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Serving Central Washington for Over 40 Years

Trauma-Informed Counseling Services in Central Washington

Trauma can shape the way you think, feel, and react long after the unfortunate event is over. At MERIT, we offer trauma-informed counseling services that can help you understand what you have been through, reduce the impact it is having on your life, and build a healthier and happier future.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to distressing or threatening events. It can result from a single incident, such as an accident, attack, or sudden loss, or from ongoing situations like abuse and chronic stress. For many people, trauma changes the way they see themselves and the world, making it difficult to feel safe or trust others.

How Trauma Impacts Daily Life

The effects of trauma are not always visible, but they can influence your mood, behavior, and ability to manage stress long after the distressing event. People struggling with trauma may experience the following symptoms:

  • Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
  • Difficulty concentrating and staying focused
  • Feeling tense, jumpy, or easily startled
  • Mood changes like irritability, sadness, or anxiety
  • Challenges maintaining relationships and feeling disconnected from others
  • Abusing substances as a way to manage thoughts or feelings

 

How Trauma-Informed Counseling Services Can Help

Trauma-informed counseling at MERIT is a supportive space where you can talk about what you have been through without feeling rushed or judged. We move at your pace, identify how trauma is affecting your day-to-day life, and work toward goals like:

  • Symptom relief: Practice strategies that can help manage flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and emotional numbness.
  • Crisis prevention: Learn to spot early signs of distress and how to use grounding skills to calm your body and mind.
  • Stronger relationships: Work towards building trust, setting healthy boundaries, and improving communication.
  • Improved home environment: Break unhealthy patterns and build a more stable home environment.
  • Healthier coping skills: Develop ways to manage stress, minimize triggers, and control emotions without relying on substances or harmful behaviors.

          What to Expect During Your First Counseling Session

          Your first session at MERIT is a chance to share your story and start building trust. We’ll ask questions about your background, current symptoms, and what you expect from trauma-informed counseling. This conversation will help us create a custom treatment plan that matches your needs and comfort level. Your treatment may include:

          CARF-Accredited Trauma-Informed Counseling Services Provider

          At MERIT, we’re committed to making trauma-informed counseling more accessible for residents across Central Washington. Here are a few ways we make high-quality care easy to access and fit easily into your lifestyle and routine:

          • In-person sessions are available at our Ellensburg, Kennewick, Pasco, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Wapato, and Yakima locations
          • Online counseling for on-the-go support
          • Services are available in English and Spanish
          • Acceptance of major insurance plans
          • Flexible payment options

                  Contact MERIT at 877-789-3344 to schedule a consultation for trauma-informed counseling services. We offer bilingual behavioral health and substance abuse treatment programs in Ellensburg, Kennewick, Pasco, Sunnyside, Toppenish, Wapato, and Yakima.