Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Nashville, TN

Photo of Niamh Rawlins, MS, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Niamh Rawlins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, questions of identity, relational issues, trauma, or are transitioning into a new phase of life, sometimes life demands more of us than we know how to give. If this is where you are today, I commend your courage for seeking help. Where you are at today is not where you need to remain. I will meet you where you're at, and work with you to find meaning, solutions, and next steps in your life and relationships.
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, questions of identity, relational issues, trauma, or are transitioning into a new phase of life, sometimes life demands more of us than we know how to give. If this is where you are today, I commend your courage for seeking help. Where you are at today is not where you need to remain. I will meet you where you're at, and work with you to find meaning, solutions, and next steps in your life and relationships.
(629) 263-6664 View (629) 263-6664
Photo of Kaycee Whiteside, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kaycee Whiteside
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205  (Online Only)
I am particularly passionate about working with folks living with complex trauma (including religious, relational, and sexual trauma), Borderline Personality Disorder, and LGBTQ+ clients (as a member of the community myself ).
I am passionate about empowering folks to live a life full of meaning and connection. At the core of my client work is the desire to support people in feeling safer in their bodies, more secure in their relationships, and more fully present in their day-to-day lives. My purpose is to provide you with a welcoming & supportive space, compassionate perspective, and valuable tools to guide you in developing more self-kindness, feeling safer in your body, improving your relationships, and designing a life worth living on your own terms.
I am particularly passionate about working with folks living with complex trauma (including religious, relational, and sexual trauma), Borderline Personality Disorder, and LGBTQ+ clients (as a member of the community myself ).
I am passionate about empowering folks to live a life full of meaning and connection. At the core of my client work is the desire to support people in feeling safer in their bodies, more secure in their relationships, and more fully present in their day-to-day lives. My purpose is to provide you with a welcoming & supportive space, compassionate perspective, and valuable tools to guide you in developing more self-kindness, feeling safer in your body, improving your relationships, and designing a life worth living on your own terms.
(615) 437-5936 View (615) 437-5936
Photo of Rose Crouch, MEd, LPC, MHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rose Crouch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37211  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I really love (& have lots of experience) working with people at the following intersections: complex PTSD (especially religious trauma & sexual trauma), faith deconstruction, healing from purity culture, ethical non-monogamy/polyamory, kink, and gender/sexual identity. I am fiercely LGBTQ+ affirming- you are seen & celebrated here! I work from a non-religious, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive lens, with a focus on building self-compassion and mindfulness practices.
I really love (& have lots of experience) working with people at the following intersections: complex PTSD (especially religious trauma & sexual trauma), faith deconstruction, healing from purity culture, ethical non-monogamy/polyamory, kink, and gender/sexual identity. I am fiercely LGBTQ+ affirming- you are seen & celebrated here! I work from a non-religious, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive lens, with a focus on building self-compassion and mindfulness practices.
(615) 551-5176 View (615) 551-5176
Photo of Kiersten Twitchell, LCSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kiersten Twitchell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37206
My areas of expertise are trauma, as well as anxiety, depression and interpersonal issues.
I believe that all of us can benefit from additional support in different seasons of our lives. It takes bravery to reach out and meet with someone, and I’m passionate about building a relationship with my clients where they are able to engage with their own resilience and innate ability to heal. Many of us develop patterns that help us move through and cope with what we have experienced, and often, we realize these strategies are no longer serving us, and are keeping us from experiencing the full life we desire. I walk alongside my clients in helping them become reconnected to their true selves, and reach their goals.
My areas of expertise are trauma, as well as anxiety, depression and interpersonal issues.
I believe that all of us can benefit from additional support in different seasons of our lives. It takes bravery to reach out and meet with someone, and I’m passionate about building a relationship with my clients where they are able to engage with their own resilience and innate ability to heal. Many of us develop patterns that help us move through and cope with what we have experienced, and often, we realize these strategies are no longer serving us, and are keeping us from experiencing the full life we desire. I walk alongside my clients in helping them become reconnected to their true selves, and reach their goals.
(615) 751-5763 View (615) 751-5763
Photo of Seema Patel, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Seema Patel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37220
I use an integrative, multicultural, trauma-informed approach that is mainly based on, but not exclusive to, person-centered, cognitive behavioral, and somatic techniques.
