Healing Trauma. Rebuilding Lives. The Vital Work of PTR’s Counseling Program

At the heart of our mission at PTR is the belief that every survivor of human rights violations deserves the opportunity to heal, rebuild, and thrive. Providing accessible mental health care remains at the core of that mission. Through our Counseling Program, we support survivors who are navigating the profound psychological trauma that impacts their functioning and overall psychosocial wellbeing. Our trauma-informed, culturally reflective, and linguistically accessible therapy services are designed to help clients reduce symptoms, develop adaptive coping strategies, and reclaim a sense of  safety and stability in their lives.

Each client’s journey begins with a comprehensive intake process grounded in a client-oriented approach. From the very first session, therapists and clients collaborate to identify goals tailored to the individual’s unique needs and experiences. This partnership continues throughout treatment, with follow-up assessments conducted every six months to evaluate progress and redefine therapeutic goals together.

Our program is structured around key objectives:

• Restoring a sense of safety
• Decreasing trauma-related symptoms 
• Strengthening coping strategies
• Improving daily functioning and relational stability
• Reducing isolation and rebuilding social connections

To achieve these goals, we offer a range of clinical interventions, including:

• Individualized assessments and treatment plans
• Psychoeducation to normalize trauma responses
• Skills-based strategies to manage trauma triggers
• Narrative interventions that highlight client resilience and strength
• Family sessions and psychoeducation to improve relational dynamics
• Group interventions that foster collective healing

We believe that recovery after complex trauma is not only possible—it is powerful. The healing process is not only reflected in symptom reduction but also in many other ways. Clients who engage in holistic trauma therapy often rediscover their inner strength, regain a sense of identity, and experience meaningful improvements in their relationships. 

They begin to trust again, connect more deeply with loved ones, and find renewed purpose in their communities.

This transformative work is only possible because of the support of generous donors and advocates. 

Client Story: Maria’s Path to Healing 

 Maria, a 35 year old woman from Nicaragua, came to PTR after experiencing sexual harassment and abuse from a trusted adult figure who was determined to “fix” her sexuality. As a lesbian and demisexual woman, Maria endured deep emotional wounds during a pivotal moment in her life, leaving her  feeling rejected, isolated, mistrustful, and burdened by symptoms of depression and PTSD. 

As a result of her traumatic past, Maria  experienced feelings of worthlessness, difficulty sleeping, and inability to remember parts of her past. Despite her pain, Maria has shown strong will  and motivation to heal. She began attending weekly therapy at PTR, where she  connected with her therapist over her passion for school and love for nature. She often chose to hold sessions in our  garden, an environment where she felt most at peace.

Over the course of five months, Maria established goals relating to building and strengthening relationships, something that she has struggled with from an early age. She began engaging with several work and school, LGBTQ+ communities. Today, Maria feels more comfortable with her friends and family in the US. Her feelings of worthlessness has decreased, and she is now hopeful about  her future– even amid  the current immigration related stress.

Maria’s journey is just one example of how comprehensive, culturally attuned mental health care can empower survivors to reclaim their lives. 

Your Support Makes This Possible

By supporting PTR, you help survivors like Maria find hope, healing, and connection.  Your gift provides free, accessible therapy to those who need it most and helps us sustain services that center dignity, humanity, and culturally competent care. 

Join us in creating a more peaceful tomorrow —one healing journey at a time. 

Make a Gift Now