Photo of Sage Judith Dakota, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92014, CA
Sage Judith Dakota
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Part shaman, part therapist. I have a waitlist for highly motivated clients. If you are looking for an “outside the box” approach to therapy, this is it. Be ready to go in deep, commit to the work. Cord healing or cutting, soul retrieval, dissolving emotional knots stuck in the body, art therapy to journey across time to heal old wounds & more. I work with adults & specialize in Mother Wound & Father Wound work; PTSD, & Twin Flames. I work with I AM teachings, Archangels, and Ascended Masters.
Part shaman, part therapist. I have a waitlist for highly motivated clients. If you are looking for an “outside the box” approach to therapy, this is it. Be ready to go in deep, commit to the work. Cord healing or cutting, soul retrieval, dissolving emotional knots stuck in the body, art therapy to journey across time to heal old wounds & more. I work with adults & specialize in Mother Wound & Father Wound work; PTSD, & Twin Flames. I work with I AM teachings, Archangels, and Ascended Masters.
(442) 282-7289 View (442) 282-7289
Photo of Andrew L. Stinson, Psychologist in 92014, CA
Andrew L. Stinson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Del Mar, CA 92014
Thank you for visiting my Psychology Today profile. I am a licensed clinical psychologist serving the greater San Diego area. I work primarily with those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, grief/loss, and life transitions. I employ an eclectic therapeutic approach drawing upon a number of different healing modalities and traditions to fit your unique circumstances. I provide a safe, warm, supportive, and collaborative environment to help you achieve your goals.
Thank you for visiting my Psychology Today profile. I am a licensed clinical psychologist serving the greater San Diego area. I work primarily with those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, grief/loss, and life transitions. I employ an eclectic therapeutic approach drawing upon a number of different healing modalities and traditions to fit your unique circumstances. I provide a safe, warm, supportive, and collaborative environment to help you achieve your goals.
(858) 465-7981 View (858) 465-7981
Photo of Uri Kugel, Psychologist in 92014, CA
Uri Kugel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
I am experienced in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, behavioral issues, grief, adjustment issues, autism spectrum disorder, academic underachievement, ADHD, parenting issues, relationship distress, and improving peoples' career and personal success.
Have you been feeling unhappy, unsatisfied, not good enough, or anxious? Is it hard for you to parent your child or communicate with your partner? Do you feel stuck? I am here to give you the space that you need and help you make a significant and long lasting positive change towards success. Contact me today to get started on a better path for you and your loved ones!
I am experienced in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, behavioral issues, grief, adjustment issues, autism spectrum disorder, academic underachievement, ADHD, parenting issues, relationship distress, and improving peoples' career and personal success.
Have you been feeling unhappy, unsatisfied, not good enough, or anxious? Is it hard for you to parent your child or communicate with your partner? Do you feel stuck? I am here to give you the space that you need and help you make a significant and long lasting positive change towards success. Contact me today to get started on a better path for you and your loved ones!
(510) 343-7217 View (510) 343-7217
Photo of Charles E Nelson, Psychologist in 92014, CA
Charles E Nelson
Psychologist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
compulsive behaviors PTSD P.
Charlie is recognized as a seasoned, direct, warm, ethical, "practical" therapist with experience since 1973. He's licensed as both Psychologist & Marriage and Family Therapist, competently helping individuals, couples, and families. Along with a broad general practice, he also specializes in: Relationship Issues (premarital & marital problems, communication, co-parenting, financial stress, affairs, infidelity, divorce, sexual health); Substance Abuse and Behavioral addictions (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, codependence, ACOA, enabling, gambling, "sex addiction", out of control sexual behavior); Trauma Recovery (crime victims, post traumatic stress, loss, death, dying, grief, identity theft); Men's Issues: ("Men behaving badly", fatherhood, communication problems, intimacy concerns).
compulsive behaviors PTSD P.
Charlie is recognized as a seasoned, direct, warm, ethical, "practical" therapist with experience since 1973. He's licensed as both Psychologist & Marriage and Family Therapist, competently helping individuals, couples, and families. Along with a broad general practice, he also specializes in: Relationship Issues (premarital & marital problems, communication, co-parenting, financial stress, affairs, infidelity, divorce, sexual health); Substance Abuse and Behavioral addictions (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, codependence, ACOA, enabling, gambling, "sex addiction", out of control sexual behavior); Trauma Recovery (crime victims, post traumatic stress, loss, death, dying, grief, identity theft); Men's Issues: ("Men behaving badly", fatherhood, communication problems, intimacy concerns).
