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Childhood is supposed to be a time of safety, love, and connection. But for many, it’s marked by neglect, chaos, or fear. If you’ve experienced early life adversity, it can shape the way you move through the world—even decades later. One of the areas where this impact often shows up most clearly is in adult relationships.

At Austin Trauma Therapy Center (ATTC), we work with individuals across Texas who are navigating the long-term effects of childhood trauma. Whether the trauma was emotional, physical, or relational, its imprint can affect everything from trust and communication to self-worth and attachment.

Understanding how trauma in adults shows up in relationships is a key step toward breaking cycles and building healthier connections.

What Counts as Childhood Trauma?

Childhood trauma isn’t always loud or obvious. It might look like:

• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Growing up with a caregiver who was emotionally unavailable
• Being raised in an environment with addiction, violence, or mental illness
• Experiencing neglect—feeling unseen, unheard, or uncared for
• Facing poverty, systemic racism, or immigration-related stress

Even one prolonged or unprocessed experience can affect the developing brain, nervous system, and emotional world of a child.

How Trauma Follows Us Into Adulthood

The brain is built for survival. When a child is exposed to trauma, their brain learns to expect danger. As adults, these survival patterns can become relational patterns—even when the danger is gone.

Here’s how that might show up:

1. Fear of Abandonment

If love felt unsafe or inconsistent growing up, you might struggle to believe people will stay. This can lead to clinging, over-apologizing, or anxiety in relationships.

2. Emotional Numbing or Avoidance

Some folks shut down instead. If emotions were punished or ignored as a child, you may now have trouble feeling close to others—or even recognizing your own feelings.

3. Trust Issues

When caregivers violated your trust, it’s hard to believe others won’t do the same. Suspicion or defensiveness can become a default.

4. Low Self-Worth

Childhood trauma can shape beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t deserve love.” These beliefs can make it easier to accept toxic or one-sided relationships.

5. Difficulty with Boundaries

Growing up in an unsafe or chaotic home might have taught you that saying “no” isn’t allowed. As an adult, you may feel guilt for setting limits or struggle to know what boundaries even are.

Attachment Styles and Trauma

Many people who experienced childhood trauma develop insecure attachment styles. These are patterns formed in early relationships and carried into adult ones:

• Anxious attachment: Craving closeness but constantly fearing rejection.
• Avoidant attachment: Keeping others at arm’s length, even if you want connection.
• Disorganized attachment: Swinging between clinginess and withdrawal, often linked to unresolved trauma.

Understanding your attachment style is a powerful way to make sense of your relationship struggles—and to start changing them.

Healing Is Possible

Just because trauma shaped your past doesn’t mean it has to define your future. At ATTC, we take a holistic, person-centered approach to healing. We don’t just focus on the symptoms—we explore the root causes. Our team uses evidence-based practices like EMDR, CBT, and somatic therapy to help you process old wounds and develop new, healthier patterns.

Whether you’re in a relationship, recently out of one, or trying to figure out how to connect with others, therapy can help you:

• Recognize and name patterns
• Rebuild trust in yourself and others
• Learn emotional regulation tools
• Practice boundary setting without guilt
• Heal from shame and cultivate self-compassion

We offer trauma counseling both in-person and virtually across Texas, and we’re committed to making our services accessible and inclusive—especially for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.

What You Can Do Right Now

Healing from trauma in adults takes time. But here are a few small steps that can start to shift your relationships:

• Journal about your triggers: What situations bring up strong reactions?
• Notice your self-talk: Would you speak to a friend the way you speak to yourself?
• Practice saying no: Start with something small. Boundaries are a muscle—you build them over time.
• Get curious, not critical: Instead of judging your patterns, ask, “Where did I learn this?”
• Reach out for support: You don’t have to do this alone.

Final Thoughts

Childhood trauma doesn’t disappear just because you grew up. But healing is real—and it’s within reach. If your relationships feel hard or confusing, it’s not a personal failure. It’s often an echo of earlier wounds trying to be heard.

At Austin Trauma Therapy Center, we’re here to listen, support, and walk with you through the process of healing. You don’t have to carry the weight of the past alone. Together, we can help you create the kinds of relationships you’ve always deserved—starting with the one you have with yourself.

Taking the step to begin trauma counseling is an act of courage. If you’re reading this, you might already be considering it—or maybe you’ve already scheduled your first appointment and are feeling nervous about what’s coming next. That’s totally normal. The first trauma therapy session often brings a mix of emotions: relief, anxiety, fear, and hope all bundled together.

At Austin Trauma Therapy Center (ATTC), we know how important that first step is. We’ve helped many individuals navigate trauma recovery with care, compassion, and a deep respect for the stories they carry. Knowing what to expect can ease some of the worry and help you feel more grounded as you begin this journey.

What the First Session Is (and What It Isn’t)

Let’s get this out of the way: your first trauma therapy session isn’t about spilling everything all at once. You don’t have to dive into your deepest pain on day one. In fact, we encourage pacing yourself. The first session is mostly about building trust, getting to know your therapist, and beginning to create a space where you feel safe.

