PTSD Therapy in Chicago
Will I Ever Be Normal After PTSD?
This is one of the most heartfelt questions people ask—and the answer is yes, you can absolutely feel normal again. The word “normal” may take on a new meaning for you, but healing from PTSD doesn’t mean forgetting what happened; it means learning to live without the trauma controlling your thoughts, emotions, or actions.
Through PTSD therapy, many of our clients rediscover joy, connection, and confidence. They begin to notice moments of calm, laughter, and ease returning to their days. Healing often unfolds gradually, and that’s okay. What matters most is that each step forward—no matter how small—is progress.
At Empowered Therapy, we focus on helping you:
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Rebuild trust in yourself and others
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Develop emotional regulation skills
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Strengthen your sense of safety and self-compassion
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Create new beliefs about your worth and your future
You are not broken. You’re healing—and PTSD therapy can help guide you there.
What Are the 5 Signs of PTSD?
Intrusive Memories or Flashbacks
Avoidance
Negative Thoughts or Moods
Changes in Arousal or Reactivity
Emotional and Physical Distress
What Type of Therapy Is Best for PTSD?
The best PTSD therapy is one that fits your individual needs. We tailor every session to meet you where you are.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you identify and reframe negative thought patterns that stem from trauma.
2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is one of the most widely recognized treatments for PTSD. It helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional or physical reactions.
3. Somatic and Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Trauma lives not only in the mind but also in the body. Somatic and mindfulness-based PTSD therapy can help you reconnect with your body in a safe way.
Is CBT or EMDR Better for PTSD?
Both CBT and EMDR are highly effective forms of PTSD therapy, and the best choice depends on your individual needs and how you process emotions.
CBT for PTSD
CBT is often best for people who want practical tools to manage symptoms and understand their thought patterns. It’s great for developing coping skills, building awareness, and taking control of your mindset.
EMDR for PTSD
EMDR, on the other hand, works deeply with the brain’s memory processing systems. It’s particularly effective when traumatic memories feel “stuck” and continue to trigger strong emotional responses despite time or talk therapy.
Many clients benefit from combining both—starting with CBT to stabilize symptoms and moving into EMDR when ready to reprocess trauma. At Empowered Therapy, our trauma-informed clinicians help you decide which approach (or combination) is right for you.
Stop Suffering.
PTSD Therapy provides a secure environment for you to express yourself openly and honestly, addressing the experiences that have led to feelings of overwhelm, disconnection, or distress. Away from the triggers of everyday life, you can discover and develop strategies that help you understand your own reactions and emotions on a deeper, more compassionate level. The more you learn about yourself and your responses to trauma, the easier it becomes to navigate your emotions and work towards healing. While therapy will carefully explore the patterns and impacts of your experiences, trauma therapy isn’t just about focusing on the challenges you face. We can also help you identify your strengths and resilience, actively nurturing them to support your journey towards recovery.
Seek Help
We create a safe and supportive environment for open and honest communication. We encourage active listening, and help each partner express their thoughts and feelings. We also provide tools and techniques to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and work through specific issues. Sessions may also include homework assignments or exercises to practice outside of therapy. The length and frequency of sessions can vary depending on your needs and the therapist’s approach.
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GET STARTED
Put yourself first and begin the process to feel like YOU again!
FILL OUT THE FORM
Your first step to healing starts here. Connect with us—form, call, or email.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
Our team will help you schedule a convenient appointment with a therapist who is the right fit for you.
FEEL LIKE YOU AGAIN
Start your tailored sessions and rediscover your true self, one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting Counseling & Therapy
Beginning counseling at Empowered Therapy is simple. Use our contact page to request an appointment or call us directly. We can discuss your questions and select the best therapist for you.
The Cost
Insurances we accept include BCBS-PPO, Blue Choice-PPO, UHC-Optum, and Campus Care. We also take private pay clients and offer a sliding scale fee. Please contact our office to confirm your benefits
Your Voice Heard.
BE A REAL PARTNER IN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH CARE.
If you’re interested in trauma therapy, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you shortly.