(858) 376-7957 View (858) 376-7957
Photo of Sarah A Zucker, Psychologist in 92014, CA
Sarah A Zucker
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
I serve all of California in person and via telehealth working with the Center for Motivation and Change to provide highly individualized addiction, trauma, anxiety, OCD, and general therapy to clients or their loved ones.
Hey! You’ve likely arrived here because you’ve been in a dark place and might be ready for a change. You’re tired of carrying around the burden of your trauma, anxiety, or the weight of your substance use or secret addiction. Or you’re concerned about a loved one’s unhealthy behaviors. Maybe you feel ashamed and alone but the fear of being judged is finally being outweighed by the possibility that things could be better. Life is really hard, but we can do hard things with support. How I can help: •We can collaborate if you have ever had substance use concerns or addictive behaviors - past or present, in recovery or ongoing.
I serve all of California in person and via telehealth working with the Center for Motivation and Change to provide highly individualized addiction, trauma, anxiety, OCD, and general therapy to clients or their loved ones.
Hey! You’ve likely arrived here because you’ve been in a dark place and might be ready for a change. You’re tired of carrying around the burden of your trauma, anxiety, or the weight of your substance use or secret addiction. Or you’re concerned about a loved one’s unhealthy behaviors. Maybe you feel ashamed and alone but the fear of being judged is finally being outweighed by the possibility that things could be better. Life is really hard, but we can do hard things with support. How I can help: •We can collaborate if you have ever had substance use concerns or addictive behaviors - past or present, in recovery or ongoing.
(858) 465-4471 View (858) 465-4471
Photo of Crystal Carson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 92014, CA
Crystal Carson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
I guide individuals and couples toward more clarity and calm using experiential, body based, relational psychotherapy that is both trauma informed and grounded in attachment theory. From grief to anxiety to existential questions, I collaborate with and support my clients in the creative process of developing thriving relationships and more meaningful, fulfilling lives.
I guide individuals and couples toward more clarity and calm using experiential, body based, relational psychotherapy that is both trauma informed and grounded in attachment theory. From grief to anxiety to existential questions, I collaborate with and support my clients in the creative process of developing thriving relationships and more meaningful, fulfilling lives.
(619) 453-0321 View (619) 453-0321
Photo of Jaina Sarkisyan, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92014, CA
Jaina Sarkisyan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
Jaina is experienced in: Narcissistic personality disorder, BPD,anxiety, addiction, OCD, trauma, infidelity, mood disorders, depression, PTSD, relationship & vocational & Bipolar & more.
Let me be part of your journey in this brutiful life. As Glennon Doyle Melton says "Life is brutal. But it is also beautiful. Life's brutal and beautiful woven together so tightly they cannot be separated. Reject the brutal, reject the beauty. Life is Bruitiful." Jaina is an experienced licensed clinician with 18 years of experience providing exceptional clinical care to adults, couples and families. Jaina has many years of experience working w/law enforcement, military and their families. Additionally, working with individuals with life transition issues, Polyamory, anxiety, depression, sexual assault, trauma, SUD and other issues
Jaina is experienced in: Narcissistic personality disorder, BPD,anxiety, addiction, OCD, trauma, infidelity, mood disorders, depression, PTSD, relationship & vocational & Bipolar & more.
Let me be part of your journey in this brutiful life. As Glennon Doyle Melton says "Life is brutal. But it is also beautiful. Life's brutal and beautiful woven together so tightly they cannot be separated. Reject the brutal, reject the beauty. Life is Bruitiful." Jaina is an experienced licensed clinician with 18 years of experience providing exceptional clinical care to adults, couples and families. Jaina has many years of experience working w/law enforcement, military and their families. Additionally, working with individuals with life transition issues, Polyamory, anxiety, depression, sexual assault, trauma, SUD and other issues
(858) 227-6212 View (858) 227-6212
Photo of Brenda Beach Gomez, Psychologist in 92014, CA
Brenda Beach Gomez
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with adult populations within a spectrum of life's difficulties, including: anxiety, depression, chronic pain, chronic stress, family dysfunction issues, childhood trauma, self-esteem, and improving confidence or performance. We start with a thorough assessment and build a treatment plan that addresses primary and underlying concerns where you experience "stuckness" and move toward greater joy. I am currently looking for participants for process grief group, adults from dysfunctional families, and chronic pain groups. Please email for more information.
I enjoy working with adult populations within a spectrum of life's difficulties, including: anxiety, depression, chronic pain, chronic stress, family dysfunction issues, childhood trauma, self-esteem, and improving confidence or performance. We start with a thorough assessment and build a treatment plan that addresses primary and underlying concerns where you experience "stuckness" and move toward greater joy. I am currently looking for participants for process grief group, adults from dysfunctional families, and chronic pain groups. Please email for more information.
