Trauma and PTSD Counselling in Northampton

Photo of Rita Clare, MHGI, Psychotherapist
Rita Clare
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4
I work with all issues, with a special interest in divorce, anxiety, and PTSD.
Are you feeling stuck about the past? Perhaps the present is a source of stress? Or maybe you have a general feeling of uncertainty about the future? I am an empathic and non-judgemental therapist with the benefit of a practical and solution-focused mind. I can help you identify and meet your missing emotional needs so that you can heal and stay mentally balanced; moving you on from states such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger, or addiction. This is a modern therapy with the added advantage of an optional guided imagery at the end of each session, as an extra 'boost' for feeling emotionally calm and in control again.
I work with all issues, with a special interest in divorce, anxiety, and PTSD.
Are you feeling stuck about the past? Perhaps the present is a source of stress? Or maybe you have a general feeling of uncertainty about the future? I am an empathic and non-judgemental therapist with the benefit of a practical and solution-focused mind. I can help you identify and meet your missing emotional needs so that you can heal and stay mentally balanced; moving you on from states such as stress, anxiety, depression, anger, or addiction. This is a modern therapy with the added advantage of an optional guided imagery at the end of each session, as an extra 'boost' for feeling emotionally calm and in control again.
01604 343091 View 01604 343091
Photo of Amanda Bassey - A&F Psychological Services Ltd, PsychD, HCPC - Forensic Psych., Psychologist
A&F Psychological Services Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
We specialise in working with complex/longer-term psychological difficulties such as trauma, PTSD, C PTSD, and relationship issues.
We understand that everyday life is stressful and have worked to make our services as flexible as possible, and adapted to your needs. Our aim is to provide quality assessment, support and psychology services for individuals and their families, to improve mental and emotional well-being. We're a collection of chartered and HCPC registered Psychologists experienced in working with adult and adolescent clients. Our clinicians can support you with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, phobias, and OCD.
We specialise in working with complex/longer-term psychological difficulties such as trauma, PTSD, C PTSD, and relationship issues.
We understand that everyday life is stressful and have worked to make our services as flexible as possible, and adapted to your needs. Our aim is to provide quality assessment, support and psychology services for individuals and their families, to improve mental and emotional well-being. We're a collection of chartered and HCPC registered Psychologists experienced in working with adult and adolescent clients. Our clinicians can support you with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, phobias, and OCD.
01536 907319 View 01536 907319
Photo of Mary Doran, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Mary Doran
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN2
The added psychosensory dimension to therapy can access some deep issues which otherwise can be very difficult to treat such as PTSD, OCD and panic disorders.
Mary is a Doctor of psychology and chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society. She is also a registered psycho-sensory psychotherapist with the BACP. She is an experienced therapist and works with an Integrative Psychosensory approach using evidence-based approaches which have been scientifically shown to be effective. She works with individuals and couples and treats issues ranging from, anxiety, depression, and bereavement, to more complex issues such as PTSD, panic attacks, and phobias. Mary can work successfully within many modalities including EMDR, CBT, trauma-focused CBT, narrative therapy, CFT, ACT.
The added psychosensory dimension to therapy can access some deep issues which otherwise can be very difficult to treat such as PTSD, OCD and panic disorders.
Mary is a Doctor of psychology and chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society. She is also a registered psycho-sensory psychotherapist with the BACP. She is an experienced therapist and works with an Integrative Psychosensory approach using evidence-based approaches which have been scientifically shown to be effective. She works with individuals and couples and treats issues ranging from, anxiety, depression, and bereavement, to more complex issues such as PTSD, panic attacks, and phobias. Mary can work successfully within many modalities including EMDR, CBT, trauma-focused CBT, narrative therapy, CFT, ACT.
01536 907346 View 01536 907346
Photo of Nikki Roberts - Know Your Own Mind, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Know Your Own Mind
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton NN5
You have taken an important step by seeking help. Whether you have experienced childhood abuse, domestic abuse, a serious accident, PTSD, loss, chronic pain, a newly diagnosed condition, personality disorder, ADHD, or ASD, I am here to help you navigate the challenges you face. I provide a supportive and confidential space where you can express your thoughts and concerns. My goal is to offer you the compassion and time you need to guide you on your journey to personal well-being, not to just exist but to start living. Please feel free to share with me how I can support you, as I am here to listen and ensure that you feel understood.