This is your time—and your therapist will respect your boundaries.

What You’ll Talk About

Here’s a general idea of what may happen in that first meeting:

• Introductions and connection

You’ll get to know your therapist and they’ll get to know a little about you. Expect a warm, supportive tone—this isn’t an interrogation.

• Why you’re seeking therapy

You might be asked what brought you in. You can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. It’s okay to say, “I’m not sure where to start.”

• Your background

This could include your family, relationships, work life, and health history. It helps your therapist understand your world and any factors that might influence your healing.

• What trauma therapy looks like at ATTC

Your therapist may walk you through treatment options like EMDR, somatic work, or CBT. You’ll talk about what you hope to gain and set some gentle goals together.

• Questions you might have

This is your space to ask anything—whether it’s about the therapy process, how sessions work, or what confidentiality really means.

What You Won’t Be Asked to Do

There are a few things that won’t happen during your first trauma therapy session, and it’s important to name them:

• You won’t be forced to retell traumatic events in detail.
• You won’t be judged for anything you say—or for not saying much at all.
• You won’t be expected to have everything figured out.

This session is about starting, not fixing everything.

How We Create a Safe Space at ATTC

Safety isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, cultural, and relational. At ATTC, we prioritize creating an inclusive environment, especially for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities who’ve experienced systemic or identity-based trauma. Our diverse team is trained in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive practices, and we lead with compassion every step of the way.

We offer both in-person and virtual options for trauma counseling throughout Texas, so you can choose what feels best for you. Accessibility matters. That’s why we also offer sliding scale fees and accept many major insurance plans.

How to Prepare for Your First Session

You don’t need to come in with a script, but here are a few things that might help:

• Jot down your thoughts beforehand: Anything that’s been weighing on you, goals for therapy, or questions you might have.
• Bring what helps you feel grounded: This might be a small object, journal, or even headphones if you’re attending virtually.
• Wear something comfortable: Whether you’re meeting in person or online, feeling physically at ease can support emotional openness.
• Know that it’s okay to cry—or not: There’s no right way to “do therapy.”

After the First Session

You might feel relieved. You might feel tired. Some people even second-guess themselves. That’s all normal. The first session can stir up emotions you’ve held in for a long time.

We encourage you to give yourself space afterward—go for a walk, journal, talk to someone you trust, or just rest. Processing takes time, and every small step you take is part of the healing process.

Trauma Counseling Is a Partnership

At ATTC, therapy isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about walking alongside you as you heal. We listen, we validate, we offer tools—but you set the pace. Our goal is to empower you, not pressure you.

Whether you’ve lived through a recent trauma or are uncovering the layers of past experiences, trauma therapy can help you reconnect with safety, trust, and a sense of self.

Final Thoughts

Starting therapy is a brave move. It means you’re choosing yourself, your healing, and your future. Your first trauma therapy session is just one part of that journey—but it’s a big one. At Austin Trauma Therapy Center, we’re honored to support you through every stage of the process.

You don’t have to walk through trauma alone. Let’s begin this path together—with patience, with care, and with the deep knowing that healing is possible.

Not all trauma looks the same. Some survivors carry a single event that altered the course of their lives—like a car crash, an assault, or a natural disaster. Others have been through trauma that’s long-term, layered, and built into the rhythms of daily life—such as childhood abuse, emotional neglect, or ongoing interpersonal violence. Both experiences can leave deep psychological wounds, but the impact and healing process can look very different.

That’s why understanding the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder) is so important. At Austin Trauma Therapy Center (ATTC), we work with individuals across this entire trauma spectrum. We know that naming your experience is often the first step in reclaiming your story.

What Is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after a single traumatic event that threatens your safety or overwhelms your nervous system. This might include events like:

• A serious car accident
• Natural disasters
• Physical or sexual assault
• Combat or war exposure

People with PTSD often experience:

• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Avoidance of reminders of the event
• Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
• Emotional numbness or disconnection

It’s a survival response that didn’t shut off once the danger passed. The body stays “on alert,” even when the threat is no longer present.

What Is C-PTSD (Complex PTSD)?

C-PTSD can develop from chronic, repeated trauma, especially when the trauma occurred in early life or within relationships. These experiences may include:

• Childhood abuse or neglect
• Long-term domestic violence
• Human trafficking
• Systemic oppression or intergenerational trauma

While PTSD and C-PTSD share some symptoms, C-PTSD often includes added layers of emotional and relational distress, such as:

• Deep feelings of shame or guilt
• Difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships
• Negative self-perception (“I’m broken” or “I don’t deserve love”)
• Dissociation or feeling disconnected from one’s body
• Ongoing emotional dysregulation or explosive anger

The CPTSD vs PTSD distinction matters because C-PTSD isn’t just about surviving one event—it’s about surviving systems, cycles, and environments that were unsafe over time.

