top of page

Trauma & PTSD Therapy in West Palm Beach and Online Throughout Florida

Difficult experiences can continue to affect us long after they have ended. Sometimes people come to therapy knowing exactly what they want to talk about. Other times, they may simply recognize that something in their life, relationships, or emotional well-being no longer feels the way they would like it to.

You do not need to have a diagnosis or know exactly why you are struggling before beginning therapy. You may simply want a thoughtful space to better understand your experiences and explore what could help.

I provide trauma-informed therapy for adults in West Palm Beach and online throughout Florida. My counseling style is empathic and collaborative, and I tailor therapy to each person's individual experiences, needs, and goals.

When Difficult Experiences Continue to Affect the Present

People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are working through the effects of a difficult or abusive relationship. Others are trying to understand experiences from the past that still feel important in their lives. Some may be feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, anxious, or stuck in patterns they would like to change.

My work is informed by specialized training in trauma, intimate partner violence, secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue. I work with adults who may be seeking support related to difficult relationships, emotional abuse, gaslighting, the effects of past experiences, or the emotional demands of caring for and supporting others.

You do not need to decide whether your experiences “count” as trauma or whether they fit a particular diagnosis before reaching out. We can begin by talking about what is happening in your life now, what feels difficult, and what you would like to change.

Understanding Trauma and PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a specific mental health diagnosis. Some people seek therapy because they have already received a PTSD diagnosis, while others are looking for support after difficult experiences without identifying with a particular label.

Not everyone who experiences a traumatic or difficult event develops PTSD, and not everyone who seeks trauma-informed therapy needs a diagnosis.

There is also no need to determine this on your own before beginning therapy. Our work can begin with your current concerns and experiences rather than trying to fit your story into a particular category.

Together, we can explore what has shaped you, what may still be affecting your life, and what you would like to be different.

Therapy for the Effects of Difficult and Abusive Relationships

Relationships can have a profound impact on how we see ourselves and how we relate to others. Some people seek therapy after experiencing emotional abuse, manipulation, gaslighting, coercive behavior, or intimate partner violence.

Leaving a difficult relationship does not always mean that the emotional impact ends at the same time. You may be trying to understand what happened, rebuild trust in your own perceptions, establish healthier boundaries, or make sense of patterns that developed during the relationship.

I completed more than 80 hours of direct-service training at domestic violence shelters and have received additional specialized training related to gaslighting and narcissistic abuse. I also presented to the Palm Beach Unit of the National Association of Social Workers during Domestic Violence Awareness Month on the topic “Intimate Partner Violence: After They Leave.”

Therapy can provide a private and nonjudgmental space to explore these experiences at a pace that feels appropriate for you.

Secondary Trauma, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout

Some people spend much of their lives caring for, supporting, or responding to the needs of others. This may include medical professionals, mental health providers, caregivers, and others in demanding or high-responsibility roles.

Over time, the emotional demands of supporting others can take a toll. People may seek therapy because they are feeling emotionally exhausted, stressed, disconnected, or overwhelmed. Others may be trying to better understand how their professional or caregiving responsibilities have affected their own well-being.

During graduate school at Florida State University, I conducted independent research on secondary trauma and compassion fatigue among medical and mental health professionals. This work continues to inform my understanding of the pressures faced by people who regularly witness, respond to, or care for others experiencing distress.

Therapy can provide a space where you do not have to be the person who always has the answers, takes care of everyone else, or keeps pushing through.

My Approach to Trauma-Informed Therapy

My counseling style is empathic and collaborative. I believe therapy should move at a pace that feels appropriate for you.

You are not expected to tell me everything at once or discuss experiences before you are ready. We begin by understanding what is bringing you to therapy, what is happening in your life now, and what you hope to gain from our work together.

Depending on your individual needs and goals, therapy may involve exploring the connection between past experiences and present concerns, identifying patterns in thoughts or relationships, developing practical strategies for managing stress, or gaining a clearer understanding of what you would like to change.

My approach integrates evidence-based, trauma-informed care, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, client-centered therapy, and solution-focused strategies. I also draw from relational insight and tailor therapy to your individual experiences, strengths, and goals.

There is no one approach that is right for everyone. We will work together to find strategies and perspectives that are meaningful and useful to you.

Understanding Your Story Without Judgment

Difficult experiences can influence the way we understand ourselves, other people, and the world around us. Sometimes those connections are clear. At other times, they may be difficult to recognize.

Therapy offers an opportunity to explore your experiences with curiosity rather than judgment. The goal is not to assume that everything in your life is caused by trauma or to place your experiences into a diagnostic category.

Instead, we can consider what is happening now, what feels difficult, what patterns you would like to understand, and what changes might improve your life and relationships.

You may come to therapy with a clear goal, or you may simply know that something feels unresolved or that you would like things to be different. Both are valid places to begin.

What Therapy May Help You Explore

Therapy is individualized, and your goals will depend on what brings you to treatment. Our work may include developing a better understanding of your experiences, exploring relationship patterns, managing stress and difficult emotions, strengthening boundaries, or working through experiences that continue to feel unresolved.

We may also focus on practical changes that support your relationships, work, and overall enjoyment of life.

Change often happens gradually, and progress looks different for everyone. Some clients begin noticing meaningful changes within approximately 12 to 16 weeks of consistent therapy. Others may notice changes sooner or may benefit from longer-term therapy depending on their goals and circumstances.

We will regularly discuss your goals and progress so that therapy continues to reflect what is most important to you.

A Thoughtful and Collaborative Place to Begin

You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. You may know exactly what you want to discuss, or you may simply want support in understanding what you are experiencing.

My goal is to provide a thoughtful, nonjudgmental space where you can speak openly, explore your experiences, and consider changes that feel meaningful and realistic for your life.

We will work together to identify what you would like from therapy and develop an approach that fits your individual needs and goals.

Trauma & PTSD Therapy in West Palm Beach and Online Throughout Florida

I provide trauma-informed therapy for adults in West Palm Beach and virtual therapy throughout Florida.

If you are considering therapy for PTSD, the effects of a difficult or abusive relationship, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue, burnout, anxiety, or another concern, you are welcome to reach out.

A free 10-minute consultation provides an opportunity to discuss what you are looking for and whether my approach may be a good fit for your needs.

Prefer to reach out directly?​  Call or text 561-437-2930 to inquire about appointments. 

Schedule a Free Consultation

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Florida
​Schedule a free consultation

Prefer to reach out directly?​

Call or text 561-437-2930

to inquire about appointments. 

West Palm Beach, FL 33401​

Tel:  561-437-2930

Email:  juliemcdermottlcsw@gmail.com

© 2025 by Julie McDermott, LCSW. 

bottom of page