Top-Rated Trauma Therapy Fort Collins

Takeaway: Trauma profoundly impacts our hearts, minds, and bodies. It can shape how we view ourselves, move through the world, and relate to others. Thankfully, it is possible to heal: I’ve seen it firsthand as a trauma therapist in Fort Collins, Colorado. Together, we’ll cultivate a space where you safely turn inward and discover what you need to grow forward. 

Are you struggling to make sense of your past, burdened by experiences that continue to affect your present? You're not alone.

trauma treatment fort collins

Together, we'll equip you with the tools to address common trauma symptoms. We'll also help you uncover your own path toward health, wholeness, and a more authentic life.You're not defined by the painful events in your life. You can rediscover joy in your life and create relationships in which you know you are enough. If you're searching for a counselor in northern Colorado, keep reading. You'll learn more about signs trauma therapy might be beneficial for you and the most effective approaches to treat PTSD.

Meet Parker Schneider, trauma therapist in Fort Collins

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado. I provide online counseling across the state and in-person therapy in Fort Collins.

Before becoming a mental health counselor, I spent over a decade in:

  • outdoor education

  • youth residential trauma treatment

  • recreation therapy

  • victim advocacy

  • higher education

To better support clients recovering from traumatic experiences, I obtained training in:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

  • Complex Trauma (CPTSD)

I provided direct services and trained direct staff in youth development and trauma-informed care. I also developed programming of therapeutic offerings in creative arts and adventure-based counseling.

I completed a supervised clinical internship at The Blue Bench where I was trained in trauma-focused client work. There, I provided low to no-cost counseling to survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

For three years, I provided trauma-focused counseling in residential substance abuse treatment. Additionally, I trained facility staff in trauma-responsive care.

For over a decade, I've trained healthcare professionals and educators on LGBTQIA+ experiences of trauma, as well as culturally-responsive care.

You deserve your healthcare providers to be knowledgeable about the ongoing impact of historical trauma. And you deserve them to understand how systems continue to re-traumatize or trigger mental health symptoms.

my approach to trauma counseling in fort collins

The foundation of my client work is social justice and liberation. That means the medical model that sees you as a diagnosis has no room here. It means I see trauma as a cultural and global problem you and so many of us have been unfairly impacted by.

This also means that I view oppression as a type of trauma. And I cannot support anyone in the healing process if I am engaging in oppressive behaviors in my client work.

If your past counselors and providers in the mental health field:

  • lacked awareness of the impact of oppression on you

  • were unable to receive your feedback and shift the way they worked with you

  • left you feeling like they had all the answers and you were wrong if you didn’t take their advice

    You'll benefit from counseling with me.

I do my best work with adults who…

  • feel previous counselors didn’t get them

  • have found that traditional talk therapy wasn’t enough

  • are seeking a more relational approach from a therapist who isn't a blank slate

I’m trained in somatic (body-focused) and mindfulness-based therapies. These approaches are more effective in treating PTSD, abuse, and traumatic experiences.

Talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy don’t get to the root of trauma. This is especially true for folks who don’t have a clear narrative or who don’t have the ability to tell their stories.

My experiential and nature-based approach can also offer you different avenues for recovery. And, there are no blank slates here.

Why choose Softening Stone Psychotherapy

Navigating trauma recovery can be daunting. A supportive guide to walk alongside you is crucial.

So, why work with me?

Empathy and Understanding:

I understand the profound impact that even a singular traumatic event can have on every facet of your life. With empathy at the core of my approach, I create a safe space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. You won't find blame or criticism here. You will find compassion and validation

Tailored Approach:

I recognize that every individual's experience of trauma and recovery is unique. My approach is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, I work with you to develop an individualized plan that addresses your specific needs, experiences, and goals. I also incorporate your specific lived experience of oppression and marginalization.

Trauma-Informed Expertise:

Beyond my general counseling training, I have specialized expertise in trauma therapy and somatic healing. This means I'm well-equipped to help you navigate the complexities of trauma recovery, whether it's related to historical experiences, attachment wounding, or experiences of oppression.

Collaboration and Partnership:

I don't view our sessions as a one-way street where I dispense wisdom. Instead, I see us as partnering and moving forward together. I believe that counseling is most effective when it's a collaborative effort. I'll empower you with the tools, skills, and insights you need to feel empowered in your life. I won't presume to be more of an expert on you than you!

Relationship-Centered:

Trauma often occurs in relation to others, and being supported in your recovery journey offers reparative experiences. In our work together, we'll focus on the therapeutic relationship, which can be a secure and stable place to heal. We'll address how your past experiences have influenced your current relationships, and together, we'll create a foundation for more fulfilling connections.

Holistic and Integrative:

I believe in a holistic approach to treating trauma. We won't just address the emotional aspects of your trauma but also the relational and somatic components. You'll learn skills to manage difficult emotions and reconnect with your body. And we’ll do so through an integrative approach that includes creative and expressive arts, as well as somatic, nature-based, and experiential techniques.

Realistic Hope:

I won't sugarcoat the journey ahead. Trauma recovery is challenging, full of grief, and sometimes feels like it gets worse before it gets better. And we can't erase the past, no matter what we overcome. Yet, I firmly believe that there's hope and that positive change is possible. I've seen clients transform their lives, and I know you have the ability to do the same.

When choosing to work with me, you're not just selecting a practitioner; you're embracing a compassionate, empathetic, liberatory-focused, and trauma-informed partner in your recovery. Together, we'll face the past, navigate its complexities, and move towards a joyful, more authentic future.

