If you're navigating the emotional aftermath of trauma, we want you to know that you're not alone - and that help is available in ways that are both practical and effective. One approach we offer at Ott Counseling is called
Progressive Counting, and for many of our clients, it’s become a meaningful part of their journey in healing wounds, new and old.
What Is Progressive Counting?
Progressive Counting (PC) is a structured, research-informed method of addressing and resolving traumatic memories. It was originally developed by Dr. Ricky Greenwald, founder of
The Trauma Institute and Child Trauma Institute, and has been used around the world by mental health professionals and counselors to support individuals in safely processing difficult experiences.
PC involves a licensed therapist guiding the client through imagining a “movie” of a specific distressing memory while the therapist counts aloud - starting small (like 1 to 10), and gradually increasing. As the client progresses through the memory, the emotional intensity usually decreases. This continues until the memory no longer feels emotionally overwhelming. This type of therapy is often done over multiple sessions, as healing from a trauma that has impacted you for a long time, we can’t expect it to just be resolved in an hour appointment. Progressive Counting is often done in phases, appointments can often involve several therapies, and healing from anything is a process and not simply an event.
What makes Progressive Counting unique is that it doesn’t require someone to talk in detail about their trauma if they don’t want to. It allows the brain to do what it’s wired to do - heal.
Why We Love Progressive Counting at Ott Counseling
We’ve seen firsthand how Progressive Counting can create real shifts in our clients’ lives. It’s especially helpful for those who may have tried other therapies and still feel “stuck.”
This approach is often used to treat:
- PTSD and complex trauma
- Grief and loss
- Childhood emotional wounds and traumas
- Anxiety related to specific life events
According to the
California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse, Progressive Counting is considered a promising practice in treating trauma, with growing research to support its use across age groups - young children and adults alike.
Progressive Counting is also a great fit for clients who may not be ready to actually talk to someone about their trauma. Unlike traditional talking therapy, PC doesn't require someone to rehash the hardest moments of their life out loud. It helps to meet people where they are, while still offering an effective treatment option that can help with their specific traumas.
What a PC Session Looks Like
If you're considering Progressive Counting at our Buffalo office, here’s a little insight into what to expect:
- Building a foundation – Your therapist will spend time helping you feel safe and getting to know you. We never dive into trauma work without first making sure you are comfortable and have strong coping tools in place.
- Mapping things out – You and your therapist will work together to identify what you’d like to process. You always have a say in the pace and focus.
- Progressive Counting begins – Through visualization and counting, your therapist will guide you through the memory in a way that promotes healing without overwhelming you.
- Aftercare and reflection – We’ll help you decompress and process anything that came up, and discuss next steps.
- A comprehensive therapy plan - We don’t always use Progressive Counting in isolation - Depending on your concerns and experiences, we always help support you with the approaches that make the most sense, and often there are a handful.
Want to learn more about how trauma therapy works overall? You can learn more about our different therapy options
right on our website, which we often use in conjunction with each other depending on each person’s needs.
Are you a therapist or grad student looking to learn more about this therapy option? Make sure to check out our upcoming
Progressive
Counting Training, which will be offered later this year entirely online!
You Don’t Have to Handle Your Trauma Alone
At Ott Counseling, we’re proud to offer therapy that is trauma-informed. We serve clients from all walks of life across Buffalo, Cheektowaga, and the Western New York area. Our team is here to help you feel safe, supported, and empowered. If you’re curious about whether Progressive Counting could be right for you or a loved one,
Contact Us when you’re ready. Whether your trauma stems from a single event or a lifetime of experiences, you deserve healing - and someone who will listen and genuinely support you through that process.
