7 Best Trauma Therapists in Cleveland

Maybe you’re struggling to cope with specific events from the past. Or maybe you struggle with patterns like perfectionism or people-pleasing, and you aren’t quite sure where they come from or how to make changes in your daily life. 

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone, and trauma therapy can help—but effective trauma counseling is more than just about the type of therapy. Finding the right therapist is a key part of the process. Here, I’ll share a bit more about my Cleveland therapy practice and introduce you to some other local trauma therapists so you can meet your dream therapist.

Therapist highlight: Brianna Halasa, LMHC, LPCC

Recommended for somatic trauma therapy

Hi! I'm Brianna, a licensed psychotherapist who believes your body holds the wisdom for healing. I specialize in EMDR, somatic experiencing, and intuitive eating, bringing a multicultural lens as a second-generation Arab American. I work with folks navigating trauma, cultural conflicts, disordered eating, and the weight of living in oppressive systems. If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect for a free consultation!

• Offers trauma counseling ✓ 

• Credentials: Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio

• Clientele: Teens & adults

• Location: 2705 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113

• Virtual therapy? Yes, in addition to in-person

Other Cleveland, OH trauma therapy resources

I deeply believe in finding the right fit for your healing journey. In case my practice isn’t a match for your specific situation, I’ve provided this list of other local trauma therapists in the Cleveland area who may align more closely with what you're looking for.

Dorothy Costakis

Recommended for combined addiction and trauma therapy 

• Offers trauma counseling ✓ 

• Credentials: Licensed Independent Social Worker—Supervisor

• Clientele: Adults

• Location: Cleveland, OH 44111

• Virtual therapy? Yes, online only

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Nicolas M Dean

Recommended for trauma therapy for children & families

• Offers trauma counseling ✓ 

• Credentials: Licensed Independent Social Worker—Supervisor

• Clientele: Children, pre-teens, teens, adults, families, & groups

• Location: Cleveland, OH 44115

• Virtual therapy? Yes, online only

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Alia Lawlor

Recommended for religious trauma therapy

• Offers trauma counseling ✓ 

• Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor—Supervisor

• Clientele: Adults

• Location: Cleveland, OH 44111

• Virtual therapy? Yes, online only

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Eric Stone

Recommended for military trauma therapy

• Offers trauma counseling ✓ 

• Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor—Supervisor

• Clientele: Teens, adults, elders, & couples

• Location: Cleveland, OH 44114

• Virtual therapy? Yes, online only

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Michelle Davis

Recommended for trauma therapy for couples 

• Offers trauma counseling ✓ 

• Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor—Supervisor

• Clientele: Adults, elders, & couples

• Location: Cleveland, OH 

• Virtual therapy? Yes, online only

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Caroline Chaikin

Recommended for psychedelic-assisted trauma therapy

• Offers trauma counseling ✓ 

• Credentials: Licensed Social Worker

• Clientele: Adults & couples

• Location: Cleveland, OH 44120

• Virtual therapy? Yes, in addition to in-person

How to choose the right trauma therapist for you

Choosing a trauma therapist is deeply personal, and the "right" fit matters more than credentials alone. Consider these factors as you explore your options:

• Therapeutic approach: Does the therapist use evidence-based trauma modalities that align with your needs and goals?

• Shared identities or understanding: Do you want a therapist who understands your cultural background, sexuality, or lived experiences?

• Values alignment: Does their philosophy resonate with you—especially around diagnosis, healing, and systemic factors?

• Logistics: Do they offer in-person or virtual sessions? Evening availability? Are they licensed in your state?

• Connection: Most importantly, do you feel safe and seen during your initial consultation?

Trust your gut. The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of healing, so don't settle for someone who doesn't feel right.

FAQs about trauma counseling

• How do I know if I need trauma therapy?

  Trauma can be everything from big, life-altering events to the small interactions that did (or didn’t) happen in your formative relationships growing up.

  • Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares about past events

  • Feeling numb, disconnected, or like you're "going through the motions"

  • Difficulty trusting others or being vulnerable in relationships

  • Hypervigilance, anxiety, or feeling unsafe even when you're not in danger

  • Physical symptoms like tension, pain, or digestive issues without a clear medical cause

  • Avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you of painful experiences

  • Intense emotional reactions that feel hard to control or understand

  • Deep shame, guilt, or feeling fundamentally "broken" or different from others

  • Difficulty maintaining stable relationships or fear of abandonment

  • Negative beliefs about yourself that affect how you move through the world

  Keep in mind that this isn’t an exhaustive list. If you suspect that trauma therapy could help you, it probably can. 

• What kind of therapy is best for trauma?

  There's no singular "best" type of therapy for trauma—what works depends on your unique needs and how your body processes experiences. I use an integrative blend of methods, including

  • EMDR to help reprocess traumatic memories, 

  • Somatic experiencing to address how trauma lives in your body,

  • IFS to explore the wounded parts of yourself, and

  • Intuitive eating principles to heal trauma around food and body image. 

  The most effective approach is one that feels right for you and honors your whole story. Contact me for a free consultation so you can get a better sense of whether my approach resonates.

• Who should not do EMDR?

  EMDR is a powerful trauma treatment, but it's not for everyone. It may not be appropriate if you're currently in crisis, experiencing active psychosis, or don't have enough emotional stability to process intense memories safely. EMDR requires some ability to ground yourself and return to the present. 

  It’s okay if you’re not sure whether EMDR is right for you—it’s just one of the many tools we can use in our work together.

• What can I expect from the therapy process?

  Trauma therapy with me is collaborative, not prescriptive. We'll start by building safety and trust, then move at your pace toward processing painful experiences. Some sessions feel heavy; others bring relief and lightness. You might notice shifts in how you relate to your body, your emotions, and others. Healing isn't linear—there will be hard days—but together we'll cultivate tools, awareness, and resilience that support you long-term.

• How do I get started?

  Getting started is simple: book a free consultation call where we can talk about what you're experiencing and what you're hoping to work on. This conversation helps us both determine if we're a good fit. If we feel aligned, we'll schedule your first session and begin this journey toward healing.

Start working with a Cleveland trauma therapist today

You don't have to carry the weight of your experiences alone. Healing is possible, and you deserve support that sees all of you—your pain, your strength, your story. I'd be honored to walk alongside you in this process.