Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Shelburne Falls, MA

Photo of Heather Maples, Counselor in Shelburne Falls, MA
Heather Maples
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
I specialize in trauma therapy and use various techniques to help my clients integrate their traumatic memories into a positive identity.
I have been working as a therapist for the past 10 years.  My goal is to work with people to help them process through their history including their hurts and their joyful moments, helping them to better understand the current circumstances present in their lives, and exploring goals for their future. I believe it is important to look at the whole person, including their underlying psychological processes, belief systems, relationships, values, and goals. I have watched people heal from past hurts and move forward engaging in the world with their whole selves. I work with trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, personality dx, etc.
I specialize in trauma therapy and use various techniques to help my clients integrate their traumatic memories into a positive identity.
I have been working as a therapist for the past 10 years.  My goal is to work with people to help them process through their history including their hurts and their joyful moments, helping them to better understand the current circumstances present in their lives, and exploring goals for their future. I believe it is important to look at the whole person, including their underlying psychological processes, belief systems, relationships, values, and goals. I have watched people heal from past hurts and move forward engaging in the world with their whole selves. I work with trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, personality dx, etc.
(413) 423-0714 View (413) 423-0714
Rosemary P. Christoph
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370  (Online Only)
I am a lively, caring, dynamic feminist psychotherapist located in Shelburne Falls, Mass. with over 40 years of experience with counseling and therapy. I have openings for individual clients, teenagers, people under personal stress or in a relationship crisis. couples. LGBTQ clients are also very welcome. I have particular experience with trauma, anger, depression, anxiety, shame, debt crises, abusive family patterns that need to be changed. My goal in our sessions is to nurture your capacity for decision-making, for healing, for life change, and to explore impasses until they shift into turning points...
I am a lively, caring, dynamic feminist psychotherapist located in Shelburne Falls, Mass. with over 40 years of experience with counseling and therapy. I have openings for individual clients, teenagers, people under personal stress or in a relationship crisis. couples. LGBTQ clients are also very welcome. I have particular experience with trauma, anger, depression, anxiety, shame, debt crises, abusive family patterns that need to be changed. My goal in our sessions is to nurture your capacity for decision-making, for healing, for life change, and to explore impasses until they shift into turning points...
(413) 251-6208 View (413) 251-6208
Photo of Story Stephenson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shelburne Falls, MA
Story Stephenson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370  (Online Only)
I have 25+ years experience working with people of all genders, sexualities, and relational preferences on issues ranging from gender transitioning, trauma resolution, anxiety, & depression, to general life confusion.
Are you someone who, due to choice or circumstance, is living life outside the mainstream? Are you an "outsider" in relation to social norms, feeling like you don't fit in or are committed to values or self-expression that make life in the larger world challenging? Perhaps you have been wary of therapy & of therapists judging you because of gender identity or presentation, because of your interest in kink or other forms of sexual expression, or because of your involvement in polyamory or other non-traditional relationship styles. If so, you need look no further to find an open-minded & respectful therapist.
I have 25+ years experience working with people of all genders, sexualities, and relational preferences on issues ranging from gender transitioning, trauma resolution, anxiety, & depression, to general life confusion.
Are you someone who, due to choice or circumstance, is living life outside the mainstream? Are you an "outsider" in relation to social norms, feeling like you don't fit in or are committed to values or self-expression that make life in the larger world challenging? Perhaps you have been wary of therapy & of therapists judging you because of gender identity or presentation, because of your interest in kink or other forms of sexual expression, or because of your involvement in polyamory or other non-traditional relationship styles. If so, you need look no further to find an open-minded & respectful therapist.
(857) 574-0953 View (857) 574-0953
Photo of Jennifer West, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shelburne Falls, MA
Jennifer West
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MEd
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Hello. Are you at a change point and experiencing obstacles to fully inhabiting your life? These may include depression anxiety, phobias, loss, grief, trauma and relationship issues. My work is relationship based, coming from a place of respect, and focusing on strengths. I believe in client-driven work that is meaningful and moves toward a place of hope and action.
Hello. Are you at a change point and experiencing obstacles to fully inhabiting your life? These may include depression anxiety, phobias, loss, grief, trauma and relationship issues. My work is relationship based, coming from a place of respect, and focusing on strengths. I believe in client-driven work that is meaningful and moves toward a place of hope and action.
