Trauma and PTSD Therapists in West Vancouver, BC

Photo of Sara Khosravi, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Sara Khosravi
Counsellor, MA, MSc, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My focus is on children and individuals who are suffering from trauma and PTSD.
Choosing a therapist can be an intimidating process and reaching out for help can be uncomfortable, but we all need support in order to thrive. I am a registered psychotherapist who is deeply committed to supporting those whose lives have been impacted by different life challenges. I’m here to answer your questions and give you the support and guidance you need to overcome and flourish. My counselling history is equipped with a well-rounded education and practice background, and incorporates many cultural perspectives and sensitivities.
My focus is on children and individuals who are suffering from trauma and PTSD.
Choosing a therapist can be an intimidating process and reaching out for help can be uncomfortable, but we all need support in order to thrive. I am a registered psychotherapist who is deeply committed to supporting those whose lives have been impacted by different life challenges. I’m here to answer your questions and give you the support and guidance you need to overcome and flourish. My counselling history is equipped with a well-rounded education and practice background, and incorporates many cultural perspectives and sensitivities.
(778) 227-2732 View (778) 227-2732
Photo of Kathy Merabian, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Kathy Merabian
Counsellor, MA, RCC, CPF
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T
I use EMDR and Traumatic Incident Reduction to help clients overcome trauma or mental blockages that prevent us from moving forward in life.
Choosing the right counsellor for yourself or your child is not easy, yet a trusting and comfortable relationship with your counsellor is fundamental to success. I make it my priority to establish an open, honest and warm relationship with my clients. Next, I use effective and concrete interventions to address the specific goals my clients present to me. Together we come up with a plan which we follow for the duration of our work together. If you are motivated and want to make concrete changes in your life, I may be the right fit for you.
I use EMDR and Traumatic Incident Reduction to help clients overcome trauma or mental blockages that prevent us from moving forward in life.
Choosing the right counsellor for yourself or your child is not easy, yet a trusting and comfortable relationship with your counsellor is fundamental to success. I make it my priority to establish an open, honest and warm relationship with my clients. Next, I use effective and concrete interventions to address the specific goals my clients present to me. Together we come up with a plan which we follow for the duration of our work together. If you are motivated and want to make concrete changes in your life, I may be the right fit for you.
(604) 265-9289 View (604) 265-9289
Photo of Kellie M Shamenski, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Kellie M Shamenski
Counsellor, LMFT, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor specializing in trauma, anxiety and couples- counselling.
Building a better and more balanced connection with yourself forms the foundation of successful therapy. Nurturing a healthier, kinder relationship with all of your parts can be challenging, particularly if you have experienced trauma within your relationships. When we have experiences that mimic and reinforce the old thoughts, feelings and assumptions that we have always had about ourselves and/or others we can feel stuck, uncertain, scared or angry. We want to get out of these loops and free ourselves from the limiting beliefs and patterns that have misdirected us. Contrary to how it may feel at times, these are realistic goals!
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor specializing in trauma, anxiety and couples- counselling.
Building a better and more balanced connection with yourself forms the foundation of successful therapy. Nurturing a healthier, kinder relationship with all of your parts can be challenging, particularly if you have experienced trauma within your relationships. When we have experiences that mimic and reinforce the old thoughts, feelings and assumptions that we have always had about ourselves and/or others we can feel stuck, uncertain, scared or angry. We want to get out of these loops and free ourselves from the limiting beliefs and patterns that have misdirected us. Contrary to how it may feel at times, these are realistic goals!
(249) 504-1813 View (249) 504-1813
Photo of Angela Merasty, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in West Vancouver, BC
Angela Merasty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7P
I practice from a foundation of trauma informed care, harm reduction perspectives, and an anti-oppressive social justice framework.
I specialize in helping youth (14+) and adults address unresolved inner or outer conflict that may be manifesting in emotional pain or impacting wellness. I have helped clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance use, and trauma. As well as with self-esteem, boundaries and achieving more healthy communication. I have also helped individuals walk through complex concurrent struggles with substance use and mental or emotional challenges.
I practice from a foundation of trauma informed care, harm reduction perspectives, and an anti-oppressive social justice framework.
I specialize in helping youth (14+) and adults address unresolved inner or outer conflict that may be manifesting in emotional pain or impacting wellness. I have helped clients experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance use, and trauma. As well as with self-esteem, boundaries and achieving more healthy communication. I have also helped individuals walk through complex concurrent struggles with substance use and mental or emotional challenges.
(226) 840-6211 View (226) 840-6211