Why Diagnosis Can Be Complicated

One of the reasons people struggle to get accurate help is that C-PTSD isn’t officially recognized as a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5 (used widely in the U.S.). It is, however, recognized by the World Health Organization in the ICD-11. Many clinicians—including our team at ATTC—recognize and treat C-PTSD as a valid and distinct form of trauma response.

Too often, survivors of complex trauma are misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or treatment-resistant depression. While those conditions are real, mislabeling trauma as something else can delay real healing.

How ATTC Supports Trauma Recovery

At Austin Trauma Therapy Center, we specialize in trauma-informed care that honors the complexity of each client’s experience. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD or C-PTSD, our team meets you with compassion, curiosity, and culturally responsive approaches. We offer:

• EMDR to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thought patterns
• Somatic and body-based practices to reconnect with safety in the body
• Narrative and parts work to help untangle internal conflicts
• Social justice-oriented therapy that validates experiences of systemic oppression

We also provide support for marginalized communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled folks. Our therapists are trained not only in trauma treatment but in healing-centered, socially conscious care.

Why Understanding Matters

Knowing the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD isn’t just about diagnosis—it’s about validation. Survivors of complex trauma often go years without understanding why they feel stuck, disconnected, or “too sensitive.” Being able to name what you’re going through brings relief, clarity, and direction for recovery.

Not all trauma looks the same. Some survivors carry a single event that altered the course of their lives—like a car crash, an assault, or a natural disaster. Others have been through trauma that’s long-term, layered, and built into the rhythms of daily life—such as childhood abuse, emotional neglect, or ongoing interpersonal violence. Both experiences can leave deep psychological wounds, but the impact and healing process can look very different.

That’s why understanding the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder) is so important. At Austin Trauma Therapy Center (ATTC), we work with individuals across this entire trauma spectrum. We know that naming your experience is often the first step in reclaiming your story.

What Is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after a single traumatic event that threatens your safety or overwhelms your nervous system. This might include events like:

• A serious car accident
• Natural disasters
• Physical or sexual assault
• Combat or war exposure

People with PTSD often experience:

• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Avoidance of reminders of the event
• Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
• Emotional numbness or disconnection

It’s a survival response that didn’t shut off once the danger passed. The body stays “on alert,” even when the threat is no longer present.

What Is C-PTSD (Complex PTSD)?

C-PTSD can develop from chronic, repeated trauma, especially when the trauma occurred in early life or within relationships. These experiences may include:

• Childhood abuse or neglect
• Long-term domestic violence
• Human trafficking
• Systemic oppression or intergenerational trauma

While PTSD and C-PTSD share some symptoms, C-PTSD often includes added layers of emotional and relational distress, such as:

• Deep feelings of shame or guilt
• Difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships
• Negative self-perception (“I’m broken” or “I don’t deserve love”)
• Dissociation or feeling disconnected from one’s body
• Ongoing emotional dysregulation or explosive anger

The CPTSD vs PTSD distinction matters because C-PTSD isn’t just about surviving one event—it’s about surviving systems, cycles, and environments that were unsafe over time.

Why Diagnosis Can Be Complicated

One of the reasons people struggle to get accurate help is that C-PTSD isn’t officially recognized as a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5 (used widely in the U.S.). It is, however, recognized by the World Health Organization in the ICD-11. Many clinicians—including our team at ATTC—recognize and treat C-PTSD as a valid and distinct form of trauma response.

Too often, survivors of complex trauma are misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or treatment-resistant depression. While those conditions are real, mislabeling trauma as something else can delay real healing.

How ATTC Supports Trauma Recovery

At Austin Trauma Therapy Center, we specialize in trauma-informed care that honors the complexity of each client’s experience. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD or C-PTSD, our team meets you with compassion, curiosity, and culturally responsive approaches. We offer:

• EMDR to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thought patterns
• Somatic and body-based practices to reconnect with safety in the body
• Narrative and parts work to help untangle internal conflicts
• Social justice-oriented therapy that validates experiences of systemic oppression

We also provide support for marginalized communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled folks. Our therapists are trained not only in trauma treatment but in healing-centered, socially conscious care.

Why Understanding Matters

Knowing the difference between PTSD and C-PTSD isn’t just about diagnosis—it’s about validation. Survivors of complex trauma often go years without understanding why they feel stuck, disconnected, or “too sensitive.” Being able to name what you’re going through brings relief, clarity, and direction for recovery.

Trauma doesn’t ask for permission. It crashes into your life and leaves behind shattered pieces—memories, beliefs, and patterns that can make everyday life feel overwhelming. For many trauma survivors, the path to healing is anything but linear. One day might feel full of hope, and the next might feel like you’re back at square one. What often makes the difference in that journey isn’t perfection or progress—it’s self-compassion.

At Austin Trauma Therapy Center (ATTC), we’ve seen firsthand how powerful self-compassion can be in trauma healing. It’s not just a buzzword or a feel-good phrase. It’s a skill—one that helps survivors gently confront pain without turning that pain into self-judgment.

