Trauma Therapy And Counseling Services
Trauma leaves an imprint that can touch every part of life — how we feel, how we relate to others, and even how we see ourselves. For many, the thought of beginning therapy feels intimidating. You might worry that the pain will be too overwhelming to face, that revisiting the past will make things worse, or that no one could truly understand what you’ve been through. These fears are real — and they’re often what keep people from taking that first brave step. But you don’t have to do it alone. At Sonder, our trauma therapists will walk alongside you with care and compassion, offering a safe place to begin your healing. Together, we’ll move through the process at a pace that feels gentle, safe, and respectful to you.
Unresolved trauma can show up in ways that are both obvious and surprisingly subtle. For some, it looks like anxiety, depression, nightmares, or avoiding reminders of the past. It can strain relationships, cause conflict within families, or make it difficult to trust and feel safe with others. At work or school, trauma may affect concentration, memory, or motivation — leaving people feeling “stuck” or disconnected from their goals.
Other effects can be harder to recognize. Trauma often hides beneath patterns like perfectionism, people-pleasing, or emotional numbness. It may show up as irritability, feeling “on edge,” or unexplained physical symptoms such as fatigue, tension, or headaches. Over time, these unaddressed wounds can quietly shape the way a person sees themselves and the world around them. And while fear can make it tempting to avoid the work of therapy, postponing it often allows the weight of trauma to grow heavier.
The good news is that healing is possible. Trauma therapy helps bring these patterns to light and gives you tools to move beyond them. You don’t have to face the past all at once — or alone. With care, patience, and support, you can take steady steps toward peace, resilience, and a renewed sense of strength.
Sonder offers trauma therapy at both of our comfortable outpatient locations in Minnetonka and Medina.
Types of Trauma Therapy We Offer
At Sonder, our team provides a wide range of trauma-focused therapies to meet the unique needs of children, teens, and adults. Each approach is evidence-based and tailored to support healing, resilience, and growth.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
A brief, evidence-based therapy that uses guided eye movements and visualization to help clients reprocess traumatic memories quickly and effectively. ART often brings relief without requiring you to recount every detail of the trauma.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
A structured therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories through guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. EMDR reduces the emotional intensity of painful experiences and supports lasting healing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT – including Trauma-Focused CBT)
A skills-based approach that explores how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Trauma-focused CBT is specially adapted to address the impact of trauma, teaching practical coping strategies and healthier ways of thinking.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT – Trauma-Focused)
Helps clients reduce the power of painful thoughts and memories by building psychological flexibility. Trauma-focused ACT emphasizes mindfulness and values-based living while gently working through trauma’s impact.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
A form of CBT designed specifically for trauma. CPT helps identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to traumatic experiences, supporting healthier perspectives and emotional recovery.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT – Trauma-Focused)
Encourages clients to “re-author” their life story by exploring how trauma has shaped their identity. This approach blends CBT and psychodynamic techniques, helping clients create a new narrative of strength and resilience.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Focuses on uncovering and working through underlying emotional conflicts connected to trauma. By increasing self-awareness and insight, psychodynamic therapy helps clients understand how past experiences continue to influence present life.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
A compassionate approach that views the mind as made up of different “parts.” IFS helps heal wounded parts of the self and fosters a stronger internal sense of balance and harmony.
Somatic Experiencing
A body-focused therapy that addresses the physical effects of trauma. Clients learn to release stored tension in the nervous system, restoring calm and safety in both body and mind.
Relational / Attachment-Focused Therapy
Addresses how trauma impacts trust and connection with others. This therapy strengthens safety and attachment in relationships — especially valuable for children, adolescents, and families.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT – Trauma-Informed)
Combines mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation skills to help clients manage trauma symptoms. DBT is especially helpful for individuals coping with intense emotions or self-destructive behaviors.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
An evidence-based therapy that helps clients gradually face trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations in a safe and supported way. PE reduces avoidance and promotes long-term relief from trauma symptoms.
Meet Our Trauma Therapists in the Twin Cities
The following Sonder providers are specially trained in trauma therapy and are here to walk alongside you as you take steps toward healing.
If you’d like to get started, our intake team will help match you with a provider who is the right fit for your needs and guide you through the next steps in scheduling. Sonder has trauma therapists available at our Minnetonka and Medina locations.
