Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Brentwood, CA

Photo of Amy L W Scott, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy L W Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I offer both short-term therapy and longer insight-oriented work. I utilize my years of experience, intuition, compassion, and humor to support my clients in addressing the issues that brought them into therapy. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, anger, abuse/ trauma, parenting/divorce/blended family issues, foster care, as well as other social, emotional, and behavioral issues. Through my dynamic approach, I provide a safe and nurturing environment to explore and resolve various issues. I draw from the following theories and techniques: psychodynamic, client-centered, humanistic, play therapy, mindfulness, and somatic psychology.
In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I offer both short-term therapy and longer insight-oriented work. I utilize my years of experience, intuition, compassion, and humor to support my clients in addressing the issues that brought them into therapy. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, anger, abuse/ trauma, parenting/divorce/blended family issues, foster care, as well as other social, emotional, and behavioral issues. Through my dynamic approach, I provide a safe and nurturing environment to explore and resolve various issues. I draw from the following theories and techniques: psychodynamic, client-centered, humanistic, play therapy, mindfulness, and somatic psychology.
(925) 259-3954 View (925) 259-3954
Photo of Robyn Binder, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Robyn Binder
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513  (Online Only)
My clinical experience includes working with children, teens and adults who have experienced trauma, as well as many clients struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, parenting struggles and relationship challenges.
I believe therapy works best when it is a partnership between the therapist and client. I would love to partner with you to support the change or increased happiness you might be seeking. You do not have to struggle alone, I am happy to work with individuals, including adults and teens. During our work together, I hope to provide you with a safe, comfortable space to work towards your goals. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and warm.
My clinical experience includes working with children, teens and adults who have experienced trauma, as well as many clients struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, parenting struggles and relationship challenges.
I believe therapy works best when it is a partnership between the therapist and client. I would love to partner with you to support the change or increased happiness you might be seeking. You do not have to struggle alone, I am happy to work with individuals, including adults and teens. During our work together, I hope to provide you with a safe, comfortable space to work towards your goals. My style is collaborative, compassionate, and warm.
(925) 267-6858 View (925) 267-6858
Photo of Debra M Kobold, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debra M Kobold
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
I have extensive experience in working with Adolescents and Adults who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Addictions, Self-Harming Behaviors, Trauma, PTSD, Grief, Co-dependency, Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide Ideation.
I will help you learn to appreciate your emotional identity through managing moods, thoughts, impulsiveness, reactivity, and harmful behaviors. I will help you strengthen or repair your relationships and build new ones. I'll help you cultivate confidence to ask for what you want, set boundaries with others, and navigate family issues. I can also teach you social skills if you feel out of place at work or school.
I have extensive experience in working with Adolescents and Adults who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Addictions, Self-Harming Behaviors, Trauma, PTSD, Grief, Co-dependency, Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide Ideation.
I will help you learn to appreciate your emotional identity through managing moods, thoughts, impulsiveness, reactivity, and harmful behaviors. I will help you strengthen or repair your relationships and build new ones. I'll help you cultivate confidence to ask for what you want, set boundaries with others, and navigate family issues. I can also teach you social skills if you feel out of place at work or school.
(925) 259-3746 View (925) 259-3746
Photo of Charlotte Molali, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Charlotte Molali
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513  (Online Only)
Prior to private practice I have worked in various trauma focused programs ranging from residential treatment, IOP programs, to outpatient.
I specialize in working with adults who have experienced trauma, abuse, have ADHD, or are navigating life transitions and intense personal relationships. The majority of my clients have experienced a recent traumatic event, childhood trauma or abuse, sexual trauma, intense or abusive relationships, substance use, medical trauma, combat trauma, and life impacted by the military. I utilize EMDR among other evidence based and trauma informed therapy modalities. I prioritize a very client centered, and individualized approach to therapy. I love working with clients who want to go deep or dig into solution focused work.
Prior to private practice I have worked in various trauma focused programs ranging from residential treatment, IOP programs, to outpatient.