(413) 650-1072 View (413) 650-1072
Photo of Couples Center of the Pioneer Valley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Shelburne Falls, MA
Couples Center of the Pioneer Valley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LMHC, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370  (Online Only)
With a directorial team that has over 50 years of experience, we specialize in couples on the brink of divorce/breakup, blended family issues, affair recovery, substance abuse & trauma recovery.
Relationship troubles? Looking for an excellent guide through these times of great uncertainty? We are here to help! As a group practice in Massachusetts, specializing in couples work and individual therapy, our team has a special focus on creating therapies for everyone, including those from underserved communities that have the greatest need for representation in mental health. Whether you are focusing on building communication, decision-making skills, or are needing affair recovery we're here to offer our expert guidance, available exclusively via Telehealth.
With a directorial team that has over 50 years of experience, we specialize in couples on the brink of divorce/breakup, blended family issues, affair recovery, substance abuse & trauma recovery.
Relationship troubles? Looking for an excellent guide through these times of great uncertainty? We are here to help! As a group practice in Massachusetts, specializing in couples work and individual therapy, our team has a special focus on creating therapies for everyone, including those from underserved communities that have the greatest need for representation in mental health. Whether you are focusing on building communication, decision-making skills, or are needing affair recovery we're here to offer our expert guidance, available exclusively via Telehealth.
(413) 887-3401 View (413) 887-3401
Photo of Rosie Fanale in Shelburne Falls, MA
Rosie Fanale
APRN, RNCS, MEd
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Hi there and thanks for reading about my services. People come to therapy for many kinds of reasons. Sometimes they feel blocked from finding what they are needing and wanting . They may be depressed, anxious, have survived trauma, of difficulty coping with illness or challenging life transitions. I believe that every human being has the power to live the life they want to live. For the past 26 years as a therapist, I have been happy to help individuals like you find their own best particular best happy life. As a nurse practitioner I can also help provide other ways to improve their health and lessen symptoms if one desires.
Hi there and thanks for reading about my services. People come to therapy for many kinds of reasons. Sometimes they feel blocked from finding what they are needing and wanting . They may be depressed, anxious, have survived trauma, of difficulty coping with illness or challenging life transitions. I believe that every human being has the power to live the life they want to live. For the past 26 years as a therapist, I have been happy to help individuals like you find their own best particular best happy life. As a nurse practitioner I can also help provide other ways to improve their health and lessen symptoms if one desires.
(413) 652-2519 View (413) 652-2519
Photo of Kevin Blanchard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shelburne Falls, MA
Kevin Blanchard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
I have over twenty years of experience treating Addiction, Depression, Anxiety, Spiritual Distress, Adoption Issues and Trauma as they have manifested in clients across a wide age range.
I understand psychotherapy as collaborative work. My task is to fully attend with my eyes, ears and intuition to all that my client is offering; the spoken as well as the unspoken, the verbal as well as the non-verbal. It is my client’s task to put into words what their world feels like from the inside. From the resultant dialogue emerges a more complex understanding of their difficulties. Suffering seems an unavoidable feature of living, but articulating it lessens the impact, and insight gained as to its origins and possible meaning suggests the path to positive change.
I have over twenty years of experience treating Addiction, Depression, Anxiety, Spiritual Distress, Adoption Issues and Trauma as they have manifested in clients across a wide age range.
I understand psychotherapy as collaborative work. My task is to fully attend with my eyes, ears and intuition to all that my client is offering; the spoken as well as the unspoken, the verbal as well as the non-verbal. It is my client’s task to put into words what their world feels like from the inside. From the resultant dialogue emerges a more complex understanding of their difficulties. Suffering seems an unavoidable feature of living, but articulating it lessens the impact, and insight gained as to its origins and possible meaning suggests the path to positive change.
(413) 579-6113 View (413) 579-6113
Photo of Marek Tresnak, Counselor in Shelburne Falls, MA
Marek Tresnak
Counselor, LMHC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Hello and thanks for your interest in my services. I help people to reconnect with the life they would like to live. With the tools of mindfulness and cognitive therapy we work on gaining freedom from intrusive emotions and beliefs that don't serve them. Through getting in touch with their emotions and releasing them, they can find a fresh creative energy within. Most of my clients seek help with anxiety, excessive worries, depression, trauma, addiction or just a difficult relationship situation. I enjoy connecting with my clients and emphasize the power of a strong therapeutic relationship.