Why Self-Compassion Matters in Trauma Recovery

After experiencing trauma, many people blame themselves. “Why didn’t I leave sooner?” “Why wasn’t I stronger?” These thoughts are common—and they’re heavy. Self-judgment feeds shame, and shame keeps you stuck.

That’s where self-compassion in trauma recovery comes in. It’s the practice of treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a close friend. Sounds simple, right? But for trauma survivors, it’s often one of the hardest things to do.

Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Reduces shame: Self-compassion quiets the voice that says “I’m broken” and replaces it with “I’m healing.”
• Builds emotional resilience: When you stop beating yourself up, you have more energy to actually deal with your emotions.
• Improves therapy outcomes: Research shows that those who practice self-compassion respond better to trauma-focused therapies like EMDR and CBT.
• Supports nervous system regulation: Kindness toward yourself helps bring your body out of fight-or-flight mode.

The Three Elements of Self-Compassion

According to Dr. Kristin Neff, self-compassion has three main parts. At ATTC, we often integrate these into our therapeutic work:

1. Self-kindness vs. self-judgment
   Trauma often leaves behind a harsh inner critic. Self-kindness means replacing that voice with gentleness.
2. Common humanity vs. isolation
   Trauma can make you feel like you’re the only one struggling. Realizing that pain is part of the human experience helps ease that loneliness.
3. Mindfulness vs. over-identification
   This is about noticing your emotions without drowning in them. You don’t have to deny your pain—but you don’t have to become it, either.

How ATTC Supports Self-Compassion in Therapy

At Austin Trauma Therapy Center, we understand that survivors of trauma come from all walks of life—and carry unique, complex stories. That’s why we tailor every approach to the individual. Whether you’re exploring trauma healing through EMDR, talk therapy, or somatic work, we incorporate self-compassion as a tool for emotional regulation and growth.

Here’s how it might show up in session:

• Guiding you to name and validate your feelings
• Helping you reframe harmful internal narratives
• Teaching body-based techniques that promote safety and calm
• Practicing compassionate self-talk during exposure or memory processing
• Creating rituals that affirm your progress, no matter how small

We also recognize the impact of systemic trauma, including racism, transphobia, xenophobia, and generational oppression. Our team stands firmly with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, offering trauma-informed care that is culturally responsive and justice-centered.

Everyday Ways to Practice Self-Compassion

Therapy is a powerful space to build self-compassion, but it doesn’t stop there. Here are some things you can do at home:

• Talk to yourself like someone you love: Would you call your best friend “weak” for having a panic attack? Of course not. You deserve that same softness.
• Create a safety statement: A short phrase like “I am safe now” or “It wasn’t my fault” can bring grounding during flashbacks.
• Allow imperfection: Healing isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about showing up again and again, no matter how messy it feels.
• Rest without guilt: Sometimes the most radical act of self-love is taking a nap.
• Surround yourself with support: Community—whether online or in person—can reinforce compassion when your inner critic gets loud.

Why Self-Compassion Is a Revolution

Choosing to be kind to yourself after trauma is a radical act, especially in a culture that rewards productivity over presence. It pushes back against the shame that trauma tries to plant in your body. And it invites healing—not through pressure, but through patience.

At ATTC, we believe that every survivor deserves more than just coping tools. You deserve to feel whole again. Through evidence-based therapy and a commitment to justice and inclusion, we help clients build the skills to carry that wholeness with them—starting with self-compassion.

The Bottom Line

If you’re ready to begin or continue your trauma recovery journey, we’re here for you. At Austin Trauma Therapy Center, our doors (virtual and in-person) are open to anyone seeking trauma healing with compassion at the center.

1. What causes ADHD? 

Many people think that ADHD is a result of trauma, but is it true? The answer is yes, but more for some people than others. The truth is that 90% of the time ADHD is not caused by trauma, but if the trauma is extreme enough, it can cause severe ADHD-like symptoms.

When we think of ADHD, we often think of a small child running around with a box of crayons, covered in marker, and completely absorbed by the world around him. While this is the most obvious example of ADHD in action, the truth is that ADHD is a neurological condition that impacts many adults as well. (In fact, many children who were labeled as hyperactive grow up to be adults that are diagnosed with ADHD.) So how do we know if someone is struggling with ADHD? Is their trauma causing the issue, or is there another issue in the mix?

2. Is ADHD caused by trauma? 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a mental disorder that affects children and adults. ADHD causes a person to have trouble concentrating and focusing, as well as hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Most often, ADHD is treated with medication. (Or in extreme cases of ADHD, with electroshock therapy!) While it may be tempting to assume that a hyperactive child was abused as a child (or that an adult who constantly feels distracted or impulsive suffers from some sort of trauma), science does not back up this assumption. The correlation between ADHD and childhood trauma is relatively low, so unless a child has been diagnosed with ADHD, it’s safe to assume that the symptoms are part of a developmental delay.