I seek to destigmatize mental healthcare for all populations and provide a safe space where my clients feel seen and heard to navigate their relationships with themselves and others. As a South Asian American and daughter of immigrants, I have first hand experience of the deep effects that family of origin and cultural conflicts have on your lived experiences. I provide support for my clients in being their authentic selves and help them develop the skills they need to thrive. I want my clients to have an empathetic space to explore their challenges, process their thoughts and emotions, and experience healing.
I use an integrative, multicultural, trauma-informed approach that is mainly based on, but not exclusive to, person-centered, cognitive behavioral, and somatic techniques.
I seek to destigmatize mental healthcare for all populations and provide a safe space where my clients feel seen and heard to navigate their relationships with themselves and others. As a South Asian American and daughter of immigrants, I have first hand experience of the deep effects that family of origin and cultural conflicts have on your lived experiences. I provide support for my clients in being their authentic selves and help them develop the skills they need to thrive. I want my clients to have an empathetic space to explore their challenges, process their thoughts and emotions, and experience healing.
(615) 808-8728 View (615) 808-8728
Photo of Charissa Youssi, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Charissa Youssi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37208
I have over 14 years of experience working with adults and children who have experienced trauma & attachment disruptions.
Hello! I'm Charissa. Whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, I believe that there is hope for every individual to experience healing and growth. At times we can develop patterns or ways of living that once served us well, but can leave us feeling stuck. My goal is to help clients rebuild trust and safety within themselves, so that they can tap into the resiliency we are all capable of. I specialize in working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma, loss, and attachment ruptures. I work to help individuals process religious trauma and work on healthy boundary setting in all their relationships.
I have over 14 years of experience working with adults and children who have experienced trauma & attachment disruptions.
Hello! I'm Charissa. Whatever your reasons for seeking therapy, I believe that there is hope for every individual to experience healing and growth. At times we can develop patterns or ways of living that once served us well, but can leave us feeling stuck. My goal is to help clients rebuild trust and safety within themselves, so that they can tap into the resiliency we are all capable of. I specialize in working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma, loss, and attachment ruptures. I work to help individuals process religious trauma and work on healthy boundary setting in all their relationships.
(615) 619-4679 View (615) 619-4679
Photo of Pamela L Hicks, LMFT, MMFT, MA, MS, MBA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pamela L Hicks
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MMFT, MA, MS, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
All of these methods work exceptionally well with trauma/ PTSD.
Each one of us experiences psychological challenges in life that we try to meet using whatever strategies we know. However, sometimes the challenges become too great and our coping strategies stop working. This can be compounded by the fact that we often internalize messages from our society, however well-intentioned, that limit our abilities to understand ourselves and our world. It is in these moments that we can use support from therapists to turn down the noise of the world so that we may find our own inner wisdom about who we are, what we need, and ultimately how to heal.
All of these methods work exceptionally well with trauma/ PTSD.
Each one of us experiences psychological challenges in life that we try to meet using whatever strategies we know. However, sometimes the challenges become too great and our coping strategies stop working. This can be compounded by the fact that we often internalize messages from our society, however well-intentioned, that limit our abilities to understand ourselves and our world. It is in these moments that we can use support from therapists to turn down the noise of the world so that we may find our own inner wisdom about who we are, what we need, and ultimately how to heal.
(615) 623-8846 View (615) 623-8846
Photo of Neva Murray, PhD, HSP, Psychologist
Neva Murray
Psychologist, PhD, HSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
I work with clients to reduce suffering, heal from past experiences, improve relationships, and build emotional strength and resilience. I've trained as a trauma specialist and in trauma-informed therapies. Additionally, I practice as a generalist and have experience working with clients who are struggling anxiety, OCD, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, relationship challenges, major life changes, identity development, religious trauma, and spirituality.
I work with clients to reduce suffering, heal from past experiences, improve relationships, and build emotional strength and resilience. I've trained as a trauma specialist and in trauma-informed therapies. Additionally, I practice as a generalist and have experience working with clients who are struggling anxiety, OCD, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, relationship challenges, major life changes, identity development, religious trauma, and spirituality.
