Top-Rated Trauma Therapist | NYC
15+ years experience working with individuals in crisis situations
Specialized training in evidence-based trauma therapy approaches
Founded by someone who grew up in a first responder family
Intimate therapy practice specializing in supporting first responders and their loved ones
Dedicated focus on supporting first responders and their loved ones
Confidential online therapy designed for your privacy
Meet your NYC trauma therapist
Kristen Plake, LCSW
As the daughter of a police officer who served as a first responder during 9/11, I've witnessed firsthand how trauma affects not just the individual, but entire families. This personal experience fueled my passion to found Frontline Wellness Group after spending 15 years working with individuals in crisis within the healthcare field.
I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work from NYU and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. My approach combines professional expertise with genuine empathy and understanding of the unique challenges first responders face. I believe trauma therapy isn't just about managing symptoms—it's about helping you reclaim your sense of safety, control, and connection.
My approach to trauma counseling
I understand that reaching out for help can feel particularly challenging when you're in a profession that values strength and self-reliance. As someone who grew up in a first responder family, I recognize the concerns about confidentiality, career impact, and the "just tough it out" mentality that can make seeking help difficult. My approach offers a judgment-free space where your experiences are understood without requiring you to adopt a "patient" identity that might feel uncomfortable.
My practice incorporates evidence-based methods specifically designed for repeated trauma exposure: trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and prolonged exposure Therapy (PE). These practical approaches are particularly effective for the types of trauma first responders encounter, focusing on building skills rather than just talking about feelings. We address both immediate symptoms and underlying experiences with strategies you can apply right away.
What makes my approach unique is the combination of clinical expertise with real understanding of first responder culture. I recognize that trauma doesn't just affect you individually—it impacts your relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. We'll work together at your pace, with methods tailored to your specific needs, focusing on practical strategies while building toward long-term resilience. This isn't about "fixing" you—it's about giving you additional tools to manage the unique stressors of your profession.
How to start trauma therapy
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Step 1: Reach out
I understand that making that first contact can feel like a big step. My contact process is designed with your privacy in mind. When you reach out through the secure form on this page, only I will see your information—no colleagues, no supervisors, and no record in any departmental system. I typically respond within 24 hours.
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Step 2: Free consultation call
We'll have a brief, no-pressure phone conversation where you can ask questions about the process, my approach, and how the therapeutic process works. This is your opportunity to determine if working with me feels right for your situation and get the answers you need about trauma therapy.
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Step 3: Schedule your first session
If we decide to move forward, we'll find a time that works around your shift schedule and other commitments. My virtual format means you can attend sessions from wherever you feel most comfortable. I'll send you some initial paperwork that helps me understand your situation while minimizing unnecessary personal details.
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Step 4: Find your path forward
During our first few sessions, we'll focus on what you want to get out of our work together. Rather than dwelling on diagnoses or labels, we'll develop specific, practical strategies that address your concerns. You set the pace and direction of our work together, with an emphasis on building skills you can use immediately.
Common reasons why people seek trauma counseling
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Unlike most people who might experience one or two traumatic events in a lifetime, first responders face potentially traumatic situations regularly. This cumulative exposure—responding to fatal accidents, violence, child victims, line-of-duty deaths, or mass casualty incidents—can have a compounding effect over time. What might seem manageable in the moment can build up, affecting you in ways that aren't immediately obvious until they begin interfering with your daily life.
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The constant state of readiness required in your profession can become difficult to switch off. You might find yourself unable to sit with your back to the door at restaurants, scanning for threats during family outings, or startling easily at sudden noises. This "always on" state, while necessary for the job, can lead to exhaustion, irritability, and difficulty being present in your personal life. Many first responders report not having felt truly relaxed in years.
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Between irregular shifts, on-call status, and trauma-related sleep issues like nightmares or insomnia, many first responders struggle with chronic sleep deprivation. You might find yourself unable to fall asleep after a difficult call, waking up from vivid dreams about work incidents, or developing unhealthy patterns to manage sleep difficulties. This sleep disruption creates a frustrating cycle that affects every aspect of your well-being.
