Plans For Healing
PTSD & Trauma Recovery
What happened to you was not your fault. Healing is possible — and you don't have to face it alone.
Safety. Trust. Healing.
Trauma Does Not Have to Define Your Future
Trauma changes the way we see ourselves, others, and the world. Its effects can linger long after the event itself — shaping our relationships, our sense of safety, and our ability to be present in our own lives.
Sarah Edmunds brings over 25 years of clinical experience to trauma-informed care that is gentle, evidence-based, and entirely led by your pace. You will never be pushed further than you are ready to go — and you will never face this work alone.
- Specialized trauma-informed therapy
- In-person in Bethesda, MD or via Telehealth
- You set the pace — always
- Free initial consultation
Recognizing Trauma & PTSD
Trauma can stem from many different experiences, and its effects can show up in ways that are not always easy to recognize.
Types of Trauma We Support
- Childhood abuse, neglect, or adverse experiences
- Sexual assault or domestic violence
- Accidents, medical trauma, or sudden illness
- Combat or first-responder trauma
- Witnessing violence or a traumatic event
- Sudden loss of a loved one
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Complex trauma from prolonged or repeated experiences
Common Signs of PTSD
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger memories
- Feeling emotionally numb, detached, or "not yourself"
- Hypervigilance — always feeling on edge or in danger
- Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or trusting others
- Intense guilt, shame, or self-blame
- Sudden anger, irritability, or emotional outbursts
- Feeling like the trauma is still happening right now
If you recognize yourself in any of these descriptions, please know: these are normal responses to abnormal experiences. They are not signs of weakness — they are signs that support could help.
Our Approach to Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy is never one-size-fits-all. We draw from a range of evidence-based approaches, always guided by what feels safe and right for you.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps you process traumatic memories and reframe the distorted beliefs trauma creates — such as "I am not safe" or "It was my fault" — in a structured, evidence-based way.
Somatic Awareness
Trauma lives in the body as much as the mind. Somatic-informed approaches help you recognize and gently release the physical tension, reactivity, and dysregulation that trauma leaves behind.
Safety & Stabilization First
Before processing trauma directly, we build a foundation of safety, trust, and coping skills — so you always feel grounded and in control of the pace of your healing.
Mindfulness & Grounding
Mindfulness and grounding techniques help interrupt trauma responses in the moment — bringing you back to the present when memories, flashbacks, or anxiety feel overwhelming.
"Healing from trauma is not about forgetting — it is about reclaiming your life."
The goal of trauma therapy is not to erase what happened, but to help you carry it differently — so it no longer controls your present or limits your future.
Common Questions
What is the difference between trauma and PTSD?
Trauma refers to any experience that overwhelms your ability to cope. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a clinical condition that can develop after trauma, characterized by persistent symptoms like flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD — but both deserve care and support.
Do I have to talk about the traumatic event in detail?
No. Effective trauma therapy does not require you to recount every detail of what happened. We work at your pace, and you are always in control of what you share and when. Many approaches focus on how trauma affects you now, rather than reliving the past.
How long does trauma therapy take?
It varies depending on the nature and complexity of the trauma, your history, and your goals. Some people experience meaningful relief in a focused short-term engagement. Others benefit from longer-term support. We will review your progress regularly and adjust together.
Can telehealth therapy be effective for PTSD and trauma?
Yes. Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth for trauma and PTSD treatment. Many clients find it easier to engage with difficult material from the safety and comfort of their own environment. Telehealth sessions are available to all Maryland residents.
You Have Already Survived the Hardest Part
Taking the step to seek support is an act of courage. Reach out for a free, no-pressure consultation and let's talk about how trauma therapy can help you reclaim your life.