Trauma Therapy in Nashville, TN
Sometimes you get through a hard experience by handling whatever comes next. You go back to work. You answer the messages. You keep moving because there's so much to do.
Then a quiet evening comes, or someone asks how you're doing, and you realize it's been harder than you thought. That can feel confusing when you seemed to be managing fine.
I'm Dave Saunders, LPC-MHSP, NCC. I see adults from Nashville for trauma therapy at my office in Maryland Farms, just down I-65 in Brentwood.
Schedule a free 10-minute consultation, or call or text 615-905-6132.
When there is finally room to notice
The effects of a traumatic experience aren't always obvious while you're in the middle of it. They may surface later as trouble relaxing, a shorter fuse, or feeling detached from the people around you. Reminders may stir up feelings you thought you'd put away.
Some people feel restless and keyed up. Others feel flat, tired or far away from what's happening. You may move between the two. The National Center for PTSD explains a range of common reactions after trauma.
We'll look at what's happening for you and find an explanation that truly fits your experience.
You don't need to prove it was bad enough
You might catch yourself comparing what happened to someone else's experience, or listing reasons you should be able to handle it. That can make it hard to simply say you're struggling.
In therapy, we focus on how it affects you now. It may have been recent or years ago, one event or something that happened again and again. Your experience matters as it is, and I'll take it seriously.
What working together can involve
We start with what you want help with and what would make daily life easier. I want to hear what you've already tried, who supports you, and anything that makes starting therapy feel hard.
I'm Level II trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, and I also use trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. I pay attention to how stress shows up in your body, and if that feels unfamiliar at first, we'll go gently.
Depending on what you need, our work may include understanding reminders, learning ways to calm distress, and working through memories that still feel upsetting. I'll explain each approach before we begin, and you're always welcome to ask about its purpose, the evidence behind it, and what it involves.
To learn more about one of these options, see EMDR therapy in Nashville. If racing thoughts are part of it, you can also read about anxiety therapy in Nashville.
Making space for an honest response
Some days you'll want to talk, and other days you'd rather leave the subject alone. Both are welcome, and we can talk about that difference. You can come as you are to every session.
The aim is to give you more choice in how you respond now. That might mean feeling more present with someone, settling more easily after stress, or being able to rest without staying on alert. We'll decide together which changes matter most to you.
Questions about trauma therapy
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No. PTSD is one possible response to trauma. You can come to counseling for distress, relationship struggles or patterns connected to painful experiences, with or without that diagnosis. To read about PTSD specifically, see PTSD therapy in Nashville.
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That work still counts. We can look at what has shifted since then, and at any physical reactions or feelings that stay with you even when you understand them.
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No. The free consultation is a short conversation about your concerns, your questions, and whether my practice feels like a good fit. A detailed account can wait.
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Weekly is best, and every other week works well too. We'll find a schedule that supports the work and fits your life.
Location and fees for Nashville clients
My office is at 103 Continental Place, Suite 204, Brentwood, TN 37027, just off I-65 near Old Hickory Boulevard, about ten miles south of downtown Nashville.
Sessions are $195. I'm private pay and can provide a superbill to submit to your insurer for out-of-network reimbursement.
Reach out when you're ready
You can tell me what's been hard, even if you're not sure yet how it all connects.
Request a free consultation or call or text 615-905-6132. I reply to contact form messages within two business days.
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