Having ADHD can be extremely stressful, and it can be even more stressful if you grew up in an abusive home. But is it possible that those who have ADHD also experienced some kind of trauma? That’s the question being asked by many ADHD and mental health experts. Research has shown that ADHD has biological origins, and that the symptoms are caused by changes in the brain. But what about trauma? If you experienced trauma as a child, it is possible that you may also be at risk for developing ADHD.

3. How Does Trauma Cause ADHD? 

Does trauma cause ADHD? ADHD is a complex condition, and it’s likely that there are many causes behind it. Many people believe that trauma can contribute to ADHD, but the exact way it does it isn’t clear. What we do know is that ADHD is more common among people who have experienced trauma, and there are some theories as to why this happens. If you’re struggling with ADHD, it’s a good idea to look into the possible connection between trauma and ADHD. You may have a lot more support than you think.

Many people who have ADHD were never diagnosed with it before they got into treatment. In fact, many times, the reason that a person is in trauma therapy is because they are struggling with a mental health disorder. If that is you, and you are in the process of getting treated for ADHD, it is important that you know how trauma causes ADHD.

4. How do you treat ADHD?

While trauma is a known trigger for ADHD, it is not the only cause of the condition. A dual diagnosis is often the best way to treat a patient with ADHD, since it allows them to be treated using a combination of medications and psychotherapy, which are often more effective when used together.

It’s no secret that people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an increased risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While the connection between trauma and ADHD is well-established in the scientific literature, it is also clear that the link between the two conditions is not entirely understood. For instance, many researchers believe that ADHD may actually cause PTSD; this means that individuals with ADHD are more likely to have traumatic experiences in the first place. Or, it is possible that PTSD and ADHD share common risk factors.

Learn more about our ADHD Coach in Austin and how they can help you reach your goals.

How much does therapy cost in 2024? The cost for therapy is one of the greatest barriers to mental health treatment. While the cost of therapy is a very real concern, it is often possible for people to access free or low-cost therapy, especially if they live in large metropolitan areas.

Average Cost of Therapy Sessions

In most areas of the country, a person can expect to pay $100-$250 per session. This is the typical rate for a therapist in Austin, Texas. Should you choose to see a therapist outside of your insurance network, you will find that therapists charge different rates depending on their office location, level of education, and degree of expertise in their field.

Some therapists may charge as much as $200 or more per session, but most will charge $115-$175 a session. Many therapists work with a sliding scale fee schedule, which means their fee will depend on your income level.  Therapy tends to be more expensive when the therapist is an expert in a highly specialized field or treats an unusual or challenging condition.

Some therapists also charge more for a longer initial consultation. Couples counseling is typically more expensive due to the therapist seeing both parties as a couple. If you use insurance, your therapist’s office can create a ledger for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. If costs are an issue, many areas have community mental health agencies that provide therapy at a reduced fee. Contigo Wellness is an affordable option for providing anti-racist healing through a decolonized and destigmatized therapy lens.

How much Does Therapy Cost with Insurance?

Under the Affordable Care Act, all insurance plans must cover mental health care. Additionally, people with insurance usually have some coverage for therapy. In most cases, they must choose a therapist within their network. They may also have to meet other criteria, such as having a mental health diagnosis, meeting a deductible, or getting a referral for treatment. Consequently, even people with insurance may opt to pay for their therapy out of pocket.

When people pay for therapy through insurance, they typically must pay a co-pay. Insurance co-pays vary widely, from just a few dollars to $50 or more. In that case, you will likely be limited to however many sessions your insurance will pay for, which can vary. Keep in mind that if you decide to utilize insurance, your provider will have full access to your session information as well as diagnosis. Also, you’ll want to check with your insurance provider to ensure they cover behavioral health, and to determine the deductible amounts.

How Much Does Therapy Cost Without Insurance?

If you do not have insurance, or you wish not to file with your insurance provider for privacy reasons, you can expect to pay the standard rate as set by your local therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. As discussed, this rate could be anywhere from $105 to $250+ per hour-session. Some Associate therapists may charge less than this amount.

How Much Does Online Therapy Cost?

Online therapy is usually fairly affordable and convenient. Since you will be attending therapy sessions online in the comfort of your own home, or while traveling, you can often schedule your therapy sessions for times that are the most convenient for you. Session fees can cost $105-150 depending on private pay and insurance. Some insurance companies will not pay for telehealth (online) therapy sessions.

Today, many states require insurance providers to cover online therapy just as they would traditional therapy sessions. Contact your insurance company to learn more about how online treatments will be covered by your policy. Online therapists often offer affordable treatment options for those who are not covered by health insurance. Read more on Advantages and Disadvantages of Remote Therapy, here.

How to Pay for Therapy

For many people, insurance offers the best option for funding therapy. Try calling your insurer to ask about mental health coverage and to get a list of in-network providers. Additionally, some therapists offer therapy on a sliding-scale basis. Consider asking about this option when you interview therapists. Some employee assistance and benefit programs also offer help paying for therapy. Contigo Wellness is offering barrier free mental healthcare and healing funding on a limited basis.

