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
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
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
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
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
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
