There is no warning sign for trauma. It can happen in a moment or over time, leaving you with wounds to the mind, body, your relationships, and quality of life. If you've been searching for trauma therapy in Atlanta, you're not alone—and you're taking a brave first step toward healing.
We interviewed one of Atlanta's most credentialed trauma therapist, Elaine Latimer-Tandy, to talk about what you need to know about having the appropriate trauma therapy, how it operates, and how therapy can change your life.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is often misunderstood. The event does not define it, but your emotional response will have an impact on the severity of the trauma.
"Trauma is something that overwhelms your ability to cope, makes you feel powerless, and lingers long after the experience has ended," explains Elaine Latimer-Tandy.
Some of the most common causes of trauma include:
- Abuse (emotional, sexual, or physical)
- Car accidents or injuries
- Sorrow at the loss of a loved one
- Disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes)
- Chronic neglect or abandonment
- Witnessing violence or traumatic events
- Racial, cultural, or system-based trauma
For others, trauma causes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), while others experience anxiety, depression, dissociation, or relationship issues. The effects can be immediate or emerge years later.
Signs That You May Need Trauma Therapy
If you have experienced trauma, you may discover the following:
- Difficulty trusting others
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Avoiding anything that reminds you of the trauma
- Hypervigilance or a state of constant "on edge" feeling
- Shame, guilt, or blame directed towards yourself
- Numbness or emotional disconnection
- Panic attacks or overall anxiety
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares
"Many clients tell me, 'I don't know what's wrong with me,'" Elaine says. "But what they're actually feeling is a normal reaction to abnormal circumstances. Therapy makes sense of it."
Not all therapies are trauma-informed—and that is all it takes. A trauma-informed therapist approaches clients with a deep knowledge of how trauma impacts the nervous system, your behaviors, and your ability to emotionally regulate.
Elaine possesses several certifications that enable her to work with trauma survivors:
- LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
- CPCS (Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor)
- CCTP-II (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – Level II)
- C-PD (Certified in Personality Disorders)
- C-DBT (Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
- BC-TMH (Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider)
"These credentials reflect a commitment to advanced training, ethical practice, and the provision of safe, evidence-based care for those working through even the worst trauma histories," she explains.
Types of Trauma Therapy Used by Atlanta Experts
Every traumatic experience—or recovery process—is different. Elaine Latimer-Tandy uses several evidence-based trauma therapies specific to each client:
1. DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
DBT uses mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills to help clients manage overpowering feelings and build a life worth living.
2. Parts Work / Inner Child Healing
This approach recognizes that trauma tends to split our inner world. Therapy can do the work of bringing those "parts" of ourselves together and of returning compassion to previously exiled feelings.
3. Somatic and Body-Centered Approaches
"Trauma is in the body," says Elaine. Techniques such as breathwork, grounding, and body awareness calm the nervous system and restore feelings of safety.
4. TeleMental Health
Elaine is also board-certified in Telemental Health, which means she can offer safe, online therapy sessions to clients ideal for busy professionals or those who are more comfortable in their own environment.
What To Expect From Trauma Therapy?
If you are a new client, you may wonder what to expect. Below is an outline of what you can expect in a session with a trauma therapist like Elaine:
Initial Intake: This first session is about learning your history, symptoms, goals and what you'd like to focus on in therapy.
- Building Safety: Trauma therapy starts with building a sense of safety, trust in the process, and emotional grounding. No rushing.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: You and your therapist will choose the proper methods.
- Ongoing Support: There's a gradual build as treatment progresses. Some weeks may require more support than others.
You will never be forced to relive the trauma or disclose more than you're prepared to share.
Healing Is Possible And It's Closer Than You Think
Too many people shy away from getting trauma therapy because they feel they need to "get over it" on their own. But here's the thing: healing from trauma often means having the guidance of someone professionally trained to navigate it with you.
Elaine states, "You don't have to know all the answers or even know where to begin. If you've survived trauma, you’ve already demonstrated strength. Therapy teaches you how to tap into that strength and to be able to proceed in a healthier manner."
Selecting the Right Trauma Therapist in Atlanta
When looking for a trauma therapist in your area in Atlanta, consider the following:
- Credentials do count: Check for licenses (LPC, LCSW, etc.) and certifications such as CCTP, EMDR, or DBT.
- Trauma experience: Not all therapists work with trauma. Ask pointed questions about the treatment process.
- Client-therapist relationship: Healing occurs in warm, nonjudgmental relationships. Trust your instincts.
- Convenience and ease of access: Consider location, online availability, and insurance/payment arrangements.
Elaine works with a variety of clients throughout Atlanta—young adults, professionals, high profile, childhood trauma survivors, and people living with complex PTSD.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
If you're in the Atlanta area and looking for a trauma therapist who truly understands the depth and complexity of trauma, Elaine Latimer-Tandy, LPC, CPCS, CCTP-II, C-PD, C-DBT, BC-TMH offers compassionate, highly trained care rooted in evidence-based practices.
Regardless of whether you're just beginning to explore therapy or returning after a period away, you must understand this: you are not broken. You are not alone. And healing is possible.