Photo of Debra Forrest, Psychiatrist in 06119, CT
Debra Forrest
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
West Hartford, CT 06119
If you find yourself retreating from your usual activities and you want to get back to truly living, I'd like to help. I am a board-certified Psychiatrist, and I am looking for patients who are ready to work on themselves. I enjoy working closely with people, and getting to know their preferences and needs before beginning treatment. Since medications can have risks and benefits, I am always very mindful and careful. Let's see if we can work together to get your life back on track!
If you find yourself retreating from your usual activities and you want to get back to truly living, I'd like to help. I am a board-certified Psychiatrist, and I am looking for patients who are ready to work on themselves. I enjoy working closely with people, and getting to know their preferences and needs before beginning treatment. Since medications can have risks and benefits, I am always very mindful and careful. Let's see if we can work together to get your life back on track!
(959) 335-9257 View (959) 335-9257
Photo of Thrive Behavioral Health, PLLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 06119, CT
Thrive Behavioral Health, PLLC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC, APRN, MSN
Verified Verified
West Hartford, CT 06119  (Online Only)
I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in psychiatry. It was only after years of managing my family's business that I made a career change to be an RN. During my twelve years in emergency medicine, I observed people seeking mental health treatment being disregarded. I wanted to do more to have a greater impact on those with mental health issues and this is what lead me to becoming a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I treat individuals of all ages from all walks of life with an array of mental health issues to improve quality of life and function. This is my goal as a mental health provider.
I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in psychiatry. It was only after years of managing my family's business that I made a career change to be an RN. During my twelve years in emergency medicine, I observed people seeking mental health treatment being disregarded. I wanted to do more to have a greater impact on those with mental health issues and this is what lead me to becoming a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. I treat individuals of all ages from all walks of life with an array of mental health issues to improve quality of life and function. This is my goal as a mental health provider.
(860) 854-4210 View (860) 854-4210
Trauma and PTSD Psychiatrists

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.