Trauma Therapy
Trauma has a way of staying with you long after the events that caused it. Whether you experienced a single, overwhelming incident or ongoing experiences of abuse, neglect, or toxic relationships, you might find yourself reacting in ways you don't fully understand — feeling overwhelmed, shut down, on edge, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you.
I'm Dori Scallet, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Clayton, MO, and I specialize in helping adults heal from trauma using evidence-based approaches including EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Trauma Therapy In-Person in St. Louis and virtually in New York
Trauma therapy at Presence Psychotherapy can help with:
PTSD and complex PTSD · flashbacks and intrusive memories · nightmares · anxiety, hypervigilance, and difficulty feeling safe · shame and self-blame · emotional numbness or disconnection · difficulty trusting yourself or others · patterns of self-sabotage rooted in past experiences
EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps your brain reprocess stuck traumatic memories — so they no longer feel as raw or overwhelming. Many clients notice meaningful change faster than they expected. I offer EMDR therapy in person to clients in Clayton, MO and virtually throughout Missouri and New York.
Internal Family Systems (IFS or "parts work")
IFS helps you understand, have compassion for, and heal the different "parts" of yourself that developed in response to painful experiences. Rather than fighting your inner critic or your anxiety, we get curious about what those parts are protecting — and gently help them let go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EMDR right for me?
EMDR is effective for both single-incident trauma (like an accident or assault) and complex, long-term trauma (like childhood abuse or chronic stress). If you've tried talk therapy and feel like it hasn’t “worked,” EMDR may be worth exploring. We'll discuss whether it's a good fit during your consultation.
What do you mean I have different parts? Does that mean I’m “crazy?”
Not at all. We all have different parts. You know how some people or settings bring out different versions of you? That’s your nervous system responding. We’ve all adapted various coping strategies to respond to threat — sometimes we shut down, sometimes we tap into our people-pleasing modes. These are our “parts.” Through IFS, we can understand how each and every one of these parts (yes, even the ones we hate) are actually around to be helpful. And oftentimes, the more we actually listen to these parts, the more we can get them to step back.
Do I have to talk about everything that happened to me?
No. Especially with EMDR, you don't need to share every detail of your experience for the therapy to work. We move at your pace, and you are always in control of what you share and when.
How long does trauma therapy take?
It depends on the person and the complexity of their experiences. Some people notice significant shifts in just a few sessions. Others benefit from longer-term work. We'll regularly check in on your progress and adjust our approach together.
Do you accept insurance?
Not at this time. Sessions are $175/hour-long session. If you have Out of Network Benefits through your insurance , I can provide you with a superbill on a monthly basis, which you can provide to your insurance company in order to receive reimbursement for your sessions.
Do you offer virtual trauma therapy?
Yes — I offer telehealth sessions including virtual EMDR or IFS to clients throughout Missouri and New York State. Online trauma therapy can be just as effective as in-person for most people.
Serving St. Louis & Beyond
In-person trauma therapy at my downtown Clayton office, accessible from:
Clayton · Webster Groves · Brentwood · Ladue · Kirkwood · University City · Maplewood · Richmond Heights · St. Louis City
Virtual EMDR & trauma therapy available throughout:
All of Missouri · All of New York State