Photo of Gabriela Gutierrez, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Gabriela Gutierrez
Counsellor, MCP, RCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Hi, I’m Gabriela and I’m so happy you are looking for support. I specialize in addressing issues of trauma, anxiety, and parenting challenges and have specific training in these areas to support you to lighten the heavy loads you no longer want to hold on to. If you have suffered a traumatic experience, gone through a series of challenging situations, struggled with managing your own thoughts, or are just feeling overwhelmed, you don't need to go through this alone. By searching for a counsellor, you are already taking an important step in improving your mental health and I can support you in continuing that journey.
Hi, I’m Gabriela and I’m so happy you are looking for support. I specialize in addressing issues of trauma, anxiety, and parenting challenges and have specific training in these areas to support you to lighten the heavy loads you no longer want to hold on to. If you have suffered a traumatic experience, gone through a series of challenging situations, struggled with managing your own thoughts, or are just feeling overwhelmed, you don't need to go through this alone. By searching for a counsellor, you are already taking an important step in improving your mental health and I can support you in continuing that journey.
(431) 341-2872 View (431) 341-2872
Photo of Marie Muljiani, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Marie Muljiani
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7V
In addition to my formal education, I have had years of diverse and intensive clinical experience in areas of trauma, domestic violence, anger management, parent coaching, separation and divorce, and executive coaching.
Change is difficult but made more effective with caring and knowledgeable support. My goal is to support every client in understanding the underlying cause(s) of manifested symptoms (suffering) and create a therapeutic treatment plan to support clients' healing and growth. My clients experience meaningful life changes through our work, significantly increasing their ability to gain effective tools and gain a sense of overall well-being and life satisfaction.
In addition to my formal education, I have had years of diverse and intensive clinical experience in areas of trauma, domestic violence, anger management, parent coaching, separation and divorce, and executive coaching.
Change is difficult but made more effective with caring and knowledgeable support. My goal is to support every client in understanding the underlying cause(s) of manifested symptoms (suffering) and create a therapeutic treatment plan to support clients' healing and growth. My clients experience meaningful life changes through our work, significantly increasing their ability to gain effective tools and gain a sense of overall well-being and life satisfaction.
(604) 644-7449 View (604) 644-7449
Photo of Paulette Tomasson, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Paulette Tomasson
Counsellor, RN, RCC, MA
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T  (Online Only)
Paulette is Registered Nurse and a registered Clinical Counsellor in province of British Columbia and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist with IITAP International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Therapists in the US. She is an internationally known and recognized expert in both treatment and education in the field of specialized addictions and dependencies. Paulette was featured on the O.com Cybersex Addiction; a documentary aired on the Passionate Eye on CBC, February 2005 and is frequently called upon for expert opinion in the local and national media.
Paulette is Registered Nurse and a registered Clinical Counsellor in province of British Columbia and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist with IITAP International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Therapists in the US. She is an internationally known and recognized expert in both treatment and education in the field of specialized addictions and dependencies. Paulette was featured on the O.com Cybersex Addiction; a documentary aired on the Passionate Eye on CBC, February 2005 and is frequently called upon for expert opinion in the local and national media.
(778) 906-8610 View (778) 906-8610
Photo of Steven Keeler, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Steven Keeler
Counsellor, CCC, LMFT, LCPC, RCC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T
This covers everything from childhood trauma/abuse to parenting to addiction to marriage to military issues.
Most of us are yearning for more out of life and our relationships. We yearn for more freedom, more choice, more love, more adventure, more willingness to risk, more contribution, more peace, more belonging. Clients say that as a result of seeing me for therapy, they experience themselves as having a renewed sense of purpose, direction, more freedom, peace, energy, vitality and a stronger connection to their own life force. I am unique from others in my field because I have devoted my life to learning how to help my clients actually transform what is holding them back rather than just talking about it.
This covers everything from childhood trauma/abuse to parenting to addiction to marriage to military issues.
Most of us are yearning for more out of life and our relationships. We yearn for more freedom, more choice, more love, more adventure, more willingness to risk, more contribution, more peace, more belonging. Clients say that as a result of seeing me for therapy, they experience themselves as having a renewed sense of purpose, direction, more freedom, peace, energy, vitality and a stronger connection to their own life force. I am unique from others in my field because I have devoted my life to learning how to help my clients actually transform what is holding them back rather than just talking about it.
(866) 530-2864 View (866) 530-2864
Photo of Goli Shifteh, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Goli Shifteh
