Trauma doesn’t just live in the past—it lives in our bodies and our neighborhoods. Awaken Pittsburgh is connecting our community to the Trauma Resiliency Protocol (TRP): a gentle, fast-acting way to heal from painful experiences without having to relive them.
You don’t have to tell the story to change the ending.
For many survivors of violence or loss, traditional "talk therapy" feels heavy. The idea of sitting in a room and describing your worst moments over and over can be exhausting—and sometimes, it makes the pain feel even fresher.
TRP is different. It is a non-clinical, "no-talking-required" approach. You don’t have to share the details of your story with us to get relief from the weight of it.
What is the Trauma Resiliency Protocol?
A Simple "Reset" for Your Mind and Body
Developed by the experts at Tactical Resiliency USA, this protocol is designed to stop the "alarm" from going off in your brain. Whether you experienced a single event or years of community trauma and stress, TRP helps your nervous system realize that you are safe now.
No Re-Traumatization: You are never asked to describe the trauma out loud.
Rapid Relief: Most people feel a significant "lightening" of their emotional load in just 1 to 3 sessions.
Breaking the Cycle: When we heal ourselves, we stop passing trauma down to our children and our neighbors.
Flexible Healing: We meet you where you are. You can choose an in-person session in a safe Allegheny County location or a virtual session via Zoom from the comfort of your own home. Both options offer the same level of care and effectiveness.
Healing for Every Corner
of Our Region
We are here for anyone who has been impacted by violence, abuse, or systemic trauma. If you are struggling with:
Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
Feeling "on edge" or jumpy (Hyper-vigilance)
Difficulty sleeping or constant worry
Feeling "stuck" in anger, grief, or fear
...then this protocol was built for you. We believe that everyone—regardless of their background—deserves access to the best tools for recovery.
Building a Resilient
Greater Pittsburgh
At Awaken Pittsburgh, we believe that personal healing is a radical act of community care. By offering a direct bridge to TRP providers, we aim to provide our neighbors with the tools to move from "survival mode" into a life of presence, joy, and peace.
Your healing journey doesn't
have to be long or loud.
It can be quiet, fast, and effective. Reach out today to be connected with a provider who can help you find your footing again.
In partnership with:
Take the First Step
Still have questions? Our FAQs offer quick answers and helpful details.
Is this the same as talk therapy?
No. Traditional therapy often involves discussing your past and analyzing your feelings over months or years. TRP is a non-clinical coaching protocol. It focuses on how your brain processes a memory rather than the "story" of the memory itself.
How many sessions will I need?
While everyone is unique, the protocol is designed for speed. Many people experience a complete neutralization of the traumatic "sting" in one to three sessions. Unlike traditional methods, we
aren't looking for incremental progress—we are looking for a resolution.
Is this hypnosis?
No. You are fully awake, alert, and in control the entire time. The provider simply guides you through a series of mental exercises.
Do I have to come into an office?
Not if you don’t want to. While we offer in-person sessions for those who prefer face-to-face connection, the Trauma Resiliency Protocol is just as effective when done over Zoom. Many people find they feel
more relaxed and open when they are in their own familiar space.
How does it actually work in the brain?
When we experience trauma, the "emotional
center" of our brain (the amygdala) gets stuck in a loop, treating the memory like a current threat. TRP uses a specific visualization technique that helps the brain move that memory into long-term storage, where it no longer triggers a "fight or flight" response.
What does it cost to get a session?
Right now, sessions are available at no cost. The
Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) recently funded specialized
training for facilitators across our county to ensure this life-changing tool is accessible to the community. Because of this support, Awaken Pittsburgh can connect you with providers who are offering these sessions for free for a limited time.
Once this specific funding is exhausted, Awaken
Pittsburgh remains deeply committed to keeping this program accessible. We are actively working on future grants and "pay-it-forward" models to ensure that cost is never the barrier between a member of our community and
their ability to heal from trauma.
Do I have to talk about what happened to me?
Absolutely not. This is one of the biggest benefits of TRP. You do not need to tell the provider the details of the event, the names of people involved, or what occurred. You only need to be able to briefly bring
the memory to your own mind so the "reset" can happen internally.
Is it permanent?
Yes. Once the brain learns to store a memory correctly and the emotional "charge" is removed, the change is lasting. You will still remember that the event happened, but it will no longer cause the same physical or emotional pain when it comes to mind.
Do I have to fill out paperwork?
We keep it simple. We ask you to complete a brief
assessment before and after your sessions. This includes questions about common symptoms associated with trauma, like anxiety or trouble sleeping. These answers allow you to see your own progress and help us provide the Allegheny
County Department of Human Services with the data they need to report the outcomes for their funder. Your personal identity is protected, but your success helps us prove that Pittsburgh is a place that heals.
Awaken Pittsburgh fosters well-being, empathy, and compassion for all by teaching and encouraging mindfulness and meditation practices.
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Thanks to QuestionPro for providing us free survey templates for running multiple types of surveys. It aids in strengthening our nonprofit family.
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