Healing Through Connection and Expert Care

At Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, we understand that recovering from a traumatic event can feel overwhelming. Our trauma therapy services offer a safe, supportive environment where you can process traumatic experiences, treat PTSD, and build effective coping skills. We help clients heal from past experiences and work toward emotional stability and personal growth, all while ensuring you feel heard and understood.

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What Is Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of individual therapy designed for treating trauma and complex trauma. It focuses on helping you process trauma, regulate emotions, and reduce post-traumatic stress symptoms. Whether you’ve experienced relationship violence, a traumatic event, or ongoing life transitions, trauma therapy provides a structured approach with a trauma-informed provider to help you move forward with your recovery journey.

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Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

At Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, our trauma-informed approach is designed to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where you can seek treatment for past experiences without fear of judgment. We believe in delivering compassionate Austin counseling services that honor your unique journey. Below, we break down our care model into six core principles that guide every therapy process.

1. Safety

We prioritize creating a secure, in-person safe space where both our clients and staff feel physically and psychologically protected. Our trauma-informed provider is committed to ensuring that every session fosters a sense of safety—an essential foundation for healing from traumatic events. Whether you're meeting with an Austin therapist or a family therapist, you can trust that our environment is designed to help you feel at ease.

2. Trustworthiness and Transparency

Our commitment to trustworthiness means that all aspects of our services are conducted with complete transparency. We believe that clear communication and honesty build lasting relationships, making it easier for you to engage with our counseling services. Our licensed professional counselors maintain open lines of dialogue so you always understand the steps of your therapy process and the rationale behind your treatment plan.

3. Peer Support and Mutual Self-Help

We recognize the healing power of shared experiences. Austin group therapy sessions and peer support opportunities are integral to our approach, enabling you to connect with others who have faced similar challenges. This mutual self-help model creates a strong community of support where you can learn effective coping strategies and feel less isolated in your journey to treat trauma.

4. Collaboration and Mutuality

Healing happens through meaningful collaboration. At Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, our approach emphasizes a collaborative therapy process where your voice and experiences guide the treatment. Our team works together with you, ensuring that decision-making is shared—demonstrating that you are not alone in your recovery. This mutuality helps build trust and fosters an environment where every member, including family members, contributes to your healing.

5. Empowerment, Voice, and Choice

Empowering you is at the heart of our trauma-informed care. We focus on strengthening your sense of self-worth by offering personalized treatment plans that honor your unique needs. By giving you the choice and encouraging your voice throughout the therapy process, we help you actively resist re-traumatization and build effective coping strategies. Our goal is to empower you to take charge of your recovery and embrace a future defined by resilience and confidence.

6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues

We are committed to providing culturally sensitive and inclusive counseling services that address the diverse experiences of our clients. Our therapists are well-versed in issues such as historical trauma and are dedicated to moving past cultural stereotypes and biases. Whether you're confronting trauma related to gender, cultural identity, or other personal factors, our trauma-informed approach ensures that your therapy is respectful, understanding, and tailored to your unique background.

7. Trauma informed care

Individuals that are navigating traumatic feelings often have certain areas that may be more challenging to navigate.  This can include environments, noise, smells, and specific priorities. We understand and are not only sensitive to this dynamic but prioritize your care in a trauma informed way.  We start were you are, go at your pace, and check in with you throughout the process of therapy and throughout each session.

See What Our Patients Have To Say

"I’ve been going here consistently for several years and have been nothing short of amazed at the experience (and results).
Through the many and various highs and lows life has thrown, Louis has given me invaluable support the entire time - not only helping me maintain my mental health, but helping me continuously, drastically improve it.
I can proudly and honestly say I am more fulfilled today than I have been ever in my life, and it is the direct result of the genuine, compassionate work Louis and team provides."

"Louis is an incredible therapist.  His approach to patients is truly one-of-a-kind by first and foremost ensuring there is a gentle and safe environment to have an open conversation.  Louis has helped me through several issues I've faced throughout my life.  After the war, I had terrible dreams.  They haunted me, and Louis was able to procedurally give me ideas and ways to think about things to arm me to cope with them properly.  In fact, sometimes, the answer was to not cope, and go further into the problem to discover more.  I've appreciated that advice the most.  Really, you could not ask for a better individual to listen, care, and share insights.  You have to be honest with yourself though.  The only way out is through.  That's what Louis says, and what I believe to be true."

Types of Trauma Therapy

We offer a variety of trauma-informed approaches to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Below are some of the primary types of trauma therapy we provide as part of our Austin counseling services:

EMDR Therapy

Using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR therapy), we help you process and integrate traumatic memories. This technique is especially effective in treating PTSD symptoms and mood disorders.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Prolonged exposure therapy is designed to gradually expose you to trauma reminders in a controlled, supportive setting. This method helps decrease the intensity of traumatic memories and treats PTSD symptoms.