(615) 637-6890 View (615) 637-6890
Photo of Michael J Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael J Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37214
I also specialize in PTSD and trauma related issues such as dissociation.
I work with individuals, couples and families who are dealing with problems which hinder them from growing in their personal life and their relationships. I use a non-judgmental systems approach to understand all the factors relevant to the issues you are facing. Then, to assist you, in finding the "best" path for your healing and growth. I am glad to offer non-denominational Christian based counseling to anyone who desires to work from that spiritual background. Although, I am happy to work with people of all thoughts and belief systems.
I also specialize in PTSD and trauma related issues such as dissociation.
I work with individuals, couples and families who are dealing with problems which hinder them from growing in their personal life and their relationships. I use a non-judgmental systems approach to understand all the factors relevant to the issues you are facing. Then, to assist you, in finding the "best" path for your healing and growth. I am glad to offer non-denominational Christian based counseling to anyone who desires to work from that spiritual background. Although, I am happy to work with people of all thoughts and belief systems.
(615) 208-5509 View (615) 208-5509
Photo of Nicolette Tomaszewski, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nicolette Tomaszewski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215  (Online Only)
I help professional women overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and heal any unresolved childhood trauma.
As a perfectionist, overachieving woman, you have worked hard to get to where you are today. Hyper-independence is your middle name. But even with all your achievements, you still worry it's not enough. You constantly push yourself to be better and achieve more, rarely stopping to celebrate your wins. You struggle with feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and overwhelm, and find it difficult to turn off your thoughts and relax. You feel like you are constantly on the brink of burn out. You may have unresolved childhood trauma that continues to impact you. You know something needs to change, you just aren't sure of what or how.
I help professional women overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and heal any unresolved childhood trauma.
As a perfectionist, overachieving woman, you have worked hard to get to where you are today. Hyper-independence is your middle name. But even with all your achievements, you still worry it's not enough. You constantly push yourself to be better and achieve more, rarely stopping to celebrate your wins. You struggle with feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and overwhelm, and find it difficult to turn off your thoughts and relax. You feel like you are constantly on the brink of burn out. You may have unresolved childhood trauma that continues to impact you. You know something needs to change, you just aren't sure of what or how.
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Photo of Courtney Pitzer, MA, MT-BC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Courtney Pitzer
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MT-BC
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
” I work with adults and teens navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use / addiction, and more.
Life is MESSY. It's serving chaos, stress, and curveballs left and right. And unfortunately… the messiness is probably more common than “everything going like it should.” Still, you don’t have to navigate the mess alone. If you feel lost, overwhelmed, or have no idea what to do next— let me be a partner on your path. We can work on cultivating and increasing your access to the strengths you already have inside, but may not always know how to tap into right now. I do this work because I feel passionate about supporting people as they navigate challenging life circumstances and create a life that is authentically meaningful.
” I work with adults and teens navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use / addiction, and more.
Life is MESSY. It's serving chaos, stress, and curveballs left and right. And unfortunately… the messiness is probably more common than “everything going like it should.” Still, you don’t have to navigate the mess alone. If you feel lost, overwhelmed, or have no idea what to do next— let me be a partner on your path. We can work on cultivating and increasing your access to the strengths you already have inside, but may not always know how to tap into right now. I do this work because I feel passionate about supporting people as they navigate challenging life circumstances and create a life that is authentically meaningful.
(615) 551-1147 View (615) 551-1147
Photo of Katlyn Hansen Wyatt, LPC, MHPS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katlyn Hansen Wyatt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHPS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in helping individuals address and reduce symptoms while helping them heal from their trauma.
Do you have distressing and painful memories that won't go away? Do you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions? Has your life never been the same since something happened? Unresolved trauma, loss, or life stressors may make it challenging to regulate your emotions and have stable relationships. This could leave you feeling tired, disconnected, frustrated, confused, and damaged. My goal is to help people break free of the experiences that are holding them back from the fulfilling and authentic life they deserve.
I specialize in helping individuals address and reduce symptoms while helping them heal from their trauma.