When Softening Stone Psychotherapy might not be the best fit for you 

While I am deeply committed to supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, I also recognize that I may not be the best fit for everyone. It's crucial to acknowledge when it might be a better choice for you to seek counseling from another therapist.

1. Lack of Compatibility:

The therapeutic relationship is essential. It's possible that our personalities may not align, or that my clinical foundation in social justice isn’t congruent for you. You may find that we don't connect or that you're not comfortable with my professional values. If so, it's vital to explore other options to ensure you receive the help you need.

2. Therapeutic Approach and Modalities:

My therapeutic approach won't resonate with everyone. I prioritize a holistic approach to trauma therapy and an eclectic style. That won't be a fit for individuals who are seeking specific techniques or modalities I am not trained in. In such cases, seeking a counselor who specializes in the desired approach is likely more suitable.

4. Time and Availability:

Scheduling and availability is a practical consideration. If my availability doesn't align with your needs, it's wise to seek a counselor who can better accommodate your schedule.

3. Geographic Constraints:

If you're seeking in-person therapy it's sensible to find a therapist who practices in a location that's more accessible for you. I offer in-person sessions in the Fort Collins, Colorado area.

If you’re open to online counseling it's still necessary to find a counselor who is licensed to practice in your state. I only offer online therapy to individuals located anywhere in Colorado.

5. Insurance or Financial Considerations:

You may have specific insurance requirements that aren't compatible with the current status of my practice. Or, you may have financial constraints I cannot currently accommodate. If so, it's wise to explore counselors who can accept your insurance or work within your budget.

In the end, the right therapist for you is the one whose approach aligns with your goals, values, and the level of engagement you're prepared to bring to your therapy. If you believe that matches the expertise and approach I offer, then I encourage you to reach out.

Finding the right therapist is a very personal decision. It's essential to feel heard and understood. If you find that we aren't the ideal match, it's important to explore other options.

My primary concern is that you receive the guidance you need to heal from traumatic events. If that means seeking another mental health counselor, I encourage that choice. Your well-being is of utmost importance.

FAQs about trauma treatment in Fort Collins

  • DesRecognizing when it's time to seek trauma therapy can be challenging. And so many of us struggle with feeling like our problems are “enough” to deserve help, or that our pain is valid.

    Some signs that may indicate trauma therapy could benefit you are:

    • Experiencing overwhelming emotions or numbness

    • Difficulty in your relationships

    • Feeling like you’re on autopilot

    • Disconnection from your body

    • Finding yourself reliving painful experiences

    • Isolation and difficulty connecting with others

    • Struggling to be in public or engage with others without being on high alert

    • Feeling broken, unworthy, or unlovable

    • Persistent anxiety, depression, stress, or drive for perfection

    • Difficulty with day-to-day functioning

    • Addiction or substance abuse struggles

    You may not identify with all these signs. Trauma affects individuals differently. You don't need to fit a specific mold to deserve help. Your experiences and feelings are valid, and reaching out for support can be a radical act.

    You may identify with some of the signs above, but not with “trauma.” You don't have to identify your experiences as traumatic for trauma-informed therapy to be beneficial for you.

    Therapy can provide a safe space for healing, growth, and transformation. You are deserving of support, and it's never too early or too late to begin this work. Whether you're currently in crisis and experiencing distress, or you simply want to better understand yourself, please reach out for a free consultation!

  • There are several effective modalities for treating trauma. A skilled counselor can help you determine which one might be the best fit, or how to combine multiple approaches to best meet your needs.

    A few effective approaches are:

    Somatic Therapy

    This approach helps clients become more aware of physical sensations and how they relate to emotions and historical trauma. Trauma and stress responses are physiological experiences. So, approaches incorporating the body are important to fully heal.

    EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

    A structured approach for processing traumatic memories. It's particularly effective in reducing the emotional charge of traumatic experiences.

    Mindfulness-Based Therapy

    Mindfulness-based approaches can help individuals become more grounded and present. This can reduce trauma symptoms and leave individuals feeling more in control of their reactions to stressors.

    Creative and Expressive Arts

    Art, music, play, and dance support individuals in accessing emotions and memories that are difficult to verbalize. They allow individuals alternative means to explore and express their experiences.

    Relational Therapy

    Building a safe, supportive, and trusting connection with a therapist helps heal relational trauma. For those whose trauma has affected their ability to form healthy and safe relationships, it is especially helpful.

    I integrate all these techniques and modalities into my approach to helping adults heal from psychological trauma and abuse. These modalities provide a comprehensive framework to address your unique needs and experience.

  • The process won’t be easy. However, addressing trauma with the support of a counselor can definitely be worth it given all the potential benefits.

    Trauma therapy can:

    These benefits can lead to more authentic and fulfilling lives for those who have experienced trauma.

Get the support you need to embody your authentic self.

trauma therapy fort collins

Trauma doesn't have to define your life. As a licensed professional counselor in Fort Collins, I'm here to help you navigate your path to healing. In our sessions, we'll explore the emotional, relational, and somatic dimensions of your trauma using an integrative approach. Our work is a partnership, and I'll provide you with the tools and insights needed to empower you in your life.

While the journey may be challenging, the rewards are many. You can achieve profound growth, emotional freedom, and more authentic living. Your well-being matters, and I'm here to support your healing journey. Reach out for a free consultation if you’re looking for trauma treatment in Fort Collins!