I specialize in working with adults who have experienced trauma, abuse, have ADHD, or are navigating life transitions and intense personal relationships. The majority of my clients have experienced a recent traumatic event, childhood trauma or abuse, sexual trauma, intense or abusive relationships, substance use, medical trauma, combat trauma, and life impacted by the military. I utilize EMDR among other evidence based and trauma informed therapy modalities. I prioritize a very client centered, and individualized approach to therapy. I love working with clients who want to go deep or dig into solution focused work.
(530) 212-7053 View (530) 212-7053
Photo of Donn Bradley, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Donn Bradley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
I specialize in issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief, amongst other things.
You'll find that I'm not your typical patches-on-the-sleeves, "tell me about your mother" style therapist. After a career as a first responder, I have come in contact with a great many mental health challenges. My clients will find I am very empathetic while at the same time no-nonsense and to the point. Together, we'll explore what your challenges have been historically and find new ways to approach the life (and ultimately, happiness) for which you're looking.
I specialize in issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief, amongst other things.
You'll find that I'm not your typical patches-on-the-sleeves, "tell me about your mother" style therapist. After a career as a first responder, I have come in contact with a great many mental health challenges. My clients will find I am very empathetic while at the same time no-nonsense and to the point. Together, we'll explore what your challenges have been historically and find new ways to approach the life (and ultimately, happiness) for which you're looking.
(925) 568-7296 View (925) 568-7296
Photo of Mojdeh Motamedi, LCP, Psychologist
Mojdeh Motamedi
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
Goals can include things like no longer avoiding something, making friends, speaking up, reducing a certain behavior, sleeping better, increasing a behavior, feeling happier, focusing more, worrying less, processing trauma, or accepting yourself as you are.
I'm Mojdeh Motamedi and I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I'm proud of you for taking the step to start therapy as it is not easy to start. My approach is to focus on your goals and validate and support you throughout the process. I especially focus on working with children, adolescents, and their families but can also work with adults. I seek to be very supportive, non-judgmental, validating, trauma-informed, and culturally respectful. I tend to involve caregivers a fair amount and incorporate ways to help you have the tools to become your own therapist so you don't have to be in therapy for life if you don't want to.
Goals can include things like no longer avoiding something, making friends, speaking up, reducing a certain behavior, sleeping better, increasing a behavior, feeling happier, focusing more, worrying less, processing trauma, or accepting yourself as you are.
I'm Mojdeh Motamedi and I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I'm proud of you for taking the step to start therapy as it is not easy to start. My approach is to focus on your goals and validate and support you throughout the process. I especially focus on working with children, adolescents, and their families but can also work with adults. I seek to be very supportive, non-judgmental, validating, trauma-informed, and culturally respectful. I tend to involve caregivers a fair amount and incorporate ways to help you have the tools to become your own therapist so you don't have to be in therapy for life if you don't want to.
(925) 281-1403 View (925) 281-1403
Photo of Jade DeFrates, LCSW, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jade DeFrates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LLC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
I treat complex trauma with first responders and assault survivors.
We as people are are all broken on some level, but we don't need to stay that way. Depending upon the cards we've been dealt in life (what's been done to us, and what we've done to ourselves) fractures in our world view, relationships, and self concept arise. I work best with a client who comes willingly to counseling, is motivated for change, and is open minded to new perspectives of responding to their problems. Many clients comment on the speed with which we are able to resolve their individual concerns.
I treat complex trauma with first responders and assault survivors.
We as people are are all broken on some level, but we don't need to stay that way. Depending upon the cards we've been dealt in life (what's been done to us, and what we've done to ourselves) fractures in our world view, relationships, and self concept arise. I work best with a client who comes willingly to counseling, is motivated for change, and is open minded to new perspectives of responding to their problems. Many clients comment on the speed with which we are able to resolve their individual concerns.
(925) 230-0421 View (925) 230-0421
Photo of Maria Umana, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maria Umana
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
Hi, my name is Maria Umana. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, license number 111374. I have experience working with adults and older adults suffering from depression, anxiety, and trauma. I work with couples and I also facilitate different types of groups. I use person-centered, solution-focused, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. Although my clientele is 30% Caucasian and 30% African American, I feel most comfortable working with the Spanish population.