Is There a Way to Get Free Therapy?

A number of clinics are working to expand access to health care services, including mental health services, by offering free or discounted treatment. The National Association for Free and Charitable Clinics, for example, offers free and low-cost care.

Some other options for finding free therapy in your area include:

• Contacting your state’s department of public or community health. Many offer community mental health clinics or referrals to free or low-cost services.
• Enrolling in studies for mental health conditions. If you have a specific diagnosis, your local college or university may be researching your diagnosis. You can often get free care, including medication and therapy, by enrolling in such a study.
• Seeking care at a college or university clinic. If you are a student, you may be eligible for free care at your college or university. If you are not a student but are located near a university that has a mental health care program, students in that program may offer free treatment to meet licensure requirements.
• Many universities offer free or sliding-scale therapy programs to people pursuing training as therapists. Try calling schools near you to ask about access to low-cost therapy.
• Many therapy practices also employ novice therapists who need experience. These interns or apprentices may offer free or low-cost mental health care.
• Telehealth services, which offer counseling online or on the phone, may also be more affordable.

Getting Therapy Help

Therapy can be expensive, particularly when you look only at the price tag and not the total value. However, therapy can also offer significant benefits, including an improved outlook. People who are less productive because of depression, who suffer from compulsive shopping or gambling, and who experience problems at work may ultimately have a positive shift in behaviors as a result of therapy.

Even when therapy does not offer a direct economic benefit, it can greatly and permanently improve a person’s life. Check out our blog on Trauma and PTSD for more information on negative behaviors which can persist as a result of not being in therapy.

People considering therapy should consider the overall value of therapy, not just the cost. We hope we were able to provide clarification for the FAQ “how much does therapy cost?” To find an Austin therapist who can bring real value to your life, contact us, today.

When choosing a psychiatrist or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), it’s important to choose one that is right for you. It’s important to share your concerns. Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can have different areas of expertise, so not all Psychiatrists/PNPs are right for you.

Some psychiatrists and PNPs may not be comfortable with certain types of mental health disorders or with certain medications or treatment approaches such as working with individuals with complex trauma or treating ADHD. It’s important to find a psychiatrist who is trauma-informed and also is medication informed and helps educate the client on medication symptoms and side effects, as well as long-term impacts of psychotropics and medication use.

What’s the difference between a Psychiatrist and PNP?

Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are health professionals who specialize in mental disorders. Psychiatrists have completed medical school, a residency program in psychiatry, and then may go on to further subspecialize in areas such as child, adolescent, or geriatric psychiatry.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners have specific training through a master’s degree program and/or clinical specialty, and are also able to prescribe medications (under a medical doctor’s supervision).

Though some psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners provide similar services, each type of health professional has their own education and training.

The psychiatrist is usually the doctor who will be involved with diagnosing and prescribing psychiatric medications. The psychiatric nurse practitioner may work with a supervising psychiatrist to help patients explore other treatment options or also prescribe medications under supervision. PNPs also refer them to another mental health professional, such as a mental health therapist. Although, again, a PNP can also prescribe medications under a doctor’s supervision.

Where do you find a Psychiatrist or PNP?

You can find psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners in a variety of settings including private practices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, residential settings, etc. Simply doing a Google search can help you located a psychiatrist or PNP near you.

How much does a Psychiatrist or PNP Cost?

Psychiatrists often charge between $200 – $350 per appointment. A PNP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner) visit often costs between $150 – $250. These are the costs for people who pay without insurance.

If you have insurance, you will have to pay the co-pay and/or deductible or other charges, as determined by your insurance provider. Be sure to ask about payment and additional charges when making your appointment. If you want to find psychiatrists or PNPs that take your insurance, see our article on How to Find a Psychiatrist or PNP in Your Area.

If you want to know more about how to choose a psychiatrist or PNP who is right for you, contact us for more info and we’ll be happy to help!

Do I need a therapy…Or when should I see a therapist? Everyone experiences periods of stress, sadness, grief and conflict, especially during this pandemic. When we experience these very normal emotions, it can be challenging to determine when it may actually be time to see a therapist, and when it is just a situational moment causing the temporary emotions.

1 in 5 Adults in America Have a Mental Health Disorder

Well, the truth is one in five American adults suffer from mental illness, which is a lot. Additionally, only about 40-60 percent are actually in treatment. This low rate of seeking treatment can be attributed to the stigma and fear or weakness of seeing a therapist.

The quicker people get help by learning tools, the easier it is to find solutions and the more awareness a person will have about their emotional attunement and behaviors.

Everything in Life Feels Challenging

Moreover, we all experience periods of stress in life. This is normal. However, if you find the stress or overwhelm in your life impairs your ability to function or significantly change your ability to function?

Feeling overwhelmed with anger or sadness on a regular basis could indicate underlying depression or trauma. Additionally, catastrophizing occurs when an unforeseen challenge appears and you immediately assume the worst. This intense form of anxiety can be truly debilitating and cause panic attacks. If your life gets more constricted because you’re avoiding a lot, it might be time to go to therapy.