Do you have distressing and painful memories that won't go away? Do you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions? Has your life never been the same since something happened? Unresolved trauma, loss, or life stressors may make it challenging to regulate your emotions and have stable relationships. This could leave you feeling tired, disconnected, frustrated, confused, and damaged. My goal is to help people break free of the experiences that are holding them back from the fulfilling and authentic life they deserve.
(615) 632-0004 View (615) 632-0004
Photo of Jane Kilmer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jane Kilmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37216
I work with adults healing from anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and overwhelm.
I'm a Somatic Therapist passionate about giving the body and mind an opportunity to find new, more functional patterns and ways of being that lead to more freedom, ease and joy!
I work with adults healing from anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and overwhelm.
I'm a Somatic Therapist passionate about giving the body and mind an opportunity to find new, more functional patterns and ways of being that lead to more freedom, ease and joy!
(615) 274-8506 View (615) 274-8506
Photo of Christi Sidwell, LCSW, SEP, CPATP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christi Sidwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, CPATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
Through my experience and training, I approach healing from a holistic perspective and I utilize a variety of interventions including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, trauma sensitive yoga, CRM, IFS, and Ketamine Assisted Therapy.
I believe that we all deserve support and at the core of personal transformation is a duality of self-compassion and desire for change. As humans we are intrinsically wired for connection, resiliency and healing. However, sometimes there are things from the past or other life stressors that cause us to feel stuck and that healing is out of our reach. I am deeply interested in the mind-body connection and believe reconnecting to our bodies can be incredibly transformational. I work with folks in adolescence and adulthood who are desiring to address trauma, optimal performance, depression, anxiety and life transitions.
Through my experience and training, I approach healing from a holistic perspective and I utilize a variety of interventions including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, trauma sensitive yoga, CRM, IFS, and Ketamine Assisted Therapy.
I believe that we all deserve support and at the core of personal transformation is a duality of self-compassion and desire for change. As humans we are intrinsically wired for connection, resiliency and healing. However, sometimes there are things from the past or other life stressors that cause us to feel stuck and that healing is out of our reach. I am deeply interested in the mind-body connection and believe reconnecting to our bodies can be incredibly transformational. I work with folks in adolescence and adulthood who are desiring to address trauma, optimal performance, depression, anxiety and life transitions.
(615) 637-3637 View (615) 637-3637
Photo of Katherine Combs, MA, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katherine Combs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215  (Online Only)
I am trained in Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) which works with a client to build a sense of safety and control before even discussing abuse that has happened to them.
I am licensed to work with those in the state of Tennessee, USA. I have over 20 years experience working in the mental health field, 12 of those years specifically working as a therapist. My experience consists of helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, mood disorders, anxiety, & depression. I also have taught parenting classes, which allowed me to help parents in their relationship with their children.
I am trained in Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) which works with a client to build a sense of safety and control before even discussing abuse that has happened to them.
I am licensed to work with those in the state of Tennessee, USA. I have over 20 years experience working in the mental health field, 12 of those years specifically working as a therapist. My experience consists of helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, mood disorders, anxiety, & depression. I also have taught parenting classes, which allowed me to help parents in their relationship with their children.
(629) 260-3644 View (629) 260-3644
Photo of Beth Nelson, MA, LPC, MHSP, Counselor
Beth Nelson
Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
I have been a licensed counselor for over sixteen years and I have been in the helping profession for nearly thirty-five years. Much of my experience is working with people who have experienced trauma, especially within relationships. I work best with individuals who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and issues of empowerment. I feel you are the expert concerning your life. Maybe you just need some help exploring that. My style is not to give advice, but rather to provide a safe environment and relationship where you can feel free to grow and transform.
I have been a licensed counselor for over sixteen years and I have been in the helping profession for nearly thirty-five years. Much of my experience is working with people who have experienced trauma, especially within relationships. I work best with individuals who are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and issues of empowerment. I feel you are the expert concerning your life. Maybe you just need some help exploring that. My style is not to give advice, but rather to provide a safe environment and relationship where you can feel free to grow and transform.
