686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a trauma can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 6 therapists in Maryland available for an online or in-person session.
Megan Mills

Hear from Megan Mills, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

View Megan Mills's profile

What is your go-to approach for PTSD/trauma therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in PTSD/trauma therapy is building a therapeutic rapport. I find the best benefit in rapport-building because it allows the client to feel safe in discussing traumatic experiences.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I teach the following tools in PTSD/trauma therapy: emotional regulation, reframing negative thoughts, developing healthy coping skills, and building a support network.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy when they report a decrease in symptoms following a triggering event.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement PTSD/trauma therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in PTSD/trauma therapy with journaling, practicing healthy coping skills, attending support groups, and bibliotherapy.

What should someone do to prepare for starting PTSD/trauma therapy?

To prepare for their first PTSD/trauma therapy session, someone can create a list of goals they want to achieve through therapy.

Starting Trauma therapy

What is trauma therapy?

Trauma therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on treating the psychological impact of traumatic events on individuals. Trauma therapy helps people process and heal from their trauma by guiding them through their trauma in a compassionate and supportive way, allowing clients to feel the full scope of what happened to them and eventually move on from the event(s). This process helps people who have experienced trauma find ways to feel safe in their lives.

How does trauma therapy work?

Trauma therapy will often require individuals to walk through their experiences in a controlled and compassionate setting (unless the client has a dissociative disorder) so that they can fully process the event, an activity that will allow them to move on from what happened and feel safe again. Thriveworks Germantown therapists will also help clients learn healthy coping mechanisms to deal with their symptoms outside of therapy.

Is trauma therapy conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks trauma counseling in Germantown, MD is conducted both in person and online through online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does trauma therapy last?

If an individual is working through a single event that occurred during adulthood, they may only need a few months of treatment. However, in instances of childhood trauma or repeated traumatic events, therapy may continue over the course of years. Trauma therapy usually ends when the client believes they have met their therapeutic goals, however long that takes to occur. Thriveworks therapists in Germantown, MD will continue to provide care for as long as necessary to help clients meet their therapeutic needs.

Need more help deciding?

Trauma Therapy in Germantown, MD—Montgomery Trauma and PTSD Therapists

Traumatic experiences cause significant distress and pain. The individuals that fall victim to trauma often go on to develop various symptoms as a result, from insomnia to loneliness, social isolation, panic attacks, and more. There are a range of events that can be traumatic in nature, including physical assault, mental abuse, the loss of a loved one, bullying, and natural disasters. All of these events can have a lasting psychological impact on those who have witnessed it.

After one has experienced a traumatic event, the individual might struggle to get back to the life they know and love. The good news is that they don’t have to go through this painful experience alone—they can find help in trauma therapy at Thriveworks Germantown in Montgomery County. We have trauma therapists and psychologists on staff who possess the skills and the training to help you heal properly post-trauma. They can help you process the experience, improve symptoms, and get back to a happy, healthy place. You can call us today at (240) 949-6808 to set up your appointment with a Thriveworks Germantown trauma therapist. We’re here to help.

Goals of Trauma Therapy

Victims of trauma can develop a range of harmful symptoms, from insomnia or difficulty sleeping to frightening flashbacks, feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and others. These symptoms, as well as the trauma in and of itself, can make one feel completely hopeless or unhappy about life. Fortunately, trauma and PTSD therapy can help these individuals. Here are several primary goals in therapy for trauma:

  • Better managing symptoms
  • Learning new tools and skills for coping
  • Feeling happy and excited about life again

Effective Treatments for Trauma

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help individuals accomplish these missions in their healing journey. It enables the individual to correct any harmful thought patterns, it provides them with a safe and confidential space for talking about their trauma, and it offers the guidance and support for processing their feelings related to the event. Here are a few strategies your trauma therapist might use in treatment:

  1. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): With this approach, the individual will think about their traumatic experience while concentrating on something the therapist is doing such as making hand motions or flashing a light. The goal is that you will be able to think about something positive when reminded of your trauma.
  2. Prolonged Exposure: If you have been evading things that trigger memories of your trauma or symptoms of PTSD, prolonged exposure can help you to confront them. Your therapist might first teach you helpful breathing techniques to practice amidst anxiety.

Your Thriveworks Germantown trauma therapist will get to know you—your specific trauma, your needs, and your goals for therapy—before they design your treatment plan. They want to get it right. If you think you could find value in trauma therapy, give Thriveworks Germantown a call to schedule an appointment.

Schedule a Trauma Therapy Appointment at Thriveworks Germantown, MD

Trauma, regardless of the specific event, makes going about your day to day life difficult, or even impossible. Victims of trauma must deal with the lasting or long-term effects including nightmares, flashbacks, loneliness and isolation, and more. The good news is that if you have experienced a traumatic event, you don’t have to manage these symptoms and process your trauma alone. If you are a victim of trauma, reach out to Thriveworks Germantown in Montgomery County. We’ll set you up with a skilled and caring trauma therapist.