Hi, my name is Maria Umana. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, license number 111374. I have experience working with adults and older adults suffering from depression, anxiety, and trauma. I work with couples and I also facilitate different types of groups. I use person-centered, solution-focused, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. Although my clientele is 30% Caucasian and 30% African American, I feel most comfortable working with the Spanish population.
(925) 430-7473 View (925) 430-7473
Photo of Sheril Elizabeth Phillips, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sheril Elizabeth Phillips
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
Since I work with groups, I am able to identify the patterns that are preventing growth and I’m also informed of the effects of family history and trauma.
During these difficult times, it’s always good to have someone to hear us and help us get a fresh perspective. I welcome new clients and enjoy hearing their stories and coming along side to help
Since I work with groups, I am able to identify the patterns that are preventing growth and I’m also informed of the effects of family history and trauma.
During these difficult times, it’s always good to have someone to hear us and help us get a fresh perspective. I welcome new clients and enjoy hearing their stories and coming along side to help
(925) 230-0456 View (925) 230-0456
Photo of Anna Gomez, MACP, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Anna Gomez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MACP, AMFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513  (Online Only)
With a person-centered approach, I am deeply passionate about supporting trauma survivors on their healing journey.
At times, life presents us with painful challenges, overwhelming emotions, negative thoughts, anxiety, and trauma that can interfere with our ability to function as we desire. Finding the right therapist to help transform these difficulties into strengths and opportunities for healing can feel intimidating. However, these obstacles can lead to growth, resilience, and personal empowerment with the proper support.
With a person-centered approach, I am deeply passionate about supporting trauma survivors on their healing journey.
At times, life presents us with painful challenges, overwhelming emotions, negative thoughts, anxiety, and trauma that can interfere with our ability to function as we desire. Finding the right therapist to help transform these difficulties into strengths and opportunities for healing can feel intimidating. However, these obstacles can lead to growth, resilience, and personal empowerment with the proper support.
(925) 666-3312 View (925) 666-3312
Photo of Kira Monterrey, LCSW, MPA, CIMHP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kira Monterrey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MPA, CIMHP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
I specialize in PTSD and other trauma-related issues.
One of the most important lessons I have learned as a therapist is that therapy requires more than a one size fits all approach. I treat every person as an individual. I lean on my years of experience and use a multitude of treatment modalities to treat your individual needs. We can work together to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. I have treated individuals with a variety of issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, dissociative identity disorder, substance abuse disorders, anger, and more. I have also helped families and couples achieve harmony and improve their relationships and communication.
I specialize in PTSD and other trauma-related issues.
One of the most important lessons I have learned as a therapist is that therapy requires more than a one size fits all approach. I treat every person as an individual. I lean on my years of experience and use a multitude of treatment modalities to treat your individual needs. We can work together to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. I have treated individuals with a variety of issues, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, dissociative identity disorder, substance abuse disorders, anger, and more. I have also helped families and couples achieve harmony and improve their relationships and communication.
(925) 643-2034 View (925) 643-2034
Photo of Elisa E Hughes, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elisa E Hughes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513  (Online Only)
I am highly trained and specialized within the field of trauma, addiction, EMDR, Critical Incident Stress Management, Crisis Response and Brief Strategic Therapy.
I am currently accepting new clients to my virtual practice. This is Telehealth only and private pay. New clients can have appointments within two weeks. I work from a Strength Based, Strategic therapy model which means I am about addressing the issues and not just here for venting. If you want to change things in your life, career or relationships I will join you in that corner. If you would like to proceed please use the email feature to tell me a bit about yourself and what you are looking for, as well as days and times that work best for you. I look forward to working with you.
I am highly trained and specialized within the field of trauma, addiction, EMDR, Critical Incident Stress Management, Crisis Response and Brief Strategic Therapy.
I am currently accepting new clients to my virtual practice. This is Telehealth only and private pay. New clients can have appointments within two weeks. I work from a Strength Based, Strategic therapy model which means I am about addressing the issues and not just here for venting. If you want to change things in your life, career or relationships I will join you in that corner. If you would like to proceed please use the email feature to tell me a bit about yourself and what you are looking for, as well as days and times that work best for you. I look forward to working with you.
