Trauma Therapy for PTSD and Complex Trauma (CPSTD) in Cleveland, Ohio
Specialized support for healing and recovery
You May Be Here Because…
Past experiences may have left you feeling stuck, unsure who to trust, and disconnected. Your nervous system may be constantly on guard, scanning for signs that something may go wrong. Small triggers can make you panic or shut down. You might read too much into interactions and doubt others’ motives, even without clear evidence.
Many people healing from trauma carry a deep sense that something is “wrong” with them, that they are too much, broken, or difficult to love. These are responses that the mind and body developed to survive overwhelming experiences. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Who I am:
Christine Check, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC
(she/her)
I am a trauma specialist in Cleveland, Ohio with over 20 years of experience supporting children, adults, and families as they heal from the deep, lasting impacts of trauma. I specialize in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma (CPTSD) using evidence-based, trauma-focused psychotherapy alongside holistic healing approaches. My clients have often experienced childhood abuse or neglect, sexual trauma, attachment wounds or faced challenges in relation to identifying as LGBTQIA+.
Services are available in person, virtually within Ohio, or on-site at your location. I provide holistic, trauma-informed, collaborative care that can include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), art therapy, and somatic (body-based) practices such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork to support mind–body–spirit integration. I look forward to connecting.
Have you felt dismissed by medical professionals and trapped in a system focused on diagnoses, numbers, and metrics? Do you feel chronically misunderstood or even undeserving of help? Are you self-aware about your past, yet still stuck in patterns you can’t change?
I get it! I have been there too.
My lived experience helps me connect with you on a deeper level. As a trauma survivor who is openly gay and neurodivergent, I understand how difficult reaching out for help can feel.
I am here when you are ready.
Specialties:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - PTSD is the lasting impact of distressing experiences that can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, avoidance, hypervigilance, or feeling unsafe. I often work with survivors of childhood abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse.
Complex trauma (CPTSD) - Complex trauma develops from prolonged or repeated distressing experiences and includes many of the symptoms of PTSD, along with difficulties with emotional regulation, relationships, trust, self-worth, shame, and a persistent inner critic. Often my clients with CPTSD have been affected by attachment wounds, human trafficking, domestic violence, relational, developmental and generational trauma, bullying, or chronic invalidation.
Nervous System Dysregulation - When the nervous system has been stuck in survival states such as fight, flight, freeze, or shutdown, it can be difficult to ever feel calm, present, and connected. Many of my clients feel constantly overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally numb, or exhausted. They are often people-pleasers, conflict avoiders, and the ones who appear to be ‘holding it all together.’
My Offerings
Psychotherapy:
I use trauma-focused, evidence-based theoretical approaches for individuals, families, and groups. Sessions are uniquely designed to integrate:
Holistic Wellness:
My wellness services draw on ancient healing traditions and focus on restoring balance and renewal through embodied, physical techniques. They can be used alongside psychotherapy or accessed as stand-alone services. To maintain clear ethical boundaries, psychotherapy clients may receive Thai massage only from an independent practitioner who offers services from the same location.
My Background:
University of Tampa - BA in Psychology, Minor in Art (2004)
Ursuline College - MA in Art Therapy and Counseling (2008)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio (2008)
Board-Certified and Registered, Licensed Professional Art Therapist in Ohio (2008)
Certified Yoga Teacher 200hr - Satsang Yoga (2026)
Thai Massage Practitioner - Kevin Lynch (2018)
EMDR Basic Training (EMDRIA-approved program) - Amber Stiles-Bodnar (2025)
Location:
17407 Lorain Ave # 202
Cleveland, Ohio 44111
Free, off-street parking is available.
Christine@peaceofarttherapycle.com
(216) 269-0973
Services are available at my Westside office in the Kamm’s Corners neighborhood, virtually (within Ohio), and on-site at your location.
Please note that my office is located on the second floor without an elevator and is not ADA accessible.