(619) 432-4955 View (619) 432-4955
Photo of Oded R. Shezifi, Psychologist in 92014, CA
Oded R. Shezifi
Psychologist, PsyD, RPT-S
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
Waitlist for new clients
Are you going through difficult and stressful times? Do you want to improve your ability to regulate your emotions? I am a licensed psychologist, a registered play therapist-supervisor, a trauma-informed therapist, and a certified mindfulness teacher. The therapy I offer is psychodynamic, aimed at enhancing your coping skills by helping you regulate your emotions and thoughts. Our goal will be to reduce reactivity to life's stressors and foster mindfulness and insight.
Are you going through difficult and stressful times? Do you want to improve your ability to regulate your emotions? I am a licensed psychologist, a registered play therapist-supervisor, a trauma-informed therapist, and a certified mindfulness teacher. The therapy I offer is psychodynamic, aimed at enhancing your coping skills by helping you regulate your emotions and thoughts. Our goal will be to reduce reactivity to life's stressors and foster mindfulness and insight.
(858) 260-3583 View (858) 260-3583
Photo of Association for Compassionate Transformation, Psychologist in 92014, CA
Association for Compassionate Transformation
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Del Mar, CA 92014
My specialties include working with anxiety and depression, addiction, trauma, children and adolescents, premarital counseling, couples therapy, career coaching, hypnotherapy, hair pulling, skin picking and addressing issues unique to the LGTBTQQIA population.
Would you like to be successful emotionally, socially, spiritually and professionally? Do you need assistance directing personal growth, relationships, family life or your career? I specialize in assisting individuals to lead a productive life, a meaningful existence and reach their highest potential.
My specialties include working with anxiety and depression, addiction, trauma, children and adolescents, premarital counseling, couples therapy, career coaching, hypnotherapy, hair pulling, skin picking and addressing issues unique to the LGTBTQQIA population.
Would you like to be successful emotionally, socially, spiritually and professionally? Do you need assistance directing personal growth, relationships, family life or your career? I specialize in assisting individuals to lead a productive life, a meaningful existence and reach their highest potential.
(858) 367-3966 View (858) 367-3966
Photo of Katie Erreca, Psychologist in 92014, CA
Katie Erreca
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
Waitlist for new clients
I am experienced in helping with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, eating disorders, trauma, life transitions, and family struggles.
The decision to seek therapy takes courage. I believe therapy is most helpful when done in an accepting and comfortable environment. I work collaboratively with you to assist you in attaining your personal goals, explore avenues for growth, and achieve emotional well-being. I understand that every individual and couple is unique and I approach treatment with this in mind. I know that each client enters therapy with specific strengths and I do my best to help you pull from those strengths. My approach to therapy can be described as compassionate, active, warm, and gently challenging.
I am experienced in helping with depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, eating disorders, trauma, life transitions, and family struggles.
The decision to seek therapy takes courage. I believe therapy is most helpful when done in an accepting and comfortable environment. I work collaboratively with you to assist you in attaining your personal goals, explore avenues for growth, and achieve emotional well-being. I understand that every individual and couple is unique and I approach treatment with this in mind. I know that each client enters therapy with specific strengths and I do my best to help you pull from those strengths. My approach to therapy can be described as compassionate, active, warm, and gently challenging.
(858) 375-1449 View (858) 375-1449
Photo of Iren Fellegvari, Psychologist in 92014, CA
Iren Fellegvari
Psychologist, PsyD, LMFT, LADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
As a life coach I help you to reach your full potential in your business or in your personal life. Biofeedback helps to decrease stress. As a psychologist working with individuals and families I use talk therapy: CBT, DBT, Solution Focused brief therapy or EMDR and ETT, EFT based on the person's choice and comfort level. During my 15 years of praxis I have helped people with anxiety, PTSD, OCD, depression, codependency, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, eating disorder and addictions. Lots of couples regained their love for each other. Teenagers and their parents learnt to solve their problems.
As a life coach I help you to reach your full potential in your business or in your personal life. Biofeedback helps to decrease stress. As a psychologist working with individuals and families I use talk therapy: CBT, DBT, Solution Focused brief therapy or EMDR and ETT, EFT based on the person's choice and comfort level. During my 15 years of praxis I have helped people with anxiety, PTSD, OCD, depression, codependency, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, eating disorder and addictions. Lots of couples regained their love for each other. Teenagers and their parents learnt to solve their problems.
