245 5th Ave #311, New York, NY 10016 / 80 Park St., Montclair, New Jersey 07042
(312)600-3775
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What is trauma?
Trauma isn't just a buzzword—it's a very real, often debilitating experience that can shake the foundations of your world. Whether you've endured a single catastrophic event or weathered the storm of repeated traumatic events (hello, complex PTSD), trauma has a way of lingering long after the initial wound.
But how do you know if what you're experiencing is related to past trauma experiences? Here's a quick rundown of common trauma symptoms:
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Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
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Hypervigilance and startling easily
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Emotional numbness or dissociation
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Difficulty with trust and intimacy
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Unexplained physical symptoms
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Persistent feelings of shame or guilt
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Self-esteem issues
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Here's the kicker: trauma doesn't always show up as nightmares or panic attacks. It's sneaky, often masquerading as anxiety that leaves you on edge, depression that colors your world gray, or relationship issues that have you building walls instead of bridges. You might find yourself going through life on autopilot, disconnected from yourself and others, wondering why you can't just "get over it."
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If you're nodding along, thinking, "That's me," know that you're not alone, and more importantly, you're not broken. Trauma may have left its mark, but with the right support, you can begin to heal and reclaim your life. Our trauma-informed therapists are here to help you navigate this journey, one step at a time.
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P.S. Wondering whether you have trauma? Take our trauma test to help you get a clearer picture of your symptoms.
How can we help?
At our practice, we don't just slap a band-aid on your trauma and call it a day. We dive deep, using a blend of cutting-edge approaches tailored to tackle the complexities of PTSD and complex PTSD. Our therapists are well-versed in several different types of therapies—because healing isn't one-size-fits-all.
Why choose our approach? Here's the lowdown on how a few of our favorite methods can help:
Our goal? To help you not just survive, but thrive. We're talking about transforming your relationship with yourself, rekindling connections with others, and rediscovering joy in everyday life. It's not about erasing your past, but about writing a new chapter where trauma doesn't call the shots.
Ready to take that first step? We're here to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
Meet our New Jersey trauma therapists
Finding a good fit is key. Meet our team of mental health professionals to find the trauma-informed therapist who's right for you.
Jaclyn Paradise
Ms. Paradise is a Licensed Associate Counselor in the state of New Jersey. Her professional background, along with her own lived experience and personal journey, has fueled her passion for helping others heal from trauma. Ms. Paradise brings empathy and understanding to her work with clients, and she integrates her yoga training to help people heal their minds and bodies.​
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Credentials: Licensed Associate Counselor, Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Mindfulness Informed Professional, Yoga Teacher Certified
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Education: Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Approach: Trauma-focused therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, holistic therapy, somatic therapy, humanistic therapy, relational therapy, person-centered therapy, psychodynamic therapy, strengths-based approach, compassion-focused approach, yoga philosophy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
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Specialty areas: Complex trauma, low self-esteem, codependency, first responders, military personnel, anxiety​
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Cynthia Shaw
Dr. Cynthia Shaw is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the owner and founder of Authentically Living Psychological Services. She draws from holistic and philosophical approaches to help people make sense of their life experiences and create connection and purpose. Dr. Shaw is licensed to work with individuals in over 40 states nationwide.
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Credentials: Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Grief Informed Professional, Approved Clinical Supervisor
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Education: Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology
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Approach: Existential philosophy (phenomenology), humanistic therapy, relational therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Gestalt therapy, logotherapy, person-centered therapy, strengths-based approach, trauma-focused therapy, compassion-focused approach, mindfulness-based approaches
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Specialty areas: Anxiety and depression, relationship challenges, grief, loss, and illness, low self-esteem, life transitions
Get the support you need to heal from trauma and create a life you love.
If you feel like a traumatic event from your past has been calling the shots for too long, you're not alone. But here's the thing—you've got the power to flip the script. Our trauma therapists are ready to be your co-authors in this next chapter of your life. No more feeling stuck, no more going through the motions. It's time to reclaim your narrative.
So, what's your next move? Don't let another day slip by on autopilot. Reach out to us now to schedule a consultation, ask your burning questions, or just dip your toe in the water of possibility. Remember, every hero's journey starts with a single step. This could be yours. Let's turn that page together, shall we?