Progressive Counting

 
 

Progressive Counting (PC) is a structured, evidence-based trauma therapy designed to help clients safely process distressing or traumatic memories. Developed by Dr. Ricky Greenwald, PC allows your brain to integrate past experiences efficiently, helping emotional intensity decrease with each session.

At Cuda Counseling, Heather Burgio, LMSW, specializes in Progressive Counting and provides a safe, supportive environment for this trauma-focused therapy from the comfort of your own home via our telehealth services.

How Progressive Counting Works

1. Preparation (1–2 sessions)

Before starting Progressive Counting, your therapist ensures you are ready and well-resourced. This includes:

  • Reviewing your trauma history and selecting a target memory

  • Teaching grounding and stabilization skills (breathing, mindfulness, safe place)

  • Explaining the process and reinforcing that you can pause or stop at any time

  • Building trust and confidence in the process

Clients with complex trauma may spend additional sessions on preparation before processing begins.

2. Processing

  • You visualize the memory like a brief mental “movie”

  • The therapist counts aloud, starting short (10) and progressively increasing (20, 30, 40…)

  • Each round allows your brain to process the memory while emotional intensity decreases

  • Processing continues until the memory no longer feels emotionally charged

3. Integration

  • Sessions end with grounding and reflection

  • Helps consolidate calm, insight, and closure

  • Encourages follow-up and self-care, including hydration, rest, and grounding exercises

Duration & Frequency

  • Single-incident trauma: Often resolved in 1–3 weekly sessions

  • Multiple or complex traumas: Typically 6–12 weekly sessions or more, depending on readiness

  • Session length: 45–55 minutes

  • Overall treatment: Many clients feel noticeable relief within weeks to a few months, often faster than traditional talk therapy

What Clients Can Expect

  • You don’t have to share the trauma details aloud

  • Emotional distress usually decreases quickly across rounds

  • Sessions are safe, contained, and client-controlled

  • Clients often report feeling lighter, calmer, or more detached from the memory

  • Suitable for children, teens, and adults

Who Progressive Counting Is For

PC therapy can help if you:

  • Have experienced PTSD, anxiety, grief, or complex trauma

  • Prefer brief visualization over prolonged discussion

  • Need a structured yet gentle approach to trauma

  • Want a trauma-informed therapy that emphasizes empowerment and control

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