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Photo of Jeff McIntosh, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jeff McIntosh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
I have been providing professional therapeutic services to a wide range of individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years. My current specialized areas of interest are life transitions, mindfulness with teens, trauma healing using EMDR, and recovery from sexual abuse and addiction.
I have been providing professional therapeutic services to a wide range of individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years. My current specialized areas of interest are life transitions, mindfulness with teens, trauma healing using EMDR, and recovery from sexual abuse and addiction.
(925) 241-5200 View (925) 241-5200
Photo of Elise Von Tersch, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elise Von Tersch
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
My passion is to work with individuals to transform life’s difficulties into opportunities of personal growth and insight. My approach is collaborative in nature while providing a safe space to foster good therapeutic work. My scope of expertise are issues pertaining to trauma, depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. I am a trained EMDR therapist and apply psychotherapy approaches complementary to individual clients and their needs. These approaches include EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Solution Focussed Therapy.
My passion is to work with individuals to transform life’s difficulties into opportunities of personal growth and insight. My approach is collaborative in nature while providing a safe space to foster good therapeutic work. My scope of expertise are issues pertaining to trauma, depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. I am a trained EMDR therapist and apply psychotherapy approaches complementary to individual clients and their needs. These approaches include EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy and Solution Focussed Therapy.
(925) 268-7769 View (925) 268-7769
Photo of Bethany A Meals, LMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bethany A Meals
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
Waitlist for new clients
EMDR, Brainspotting, Crisis Intervention Stress Management, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy.
The decision to take that first step in seeing a therapist can be a difficult one to make. I am here to support you in your journey with mental health. I have a passion for first responders and their families that stems from a lifelong personal connection to military, fire fighter, and law enforcement communities. These experiences have allowed important insight into the unique struggles that first responders and their families face. I also work with individuals and adolescents trying to navigate the chaos of life.
EMDR, Brainspotting, Crisis Intervention Stress Management, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy.
The decision to take that first step in seeing a therapist can be a difficult one to make. I am here to support you in your journey with mental health. I have a passion for first responders and their families that stems from a lifelong personal connection to military, fire fighter, and law enforcement communities. These experiences have allowed important insight into the unique struggles that first responders and their families face. I also work with individuals and adolescents trying to navigate the chaos of life.
(925) 961-3996 View (925) 961-3996
Photo of Sharon Andrews, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sharon Andrews
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513  (Online Only)
ImTT is a breakthrough in the treatment of Trauma, OCD, Depression, Anxiety, Behavioral and Substance Addictions.
I am passionate about therapy that produces lasting, inner healing! I use a combination of several psychological theories, depending on what will best meet my client's needs, including ImTT and EMDR, to help clients experience healing and change in the places where their pain originated. This not only creates symptom reduction and/or extinction but also produces an outcome of inner peace, joy and freedom, putting an end to trying harder, pretending or "white-knuckling" through. I love this work and look forward to connecting with you in your journey toward emotional wholeness!
ImTT is a breakthrough in the treatment of Trauma, OCD, Depression, Anxiety, Behavioral and Substance Addictions.
I am passionate about therapy that produces lasting, inner healing! I use a combination of several psychological theories, depending on what will best meet my client's needs, including ImTT and EMDR, to help clients experience healing and change in the places where their pain originated. This not only creates symptom reduction and/or extinction but also produces an outcome of inner peace, joy and freedom, putting an end to trying harder, pretending or "white-knuckling" through. I love this work and look forward to connecting with you in your journey toward emotional wholeness!
(925) 854-4071 View (925) 854-4071
Photo of Debra Brunsten, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Debra Brunsten
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
Whether you are facing a small "t" trauma, or what Mark Epstein, M.
I work with adult individuals, couples and families to help you cope with not only life's daily struggles, but also provide support for crisis, traumas, challenging life transitions and relationship issues. I combine narrative and somatic therapies, as well as EMDR ( trauma work), to help you decrease anxiety and depression, manage stress, cope with challenges and enhance your creativity and productivity. My approach is very conversational, interactive and solution- based. In contrast to heavy analysis, I strive to uncover and cultivate my client's strengths, abilities and values to help them overcome their problems.