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The gap between what you experience at work and what your loved ones can understand creates unique relationship challenges. You may find yourself withdrawing from family to protect them from your experiences, feeling misunderstood when you try to explain job stressors, or struggling to reconnect emotionally after difficult shifts. Meanwhile, the high-stakes nature of first responder teams can make workplace relationships complex, especially following critical incidents or when performance is affected by stress.
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Many first responders develop a shorter fuse after years of service, reacting strongly to situations that seem trivial compared to what they handle at work. You might find yourself becoming easily frustrated by everyday annoyances, having angry outbursts that feel out of proportion, or dismissing other people's problems as insignificant. What started as quick decision-making in emergencies can evolve into impulsive reactions in your personal life.
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To function effectively during traumatic calls, first responders often develop the ability to compartmentalize emotions. Over time, this necessary skill can become automatic, making it difficult to reconnect with feelings during personal time. You might notice yourself feeling emotionally numb, struggling to enjoy activities that used to bring pleasure, or having trouble being fully present with family and friends even when you want to be.
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Regularly witnessing the worst moments in people's lives takes a toll, even when you're not directly in danger. The weight of holding others' traumatic experiences—seeing victims at their most vulnerable, supporting survivors through grief, or working with children in crisis—can affect your view of the world and sense of safety. Many first responders describe feeling that their exposure to so much suffering has fundamentally changed how they see humanity and the world around them.
Is my practice right for you?
While I'm committed to helping first responders and their families, there might be some situations where I recommend accessing other resources first. Here are some examples:
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If you're experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please contact the 988 Lifeline immediately by calling or texting 988.
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Due to licensing restrictions, I can only provide therapy to residents of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. If you live elsewhere, you'll need to find a provider who's licensed in your state.
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My practice is exclusively virtual to ensure privacy and convenience for first responders. If you strongly prefer in-person sessions, I can recommend colleagues who might better meet your needs.
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Certain conditions, like active substance abuse or severe psychiatric conditions, may require additional specialized treatment beyond what I provide.
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If you're seeking a particular trauma therapy modality, like somatic therapy, or looking for a therapist who specializes in another form of trauma, like complex trauma, I can recommend other local resources.
If you're unsure whether my practice is the right fit for you, I invite you to reach out for a free consultation.
FAQs about therapy for trauma
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Many first responders develop coping mechanisms that allow them to function effectively despite experiencing symptoms that might concern others. The line between "normal" occupational stress and more significant conditions can be difficult to identify. Plus, there's still stigma in seeking help.
With that being said, first responder mental health awareness is crucial. Data shows that first responders are at a higher risk of mental health disorders, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and more.
If you've noticed changes in your sleep, mood, relationships, or find yourself using alcohol or other substances to cope, these might be signs that your experiences are affecting you. Trauma symptoms can include feeling constantly on alert, emotional numbness, irritability, or traumatic memories that pop up out of nowhere—and they can emerge immediately after an event or years later.
Note that in my practice, we focus on addressing your specific challenges rather than rushing to categorize your experience. Many first responders benefit from trauma-informed support even if they're not sure if they have PTSD symptoms or don't want a clinical diagnosis. The ultimate goal is to enhance your well-being, not focus on labels.
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Absolutely not. I understand the concerns about having a diagnosis in your record. In our work together, we focus on addressing the specific challenges you're facing rather than labeling them. While some people find a diagnosis helpful for understanding their experiences, we only pursue this route if you specifically request it and after discussing what it means for you.
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There are many different evidence-based approaches for trauma. In my practice, I use a blend of methods including trauma-focused CBT and prolonged exposure therapy. Other clinicians may use methods like cognitive processing therapy (CPT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), or other techniques.
For first responders specifically, it's also valuable to work with a therapist who understands the unique culture and operational realities of your profession. While many therapists claim to treat trauma, those with certifications in trauma-specific approaches and experience working with similar populations tend to provide the most effective care. My background as both a trauma specialist and someone from a first responder family gives me insight into both the clinical and cultural aspects of what you're experiencing.
Start working with a New York trauma therapist today
Making the decision to address trauma isn't a sign of weakness—it's a commitment to your continued effectiveness. As someone who grew up in a first responder family, I understand both professionally and personally the impact trauma can have.
Ready to have a confidential conversation about how we might work together? Schedule your secure, no-obligation consultation today.