I Keep Thinking About My Trauma

Additionally, pain of trauma or grief can be enough to require some counseling. Grief from a loss can impair daily functioning and even cause you to withdraw from friends. If you find yourself being disengaged with friends or family, unpacking this with a therapist can be helpful.

Now, on the other hand, some people respond to loss with a more avoidant reaction like hyper-engagement or an inability to sleep or even substances. If you find yourself drinking or using drugs in greater quantities or more often to avoid, it you may need therapy.

I Cannot Function at Work

Changes in work performance are common among those struggling with emotional or psychological issues. You might feel disconnected from your job or unable to concentrate. You might get negative feedback from managers or coworkers that the quality of your work is slipping. This could be a sign that it’s time to see a therapist.”Adults spend most of their time at work,” says Reidenberg. “So people who notice are those who have to compensate, just like in families.”

Should I See a Therapist?

Good question! How do you know if it’s time to seek out a therapist? There are so many factors to consider. Point blank, are your relationships strained? Are you having a difficult time communicating your needs or are you avoiding interacting with friends and loved ones?

Therapy can help empower people to make positive changes in their daily lives, as well as gain the tools and skills needed to effectively deal with stressors or unresolved complex trauma.

What Kind of Therapy Do I Need?

It depends on what your symptoms are and what areas of your life you feel you are struggling in. Do you have anger or irritability? Seeking an Anger Management Therapist may help. Do you find that you are sad most of the time? Are you struggling with trust in your relationships with others, or do you struggle with regulating your emotions? Depending on what you are experiencing and the symptomatology this will determine the type of therapy.

Do I need Therapy Quiz

Take this therapy quiz. Here are 10 quick questions to ask yourself to determine if seeking out a therapist might be something to consider. If you answer “Yes” to more than 7,  consult a therapist or mental health professional. The quiz below is not a diagnostic tool, but it can help you organize your thoughts and see things more clearly.

1. My relationships are suffering.
2. I am unable to concentrate at work and home.
3.  I am unable to relax and rest.
4. I feel irritable
5. I use substances to cope
6. I have uncontrollable emotions
7. I have suicidal thoughts
8. I feel like something bad is about to happen
9. I have panic attacks
10. I feel hopeless

Austin Trauma Therapy Center has some wonderful Trauma Trained Associates. Search here for more information about our associates.

How Long Will I Need to Be in Therapy?

Some people start therapy to help deal with an overwhelming period in their lives, and then stop once that obstacle has been dealt with. Others may stop because they didn’t have a great experience. But whatever the reason for stopping may be, it can actually help to continue seeing your therapist, even when you feel good about your mental health situation.

Continuing your relationship with your therapist can be helpful for many reasons, including learning skills and tools to overcome new situations or dive deeper into reasons for why you sought therapy in the first place. You get to decide how long you need to be in therapy.

Remember, prevention is just as important for your mental health as it is your physical health. Think about your regular trip to the therapist as a trip to the gym. It can help you build your mental health muscles. Your mental health deserves the same attention as your physical health, and therapy is just one way to give it the care it needs.

How Childhood Trauma Impacts Adults

Wondering how childhood trauma impacts adolescents or adults? What are the impacts of childhood trauma on my adult relationship, today? Childhood experiences are crucial to our emotional development.

Our parents, who are our primary attachment figures, play an important role in how we experience the world because they lay the foundation and shape what the world is going to be like for us.

Is it a safe place to explore and take emotional risks? Are all people out to hurt us and therefore untrustworthy? Can we trust other to support us in times of emotional need?

Complex trauma refers to prolonged exposure to a stressful event, or repeated traumatic events layered on top of another. This would include children who have grown up in physically, sexually, and/or emotionally absent or abusive households.

How Childhood Trauma Impacts Adults in the Long Run

Without the safety net of a secure attachment relationship, children grow up to become adults who struggle with feelings of low self-worth and challenges with emotional regulation. They also have an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety. Impacts of childhood trauma in adult relationships are explained below.

The following are the four basic attachment styles. Please keep in mind that these descriptions are very general; not everyone will have all these characteristics. Attachment styles are relatively fluid and can be ever changing depending on your partner’s own attachment style and the adaptations through each adult relationship.

Secure Attachment in Adults

These individuals usually grew up in a supportive environment where parents consistently responded to their needs. People who are securely attached are generally comfortable with being open about themselves, and asking for help.

The individuals have a positive outlook on life, are comfortable with closeness, and seek physical and/or emotional intimacy with minimal fear of being rejected or overwhelmed.

Securely attached individuals are generally consistent and reliable in their behaviors toward their partner. They tend to include their partner in decisions that could affect their relationship.

Dismissive-avoidant Attachment in Adults

Also referred to as “insecure-avoidant,” children usually develop this attachment style when their primary caregivers are not emotionally responsive or are rejecting of their needs.