You have taken an important step by seeking help. Whether you have experienced childhood abuse, domestic abuse, a serious accident, PTSD, loss, chronic pain, a newly diagnosed condition, personality disorder, ADHD, or ASD, I am here to help you navigate the challenges you face. I provide a supportive and confidential space where you can express your thoughts and concerns. My goal is to offer you the compassion and time you need to guide you on your journey to personal well-being, not to just exist but to start living. Please feel free to share with me how I can support you, as I am here to listen and ensure that you feel understood.
07507 176719 View 07507 176719
Photo of Felicity Botterill - Your Space Foundation - Children & Young People, MSc, BACP, Psychotherapist
Your Space Foundation - Children & Young People
Psychotherapist, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
Welcome to Your Space Foundation. Our team of highly qualified therapists have experience of supporting children and young people with various emotional and mental health difficulties, including; anxiety and depression, trauma, PTSD & Complex PTSD, self-harm & suicidal ideation, attachment difficulties, disabilities and neurodivergence.
Welcome to Your Space Foundation. Our team of highly qualified therapists have experience of supporting children and young people with various emotional and mental health difficulties, including; anxiety and depression, trauma, PTSD & Complex PTSD, self-harm & suicidal ideation, attachment difficulties, disabilities and neurodivergence.
01536 909821 View 01536 909821
Photo of Tracey Peabody, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Tracey Peabody
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
I have worked with individual clients with complex mental health needs such as Complex PTSD, PTSD, addiction, anxiety, depression and other issues.
I am a CBT and Person-Centred counsellor bringing kindness, compassion, and empathy to your emotional needs. Are you overwhelmed, and life is just getting on top of you? Are you struggling with managing difficult emotions; feelings of lack of self-worth, loneliness, or other mental health issues and don’t know where to turn for support? Sometimes we all need a helping hand. By bringing heartfelt empathy to your issues, we can build a powerful and healing therapeutic relationship to help you discover your potential and capacity for change.
I have worked with individual clients with complex mental health needs such as Complex PTSD, PTSD, addiction, anxiety, depression and other issues.
I am a CBT and Person-Centred counsellor bringing kindness, compassion, and empathy to your emotional needs. Are you overwhelmed, and life is just getting on top of you? Are you struggling with managing difficult emotions; feelings of lack of self-worth, loneliness, or other mental health issues and don’t know where to turn for support? Sometimes we all need a helping hand. By bringing heartfelt empathy to your issues, we can build a powerful and healing therapeutic relationship to help you discover your potential and capacity for change.
01788 228353 View 01788 228353
Photo of Ravi Sankar - Doctor Mind Ltd, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Doctor Mind Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
I am an experienced senior clinical psychologist and psychological therapist with over 15 years NHS experience. I now work full-time in private practice. I help lots of people manage stressful life events and deal with many psychological problems. I will help you to develop a rich understanding of your emotional difficulties, to learn what has made you stuck, and how to respond flexibly to various challenges. How we think really affects what we feel and then do. I treat many problems including anxiety disorders, PTSD and depression. Sometimes we need to reflect on how we keep falling into the same traps to move forward in our life.
I am an experienced senior clinical psychologist and psychological therapist with over 15 years NHS experience. I now work full-time in private practice. I help lots of people manage stressful life events and deal with many psychological problems. I will help you to develop a rich understanding of your emotional difficulties, to learn what has made you stuck, and how to respond flexibly to various challenges. How we think really affects what we feel and then do. I treat many problems including anxiety disorders, PTSD and depression. Sometimes we need to reflect on how we keep falling into the same traps to move forward in our life.