Hello and thanks for your interest in my services. I help people to reconnect with the life they would like to live. With the tools of mindfulness and cognitive therapy we work on gaining freedom from intrusive emotions and beliefs that don't serve them. Through getting in touch with their emotions and releasing them, they can find a fresh creative energy within. Most of my clients seek help with anxiety, excessive worries, depression, trauma, addiction or just a difficult relationship situation. I enjoy connecting with my clients and emphasize the power of a strong therapeutic relationship.
(413) 650-1530 View (413) 650-1530
Photo of Christine Turcotte, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shelburne Falls, MA
Christine Turcotte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Sometimes personal turbulence makes it hard for us to weather the storms in our lives. When we have depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction to substances or simply addiction to negative patterns of thinking, therapy can help us to get on the right track. With nineteen years of experience, I can helpyou to focus and to find solutions . Many people are apprehensive about what therapy can do for them. There are many different modalities or approaches in therapy I can share with you, but I will begin by listening to you, without judgement. My goal is to get to know you as a person first and then, to provide you with input.
Sometimes personal turbulence makes it hard for us to weather the storms in our lives. When we have depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction to substances or simply addiction to negative patterns of thinking, therapy can help us to get on the right track. With nineteen years of experience, I can helpyou to focus and to find solutions . Many people are apprehensive about what therapy can do for them. There are many different modalities or approaches in therapy I can share with you, but I will begin by listening to you, without judgement. My goal is to get to know you as a person first and then, to provide you with input.
(413) 376-8490 View (413) 376-8490
Photo of Emily Jacobson, Pastoral Counselor in Shelburne Falls, MA
Emily Jacobson
Pastoral Counselor, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370  (Online Only)
I blend alternative therapeutic models with the latest research in epigenetics, insights from ancient spiritual traditions, wisdom from earth-based living, and embodied rituals to create processes that shift your relationship to suffering, sorrow, or emotional challenges and open you into deeper connection with your true self and harmony with life. I am affirming of LGBTQ+, poly/ENM, and kink identities. I use anti-oppression, anti-racist, ecopsychology & trauma-informed frameworks to support individual and collective liberation.
I blend alternative therapeutic models with the latest research in epigenetics, insights from ancient spiritual traditions, wisdom from earth-based living, and embodied rituals to create processes that shift your relationship to suffering, sorrow, or emotional challenges and open you into deeper connection with your true self and harmony with life. I am affirming of LGBTQ+, poly/ENM, and kink identities. I use anti-oppression, anti-racist, ecopsychology & trauma-informed frameworks to support individual and collective liberation.
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Photo of Stacey Moyer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shelburne Falls, MA
Stacey Moyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
I work with individuals across the adult life span, couples/folks in relationships, and families who are looking to feel more connected to themselves and others, navigate distress and conflict, and build more meaningful relationships and lives. My clients encompass the spectrum of gender and sexuality identities and live within a variety of relationship structures - monogamous, polyamorous, and non-monogamous. I collaborate with my clients to explore your strengths, needs, goals, history, and where you want to be in your life and relationships.
I work with individuals across the adult life span, couples/folks in relationships, and families who are looking to feel more connected to themselves and others, navigate distress and conflict, and build more meaningful relationships and lives. My clients encompass the spectrum of gender and sexuality identities and live within a variety of relationship structures - monogamous, polyamorous, and non-monogamous. I collaborate with my clients to explore your strengths, needs, goals, history, and where you want to be in your life and relationships.
(413) 216-9766 View (413) 216-9766
Photo of Rachel Sachs Riverwood, Marriage & Family Therapist in Shelburne Falls, MA
Rachel Sachs Riverwood
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You may be pursuing therapy to increase intimacy or enhance a stable relationship. Alternately, you may be overcome with frustration/grief/anger as, despite best efforts to resolve challenges, you're stuck in repetitive relationship patterns that can no longer be soothed, justified, or ignored. Perhaps you're single or in partnership, suffering from profound loneliness. I can help empower you (and partner(s) to awaken from toxic rules/expectations, and escape the prison of isolation, shame, blame, and silence. This empowerment allows for renewed capacity to give yourself, and those you love, compassion, acceptance, and freedom.
You may be pursuing therapy to increase intimacy or enhance a stable relationship. Alternately, you may be overcome with frustration/grief/anger as, despite best efforts to resolve challenges, you're stuck in repetitive relationship patterns that can no longer be soothed, justified, or ignored. Perhaps you're single or in partnership, suffering from profound loneliness. I can help empower you (and partner(s) to awaken from toxic rules/expectations, and escape the prison of isolation, shame, blame, and silence. This empowerment allows for renewed capacity to give yourself, and those you love, compassion, acceptance, and freedom.