Trauma-Focused CBT

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-focused CBT) combines cognitive restructuring with exposure therapy techniques to treat anxiety disorders and negative thought patterns that emerge from traumatic experiences.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) offers skills training for emotional regulation and distress tolerance. This approach is particularly beneficial for clients struggling with self-harm and personality disorders linked to trauma.

Therapeutic Techniques:
Your Safe Haven for Healing

At Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, your therapeutic journey is nurtured in a safe haven where your voice is truly heard and your experiences are validated. We utilize an integrative, trauma-informed approach that combines a variety of evidence-based modalities, each tailored uniquely to your healing process. Explore the therapeutic techniques we offer to empower your recovery and foster sustainable mental health.

By integrating these therapeutic techniques into our trauma-focused treatment plans, Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates provides a comprehensive and compassionate approach to healing. Each modality is designed to help you not only cope with the aftermath of traumatic events but also to actively work toward a future filled with resilience and personal growth.

  • Somatic Therapy

    Somatic therapy focuses on reconnecting the body and mind by addressing the physical manifestations of trauma. This approach helps release stored tension and encourages self-regulation, enabling you to feel more grounded and present.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

    Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps you understand and harmonize the different “parts” of your inner self. By addressing conflicting inner voices and healing wounded aspects, IFS supports a balanced and integrated sense of self.

  • Psychoeducation on Trauma and Its Impacts

    Psychoeducation empowers you with knowledge about trauma, its effects on the mind and body, and effective coping strategies. Understanding trauma theory and the common reactions to traumatic events can help you make sense of your experiences and guide your recovery journey.

  • Mindfulness and Guided Imagery

    Mindfulness practices and guided imagery techniques help center your thoughts and create a calm mental space. By cultivating awareness and relaxation, these methods support emotional regulation and reduce the intensity of trauma reminders.

  • Breathwork

    Breathwork involves controlled breathing exercises that help manage stress and promote relaxation. This technique supports the reduction of anxiety and facilitates a deeper connection between the mind and body during your healing journey.

  • Group Therapy

    Group therapy offers a supportive environment where you can share your experiences and learn from others who understand your struggles. This collective healing process fosters a sense of community, reduces isolation, and builds resilience through shared empathy.

At Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, your therapeutic journey is nurtured in a safe haven where your voice is truly heard and your experiences are validated. We utilize an integrative, trauma-informed approach that combines a variety of evidence-based modalities, each tailored uniquely to your healing process. Explore the therapeutic techniques we offer to empower your recovery and foster sustainable mental health.

Schedule An Initial Consultation

Phase 1: History Taking

Before beginning EMDR, your trauma therapist will get to know more about your experiences and symptoms. This step is for you to share about events in your past that may be affecting your current mindset.

Phase 2: Preparation

This stage is about ensuring your readiness for EMDR. Even though EMDR therapy for trauma is completely safe, it can be problematic for individuals who commonly experience dissociation. As a safeguard, your trauma therapist will work with you to create your own “calm place” to concentrate on if you feel distressed.

Phase 3: Assessment

It’s now time to choose a target to be reprocessed during your next few sessions. In doing so, you’ll need to identify a vivid image related to the memory, a negative cognition about yourself associated with it, and emotions and bodily sensations that accompany both. Your therapist will then have you challenge that negative cognition with a cognitive one. They will have you rate how true your positive cognition feels and how much distress the target memory causes you on a scale from 1-10.

Phase 4: Desensitization

This is where Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing comes into play. When you feel ready, your therapist will guide you to process your negative feelings and memories using bilateral eye movements to facilitate the brain’s healing process. This will help to ground you and take more directed focus on the thoughts, feelings, and images associated with your target. Every minute or so, your therapist will check in on what you’ve noticed and ask you to rate how much discomfort you’re now feeling. When you no longer report distress related to your targeted memory, you move onto the next step.

Phase 5: Installation

Next, your attention will be brought back to the positive cognition you identified earlier. Your trauma/PTSD therapist will recheck how true this belief now feels. The goal is to get this belief to feel like it’s 100 percent true.

Phase 6: Body Scan

You will now be asked to check your body for any areas of tension in your body caused by the target memory. Are your teeth clenched? Is your chest tight? Any uncomfortable physical sensations will be reprocessed using the same procedure as before until you can think of the target memory without feeling any tension.

Phase 7: Closure

At the end of every session, your trauma counselor will make sure that you are leaving feeling more relaxed than when you arrived. If you are feeling agitated, they will lead you through self-calming techniques until you regain your sense of control.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

At the beginning of each subsequent session, your therapist will ask you questions to ensure your positive beliefs have been maintained. This will also help them to identify any new problem areas that may need to be targeted.

