FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of clients do you serve?
We serve adult individuals living with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and other forms of severe emotional dysregulation.
What kinds of treatment do you provide?
We provide massed delivery of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Prolonged Exposure Protocol (DBT PE), and Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD (WET).
How are CPT, DBT PE, and WET different than traditional talk therapy?
Traditional outpatient talk therapy is freeform, supportive, and can continue on-and-off for years in weekly appointments. Massed CPT, DBT PE, and WET treatments are intensive, directive, and completed in multiple appointments per week for two weeks to six months, depending on your preferences.
What insurance do you take?
Residents of Hawai’i can utilize UHA, TriWest, and Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee plans such as HMSA and Anthem.
Will we work together in-person or by telehealth?
Whichever you prefer! We serve clients both in-clinic and via secure telehealth throughout Hawai’i and Washington state. We also welcome clients from around the world to visit us.
Can I come to Hawai’i to work with you?
Yes, we welcome clients from around the world for short-term, high-intensity PTSD treatment through our TRAILGUIDE Intensive Trauma Treatment program.
How can I have PTSD if I’ve never been to war?
While we do serve Combat Veterans, many people with PTSD have not experienced armed conflict. PTSD typically develops after we experience or witness traumatic events that we do not have a chance to heal from, and instead temporarily rely on avoidance.
What kinds of traumatic events have your clients typically experienced?
Our clients have survived many different types of traumatic events such as:
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Childhood neglect
- Physical abuse
- Rape
- Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
- Physical assault
- Fires
- Disasters
- Serious accidents
- Life-threatening illnesses
- Combat
- Sudden, unexpected deaths of loved ones
- Stalking
- Accidentally causing someone else’s death
- Sexual Violence (S/V)
- Traumatic invalidation
Which kinds of traumatic events tend to affect your clients the most?
While it varies, our clients tend to identify traumatic invalidation as their “index” or most impactful event to address first.
What if I have previously been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or something else other than PTSD?
Many of our clients come to treatment with a long list of prior disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Do you serve Veterans, Active Duty Servicemembers and their families?
Yes, approximately 40-50% of our clients are Veterans, Active Duty Servicemembers, Military Spouses, and Adult Family Members at any given time.
Do you work with LGBTQIA+ clients?
Yes, we have been and always will be unapologetically queer-affirming. Approximately 30-40% of our clients are Gender and Sexual Minorities (GSM) at any given time.
What if I’m struggling with thinking about hurting or killing myself?
Suicidal or homicidal ideation is much more common in trauma survivors than many realize. For our clients at an elevated risk of death by suicide, we collaboratively create a Crisis Response Plan (CRP). CRPs are a cutting-edge, streamlined intervention to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis outside of a therapy session, please call 988 for support, call 911 for an emergency, go to your nearest emergency department.
Do you track you monitor your clients’ outcomes?
Yes. Outcome monitoring is an important part of evidence-based treatment. 79% of our clients reach moderate to marked improvement.
Is it okay to talk about my spirituality or religion in therapy?
Absolutely. Many of our clients identify with a religion or spiritual practice that we can incorporate into their care.
What’s the next step?
Please call, text, email, or fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch with you in 1-2 business days. Let’s do this!
Let's work together.
At Safe Trails Counseling, we understand that finding peace in the present often involves healing past wounds. Our caring team is committed to supporting you on a journey toward emotional wellness. Let’s explore the paths of self-discovery together, empowering you to heal, evolve, and embrace life’s joys. Your journey to a brighter tomorrow begins right here, at Safe Trails Counseling.
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