Trauma & PTSD

Support for Trauma & PTSD

About this concern

Understanding Trauma & PTSD

Trauma & PTSD can show up in different ways, and the experience is not the same for everyone. Some people notice intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, guilt, irritability, or feeling unsafe long after a frightening or overwhelming experience. These concerns can affect sleep, relationships, concentration, physical well-being, trust, identity, and the ability to feel safe or connected. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution or a substitute for appropriate medical, psychiatric, or emergency care, but it can provide a structured place to understand what is happening, identify goals, and consider practical support.

Trauma & PTSD support at Prickly Pear Therapy

Michelle Chavez provides support related to Trauma & PTSD through Prickly Pear Therapy in Rio Rancho. Connected clinician profiles include work with Adults, Children, Individuals in Recovery, and School-Aged Children. Available therapy formats may include Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, and Group Therapy. Clinician profiles also list approaches such as CBT. Telehealth is available across New Mexico. Care is individualized, and the practice can explain current availability, fit, and the next step.

A helpful starting point

How support may look

These examples can help you recognize what you want support with and prepare questions for the practice.

You may be looking for help with

Intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, guilt, irritability, or feeling unsafe long after a frightening or overwhelming experience.

How therapy may help

Trauma therapy may support stabilization, coping, meaning-making, and carefully processing traumatic memories when the client is ready and the clinician is appropriately trained.

Support built around your needs

The pace and approach should be collaborative, culturally responsive, and matched to the person’s history, current safety, preferences, and readiness.

Clinician supporting this concern

Trauma & PTSD therapy with Michelle Chavez

Accepting New Clients

Michelle Chavez
LCSW she/her
Telehealth

Owner & Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Michelle Chavez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Prickly Pear Therapy. She provides warm, collaborative care for children, teens, adults, and families, with an emphasis on recognizing each client’s strengths and creating practical paths toward healing and growth.

ADHD Anxiety Grief & Loss Relationships & Couples Trauma & PTSD

Adults Children Individuals in Recovery School-Aged Children Teens and Adolescents

Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian, TRICARE, United Healthcare

Full profile Request Appointment

Can therapy help with Trauma & PTSD?

Trauma therapy may support stabilization, coping, meaning-making, and carefully processing traumatic memories when the client is ready and the clinician is appropriately trained. The best plan depends on the person’s goals, safety, history, preferences, and any medical or psychiatric needs.

Do I need a diagnosis before reaching out?

A person does not need to know whether their experience meets criteria for PTSD before reaching out. A qualified clinician can discuss symptoms, safety, and appropriate treatment options.

What might support at Prickly Pear Therapy include?

Michelle Chavez is the clinician currently connected with this concern at Prickly Pear Therapy. Connected clinician profiles currently include work with Adults, Children, Individuals in Recovery, and School-Aged Children. Available formats may include Couples Therapy, Family Therapy, and Group Therapy. Clinician profiles also list approaches such as CBT. The practice is based in Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Telehealth is available across New Mexico.

How do I get started?

Contact Prickly Pear Therapy to share what kind of support you are seeking, ask about current availability, and learn which clinician or service may be the best next step. You do not need to know the exact therapy approach before reaching out.

How will we know whether therapy is helping?

Progress can look different for different people. You and your clinician may review goals, day-to-day functioning, coping, relationships, symptoms, or other changes that matter to you and adjust the plan when needed.

What if I am not sure this is the right concern or service?

You do not need to diagnose yourself or choose the perfect service before contacting Prickly Pear Therapy. Describe what you are experiencing in general terms and the practice can help identify a reasonable next step.

Information sources See the public resources used for the educational foundation

The general educational information on this page was informed by the public resources below. These organizations do not endorse Prickly Pear Therapy, and these links do not replace individualized medical or mental-health care.