EMDR therapy for trauma is considered a success once you are able to bring up memories of trauma without feeling the distress that brought you to therapy. Your trauma therapist will also provide you with the techniques and skills you need going forward to deal with upsetting feelings.

  • Conditions Trauma Therapy Can Treat

    Trauma therapy can address a wide range of mental health issues. Our counseling services are designed to help with:

    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    • Anxiety disorders and depression
    • Mood disorders and emotional instability
    • Substance abuse related to trauma
    • Relationship issues stemming from past trauma

How Trauma Impacts Mental Health

Traumatic experiences can have lasting effects on mental health, manifesting as anxiety disorders, depression, and even personality disorders. The trauma memory may disrupt emotional regulation and lead to behaviors such as self-harm or substance abuse. When left untreated, these mental health issues can hinder your ability to navigate life transitions and fully engage in daily activities. By treating trauma with targeted approaches like EMDR therapy, trauma-focused CBT, and exposure therapy, our goal is to help you achieve emotional stability and improve your overall mental health.

Who Can Experience Trauma?

Our experience shows that trauma can affect anyone, regardless of background. Common groups include:

Young adults facing significant life transitions
Veterans and active-duty military members dealing with combat-related trauma
Survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse
Individuals who have experienced serious accidents or natural disasters
People suffering from historical trauma passed down through generations
Religious trauma survivors
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community
Immigrants and refugees confronting systemic discrimination and cultural adjustment challenges

Trauma does not discriminate—if you’re experiencing the effects of traumatic events or PTSD symptoms, help is available.

The Benefits of Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy offers a wide range of benefits that not only address current mental health disorders but also set the stage for long-term resilience and personal growth. By embracing a trauma-informed approach, you can begin to transform your life and manage the impact of past traumatic events. Below are some of the key benefits of trauma therapy:

Improved Emotional Regulation

Through trauma therapy, clients learn to better manage and regulate their emotions. By exploring feelings related to traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment, you develop the ability to respond to stress in healthier ways. This improved emotional regulation lays the foundation for more balanced, stable moods and reduces emotional reactivity.

Enhanced Coping Skills

Trauma therapy equips you with effective coping strategies to handle everyday stressors as well as trauma reminders. Techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and exposure therapy help you develop robust, effective methods for managing anxiety and stress. Over time, these enhanced coping skills empower you to face challenges with confidence and clarity.

Integration of Traumatic Memories

A central goal of trauma therapy is to help you understand and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their disruptive impact on your daily life. By processing and contextualizing these memories, you can diminish the power of trauma reminders, enabling you to live more fully in the present. This integration is key to breaking the cycle of pain and moving forward with your recovery journey.

Increased Sense of Self-Worth

Experiencing trauma can deeply affect your self-esteem and sense of identity. Trauma therapy works to rebuild your self-worth by validating your experiences and fostering a supportive therapeutic relationship. As you heal, you often discover a renewed sense of value and personal strength, which is essential for long-term recovery and overall well-being.

Improved Mood Stability and Reduced Anxiety

Many clients report significant improvements in mood stability and a reduction in anxiety after engaging in trauma-focused treatment. With the help of targeted therapies like trauma-focused CBT and EMDR, you can achieve a more balanced emotional state, making it easier to enjoy life and reduce symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders.

Preparation for Future Life Transitions

Trauma therapy not only addresses the challenges of the past but also prepares you for future life transitions. By developing resilience and robust coping mechanisms, you’re better equipped to navigate changes and challenges with confidence. This proactive approach to healing ensures that you are prepared for whatever life brings, leading to sustained personal growth and stability.

Phase 1: History Taking

Before beginning EMDR, your trauma therapist will get to know more about your experiences and symptoms. This step is for you to share about events in your past that may be affecting your current mindset.

Phase 2: Preparation

This stage is about ensuring your readiness for EMDR. Even though EMDR therapy for trauma is completely safe, it can be problematic for individuals who commonly experience dissociation. As a safeguard, your trauma therapist will work with you to create your own “calm place” to concentrate on if you feel distressed.

Phase 3: Assessment

It’s now time to choose a target to be reprocessed during your next few sessions. In doing so, you’ll need to identify a vivid image related to the memory, a negative cognition about yourself associated with it, and emotions and bodily sensations that accompany both. Your therapist will then have you challenge that negative cognition with a cognitive one. They will have you rate how true your positive cognition feels and how much distress the target memory causes you on a scale from 1-10.

Phase 4: Desensitization

This is where Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing comes into play. When you feel ready, your therapist will guide you to process your negative feelings and memories using bilateral eye movements to facilitate the brain’s healing process. This will help to ground you and take more directed focus on the thoughts, feelings, and images associated with your target. Every minute or so, your therapist will check in on what you’ve noticed and ask you to rate how much discomfort you’re now feeling. When you no longer report distress related to your targeted memory, you move onto the next step.