(615) 212-8002 View (615) 212-8002
Photo of Colleen Conklin, MA, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Colleen Conklin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
Whether you’re navigating trauma, a complicated relationship with food/body image, sexual challenges, creative blocks, neurodivergence, or the stress of working in the creative/entertainment/music industries, I’m here to support you in building a life you can truly enjoy and thrive in, not just survive. As the wife of a touring sound engineer, I'm passionate about supporting touring professionals and the unique challenges that industry brings. I am also a former dancer and love supporting dancers in navigating the complexities of the dance world, especially the ballet world.
Whether you’re navigating trauma, a complicated relationship with food/body image, sexual challenges, creative blocks, neurodivergence, or the stress of working in the creative/entertainment/music industries, I’m here to support you in building a life you can truly enjoy and thrive in, not just survive. As the wife of a touring sound engineer, I'm passionate about supporting touring professionals and the unique challenges that industry brings. I am also a former dancer and love supporting dancers in navigating the complexities of the dance world, especially the ballet world.
(615) 813-4758 View (615) 813-4758
Photo of Lisa C Pellegrin, PhD, Psychologist
Lisa C Pellegrin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37212
I am experienced with and interested in many different types of clients, including adults with anxiety, trauma, depression, and other mood issues, children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, and trauma, individuals with relationship issues, and individuals identifying as LGBTQ+.
Therapy is a unique and special type of relationship. Being vulnerable with another person requires bravery, and I deeply value the trust that we develop over time through our work. You are taking a courageous step forward in your healing process to make your first appointment! I am versed in a variety of empirically supported treatments such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT), and like to blend multiple approaches in the way that will bring about the best results for you.
I am experienced with and interested in many different types of clients, including adults with anxiety, trauma, depression, and other mood issues, children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, and trauma, individuals with relationship issues, and individuals identifying as LGBTQ+.
Therapy is a unique and special type of relationship. Being vulnerable with another person requires bravery, and I deeply value the trust that we develop over time through our work. You are taking a courageous step forward in your healing process to make your first appointment! I am versed in a variety of empirically supported treatments such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT), and like to blend multiple approaches in the way that will bring about the best results for you.
(615) 437-6164 View (615) 437-6164
Photo of Dr. Amber Kelley, PhD, TLMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Amber Kelley
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, TLMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37215
My approach to therapy is trauma-informed and I am trained in multiple evidence-based PTSD treatments.
In all my relationships, including and especially with my clients in therapy, I seek to operate from a place of curiosity and compassion. As vulnerable and painful as it can be to dismantle old patterns, it is even more rewarding to see clients establish new, more functional ways of being (relationally, emotionally, cognitively, physically, and spiritually). My goal is to provide a safe space to collaborate and walk alongside clients as they seek to heal, grow, and change into more of the person they want to be.
My approach to therapy is trauma-informed and I am trained in multiple evidence-based PTSD treatments.
In all my relationships, including and especially with my clients in therapy, I seek to operate from a place of curiosity and compassion. As vulnerable and painful as it can be to dismantle old patterns, it is even more rewarding to see clients establish new, more functional ways of being (relationally, emotionally, cognitively, physically, and spiritually). My goal is to provide a safe space to collaborate and walk alongside clients as they seek to heal, grow, and change into more of the person they want to be.
(615) 510-6346 View (615) 510-6346
Photo of Taraleigh Stemler, LMFT, CIMHP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Taraleigh Stemler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CIMHP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37216
I am an EMDR Trained Clinician and Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional who specializes in treating trauma with a background in marriage and family. Additional EMDR training allows me to specifically help performers reach peak performance and work past mental blocks or "yips". Post-EMDR areas of growth may include identity formation, boundaries, and communication skills. Overall, I want my clients to be equipped to pursue a healthy, productive lifestyle. Using an integrative approach, I help clients increase self-efficacy by educating them on health practices they control that positively impact their mental wellbeing.
I am an EMDR Trained Clinician and Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional who specializes in treating trauma with a background in marriage and family. Additional EMDR training allows me to specifically help performers reach peak performance and work past mental blocks or "yips". Post-EMDR areas of growth may include identity formation, boundaries, and communication skills. Overall, I want my clients to be equipped to pursue a healthy, productive lifestyle. Using an integrative approach, I help clients increase self-efficacy by educating them on health practices they control that positively impact their mental wellbeing.
(615) 258-7078 View (615) 258-7078
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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.