01908 015917 View 01908 015917
Photo of Lee Johnson, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Lee Johnson
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN6
Hi, I feel privileged to have over 25 yrs psychotherapy experience, helping people, from diverse backgrounds, to heal from childhood trauma, adult complex PTSD, OCD, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, depression, panic and substance misuse. I am experienced in working with Veterans and survivors of terror. Diversity and inclusivity are close to my heart and I offer adaptations to suit individual's neuro-divergencies, as needed. If you are looking to find a safe space, with a therapist who will listen to you and work creatively, alongside you, to find your solutions to whatever is currently troubling you, I may be the therapist for you
Hi, I feel privileged to have over 25 yrs psychotherapy experience, helping people, from diverse backgrounds, to heal from childhood trauma, adult complex PTSD, OCD, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, depression, panic and substance misuse. I am experienced in working with Veterans and survivors of terror. Diversity and inclusivity are close to my heart and I offer adaptations to suit individual's neuro-divergencies, as needed. If you are looking to find a safe space, with a therapist who will listen to you and work creatively, alongside you, to find your solutions to whatever is currently troubling you, I may be the therapist for you
01406 438945 View 01406 438945
Photo of Fungai Gonhi - Wellbeing Co Therapy and Coaching, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Wellbeing Co Therapy and Coaching
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton NN5
Hi, I am Fungai. I offer evidence based psychological therapies in line with NICE guidelines for the treatment of anxiety presentations (generalised anxiety disorder, low self-esteem, panic, health anxiety, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, childhood sexual abuse/ neglect, long health terms conditions and obsessive compulsive disorder) and depression. The problem does not have to diagnosed, it can be factors contributing to mental distress such as work stress and overwhelm, finances, bullying, gender identity, relationship difficulties, bereavement, discrimination and racism.
Hi, I am Fungai. I offer evidence based psychological therapies in line with NICE guidelines for the treatment of anxiety presentations (generalised anxiety disorder, low self-esteem, panic, health anxiety, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, childhood sexual abuse/ neglect, long health terms conditions and obsessive compulsive disorder) and depression. The problem does not have to diagnosed, it can be factors contributing to mental distress such as work stress and overwhelm, finances, bullying, gender identity, relationship difficulties, bereavement, discrimination and racism.
01536 907774 View 01536 907774
Photo of Carole Scarlett, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Carole Scarlett
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4
At times we need a place, independent of family & friends, to explore any fears/anxieties we have. Do you have a safe space to explore how your feeling? How can I help? I offer a safe, confidential & non-judgemental space for you to do so talking through any issues you may have. My expertise is extensive, working with issues such as e.g. Abuse, Anxiety/Worrying, Bereavement, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Self-esteem/Confidence, Low Moods, Neuro-diversity & Self-harm. This makes me unique and experienced to work successfully with clients to overcome these setbacks and to build upon your inner resources to move forward.
At times we need a place, independent of family & friends, to explore any fears/anxieties we have. Do you have a safe space to explore how your feeling? How can I help? I offer a safe, confidential & non-judgemental space for you to do so talking through any issues you may have. My expertise is extensive, working with issues such as e.g. Abuse, Anxiety/Worrying, Bereavement, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Self-esteem/Confidence, Low Moods, Neuro-diversity & Self-harm. This makes me unique and experienced to work successfully with clients to overcome these setbacks and to build upon your inner resources to move forward.
01442 953053 View 01442 953053
Photo of Beth Waters - Your Space Foundation, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Your Space Foundation
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Northampton NN2
Are you, or a child you know, experiencing mental health difficulties? Finding a Therapist can feel daunting, but Your Space Foundation is here to offer support. Our experienced therapists have specialist training to work with children and young people from the age of 5 who are experiencing a variety of emotional and mental health difficulties, including: emotional and behavioural disorders, trauma, PTSD & Complex PTSD, moderate anxiety and depression, self-harm & suicidal ideation, attachment difficulties, disabilities and neurodivergence.
Are you, or a child you know, experiencing mental health difficulties? Finding a Therapist can feel daunting, but Your Space Foundation is here to offer support. Our experienced therapists have specialist training to work with children and young people from the age of 5 who are experiencing a variety of emotional and mental health difficulties, including: emotional and behavioural disorders, trauma, PTSD & Complex PTSD, moderate anxiety and depression, self-harm & suicidal ideation, attachment difficulties, disabilities and neurodivergence.
01788 221807 View 01788 221807
Photo of Victoria Catt, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Victoria Catt
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN2
Hello, and thanks for considering me as a therapist to help you with your difficulties. I am a fully accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapist with extensive experience of working with people with mental health difficulties, both within the NHS and privately. Over 20 years of working within mental health services I have worked with people across the age span who have been experiencing a range of difficulties. These include worry, depression, panic attacks, Obsessive Compulsive disorder, general anxiety, health anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias, Post traumatic stress, Low self esteem and confidence.....