Children learn to pull away emotionally as a way to avoid feelings of rejection. As adults, they become uncomfortable with emotional openness and may even deny to themselves their need for intimate relationships.

Individuals place high value on independence and autonomy and develop techniques to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and defend themselves from a perceived threat to their “independence.”

These techniques include, shutting down, sending mixed messages, and avoiding. These coping techniques end up becoming detrimental to their adult relationships.

Fearful-avoidant Attachment in Adults

Also referred to as “disorganized-disoriented,” in some literature, children who have developed this style may have been exposed to prolonged abuse and/or neglect.

Primary caregivers are vital for providing comfort and support, however in a situation involving abuse (including substance use), these primary caregivers are also a source of hurt. These children grow up to become adults who fear intimacy within their relationships but also fear not having close relationships in their lives.

These individuals recognize the value of relationships and have a strong desire for them, but often have a difficult time trusting others. As a result, they avoid being emotionally open with others for fear of being hurt and rejected.

Anxious-preoccupied Attachment in Adults

Sometimes referred to as “insecure-ambivalent,” children develop this form of attachment usually when their parents have been inconsistent with their responses. At times, these parents exhibit nurturing, caring, and attentive behaviors.

Other times they can be cold, rejecting, or emotionally detached. As a result, the child doesn’t know what to expect. Then as an adult, requires a lot of connection within their relationships, sometimes to the point of being “clingy.”

These minor changes can significantly increase this individual’s anxiety. As a result, he or she will focus energy on increasing connection with that partner. Individuals who have this attachment style needs more validation and approval than the other attachment styles.

Neurobiology of Attachment

As products of our own environments, adults will often find themselves repeating the same behaviors witnessed in childhood. This is because the neural pathways developed from childhood traumatic experiences shape the same response with others.

This is not meant to place blame on caregivers for the types of relationships you have as adults. Increased awareness of your own attachment style can help you take those first steps towards improving your relationships as an adult.  This awareness can then help you move towards developing a more securely attached relationship with those around you.

Solutions to Unhealthy Attachment as an Adult

At Austin Trauma Therapy Center, we understand how complex trauma effects you as an adult, which is why we specialize in Attachment-Based Therapy, as well. We are here to help guide you through your emotional journey while you discover the impact of childhood trauma on your adult relationships.

Austin Trauma Therapy Center remains flexible, open and non-judgmental in an effort to cater to your unique needs while ensuring a high standard of quality care. Contact us, today, to speak with any of our therapists.

Are you searching for a PTSD and trauma therapist in Austin, but don’t know where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s discuss more about this, now.

What is PTSD and Trauma?

First, if you are searching for a PTSD and trauma therapist in Austin, it may seem overwhelming. Trauma and PTSD may be acquired in a myriad of different ways and is not confined to sudden, traumatic events such as natural disasters. The emotional wounds can develop over time in long-lasting events such as recurring abandonment (emotional and physical) and more subtle forms of abuse.

When events occur that make us feel extremely unsafe, threatened, or distressed we can develop an emotional or psychological wound. Some people can move beyond this experience with the help of friends, family, and an extensive support network. However, people who do not have these resources often end up feeling very alone. This can lead to an increasing inability to cope, function daily, or maintain regular routines.

Often trauma survivors feel that no one can understand what they went through and the suffering they experience which can cause them to withdraw from loved ones. Conversely, loved ones may realize that something is wrong want to help but feel confused, rejected, and unsure of what they can do to help.

How trauma impacts people

There is no “normal” way to react to trauma – each person is different. Some people try to repress or forget the event by distracting themselves while others may focus on the traumatic event constantly. Irritability and anger with others due to the intrusive memories are also indications of trauma. Often individuals who have experienced trauma lose the ability to feel pleasure, leading to a lack of motivation to do much of anything by isolating and don’t fully realize the impact trauma is having on their lives.

How to cope with PTSD or Trauma?

How does one begin to cope with trauma or PTSD? Well, this is definitely a journey you don’t want to go through alone. Wanting to make some changes to address the trauma in your life is the first step, and we do a little happy dance each time we hear that someone is seeking out a therapist, to guide them through their journey.

Next, having a positive support system is the most important part of this process, because it can be triggering and scary, and you will need support. An Austin-based therapist is often a good form of support, however, they can also help you identify other positive support people. During this wellness journey with your Austin Therapist, you will identify coping/ calming strategies to use with each identified trigger, or concern.

Find a PTSD and Trauma Therapist in Austin

Austin Trauma Therapy Center is designed to handle concerns our clients come to us with. Austin Trauma Therapy Center helps clients develop more effective ways of coping that last a lifetime and evolve long after leaving our trauma therapy center. At Austin Trauma Therapy Center, we want you to know that you don’t have to deal with trauma alone.

We’re here to help you through this difficult time in your life. We see each client as an individual with unique needs and recognize your desire to belong to a community that understands you. To find a PTSD and Trauma Therapist in Austin, you can visit sites like Psychology Today, EMDRIA, or Good Therapy.