Trauma & PTSD Therapy
Healing is possible.
Even after the worst.
Specialized, evidence-based trauma therapy with a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. In-person in Iowa City and telehealth across Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, and Florida.
Credentials
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH)
- Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
- EMDR Part II Trained
If any of this sounds familiar, you are not alone.
Trauma doesn't always look like a single dramatic event. It can be the accumulation of experiences that left you feeling unsafe, unseen, or fundamentally changed. These are some of the signs that trauma may still be affecting you.
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
- Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on edge
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Avoiding people, places, or situations tied to the trauma
- Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe
- Shame, guilt, or self-blame
- Sudden anger or emotional overwhelm
Evidence-based treatment
How we work together
Trauma therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I draw from multiple evidence-based modalities and tailor the approach to what your nervous system needs.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most well-researched trauma treatments available. It helps the brain process stuck traumatic memories so they lose their emotional charge. I am Part II Trained in EMDR.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy addresses the thought patterns and beliefs that trauma leaves behind — helping you challenge distorted thinking and build a more grounded sense of self and safety.
Somatic-Informed Care
Trauma lives in the body as much as the mind. Somatic-informed approaches help you recognize and work with physical sensations, so healing happens at every level — not just cognitively.
Your therapist
Specialized training. A human approach.
I'm Rich Stapleton, LMHC, NCC, CCTP. I've spent my career working with people who have experienced trauma — from single-incident events to complex, relational, and developmental trauma. I hold a doctorate in counseling and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and EMDR Part II Trained therapist.
My approach is grounded in the belief that healing is not about eliminating the past — it's about changing your relationship to it. Sessions are paced carefully, always prioritizing your safety and sense of control.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Credentials include
LMHC · NCC · CCTP · EMDR
Questions people often ask
Starting trauma therapy takes courage. Here are honest answers to the questions that come up most.
Do I have to talk about every detail of what happened?
No. Effective trauma therapy does not require you to recount every detail of your experience. We work at your pace, and you are always in control of what you share and when. Many evidence-based approaches work with the emotional and physical impact of trauma without requiring a full narrative retelling.
How long does trauma therapy take?
There is no universal timeline. Some people experience meaningful relief in a focused course of 12–20 sessions. Others benefit from longer-term work, particularly when trauma is complex or longstanding. We will discuss realistic expectations in our first session and revisit them as we go.
Is telehealth effective for trauma therapy?
Yes. Research consistently shows that telehealth trauma therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person care. I am licensed to provide telehealth in Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota, and Florida — and I am a Board Certified Telemental Health Provider.
What if I have been in therapy before and it did not help?
Not all therapy is trauma-informed, and not all therapists are trained in evidence-based trauma treatments. If previous therapy felt unhelpful or even retraumatizing, that is worth naming. Specialized trauma care looks different — and for many people, it is the first time therapy has actually worked.
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out-of-network provider. Many clients use out-of-network benefits or HSA/FSA funds. I can provide a superbill for reimbursement. Contact me to discuss your specific situation.
You don't have to keep carrying this alone.
The first step is a free consultation — a chance to ask questions, share what's been happening, and decide together whether we're a good fit. No pressure. No commitment.
Serving Iowa City in person · Telehealth in Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota & Florida