(413) 248-4304 View (413) 248-4304
Photo of Marietta Skeen, Counselor in Shelburne Falls, MA
Marietta Skeen
Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Clients often come in seeking more of, and for, themselves. It may be loss, transition, or relationship that brings them in, as well as, stress, overwhelm and/or a clear desire to grow. Regardless of the catalyst, all are wanting something more from life. Together, we can support finding more energy, ease and fulfillment in your experience. What makes you feel alive? What gets in the way? These are questions to ask when feeling stuck. There can be complex feelings of fear, disconnect and confusion, blocking the way to motivation, clarity and desire. With openness, compassion and even humor, we can find the way, to more wholeness.
Clients often come in seeking more of, and for, themselves. It may be loss, transition, or relationship that brings them in, as well as, stress, overwhelm and/or a clear desire to grow. Regardless of the catalyst, all are wanting something more from life. Together, we can support finding more energy, ease and fulfillment in your experience. What makes you feel alive? What gets in the way? These are questions to ask when feeling stuck. There can be complex feelings of fear, disconnect and confusion, blocking the way to motivation, clarity and desire. With openness, compassion and even humor, we can find the way, to more wholeness.
(413) 300-6012 View (413) 300-6012
Photo of Kayden Burns, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shelburne Falls, MA
Kayden Burns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Hi! I am passionate about working from a strengths based perspective with adults who are inspired to create a life filled with meaning, clarity, confidence, groundedness and joy. Wild Core Coaching LLC emerged from the belief that human beings naturally have an inherent drive towards their most authentic, deeply true self. My role is to guide the collaborative process of navigating the layers that cloak one's core. By engaging in the process of unraveling old stories, challenging our limiting beliefs and unlocking our ability to thrive, we are able to create an identity that rings true, regardless of the world around us.
Hi! I am passionate about working from a strengths based perspective with adults who are inspired to create a life filled with meaning, clarity, confidence, groundedness and joy. Wild Core Coaching LLC emerged from the belief that human beings naturally have an inherent drive towards their most authentic, deeply true self. My role is to guide the collaborative process of navigating the layers that cloak one's core. By engaging in the process of unraveling old stories, challenging our limiting beliefs and unlocking our ability to thrive, we are able to create an identity that rings true, regardless of the world around us.
(978) 878-3182 View (978) 878-3182
Photo of Elan Moses, Counselor in Shelburne Falls, MA
Elan Moses
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
I offer my clients strategies for growth and change that align with their values and goals. My Holistic and Integrative psychotherapy and Life Coaching is Strength Based and Solution Focused. I am committed to forming a collaboration designed to help you find your own unique path to Wellness, Fulfillment and Happiness. I am also committed to making Therapy and Life Coaching accessible financially, especially to those with no Health Insurance, or if you have concerns about privacy and insurance. I have experience working across the lifespan and with couples. Adolescents and young adults find me particularly easy to talk with.
I offer my clients strategies for growth and change that align with their values and goals. My Holistic and Integrative psychotherapy and Life Coaching is Strength Based and Solution Focused. I am committed to forming a collaboration designed to help you find your own unique path to Wellness, Fulfillment and Happiness. I am also committed to making Therapy and Life Coaching accessible financially, especially to those with no Health Insurance, or if you have concerns about privacy and insurance. I have experience working across the lifespan and with couples. Adolescents and young adults find me particularly easy to talk with.
(413) 376-7268 View (413) 376-7268

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Marcia Webster, Counselor in Shelburne Falls, MA
Marcia Webster
Counselor, LMHC, SEP, CPS
Verified Verified
Greenfield, MA 01301
At "Circle Forward" I welcome adults from diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences, identities & belief systems. I am skilled at supporting people who have been overwhelmed and struggle with "trauma" - unresolved, survival responses (fight, flight, appease & shut down). These natural defensives are essential for dealing with threat. Protective impulses from the past can get stuck & intrude on relationships and on physical, emotional & spiritual rhythms of day-to-day life. I support you to feel safe & allow incomplete survival responses to move slowly & integrate fully. I work online and in Greenfield, MA.
At "Circle Forward" I welcome adults from diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences, identities & belief systems. I am skilled at supporting people who have been overwhelmed and struggle with "trauma" - unresolved, survival responses (fight, flight, appease & shut down). These natural defensives are essential for dealing with threat. Protective impulses from the past can get stuck & intrude on relationships and on physical, emotional & spiritual rhythms of day-to-day life. I support you to feel safe & allow incomplete survival responses to move slowly & integrate fully. I work online and in Greenfield, MA.
