Trauma-Informed Therapy in NYC
Expert, evidence-based trauma treatment in New York
Extensive experience providing trauma-informed care to individuals from diverse backgrounds
Training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an effective treatment for treating complex and developmental trauma
Expertise in integrating psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness-based approaches
Special focus on LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and immigrant communities navigating identity, minority stress, grief, and intergenerational trauma
Collaborative, culturally attuned, and compassion-driven therapy tailored to your specific needs
Supervision and training experience with other clinicians in trauma-focused care
Virtual and in-person availability
Meet your NYC trauma therapist
Lucas Saiter, LMHC
I’m a licensed psychotherapist with over 8 years of experience helping individuals in trauma recovery and reconnect with their sense of safety, agency, and self-worth. I specialize in working with adults navigating the lasting effects of traumatic experiences, such as childhood trauma, complex PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and emotional abuse. My approach is grounded in warmth, collaboration, and deep respect for each person’s unique story.
I’m trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a highly effective, evidence-based modality for alleviating trauma symptoms, as well as psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies. I take a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens in all of my work, with particular expertise supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, and people of color processing identity, intergenerational trauma, and systemic oppression.
In addition to my clinical work, I provide supervision and training to other therapists and serve as an adjunct instructor in a graduate counseling program. My practice is a space where you can show up fully, not just as a survivor of trauma, but as a whole, resilient person working toward mental health.
My approach to trauma counseling
My approach to trauma counseling is integrative, relational, and tailored to your unique needs and history. I draw from evidence-based modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions to help reduce distress, shift negative thought patterns, and process painful memories in a safe way at your own pace. I also incorporate psychodynamic therapy to explore how early experiences show up today through emotions, relationships, and sense of self.
I believe what makes my approach unique is the balance I strike between depth and practicality: we work to understand the roots of the challenges in your life while also building tools for daily coping, regulation, and empowerment. I take a trauma-informed and culturally responsive stance to mental health, honoring how trauma intersects with identity, systemic oppression, and intergenerational dynamics, especially for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and immigrant clients. At the heart of my work is a collaborative therapeutic relationship where healing and emotional wellbeing happens not just through techniques, but through feeling truly seen, safe, and supported.
How to get started
I can understand how searching for "trauma therapist nyc" can produce an overwhelming amount of search results, which can be confusing when deciding where to start. Here's how to get started:
Reach Out
You can contact me through the “book consult” link on my website or by email. Whether you have questions about my approach or just want to see if we’re a good fit, feel free to reach out.
Schedule a Free Consultation
I offer a free 30-minute phone consultation so we can connect, discuss what you’re looking for, and explore how I can help. This is a no-pressure space where you can ask questions, share what brings you in, and get a feel for how I work.
Book Your First Session
If it feels like a good match, we’ll schedule your first session. I follow your lead, so we’ll start by understanding your goals, history, and current challenges. From there, we’ll create a personalized plan that supports your healing at your own pace.
Begin Your Healing Journey
Trauma work takes courage, and you don’t have to do it alone. In our ongoing sessions, we’ll build a strong, trusting relationship and use evidence-based tools to support your growth, resilience, and lasting change.
Common reasons why people start trauma therapy
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Many people begin trauma therapy because they feel like the past is still haunting them, whether through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories. These experiences and physical symptoms can make it hard to stay present or feel safe, even when the traumatic event is long in the past. Although childhood abuse is a common reason people start therapy, more recent experiences can also cause mental health issues, such as feeling stuck or PTSD symptoms.
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Trauma often creates challenges in regulating emotions. You might feel overwhelmed by anxiety, anger, shame, sadness, or swing between emotional numbness and intensity. Sometimes people can even have difficulty concentrating due to these overwhelming experiences. Therapy can help you build tools to understand and regulate these responses.
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Unresolved trauma can affect how you connect with others. Whether you've experienced domestic violence, emotional, psychological, or sexual trauma, you may find it hard to trust, set boundaries, or feel emotionally close. Sometimes you may even feel an intense sense of abandonment.
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People often seek therapy to process prolonged exposure to trauma related to systemic oppression, discrimination, or inherited family trauma. I provide a culturally attuned space to explore the impact of these experiences and reclaim a stronger sense of self.
When another practice might be a better fit for your needs
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As a talk therapist, I do not prescribe medication. If you’re seeking psychiatric evaluation or medication support, I recommend connecting with a psychiatrist, outpatient clinic, or other prescribers who can help. You can search for providers through Psychology Today or your insurance network.
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If you’re currently experiencing suicidal thoughts or in immediate danger, my practice is not equipped for emergency care. Please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
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If you're looking for a more structured form of therapy like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a different practice may be a better fit. I do offer EMDR, which utilizes some elements of these structured approaches to process painful feelings from a traumatic event or complex trauma.
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While I work with individuals and couples navigating the impact of trauma on relationships, I do not currently offer family therapy. If you’re seeking support for understanding and improving family dynamics, I recommend finding a licensed family therapist through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
FAQs about trauma & PTSD therapy
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Trauma therapy can be highly effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Research shows that evidence-based approaches like EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are associated with significant reductions in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms, emotional distress, and functional impairment. For example, EMDR has been found to be as effective as, and in some cases faster than, traditional talk therapy in treating trauma-related symptoms (APA).
Success in trauma therapy looks different for everyone. For some, it means fewer flashbacks and panic attacks; for others, it’s about rebuilding trust, reclaiming joy, or finding a deeper sense of self. While no therapy is a “quick fix,” many people report feeling stronger, more grounded, and more empowered after working through trauma.
In my experience as a trauma therapist, the clients who benefit most are those who feel safe in the therapeutic relationship, are willing to explore difficult emotions at their own pace, and are committed to the process.
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There’s no singular “best” treatment intervention for everyone. What works depends on your unique history, symptoms, and needs. That said, several evidence-based approaches are widely recognized for their effectiveness in treating trauma. These include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic therapies that address how trauma is stored in the body.
In my practice, I specialize in EMDR, which helps clients process traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge and promotes healing. I also integrate a psychodynamic approach to explore the deeper roots of trauma, and cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based techniques to build emotional regulation and coping skills. My approach is always trauma-informed and culturally responsive, honoring your full identity and life context.
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While all licensed therapists are trained to support clients with a range of emotional challenges, a trauma therapist has specialized training and experience in treating the complex and lasting effects of trauma. Trauma therapists understand how traumatic experiences (whether from childhood, relationships, systemic oppression, or sexual assault) can shape the nervous system, emotions, relationships, and self-esteem. Trauma therapists also bring a different perspective to how trauma can impact other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, and even chronic illness or chronic pain.
As a trauma therapist, I’ve completed advanced training in EMDR, a gold-standard trauma treatment. I also incorporate psychodynamic, mindfulness-based, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to support emotional regulation and insight.
Start trauma therapy in New York City today
If you’re ready to begin the healing journey and work toward a fulfilling life, I’m here to help. My mission is to provide compassionate, collaborative care that helps you feel safe, seen, and empowered. I specialize in working with trauma survivors and adults navigating the lasting effects of trauma using EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based tools. I tailor sessions to meet you where you are and support your growth at your own pace. I offer a warm, collaborative space where you can understand yourself more holistically and learn strategies to move forward with strength and clarity.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. I invite you to reach out and schedule a free 30-minute consultation today, and let’s explore how we can work together toward healing.