Whether you are facing a small "t" trauma, or what Mark Epstein, M.
I work with adult individuals, couples and families to help you cope with not only life's daily struggles, but also provide support for crisis, traumas, challenging life transitions and relationship issues. I combine narrative and somatic therapies, as well as EMDR ( trauma work), to help you decrease anxiety and depression, manage stress, cope with challenges and enhance your creativity and productivity. My approach is very conversational, interactive and solution- based. In contrast to heavy analysis, I strive to uncover and cultivate my client's strengths, abilities and values to help them overcome their problems.
(310) 494-7039 View (310) 494-7039
Photo of Dr. Andrea F Polard, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Andrea F Polard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513  (Online Only)
My most important specialty is to be present for my often traumatized clients, to listen deeply, and connect -the ground for growth.
Thank you for reaching out, which is a first, brave step in finding the therapist you like -the best predictor for therapeutic success. I feel blessed in my role as a therapist and deeply love my work. My clients suffer from depression, new relational wounds, old wounds and trauma, stress, anxiety, autism, and/or LGBTQ+ related problems. Because happiness and success depend on a sense of interconnectedness, my clients often seek to improve the quality of their relationships to themselves (inner peace, self-love, mindfulness, clarity), others (e.g., partnerships, parents, friends, employers), and the universe that can seem so cold.
My most important specialty is to be present for my often traumatized clients, to listen deeply, and connect -the ground for growth.
Thank you for reaching out, which is a first, brave step in finding the therapist you like -the best predictor for therapeutic success. I feel blessed in my role as a therapist and deeply love my work. My clients suffer from depression, new relational wounds, old wounds and trauma, stress, anxiety, autism, and/or LGBTQ+ related problems. Because happiness and success depend on a sense of interconnectedness, my clients often seek to improve the quality of their relationships to themselves (inner peace, self-love, mindfulness, clarity), others (e.g., partnerships, parents, friends, employers), and the universe that can seem so cold.
(310) 879-5949 View (310) 879-5949
Photo of Lauren Dummit, LMFT, CSAT-S, CST, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lauren Dummit
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-S, CST
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brentwood, CA 94513
Using a holistic, trauma-informed approach, we’ll work through your challenges at a pace that feels right for you.
Are you feeling stuck in toxic patterns, overwhelmed by trauma, or struggling with intimacy issues? As a licensed therapist, sex therapist, and certified addiction specialist, I’m here to help you break free from the cycles that are holding you back. I integrate neuroscience-backed techniques like EMDR and somatic therapy to help clients heal deeply rooted emotional wounds. Together, we’ll explore your unique journey, helping you build healthier relationships, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.
Using a holistic, trauma-informed approach, we’ll work through your challenges at a pace that feels right for you.
Are you feeling stuck in toxic patterns, overwhelmed by trauma, or struggling with intimacy issues? As a licensed therapist, sex therapist, and certified addiction specialist, I’m here to help you break free from the cycles that are holding you back. I integrate neuroscience-backed techniques like EMDR and somatic therapy to help clients heal deeply rooted emotional wounds. Together, we’ll explore your unique journey, helping you build healthier relationships, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.
(310) 895-9316 View (310) 895-9316
Photo of Brittani Simberg, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Brittani Simberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brentwood, CA 94513
It is my greatest privilege to join someone on their journey; to help them find their way around the boulders, over the stumbling blocks and out of the crevasses that have derailed goals, clouded views or kept them from happiness. To see them make the changes they have dreamed of. Together we can examine patterns, identify sources of hope, build on strengths, challenge fears and create road maps which you can use to take those next powerful, healing steps. I specialize in working with individuals and couples struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and relational issues.
It is my greatest privilege to join someone on their journey; to help them find their way around the boulders, over the stumbling blocks and out of the crevasses that have derailed goals, clouded views or kept them from happiness. To see them make the changes they have dreamed of. Together we can examine patterns, identify sources of hope, build on strengths, challenge fears and create road maps which you can use to take those next powerful, healing steps. I specialize in working with individuals and couples struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and relational issues.
(424) 372-4198 View (424) 372-4198
1
Trauma and PTSD Therapists

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.