(413) 240-3535 View (413) 240-3535
Photo of Liz Larkin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shelburne Falls, MA
Liz Larkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenfield, MA 01301
I’m solidly grounded in ACT and other mindfulness modalities (amongst others), come from a trauma-informed stance, am somatically oriented.
Compassionate, engaged therapist available for teens (15+), emerging adults, and adults.
I’m solidly grounded in ACT and other mindfulness modalities (amongst others), come from a trauma-informed stance, am somatically oriented.
Compassionate, engaged therapist available for teens (15+), emerging adults, and adults.
(413) 402-6749 View (413) 402-6749
Photo of Victoria L North, Counselor in Shelburne Falls, MA
Victoria L North
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Greenfield, MA 01301  (Online Only)
We can heal trauma.
Do you ever feel that no matter how hard you try, you just "fail" every time? Do you look at yourself in the mirror with disgust and wonder why you feel so alone? Life is hard without all the challenges that meets us along the way. I am here to walk your journey with you. You are not alone. Together we can meet life's challenges; whether it is a loss of a loved one, nightmares that come from a traumatic event, feelings of loneliness and unworthiness, anxiety, relationship problems, suicidal thoughts and self harming behaviors, brokenness, chronic pain and illness, death and dying. You do not need to journey alone.
We can heal trauma.
Do you ever feel that no matter how hard you try, you just "fail" every time? Do you look at yourself in the mirror with disgust and wonder why you feel so alone? Life is hard without all the challenges that meets us along the way. I am here to walk your journey with you. You are not alone. Together we can meet life's challenges; whether it is a loss of a loved one, nightmares that come from a traumatic event, feelings of loneliness and unworthiness, anxiety, relationship problems, suicidal thoughts and self harming behaviors, brokenness, chronic pain and illness, death and dying. You do not need to journey alone.
(413) 216-4879 View (413) 216-4879
Photo of Knox Wilder, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Shelburne Falls, MA
Knox Wilder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Greenfield, MA 01301  (Online Only)
My work is centered around strengthening secure attachment patterns and integrating traumatic experiences, including issues related to Complex Trauma/ C-PTSD and abuse.
NOTE: I cannot accept insurances! I am passionate about serving the diverse needs of queer, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals and family systems! I work with adults, couples, or multi-partner partnerships seeking help with trauma/c-ptsd, depression, anxiety, & other issues. I provide trans and queer centered perinatal and postpartum therapeutic services, including issues related to fertility and family planning, co-/parenting, birthing/birth trauma(s), and blended families. I support sex workers and provide a sex positive space for folks of all identities and sexualities. I also offer supervision hours towards licensure.
My work is centered around strengthening secure attachment patterns and integrating traumatic experiences, including issues related to Complex Trauma/ C-PTSD and abuse.
NOTE: I cannot accept insurances! I am passionate about serving the diverse needs of queer, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals and family systems! I work with adults, couples, or multi-partner partnerships seeking help with trauma/c-ptsd, depression, anxiety, & other issues. I provide trans and queer centered perinatal and postpartum therapeutic services, including issues related to fertility and family planning, co-/parenting, birthing/birth trauma(s), and blended families. I support sex workers and provide a sex positive space for folks of all identities and sexualities. I also offer supervision hours towards licensure.
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Photo of Astrid Burke, Counselor in Shelburne Falls, MA
Astrid Burke
Counselor, LMHC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greenfield, MA 01301  (Online Only)
I specialize in trauma, codependency, complex family dynamics, abusive relationships, and sexual trauma.
Welcome! I'm a remote therapist based in Western Mass and seeing clients in MA and NY. I love connecting deeply with my clients and understanding their life stories, past experiences, relationships, and identities. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and that you are the expert of your own story. I imagine you in the driver's seat and me in the passenger seat, with you every step of the way, holding the map and offering guidance and support, but understanding that the real growth comes from you.
I specialize in trauma, codependency, complex family dynamics, abusive relationships, and sexual trauma.
Welcome! I'm a remote therapist based in Western Mass and seeing clients in MA and NY. I love connecting deeply with my clients and understanding their life stories, past experiences, relationships, and identities. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and that you are the expert of your own story. I imagine you in the driver's seat and me in the passenger seat, with you every step of the way, holding the map and offering guidance and support, but understanding that the real growth comes from you.
(917) 993-5130 View (917) 993-5130

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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.