Trauma Therapy New York
Trauma Therapy
in New York
Support that helps you process painful experiences and feel more grounded again — online across NY or in-person in Clinton, NY.
About the work
Therapy That Helps
You Move Forward
After Trauma
At Valerie Lighthall LCSW Counseling Services, trauma therapy is focused on helping you process experiences that still feel overwhelming, unresolved, or emotionally present in your daily life. With over 15 years of experience, Valerie works with teens and adults who are ready to better understand the impact of trauma and begin healing in a way that feels safe, supportive, and realistic.
Therapy is not about forcing yourself to "get over it." It is about helping you feel more in control, connected, and able to move through life without constantly feeling stuck in survival mode.
Get StartedRecognizing the signs
When Trauma
Continues to Affect
Daily Life
Trauma can affect the way you think, feel, react, and relate to others, even years after something happened. Sometimes the impact is obvious. Other times, it shows up in ways you may not immediately connect to the past. You may notice:
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Feeling constantly on edge, anxious, or emotionally overwhelmed
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Difficulty sleeping, relaxing, or feeling present
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Difficulty trusting people or feeling safe in relationships
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Irritability, burnout, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities
You do not need to minimize what you have been through or convince yourself it was "not bad enough" to deserve support. Therapy can help you understand how trauma may still be affecting you and begin creating lasting change.
Learn MoreYou do not need to convince anyone your pain is valid enough for support.
Valerie Lighthall, LCSWThe approach
A Grounded,
Supportive Approach
to Healing
Trauma therapy is not about reliving every painful moment or being pushed before you are ready. Valerie works at a pace that feels manageable while helping you build insight, emotional safety, and practical ways to move through what you are carrying.
Sessions aren't scripted or clinical for the sake of it. Expect real conversation, honest feedback, and a space where what you say actually lands.
There's no rush to move past what happened. Time is built in to understand how trauma shows up for you specifically, before deciding what to do about it.
You won't get a distant clinical presence. Valerie brings genuine presence and directness to sessions — the same way she'd want support to feel if she were in your seat.
You do not need all the answers.
You just need a place to start.
Logistics
Flexible Support,
Without the Extra Hassle
Starting therapy should not feel complicated. From online scheduling to a simple client portal, everything is designed to be straightforward so you can focus on your well-being.
- Available virtually across all of New York State
- Daytime appointments available
- Simple, secure video platform — no downloads required
- Consistent weekly scheduling so it becomes part of your routine
- In-person sessions held in Clinton, NY
- Daytime availability — adding to your schedule, not disrupting it
- A warm, private office space designed for comfort
- Easy to add to your schedule without adding stress to your day
- Glens Falls, NY — $175/session
- Virtual, NY — $165/session
- Sliding scale available — reach out to discuss
- Payment due at time of session — credit card, HSA/FSA accepted
Choosing not to work with insurance companies is a deliberate decision — one that protects you as much as it protects the quality of our work together.
- You don't have to receive a mental health diagnosis to begin therapy.
- Session notes stay between us — they won't be shared with your insurance company.
- No outside party gets to decide how often we meet, how long we work together, or whether your reasons for coming are valid enough.
- A smaller caseload means more attention, more flexibility, and more personalized care — not a number in a system.
- Insurance reimbursement rates for private practice therapists are low and don't reflect experience or training — private pay keeps this work sustainable and focused on you.
The first step
Getting Started Is Simple
Reach Out
Fill out the contact form or send a message — no pressure, just a starting point.
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Quick Consultation
A short call to talk about what's going on and see if it feels like a good fit.
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Begin Sessions
Schedule your first appointment — virtual or in-person in Clinton, NY.
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Common questions
Getting Started
Is Simple
Send a message describing what brings you in. Valerie will follow up to schedule a free consultation call.
This is a private pay practice. A receipt can be provided for you to submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan.
Both. Virtual sessions are available anywhere in New York State, and in-person sessions are held in Clinton, NY.
Teens and adults working through the impact of trauma — whether it's tied to a single event or something that's built up over time.