Trauma and PTSD therapy in Bismarck, ND

What is trauma and PTSD?

Trauma can result from an event, a series of events, or ongoing circumstances that feel overwhelming, threatening, or unsafe and continue to affect your well-being. It may follow a single experience, such as an accident or assault, or develop through repeated experiences over months or years.

After a distressing experience it is common to have temporary emotional or physical stress reactions. For some people those reactions persist and interfere with daily life. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, avoiding reminders, feeling constantly on edge, emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, or strong reactions to situations connected to the experience.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a specific mental health condition diagnosed when a particular combination of trauma-related symptoms continues over time and causes significant distress or difficulty functioning. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and support can help whether or not you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

At Empowered Mental Health in Bismarck, our team provides trauma-informed care, and several clinicians have completed additional training in trauma-focused treatments. We support children, teens, and adults in understanding their responses, building coping skills, and working toward healing at a pace that respects their needs.

What we help with

• Post-traumatic stress and single-incident trauma
• Complex and developmental trauma from ongoing experiences
• Abuse recovery
• Trauma from accidents, loss, medical events, or violence
• Trauma responses in children and adolescents

How we treat trauma

There is no single approach that is right for everyone. We consider your experiences, symptoms, age, needs, preferences, and goals when building a plan with you.

Our clinicians offer several evidence-based trauma treatments, including EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Some clinicians also offer Accelerated Resolution Therapy, an approach supported by promising but still developing research. The specific services available depend on each clinician’s training and scope of practice.

Treatment begins with an assessment and preparation to help you understand the process, establish appropriate supports, and build skills when needed. Trauma processing is approached collaboratively and at a pace that considers your readiness, safety, and goals.

What to expect

Your first sessions focus on understanding your concerns, goals, current needs, and relevant history. Your therapist will explain treatment options and, when helpful, help you build skills for managing distress and feeling more grounded.

If you decide to begin trauma processing, your therapist guides you using an approach suited to your needs and goals. The process is collaborative. You can ask questions, give feedback, slow down, or pause at any time.

Who provides trauma therapy at Empowered

Trauma-informed care runs across our team, with specialized strengths to match your needs.

• Mariah Banse, LCSW has specialized training in complex and developmental trauma, including TF-CBT, CPT, CFTSI, and SPARCS.
• Elizabeth Thein, LPCC focuses on abuse recovery and trauma, and is trained in EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
• Kaydee Baker, LMSW is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
• Talia Biederstedt, LCSW is EMDR-trained, including EMDR with children.
• Emma Pelach, LMSW provides trauma-informed care across a wide range of ages and is EMDR-trained.

If you are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Empowered Mental Health does not provide emergency or crisis services.