Counsellor, RPC, CPCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V
LI gives the client a chance to improve self-regulating abilities, heal anxiety and trauma (PTSD), as well as build a more solid self.
I believe the core of human development is physiological, psychological and spiritual. Supportive therapy can help awaken an individual's dormant spirit and guide them through profound personal transformations. I work with adults, couples, and groups. I apply client-centered Lifespan Integration (LI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In addition, I add a Cross-Cultural approach when working with my immigrant clients (Iranians & other immigrant communities). LI: The human mind develops interactively in response to the early childhood environment. The developing neural system "hardwire" interprets events and stays with individuals throughout their lifetime.
LI gives the client a chance to improve self-regulating abilities, heal anxiety and trauma (PTSD), as well as build a more solid self.
I believe the core of human development is physiological, psychological and spiritual. Supportive therapy can help awaken an individual's dormant spirit and guide them through profound personal transformations. I work with adults, couples, and groups. I apply client-centered Lifespan Integration (LI) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In addition, I add a Cross-Cultural approach when working with my immigrant clients (Iranians & other immigrant communities). LI: The human mind develops interactively in response to the early childhood environment. The developing neural system "hardwire" interprets events and stays with individuals throughout their lifetime.
(778) 766-5324 View (778) 766-5324
Photo of Barbara Harris, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in West Vancouver, BC
Barbara Harris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, BSW
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T
I have been working with trauma survivors since 2000 and provide consultation to other EMDR therapists.
Have you experienced a traumatic event which caused feelings of fear, helplessness or horror; do you find yourself reliving the event or avoiding reminders of the event? Are you easily startled? Do you find that talking about it hasn’t led to the results you're looking for, such as freedom from your symptoms? Are you feeling stuck? Do you find that you are still easily triggered and unable to gain control over your life? When talking isn’t enough, EMDR is often the answer! Treatment includes history taking, assessment, symptom reduction strategies, followed by processing the trauma, & re-evaluation to ensure trauma is cleared.
I have been working with trauma survivors since 2000 and provide consultation to other EMDR therapists.
Have you experienced a traumatic event which caused feelings of fear, helplessness or horror; do you find yourself reliving the event or avoiding reminders of the event? Are you easily startled? Do you find that talking about it hasn’t led to the results you're looking for, such as freedom from your symptoms? Are you feeling stuck? Do you find that you are still easily triggered and unable to gain control over your life? When talking isn’t enough, EMDR is often the answer! Treatment includes history taking, assessment, symptom reduction strategies, followed by processing the trauma, & re-evaluation to ensure trauma is cleared.
(855) 969-4805 View (855) 969-4805
Photo of Lisa Otterstein, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Lisa Otterstein
Counsellor, MEd
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7T
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Is it difficult to motivate yourself or to keep up with daily routines? Do you find that you often compare yourself unfavourably with others? My passion is about helping people to achieve their personal, relationship, and career goals. I will help you to integrate successful strategies into your life that will help you to maintain these changes over the long run. You are welcome to call me at 604-551-0783 for a free phone consultation.
Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Is it difficult to motivate yourself or to keep up with daily routines? Do you find that you often compare yourself unfavourably with others? My passion is about helping people to achieve their personal, relationship, and career goals. I will help you to integrate successful strategies into your life that will help you to maintain these changes over the long run. You are welcome to call me at 604-551-0783 for a free phone consultation.
(855) 982-1280 View (855) 982-1280
Photo of Sarah Jarvis, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Sarah Jarvis
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7T
I specialize in working with people who struggle with anxiety, stress, depression, harmful self-criticism, and the impacts of past trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed? Do you long to relate to yourself, your relationships, and your life with greater ease and freedom? As a trained psychotherapist, I can help you make sense of difficult emotions and big life transitions, understand patterns that may be keeping you stuck and unfulfilled, and ultimately transform challenges into opportunities for greater self-awareness, growth, and authentic self-expression. I bring a balance of science and intuition to my counselling approach, and integrate years of experience in mind/body healing modalities and evidence-based therapy to effectively help my clients.
I specialize in working with people who struggle with anxiety, stress, depression, harmful self-criticism, and the impacts of past trauma.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed? Do you long to relate to yourself, your relationships, and your life with greater ease and freedom? As a trained psychotherapist, I can help you make sense of difficult emotions and big life transitions, understand patterns that may be keeping you stuck and unfulfilled, and ultimately transform challenges into opportunities for greater self-awareness, growth, and authentic self-expression. I bring a balance of science and intuition to my counselling approach, and integrate years of experience in mind/body healing modalities and evidence-based therapy to effectively help my clients.
