PTSD Therapy in Virginia Beach
Evidence-based therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related symptoms. Whether your experiences are recent or happened years ago, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to help you feel safer, regain confidence, and move forward. In-person in Virginia Beach and secure telehealth throughout Virginia.
EMDR Available
Virginia Beach
Telehealth Option
Insurance Accepted
When your brain keeps responding as though the danger is still present
PTSD is more than remembering a traumatic event. It occurs when the brain and nervous system continue responding as though the danger is still happening, even after the event has ended. You may logically know you're safe, yet your body reacts as though it needs to stay on high alert.
Some people relive their experiences through intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks. Others avoid reminders of what happened, feel emotionally numb, struggle to trust others, or become easily startled by sounds, situations, or unexpected changes. These reactions are not signs of weakness—they are common responses to trauma that has not yet been fully processed.
PTSD can develop after military service, accidents, assaults, medical trauma, natural disasters, childhood abuse, or other overwhelming experiences. With evidence-based treatment, many people experience significant relief and regain a sense of safety, confidence, and connection.
You may recognize some of these symptoms:
Intrusive memories that appear unexpectedly
Flashbacks that make the past feel like it's happening again
Nightmares or disturbing dreams
Avoiding people, places, or conversations that bring up memories
Feeling constantly alert or "on guard"
Being easily startled by noises or unexpected events
Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected from others
Irritability or angry outbursts
Feeling unsafe even when you know you're protected
Life Doesn’t Have to be Defined by PTSD
Healing from PTSD doesn't erase what happened—it changes how those memories affect you today. As treatment progresses, many people find they are better able to sleep, feel present in relationships, enjoy everyday activities, and respond to challenges without constantly feeling on alert.
Recovery isn't about forgetting the past. It's about helping your brain recognize that the danger has ended so you can fully engage in the life you're living now. With the right support, many people experience meaningful improvement and regain a sense of safety, freedom, and hope.
Our Approach
EMDR Therapy
EMDR is one of the most well-researched treatments for PTSD. It helps the brain reprocess distressing memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming while strengthening healthier beliefs about yourself and your future.
Personalized Care
Depending on your needs, treatment may include EMDR, CBT, ACT, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and other evidence-based approaches. Your treatment plan is tailored to your goals—not a diagnosis alone.
Always Trauma Informed
We understand the ways trauma affects the brain, body, and relationships. Therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and paced according to your comfort and readiness.
Meet Our PTSD Therapists
Our therapists understand that PTSD affects far more than memories—it can influence relationships, work, sleep, physical health, and your sense of safety. We provide specialized, trauma-informed care while supporting you every step of the healing process.
Rebecca Parthun, LPC
Holli Sokolick, RIC
Kim Hudson, RIC
Anna Driver, RIC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Trauma refers to the experience itself, while PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop when trauma-related symptoms persist and interfere with daily life.
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Yes. Some people notice symptoms shortly after a traumatic experience, while others don't experience significant symptoms until months or even years later. Delayed reactions are well documented and do not make your experiences any less real.
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Yes. EMDR is considered one of the leading evidence-based treatments for PTSD and has been extensively researched for its effectiveness in reducing trauma-related symptoms.
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No. Therapy is paced carefully and collaboratively. You are never forced to discuss details before you're ready, and your therapist will help you build coping skills before beginning trauma processing.
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Yes. PTSD can contribute to sleep problems, chronic tension, fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, and other physical symptoms because trauma affects both the mind and the body.
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Absolutely. Many people associate PTSD only with combat or life-threatening events, but PTSD can also develop following childhood abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, serious accidents, medical trauma, or other overwhelming experiences. If you're unsure whether your experiences meet the criteria for PTSD, a therapist can help you better understand your symptoms and discuss treatment options.
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Yes. We accept many major insurance plans, both commercial and Medicaid.
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Yes. We offer virtual therapy sessions across Virginia, in addition to our in-office sessions in Virginia Beach. Teletherapy is fully secure and HIPAA-compliant.
Related Services
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Trauma Therapy
When depression is rooted in overwhelming or distressing experiences.
Depression Therapy
Support for low mood, loss of motivation, and emotional exhaustion.
EMDR Therapy
An evidence-based approach that helps the brain process traumatic and distressing memories.
Recovery is Possible
Living with PTSD can make the world feel unpredictable and unsafe, but healing is possible. Our therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based care designed to help you regain a sense of safety, confidence, and connection.
Whether you're ready to begin therapy or simply want to learn more about your options, we're here to help.
“Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.”