healing trauma
CPTSD & Trauma Therapy for Adults
in Montclair, NJ
Healing trauma and empowering lives dealing with complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
protection & safety
What is CPTSD and How is It Different from PTSD?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) develops after prolonged or repeated trauma, often in situations where escape felt difficult or impossible. Unlike PTSD, which usually follows a single traumatic event, CPTSD involves multiple layers of emotional, psychological, and relational challenges that can significantly impact daily life, self-perception, and relationships.
Common symptoms include emotional dysregulation, chronic shame or guilt, difficulty trusting others, and ongoing relational struggles. These challenges can feel overwhelming and make everyday functioning difficult without professional support.
Individuals experiencing CPTSD can benefit from counseling for trauma tailored to address its unique complexities. Specialized approaches help clients process past trauma, develop healthy coping strategies, and rebuild a sense of safety and self-worth. For anyone searching for complex PTSD treatment, individualized therapy offers a structured, compassionate path toward healing, resilience, and long-term emotional well-being—supporting recovery and fostering meaningful personal growth.
how we help
Adults Recover from Childhood Trauma & Complex PTSD
Heather Coleman's Maplewood Psychotherapy addresses the deep and lasting effects of childhood trauma and complex PTSD by providing a safe, structured, and compassionate therapeutic environment. Therapy is tailored to each individual, ensuring that sessions focus on the specific struggles they face, including emotional dysregulation, chronic anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties. Over time, clients can expect outcomes such as improved emotional stability, enhanced coping skills, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth.
trauma-focused therapy
Why Choose Heather Coleman Psychology for Trauma-Focused Therapy.
As a dedicated trauma specialist, Heather uses evidence-based methods—like trauma-focused Presence Psychotherapy), somatic techniques, and mindfulness strategies—to help clients process and manage intense emotions, and restore a sense of safety and trust in themselves and their relationships.
FAQs About Complex PTSD & Adult Trauma Counseling
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Heather mainly incorporates Presence Psychotherapy and is in advanced training with the Presence Psychotherapy Institute. Presence Psychotherapy is an integrative trauma treatment model that integrates spirituality with trauma healing. It utilizes Presence Awareness as a resource for regulating affect, processing trauma experience, and healing attachment wounds. Learn more about Presence Psychotherapy here. Heather also incorporates Gestalt methods and is informed by parts work from IFS and will integrate Somatic Experiencing techniques if desired.
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Each client has different needs and goals when they come to therapy. In the first few sessions, we can discuss and decide on the course of treatment; for example, clients may want to learn how to cope with their emotions better, feel more emotionally regulated, or improve dynamics in their relationships. Many clients want to feel less anxious or depressed, to sleep better, or to feel more active and involved in their lives. Therapy is a process; however, we can also track these goals over time to see whether you are heading in a meaningful direction.
blog
Articles Related to CPTSD & Trauma Therapy
Therapy takes time and learning, and additional reading materials are often encouraged in tandem with therapy. Our blog highlights Heather’s experience with trauma counseling.
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