feel in the world. The coping strategies that once protected you may now feel limiting, but they developed for a reason. Your symptoms are not flaws; they’re signals of resilience, and they can also be the starting point for deeper healing.
How We’ll Work Together
At Montclair Counseling Collective, our approach to trauma therapy is deeply relational. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens in connection. In our work together, therapy becomes a safe space to explore the patterns and triggers that keep you stuck. Over time, you’ll begin to notice how the past shows up in the present, and more importantly, how you can shift your responses.
In sessions, we’ll move at your pace, focusing on what feels safe and manageable. Together, we’ll look at the ways old experiences may still be influencing your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. You’ll begin to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and learn new ways of relating — to others, and to your own inner world.
Why Choose Montclair Counseling Collective
Here, therapy isn’t just about solving problems — it’s about reconnecting with yourself in a deeper, more meaningful way. Our work is grounded in trust, care, and a trauma-informed, relational framework. Dr. Christina Clemons, a licensed psychologist in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, brings over a decade of experience supporting individuals facing trauma, anxiety, and depression. She’s worked with a diverse range of clients—from young children and college students to retired veterans—with care that is thoughtful, inclusive, and connection-oriented.
Dr. Clemons draws from her own winding journey—from culinary school to counseling psychology—to inform her compassionate practice. She blends psychodynamic insights with cultural responsiveness and a dedication to affirming historically marginalized identities, especially within AAPI and LGBTQIA+ communities. At Montclair Counseling Collective, you’re seen, supported, and valued just as you are — and you bring everything you are, which is more than enough to begin healing.
Questions You Might Have About Trauma Therapy
Do I have to retell my whole story?
No. Trauma therapy moves at your pace and focuses on what feels safe. You don’t have to share everything all at once — or ever — for healing to begin. Our work is about creating safety and connection first.
What if therapy hasn’t worked for me before?
Every therapist and every approach is different. Here, the relationship matters. Together, we’ll collaborate and tailor the process to your needs, so therapy feels supportive and relevant to your life right now.
How long will it take?
Healing doesn’t follow a set timeline, and it looks different for everyone. What matters most is taking the first step. Each session is an opportunity to move closer to feeling more grounded, understood, and whole.
What if I feel nervous to start?
That’s completely normal. Beginning trauma therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been carrying your experiences alone for a long time. We’ll go slowly, honoring your comfort level, so that the process feels safe and manageable.
Beginning trauma therapy can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Montclair Counseling Collective, we offer a safe, relational space where your pace, your story, and your identity are honored. What makes us different is our commitment to inclusive, trauma-informed care — supporting not only individuals, but also those navigating generational and cultural trauma.
If you’re ready, you can start with a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re the right fit. From there, we’ll move forward together, step by step, toward helping you feel grounded, connected, and whole again.