Trauma does not have to define your future. At Kendall Psychological Associates, our doctoral-level psychologists provide specialized, trauma-informed therapy for PTSD and related conditions. We use gold-standard, research-supported treatments to help you process painful experiences, reduce symptoms, and rebuild a sense of safety and control.
We offer in-person therapy at our offices in Cambridge (Kendall Square) and Salem, as well as secure virtual appointments for clients located anywhere.
Understanding Trauma and PTSD
Trauma occurs when you experience or witness an event that overwhelms your ability to cope and threatens your physical or emotional safety. While not everyone who experiences trauma develops Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), many people struggle with lasting effects.
You may benefit from trauma therapy if you experience:
Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
Avoidance of reminders of the event
Feeling constantly on edge or easily startled
Emotional numbness or detachment
Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe
Irritability, anger, or difficulty concentrating
Intense guilt, shame, or self-blame
Panic or physical distress when reminded of the trauma
Trauma symptoms can appear immediately—or months or years later. Effective treatment is available at any stage.
Types of Trauma We Treat
Our psychologists have extensive experience treating trauma across a wide range of experiences, including:
Childhood Trauma
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect; domestic violence; chaotic or unstable early environments.
Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
Repeated or prolonged trauma, often in relational contexts, leading to difficulties with emotion regulation, identity, and relationships.
Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse
Trauma at any age, including date rape, childhood sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence.
Military and Combat-Related Trauma
PTSD and moral injury related to military service.
Medical Trauma
Serious illness, invasive procedures, traumatic childbirth, or life-threatening diagnoses.
Accidents and Sudden Injuries
Car accidents, workplace injuries, or other unexpected events.
Vicarious Trauma
First responders, healthcare professionals, therapists, and others repeatedly exposed to trauma narratives.
Traumatic Grief and Sudden Loss
Loss due to suicide, homicide, overdose, or accidents.
Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies We Offer
We provide the most effective, scientifically supported treatments for PTSD and trauma-related conditions:
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A structured, research-backed therapy that helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming.
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Focuses on identifying and modifying trauma-related beliefs, including self-blame, guilt, and distorted views of safety.
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Gradual, supported exposure to trauma memories and avoided situations to reduce fear and avoidance.
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A brief, structured approach that helps process traumatic experiences through guided writing.
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Builds coping skills while safely processing trauma memories.
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A compassionate, parts-based approach that helps heal wounded aspects of yourself and reduce internal conflict.
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An experiential therapy that supports deep emotional processing and resilience.
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Particularly helpful for complex trauma, emotional dysregulation, and self-destructive behaviors.
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Trauma affects the nervous system and body. We incorporate grounding and body-based techniques to support regulation and safety.
Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to determine which approach best fits your history, symptoms, and goals.
Our Trauma-Informed Philosophy
Safety First
You are never required to share details before you are ready. Establishing emotional safety and trust is foundational.
Stabilization and Skill Building
Before trauma processing begins, we ensure you have tools for grounding, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
Gradual, Structured Processing
We move at a pace that prevents overwhelm and supports integration.
Empowerment and Choice
Trauma often involves powerlessness. Therapy emphasizes your autonomy, strengths, and control.
Cultural and Identity Awareness
We recognize that trauma occurs within broader social, cultural, and systemic contexts.
What Trauma Therapy Is Like
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Assessment and Stabilization
We understand your trauma history, symptoms, and goals while building coping skills.
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Processing and Healing
Using evidence-based treatments such as EMDR, CPT, or PE, we help you reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories.
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Integration and Growth
As symptoms decrease, we focus on rebuilding relationships, identity, and meaning beyond trauma.
Timeline
Some clients experience meaningful relief within 3–6 months. Complex trauma may require longer-term work. Treatment length depends on your needs and preferences.
Who Benefits Most from Trauma Therapy?
Our specialized trauma treatment is particularly helpful for individuals who:
Experience persistent PTSD symptoms
Feel controlled by intrusive memories or avoidance
Have difficulty trusting or connecting with others
Have not improved with general therapy alone
Want treatment from psychologists trained in trauma-specific interventions
Are seeking structured, evidence-based care
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy
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No. Trauma therapy does not require reliving every detail. We focus on what is clinically helpful and tolerable.
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Good trauma therapy is carefully paced and structured to reduce distress—not increase it.
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Many evidence-based treatments show improvement within 8–16 sessions, though complex trauma may take longer.
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Yes. Trauma therapy can be effective even decades after the original experience.
Convenient Locations Near You
With two locations in Massachusetts, Kendall Psychological Associates is proud to offer therapy to those seeking guidance across Greater Boston and the North Shore. Virtual appointments are also available, allowing further accessibility wherever you are.
234 Broadway, Suite 2
Cambridge, MA 02139
- Easy access via the Red Line (Kendall/MIT)
- Serving Cambridge, Somerville, Boston, and surrounding communities
- Therapy services available for adults 18 and up
10 Federal Street, Suite 307
Salem, MA 01970
- Directly across from the train station in downtown Salem
- Serving Beverly, Peabody, Marblehead, Lynn, and beyond
- Therapy services available for children, adolescents, and adults age 8 and up
Begin your healing journey.
Treatment for trauma takes courage—but you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced psychologists provide compassionate, expert guidance every step of the way.