What to Expect When Working with a Trauma Therapist in Denver

Trauma can leave lasting emotional imprints—ones that show up in our relationships, our nervous system, and even how we see ourselves. If you’re considering working with a trauma therapist in Denver, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Therapy can be a space for healing, relief, and meaningful change. But what does working with a trauma therapist actually look like?

In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect when starting trauma therapy, how to know if a therapist is the right fit, and how modalities like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) support long-term healing.

Understanding Trauma: It’s Not Always What You Think

Many people associate trauma with major life-threatening events—but trauma is also about how our nervous system responds to what felt overwhelming, unsafe, or disempowering at the time.

This might include:

• Emotional neglect or childhood abandonment

• Betrayal in close relationships

• Growing up in a high-conflict household

• Being told your feelings didn’t matter

• Experiencing loss without support

You don’t need a “big T” trauma to benefit from trauma-informed therapy. If you feel stuck, anxious, reactive, or emotionally numb, working with a trauma therapist can help you unpack the root of those experiences.

First Sessions: Laying the Groundwork

At Cherry Creek Therapy, your first few sessions won’t dive directly into the trauma. Instead, they’re focused on:

• Building safety and rapport

• Understanding your goals and emotional history

• Exploring what feels difficult in your present life

• Discussing how your past may still be influencing your emotions and behaviors

Jennifer Gardner, MFT-C, offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you’re invited to move at your own pace. You’ll never be pushed to relive anything before you feel ready.

🔗 Looking to begin therapy in Denver? Learn more about trauma therapy services here.

Key Therapy Models for Trauma Healing

Cherry Creek Therapy offers a few specialized, evidence-based approaches to trauma healing. Here’s a look at what you might work with in sessions:

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS helps you explore the different “parts” of yourself—like the inner critic, the anxious part, the angry part, or the child who feels abandoned. Instead of judging these parts, IFS fosters understanding, compassion, and integration. You’ll learn how to create internal harmony and release burdens your parts may have carried since childhood.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR is especially effective for processing traumatic memories. Using bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping), EMDR helps your brain “digest” old experiences so they lose their emotional charge. You won’t forget the event—but it won’t feel as painful or intrusive.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT focuses on helping you build a life aligned with your values—even in the presence of painful emotions. Instead of avoiding discomfort, ACT teaches you how to make room for it, and choose actions that support your healing and growth.

What a Typical Session Looks Like

Each session is tailored to your needs, but here’s what you can expect in general:

• A calm, grounding check-in

• Space to explore what’s been coming up recently

• Mindful attention to body sensations, emotions, and beliefs

• Guided therapeutic processes like IFS or EMDR when ready

• Collaborative discussion about progress and what’s next

Sessions may be 50 or 80 minutes depending on your preference and therapy goals. Jennifer offers both in-person sessions in Denver and secure online sessions, allowing you to choose what feels most comfortable.

💬 Explore session types and rates here.

Safety First: You’re Always in Control

Many clients are nervous about opening up trauma, fearing they’ll be overwhelmed or judged. But trauma therapy isn’t about diving into pain without preparation—it’s about building resources, safety, and self-trust before processing deeper wounds.

You always have the right to:

• Slow down or pause

• Say no to any method or conversation

• Ask questions

• Take breaks

• Go at your own pace

Good therapy meets you where you are—not where someone else thinks you should be.

How You Know It’s Working

Trauma healing is not a linear journey. But over time, many clients notice:

• Reduced emotional reactivity

• Better boundaries and self-protection

• Feeling more present and grounded

• A shift from shame to self-compassion

• Improved relationships

• Clarity about past patterns

These changes often happen subtly at first. But they add up—creating a stronger, more resilient version of you.

You Deserve to Heal

Living with unresolved trauma can feel like carrying a weight no one else can see. But healing is possible—with the right support, safety, and therapeutic relationship.

Working with a trauma therapist in Denver isn’t about revisiting the past for the sake of it—it’s about reclaiming your future. Whether you’ve carried pain for decades or are just now realizing its impact, therapy can be the place where true healing begins.