Hello, and thanks for considering me as a therapist to help you with your difficulties. I am a fully accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapist with extensive experience of working with people with mental health difficulties, both within the NHS and privately. Over 20 years of working within mental health services I have worked with people across the age span who have been experiencing a range of difficulties. These include worry, depression, panic attacks, Obsessive Compulsive disorder, general anxiety, health anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias, Post traumatic stress, Low self esteem and confidence.....
01487 801914 View 01487 801914
Photo of Adriana Pavelescu, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Adriana Pavelescu
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN2
Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy : CBT Treatment: People involved in RTA, Loneliness, Couple therapy, Divorce, Abuse, Anxiety, Panic attack, Depression, Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, Trauma, Passive aggressive behavior, Behavior problems, Postnatal depression, Self-harming, Separation anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, Panic Attack, etc.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist(HCPC Registered) &hypnotherapist, owner of Psychotherapy&Hypnotherapy. My passion is assisting traumatized and distressed patients in their healing. I am experienced in providing psychological therapy and hypnotherapy to individuals, couples and families with a wide range of distressing feelings, including childhood trauma, anxiety disorder, panic attack, depression, stress, anger, confidence building, self esteem, phobia's, insomnia. I also offer CBT treatment session for RTA accident and Psychological Medical Report For Court. I use modalities such as CBT, Solution Focused Therapy
Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy : CBT Treatment: People involved in RTA, Loneliness, Couple therapy, Divorce, Abuse, Anxiety, Panic attack, Depression, Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, Trauma, Passive aggressive behavior, Behavior problems, Postnatal depression, Self-harming, Separation anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, Panic Attack, etc.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist(HCPC Registered) &hypnotherapist, owner of Psychotherapy&Hypnotherapy. My passion is assisting traumatized and distressed patients in their healing. I am experienced in providing psychological therapy and hypnotherapy to individuals, couples and families with a wide range of distressing feelings, including childhood trauma, anxiety disorder, panic attack, depression, stress, anger, confidence building, self esteem, phobia's, insomnia. I also offer CBT treatment session for RTA accident and Psychological Medical Report For Court. I use modalities such as CBT, Solution Focused Therapy
01788 229228 View 01788 229228
Photo of Deborah Lock, MSc, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Deborah Lock
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN1
Working within the mental health and safeguarding arena’s for many years I have nurtured a genuine fascination for people and their individual stories. I am able to employ this diverse experience to inform my practice as a Psychotherapist. As a Counsellor for Rape Crisis I have significant experience of working with survivors of sexual violence and trauma. Additionally, I have worked with the Police service for 18 years, developing a passion for working individually with emergency services, medical or armed forces personnel to help them process the many sources of trauma they encounter in their working lives.
Working within the mental health and safeguarding arena’s for many years I have nurtured a genuine fascination for people and their individual stories. I am able to employ this diverse experience to inform my practice as a Psychotherapist. As a Counsellor for Rape Crisis I have significant experience of working with survivors of sexual violence and trauma. Additionally, I have worked with the Police service for 18 years, developing a passion for working individually with emergency services, medical or armed forces personnel to help them process the many sources of trauma they encounter in their working lives.
01536 907047 View 01536 907047
Photo of Claire L Newman, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Claire L Newman
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN3
Welcome, you may be looking for a therapist, counsellor or coach to address a specific issue, perhaps an experience that is impacting you now, or there may be a general feeling that something is not quite right. Therapy and counselling help you discover the real you, creating awareness, acknowledging and dealing with repressed feelings and getting in touch with your innate self-worth. Which, in turn, promotes personal autonomy and the resilience to deal with life's challenges. Life coaching clears unconscious patterns and beliefs and helps you to set and action goals to move towards living a fulfilling and nourishing life.
Welcome, you may be looking for a therapist, counsellor or coach to address a specific issue, perhaps an experience that is impacting you now, or there may be a general feeling that something is not quite right. Therapy and counselling help you discover the real you, creating awareness, acknowledging and dealing with repressed feelings and getting in touch with your innate self-worth. Which, in turn, promotes personal autonomy and the resilience to deal with life's challenges. Life coaching clears unconscious patterns and beliefs and helps you to set and action goals to move towards living a fulfilling and nourishing life.