(778) 401-8125 View (778) 401-8125
Photo of Danielle Berman, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Danielle Berman
Counsellor, MSW, RCSW, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7P
The areas I focus on are Trauma, Grief/Loss, Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation/Self Harm, Communication/Boundaries, Personal Growth.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out for support and no one needs to feel alone in their struggles. I believe we can all benefit from having someone to share our challenges, with who is trained to help us find our confidence and strengths. I am honoured to be a part of that journey with my clients. When working with an individual I recognize each person's uniqueness and individual needs, therefore I customize my approach. My goal is to ensure my clients always feel safe and supported.
The areas I focus on are Trauma, Grief/Loss, Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation/Self Harm, Communication/Boundaries, Personal Growth.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out for support and no one needs to feel alone in their struggles. I believe we can all benefit from having someone to share our challenges, with who is trained to help us find our confidence and strengths. I am honoured to be a part of that journey with my clients. When working with an individual I recognize each person's uniqueness and individual needs, therefore I customize my approach. My goal is to ensure my clients always feel safe and supported.
(604) 245-1481 View (604) 245-1481
Photo of Tracy Anne Northey, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Tracy Anne Northey
Counsellor, MA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V
Exploring personal issues in a safe and supportive way can be a rewarding journey. You may want to heal from past abuse or trauma, move through a life transition (relationship, loss, illness/disability), or you may just want a retreat from the busyness of life to discover - or rediscover - who you are and what is truly important to you. I am a Registered Social Worker and Jungian Oriented Therapist who takes a particular interest in healing from trauma, as well as connecting with your authentic self. I am trained in evidence based therapies like EMDR, CBT, CPT, CBTi & may incorporate journaling, mindfulness meditation and others .
Exploring personal issues in a safe and supportive way can be a rewarding journey. You may want to heal from past abuse or trauma, move through a life transition (relationship, loss, illness/disability), or you may just want a retreat from the busyness of life to discover - or rediscover - who you are and what is truly important to you. I am a Registered Social Worker and Jungian Oriented Therapist who takes a particular interest in healing from trauma, as well as connecting with your authentic self. I am trained in evidence based therapies like EMDR, CBT, CPT, CBTi & may incorporate journaling, mindfulness meditation and others .
(855) 674-7557 View (855) 674-7557
Photo of Jennifer Campbell, Psychologist in West Vancouver, BC
Jennifer Campbell
Psychologist, RPsych
Verified Verified
11 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7T
Are you a youth or young adult who struggles with anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, or ADHD? Does this impact your day-to-day life, relationships, or ability to function? Do you feel stressed, tired, overwhelmed, and/or frustrated? Are you ready for us to help you make changes so life can be fulfilling?
Are you a youth or young adult who struggles with anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, or ADHD? Does this impact your day-to-day life, relationships, or ability to function? Do you feel stressed, tired, overwhelmed, and/or frustrated? Are you ready for us to help you make changes so life can be fulfilling?
(604) 639-9636 View (604) 639-9636
Photo of Sharon Zack, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Sharon Zack
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7V
For over a decade, I have been helping people with: anxiety, depression, disordered eating, body image concerns, self-esteem, developmental trauma, sexual abuse, PTSD, parenting, and gender and sexuality issues.
Are you longing to feel more connection and harmony in your relationships? Do you sometimes feel like your emotions are too much for you? Are you often feeling sad or anxious? Many of my clients are professionals, parents, students, and creatives who appear to be functioning well on the outside, but inwardly are feeling anxious, inadequate, and disconnected. Whether you are struggling with a current situation, or wanting to process deeper emotional and interpersonal patterns, I am happy and prepared to support you.
For over a decade, I have been helping people with: anxiety, depression, disordered eating, body image concerns, self-esteem, developmental trauma, sexual abuse, PTSD, parenting, and gender and sexuality issues.
Are you longing to feel more connection and harmony in your relationships? Do you sometimes feel like your emotions are too much for you? Are you often feeling sad or anxious? Many of my clients are professionals, parents, students, and creatives who appear to be functioning well on the outside, but inwardly are feeling anxious, inadequate, and disconnected. Whether you are struggling with a current situation, or wanting to process deeper emotional and interpersonal patterns, I am happy and prepared to support you.
(506) 497-5731 View (506) 497-5731
Photo of Mica Avery, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Mica Avery
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
West Vancouver, BC V7S  (Online Only)