Our team has the skills, the training, and the experience to help you through this process of processing your trauma, managing any symptoms of PTSD you might be experiencing, and improving your overall happiness and life satisfaction. If you want to see for yourself what trauma therapy can do, give Thriveworks Germantown a call at (240) 949-6808. Our therapists, psychologists, and counselors are here to help.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Germantown therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS PPO

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

  • Humana Medicare Advantage

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Self-pay costs at Germantown
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.8 Thriveworks Germantown reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
It's extremely difficult to confront yourself and take steps to change especially when you feel "comfortable" doing what you have been doing for sometime even, if your actions have resulted in symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Shani knows how to see past the obvious and get to the core of the issue empowering you to work through tough emotions. Shani does so in a very reassuring manner and calming tone. It's challenging work but Shani's knowledge of CBT techniques have delivered great results and relief from anxiety and depression.
Read more It's extremely difficult to confront yourself and take steps to change especially when you feel "comfortable" doing what you have been doing for sometime even, if your actions have resulted in symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks and depression. Shani knows how to see past the obvious and get to the core of the issue empowering you to work through tough emotions. Shani does so in a very reassuring manner and calming tone. It's challenging work but Shani's knowledge of CBT techniques have delivered great results and relief from anxiety and depression.
Germantown Nov 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My wife and I have been having counseling sessions online (due to COVID) in Germantown. We counsel and get couples therapy from Janet Hawkins Pope. She is a well experienced and excellent counselor. We are very pleased with her. My wife and I highly recommend her not just for couples but for any type of counseling. The counseling sessions and the engagement has been very helpful to us and my family during these tough times.
Read more My wife and I have been having counseling sessions online (due to COVID) in Germantown. We counsel and get couples therapy from Janet Hawkins Pope. She is a well experienced and excellent counselor. We are very pleased with her. My wife and I highly recommend her not just for couples but for any type of counseling. The counseling sessions and the engagement has been very helpful to us and my family during these tough times.
Germantown Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I signed up with Thriveworks at the recommendation of my daughter. We have been thrown quite a few challenges the past few years and especially in recent months. On my first session with Janet I felt a warmth and a connection that usually takes much longer to achieve. She is open and friendly, encouraging and offers guidance. I find that I look forward to our sessions and reflect back on them as well. The additional resources that Janet has provided have been invaluable. I strongly encourage anyone having a tough time these days should reach out to Thriveworks Germantown.
Read more I signed up with Thriveworks at the recommendation of my daughter. We have been thrown quite a few challenges the past few years and especially in recent months. On my first session with Janet I felt a warmth and a connection that usually takes much longer to achieve. She is open and friendly, encouraging and offers guidance. I find that I look forward to our sessions and reflect back on them as well. The additional resources that Janet has provided have been invaluable. I strongly encourage anyone having a tough time these days should reach out to Thriveworks Germantown.
Germantown Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I started seeing Janet in February of this year while I was going through a difficult time in my life. The counseling she’s provided me has helped me tremendously in all aspects of my life including my marriage. Janet has played a big part of the growth in our marriage. Thank you Janet!!
Read more I started seeing Janet in February of this year while I was going through a difficult time in my life. The counseling she’s provided me has helped me tremendously in all aspects of my life including my marriage. Janet has played a big part of the growth in our marriage. Thank you Janet!!
Germantown Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Janet is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful! She is extremely flexible and easy to reach. I look forward to speaking with her and have surely benefited from it. I have, and will continue to recommend Thriveworks and specifically Janet! Thank you for all of the hard work you put in for our benefit. I highly recommend Janet's services!
Read more Janet is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful! She is extremely flexible and easy to reach. I look forward to speaking with her and have surely benefited from it. I have, and will continue to recommend Thriveworks and specifically Janet! Thank you for all of the hard work you put in for our benefit. I highly recommend Janet's services!
Germantown Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Janet in our couples counseling. She has helped us improve our communication, problem-solve reoccurring problems and empowered us to work together as a team!
Read more My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Janet in our couples counseling. She has helped us improve our communication, problem-solve reoccurring problems and empowered us to work together as a team!
Germantown Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I had a few issues that I wanted to talk through, and Janet Hawkins Pope was a good ear and offered sage advice. I only needed four sessions, but that helped me find peace of mind and clarity on the issues that were bothering me. Thank you, Janet!
Read more I had a few issues that I wanted to talk through, and Janet Hawkins Pope was a good ear and offered sage advice. I only needed four sessions, but that helped me find peace of mind and clarity on the issues that were bothering me. Thank you, Janet!
Germantown Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thriveworks offers convenient virtual appointments without having to schedule weeks in advance. Janet has provided tools and guidance to help improve communication between my husband and I which has strengthened our relationship. I truly appreciate the work she continues to do with us.
Read more Thriveworks offers convenient virtual appointments without having to schedule weeks in advance. Janet has provided tools and guidance to help improve communication between my husband and I which has strengthened our relationship. I truly appreciate the work she continues to do with us.
Germantown Aug 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Germantown is located in Executive Park Circle on Executive Park Ct. To find our building, turn either left or right (depending on your direction) into Executive Park Cir. from Wisteria Dr., and turn at the third cross street. Our building is across the street from Germantown Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and Seneca Dental Care, and shared by Potomac Nephrology, among other businesses. The closest bus stop is Wisteria Dr. & 17941.

Phone number

(240) 266-9148

Languages spoken by MD providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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