Phase 5: Installation

Next, your attention will be brought back to the positive cognition you identified earlier. Your trauma/PTSD therapist will recheck how true this belief now feels. The goal is to get this belief to feel like it’s 100 percent true.

Phase 6: Body Scan

You will now be asked to check your body for any areas of tension in your body caused by the target memory. Are your teeth clenched? Is your chest tight? Any uncomfortable physical sensations will be reprocessed using the same procedure as before until you can think of the target memory without feeling any tension.

Phase 7: Closure

At the end of every session, your trauma counselor will make sure that you are leaving feeling more relaxed than when you arrived. If you are feeling agitated, they will lead you through self-calming techniques until you regain your sense of control.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

At the beginning of each subsequent session, your therapist will ask you questions to ensure your positive beliefs have been maintained. This will also help them to identify any new problem areas that may need to be targeted.

EMDR therapy for trauma is considered a success once you are able to bring up memories of trauma without feeling the distress that brought you to therapy. Your trauma therapist will also provide you with the techniques and skills you need going forward to deal with upsetting feelings.

How Can Trauma Treatment Help Me?

Trauma treatment is designed to empower you to reclaim control over your life. By engaging in trauma-focused treatment, you can learn strategies for managing PTSD symptoms and reducing the impact of traumatic memories. Whether you choose individual therapy sessions or group therapy for shared support, the therapy process will help you build effective coping skills, improve emotional stability, and foster personal growth. These therapies can be particularly helpful in treating mental health disorders and mood disorders, ensuring that you are equipped to move forward safely and confidently.

Reclaiming Your Life After Trauma

Rebuilding Trust and Safety

Trauma can shatter the sense of security and trust that is essential for healthy relationships and overall well-being. At Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, we focus on helping you rebuild trust—both in yourself and in others—by creating a safe and supportive environment where healing can begin. Our approach includes establishing healthy boundaries, fostering self-compassion, and gradually reintroducing trust into your life. By working together in a trauma-informed setting, you can rediscover a sense of safety and begin to believe in the possibility of positive, secure relationships again.

Cultivating Resilience and Empowerment

One of the most transformative aspects of trauma therapy is learning to cultivate resilience and empowerment. Our dedicated team helps you develop effective coping strategies that turn adversity into strength. Through therapeutic techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and supportive dialogue, you gain the tools to actively face challenges and manage your emotions. This process not only fosters a resilient mindset but also empowers you to take control of your recovery, enabling you to navigate future challenges with confidence and courage.

Exploring and Reconnecting with Self-Identity

Traumatic experiences can leave you feeling disconnected from who you are. At Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates, we guide you through the process of exploring and reconnecting with your self-identity. Through introspective therapy sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into your past experiences and rediscover your core values, strengths, and passions. This journey of self-exploration helps to rebuild your self-esteem and solidify a renewed sense of identity that honors your unique story and lays the foundation for lasting personal growth.

Navigating Relationships after Trauma

Trauma often leaves a lasting impact on how you interact with others, making it challenging to rebuild healthy relationships. Our therapy sessions provide you with strategies to effectively communicate your needs, set boundaries, and foster trust within your personal and professional relationships. With compassionate guidance, you can learn to navigate the complexities of relationships after trauma, creating supportive connections that promote mutual respect and understanding. This step is crucial in rebuilding a fulfilling social life and ensuring that you continue to grow in a nurturing, empathetic environment.

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Embrace the Path of Healing with Louis Laves-Webb, LCSW, LPC-S & Associates

Your path toward healing from trauma is a sacred journey, and we are deeply committed to walking alongside you with unwavering support, expert guidance, and genuine compassion. Discover a space where your healing is prioritized, your strength is acknowledged, and your future is brightly re-envisioned. To explore how our Austin therapy services can support your healing journey, contact us to schedule a free consultation today.

Specialties

AddictionAnger/ AggressionAnxietyChildren/ AdolescentsChronic IllnessCouple's TherapyDepressionEating DisordersFamily TherapyGroup TherapyHealthIFS TherapyEMDR Trauma TherapyIndividual TherapyLGBTQIA+Life TransitionsMen's IssuesMindfulnessOnline TherapyParentingPTSDRelationship/ IntimacySelf-EsteemSpiritualityStudent ConcernsTrauma

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Cosmopolitan logo
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NBC logo
Bustle Logo
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UpJourney logo
ThreeBestRated logo
Business Interviews
The National Registry of Marriage Friendly Therapists
GoodTherapy.org logo
Psychology Today logo
BBB A+ Rating Badge
Fierce Free and Full of Fire Logo