Whether you're dealing with past trauma, difficult family dynamics, or are stuck in frustrating patterns, feelings of disconnection and anxiety can easily become your day-to-day. In a world that can be challenging to navigate at the best of times, the struggles we face can sometimes feel insurmountable. It is my belief that we all need support and connection in order to process our experiences and to feel safe and secure in our own skin. With the tools somatic therapy brings we can support the body to complete it’s natural healing processes, helping us find the freedom to live our lives to the fullest.
Whether you're dealing with past trauma, difficult family dynamics, or are stuck in frustrating patterns, feelings of disconnection and anxiety can easily become your day-to-day. In a world that can be challenging to navigate at the best of times, the struggles we face can sometimes feel insurmountable. It is my belief that we all need support and connection in order to process our experiences and to feel safe and secure in our own skin. With the tools somatic therapy brings we can support the body to complete it’s natural healing processes, helping us find the freedom to live our lives to the fullest.
(672) 202-5936 View (672) 202-5936
Photo of Pamela Seraphine | Trauma Therapy | Brain Health, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Pamela Seraphine | Trauma Therapy | Brain Health
Counsellor, PsyD, MS, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7P
Hello, I'm Dr. Pamela Seraphine. What if trauma therapy was uplifting? What if you could retrain your brain? Contrary to popular belief, both are possible! I’m here to offer you a whole new perspective of what is possible. I use my passion for applied neuroscience to provide quality 1-on-1 neuropsychotherapy, brain-based coaching, and various mental health educational services. My approach is designed to create engaging, interactive experiences that help my clients build sustainable, positive change. I’m also a professional musician, so music-making is not out of the question!
Hello, I'm Dr. Pamela Seraphine. What if trauma therapy was uplifting? What if you could retrain your brain? Contrary to popular belief, both are possible! I’m here to offer you a whole new perspective of what is possible. I use my passion for applied neuroscience to provide quality 1-on-1 neuropsychotherapy, brain-based coaching, and various mental health educational services. My approach is designed to create engaging, interactive experiences that help my clients build sustainable, positive change. I’m also a professional musician, so music-making is not out of the question!
(819) 410-9669 View (819) 410-9669
Photo of Caitlin Allen, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Caitlin Allen
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7P
Waitlist for new clients
Caitlin works from trauma-informed, culturally-safe, and attachment-based lenses incorporating multiple approaches, such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Synergetic Play Therapy.
Caitlin views counselling as a collaborative journey of support, growth, and transformation. She believes in the inherent resilience of all human beings and the innate capacity human beings possess to heal and overcome adversity. She supports children, youth, adults, and families to heal from traumatic experiences, process grief and loss, reduce mental health/psychiatric distress, work on childhood and family of origin issues, and explore relational challenges of abandonment/neglect. She is honoured to serve the Sea to Sky community seeing clients in-person at her office in Squamish.
Caitlin works from trauma-informed, culturally-safe, and attachment-based lenses incorporating multiple approaches, such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Synergetic Play Therapy.
Caitlin views counselling as a collaborative journey of support, growth, and transformation. She believes in the inherent resilience of all human beings and the innate capacity human beings possess to heal and overcome adversity. She supports children, youth, adults, and families to heal from traumatic experiences, process grief and loss, reduce mental health/psychiatric distress, work on childhood and family of origin issues, and explore relational challenges of abandonment/neglect. She is honoured to serve the Sea to Sky community seeing clients in-person at her office in Squamish.
(587) 417-6731 View (587) 417-6731
Photo of Susan Jean Alexander, Counsellor in West Vancouver, BC
Susan Jean Alexander
Counsellor, MA, LMFT, RCC, E500RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Vancouver, BC V7W  (Online Only)
When we are caught in our mind we cannot feel our own beingness" I am dedicated to working with individuals, families and couples who are experiencing a range of emotional and behavioral concerns. Through client-centered sessions I offer a practice that deeply focuses on a myriad of issues including, anxiety, PTSD, depression, trauma, challenges with transitions in life stages, as well as finding purpose and searching for greater meaning and happiness. I seek to provide a space that is safe and supportive, where one can connect to and experience their deepest self, be listened to and validated.
When we are caught in our mind we cannot feel our own beingness" I am dedicated to working with individuals, families and couples who are experiencing a range of emotional and behavioral concerns. Through client-centered sessions I offer a practice that deeply focuses on a myriad of issues including, anxiety, PTSD, depression, trauma, challenges with transitions in life stages, as well as finding purpose and searching for greater meaning and happiness. I seek to provide a space that is safe and supportive, where one can connect to and experience their deepest self, be listened to and validated.
(778) 800-6941 View (778) 800-6941

See more therapy options for West Vancouver

Trauma and PTSD Counsellors

When should I seek treatment for trauma?

Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.

How long does trauma therapy take?

Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.

What happens if trauma is left untreated?

Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.

Can PTSD come back after treatment?

It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.