Trauma & Complex Trauma Therapy in Chicago and Online
Healing That Starts With Trust
At Through Therapy, we understand that trauma isn’t always caused by a single moment. It can come from years of feeling invisible, being let down by those who were supposed to care for you, or constantly walking on eggshells. If you’ve experienced emotional neglect, chronic stress, or relationships that left you feeling unworthy or unsafe, you’re not alone.
We’re here to help you feel seen, supported, and safe enough to begin healing and thriving.
What Is Complex Trauma?
Complex trauma often arises from prolonged exposure to harm within relationships or environments. It can result in:
Deep-seated shame or self-doubt
Difficulty trusting or connecting with others
Emotional dysregulation or feeling "on edge"
Patterns of people-pleasing, avoidance, or shutdown
Feeling disconnected from self, others and/or the environment
Unlike a single traumatic event, complex trauma tends to develop over time and is often rooted in early caregiving relationships. It's important to note that complex trauma can also emerge later in life, especially in environments where safety, stability, or connection are repeatedly disrupted.
Our Approach to Trauma Healing
Through Therapy uses an integrative, trauma-informed lens to support your healing. We draw from a range of evidence-based treatment modalities and approaches, including:
AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy): Focuses on healing through emotional experiences within a safe, supportive relationship. It helps process deep emotional pain and build secure internal connections.
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Helps with emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and building healthy skills.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that keep you stuck.
Attachment-Based Therapy: Supports healing attachment wounds by exploring early relationships and building secure bonds in the present.
Person-Centered (Rogerian) Therapy: This approach trusts that you already hold the answers within you. Your therapist offers a warm, accepting, and non-judgmental space while reflecting, listening deeply, and honoring your experience so you can move toward clarity and self-trust at your own pace.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Looks at how past experiences, especially early relationships, affect your current emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
How Trauma Therapy Can Help
Trauma can affect how you think, feel, and relate to others, but it doesn’t have to define you. Therapy can help you:
Understand how past experiences shape your present
Find relief from shame, anxiety, or emotional numbness
Build tools to navigate triggers and stressful situations
Repair self-trust and strengthen your boundaries
Restore a deeper connection to your body, emotions, and relationships
Experience relief, growth, and clarity
Healing looks different for everyone. Oftentimes, healing can look like finding safety within yourself and opening up to new ways of being.
Connect With a Trauma Therapist in Chicago or Online
Unresolved trauma can take a toll on your relationships, self-esteem, and sense of ease. Through Therapy offers a compassionate, individualized approach to help you reclaim your story. Whether you're in Chicago or prefer online sessions, we're here to support your process with care, curiosity, and evidence-based practices.
When you're ready, we're here to walk alongside you.