01604 954296 View 01604 954296
Photo of Dr Niollie Brown, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Niollie Brown
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Northampton NN4  (Online Only)
I am a clinical psychologist with experience working in a range of settings in the NHS, which include community, outpatient, inpatient and forensic mental health services. I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2011 at the University of East London. I am also a family therapist and completed my MSc in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy in 2016 at the Institute of Family Therapy/University of Bedfordshire. Throughout my career I have worked with people of all ages but, more recently, mainly work with adults and older adults.
I am a clinical psychologist with experience working in a range of settings in the NHS, which include community, outpatient, inpatient and forensic mental health services. I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2011 at the University of East London. I am also a family therapist and completed my MSc in Systemic and Family Psychotherapy in 2016 at the Institute of Family Therapy/University of Bedfordshire. Throughout my career I have worked with people of all ages but, more recently, mainly work with adults and older adults.
01604 279770 View 01604 279770
Photo of Amy Alexander, MBACP, Counsellor
Amy Alexander
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN6
As a therapist who has worked in my community for 25 years, I offer a seasoned and warm approach to our work together. I commit to long-term and short-term relationships with clients struggling with various issues. I am curious, thoughtful and dedicated to helping you find creative ways to understand yourself better. I have a long experience of sitting with difficulty and challenging life patterns and look forward to welcoming you via in-office or online sessions.
As a therapist who has worked in my community for 25 years, I offer a seasoned and warm approach to our work together. I commit to long-term and short-term relationships with clients struggling with various issues. I am curious, thoughtful and dedicated to helping you find creative ways to understand yourself better. I have a long experience of sitting with difficulty and challenging life patterns and look forward to welcoming you via in-office or online sessions.
01858 456008 View 01858 456008
Photo of Deena Singh - Reach out Remedy: Children & Young People, MSc, BACP, Psychotherapist
Reach out Remedy: Children & Young People
Psychotherapist, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN3
It's OK not to be OK! Many of us experience low mood, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loss and are victims of trauma, sexual abuse and more. These experiences can have an huge impact on our daily lives. We are living through pressing times but remember, your mental health is important. It is really difficult to talk about you feel and what you have experienced in life. I am able to adapt and tailor sessions to your individual needs. Please reach out.
It's OK not to be OK! Many of us experience low mood, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loss and are victims of trauma, sexual abuse and more. These experiences can have an huge impact on our daily lives. We are living through pressing times but remember, your mental health is important. It is really difficult to talk about you feel and what you have experienced in life. I am able to adapt and tailor sessions to your individual needs. Please reach out.
01406 430989 View 01406 430989
Photo of Dr Lauren Patton, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Lauren Patton
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northampton NN6
I'm Lauren, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. I'm here to listen and understand what you are going through, in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Whether you're an adult, teenager or child, I can work with you to help positively change your life in a way that's meaningful to you. We can focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, stress, relationships, emotional difficulties or living with a medical condition. Therapy isn't always about focusing on difficulties either, talking on a regular basis can be helpful to process, understand and change any area of your life.
I'm Lauren, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. I'm here to listen and understand what you are going through, in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Whether you're an adult, teenager or child, I can work with you to help positively change your life in a way that's meaningful to you. We can focus on issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, stress, relationships, emotional difficulties or living with a medical condition. Therapy isn't always about focusing on difficulties either, talking on a regular basis can be helpful to process, understand and change any area of your life.
01604 279267 View 01604 279267
Photo of Katie Shepherd, MBACP, Counsellor
Katie Shepherd
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northampton NN6  (Online Only)
Therapeutic counselling can help you if you are struggling to cope with anxiety or depression, or if you have suffered a bereavement, a life changing event or you are a survivor of abuse or trauma. Whatever brings you to therapy, talking to a professional, feeling heard and understood can be a truly positive and healing experience. You can learn to understand the origins of your problems and how to be able to accept them in your life, without them dominating your time. Developing skills and strategies to help you cope, achieving personal growth and resilience, so that you can manage life's challenges the best way for you.
Therapeutic counselling can help you if you are struggling to cope with anxiety or depression, or if you have suffered a bereavement, a life changing event or you are a survivor of abuse or trauma. Whatever brings you to therapy, talking to a professional, feeling heard and understood can be a truly positive and healing experience. You can learn to understand the origins of your problems and how to be able to accept them in your life, without them dominating your time. Developing skills and strategies to help you cope, achieving personal growth and resilience, so that you can manage life's challenges the best way for you.
01327 227406 View 01327 227406
1

See more therapy options for Northampton

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.