(858) 386-7291 View (858) 386-7291
Photo of Tom Manheim, Psychologist in 92014, CA
Tom Manheim
Psychologist, PhD, Psy, MFT
Verified Verified
Del Mar, CA 92014
Thanks for considering collaborating with me. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have worked also as a marriage and family therapist also. I began in this field about 30yrs ago. My experience comes from working in psychiatric inpatient and intensive outpatient hospitals as well as private practice. Primarily I specialize in stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, painful life situations, and relationship issues. I utilize CBT, DBT, humanistic, mindfulness, and meditation along with other appropriate therapies. Support is provided in an understanding, respectful and warm office setting as we work together toward your goals.
Thanks for considering collaborating with me. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and have worked also as a marriage and family therapist also. I began in this field about 30yrs ago. My experience comes from working in psychiatric inpatient and intensive outpatient hospitals as well as private practice. Primarily I specialize in stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, painful life situations, and relationship issues. I utilize CBT, DBT, humanistic, mindfulness, and meditation along with other appropriate therapies. Support is provided in an understanding, respectful and warm office setting as we work together toward your goals.
(760) 550-2122 View (760) 550-2122
Photo of Angeline Baucom, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 92014, CA
Angeline Baucom
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, SUDCC, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
Clients that have experienced trauma, substance abuse and family issues. Struggling with depression and anxiety.
Clients that have experienced trauma, substance abuse and family issues. Struggling with depression and anxiety.
(760) 227-5274 View (760) 227-5274
Photo of Therapy Center and Family Counseling Corporation, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92014, CA
Therapy Center and Family Counseling Corporation
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Del Mar, CA 92014
We specialize and treat depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, addiction and relationship concerns. We also provide parent training and coaching. Our team specializes in working extensively with adolescents, children, and families in traditional outpatient services. My name is Jamak and I am the Co-Founder of Therapy Center and Family Counseling Corporation. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. I use a humanistic, and culturally sensitive approach to all topics that may be encountered.
We specialize and treat depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, addiction and relationship concerns. We also provide parent training and coaching. Our team specializes in working extensively with adolescents, children, and families in traditional outpatient services. My name is Jamak and I am the Co-Founder of Therapy Center and Family Counseling Corporation. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. I use a humanistic, and culturally sensitive approach to all topics that may be encountered.
(858) 753-6398 View (858) 753-6398
Photo of Dr. Josh Thomas, Psychologist in 92014, CA
Dr. Josh Thomas
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Del Mar, CA 92014
Hello, I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in substance addiction, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, work stress, relationship problems, grief and loss, and chronic pain. With an emphasis in connecting to and living from personal values, my approach is highly compassionate, culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and evidenced-based. My treatment specialty includes Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help heal psychological wounds that are blocking you from living an enriched and empowered life.
Hello, I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in substance addiction, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, work stress, relationship problems, grief and loss, and chronic pain. With an emphasis in connecting to and living from personal values, my approach is highly compassionate, culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and evidenced-based. My treatment specialty includes Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help heal psychological wounds that are blocking you from living an enriched and empowered life.
(858) 413-9160 View (858) 413-9160
Photo of Christopher M Grasso, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in 92014, CA
Christopher M Grasso
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC, LAADC
Verified Verified
Del Mar, CA 92014
I have been conducting one on one and group therapy for the last 6 years and my specialized areas of treatment include: •Addiction Related Behaviors •Substance Abuse •TraumaPTSD •Depression •Anxiety •Grief & Loss.
Maybe you are here for the first time, or maybe you have done this before, maybe this was your idea, or maybe it was someone who cares about you suggesting that you find some direction. Regardless, I imagine what you seek is some reassurance, some validation, some form of guidance, or maybe just some clarity in an unclear world. If you’re feeling isolated, if you’re confused about the emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that you cannot quite explain but are having trouble escaping, if you’re feeling less and less in control, or if you're just plain sick and tired of being sick and tired….PLEASE, allow me to help navigate your journey.
I have been conducting one on one and group therapy for the last 6 years and my specialized areas of treatment include: •Addiction Related Behaviors •Substance Abuse •TraumaPTSD •Depression •Anxiety •Grief & Loss.
Maybe you are here for the first time, or maybe you have done this before, maybe this was your idea, or maybe it was someone who cares about you suggesting that you find some direction. Regardless, I imagine what you seek is some reassurance, some validation, some form of guidance, or maybe just some clarity in an unclear world. If you’re feeling isolated, if you’re confused about the emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that you cannot quite explain but are having trouble escaping, if you’re feeling less and less in control, or if you're just plain sick and tired of being sick and tired….PLEASE, allow me to help navigate your journey.
(858) 758-2574 View (858) 758-2574
Photo of Ryan Thomas Neace, Counselor in 92014, CA
Ryan Thomas Neace
Counselor, MA, LPCC, LPC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014  (Online Only)
I am also very familiar w/anxiety, depression, addiction, sexual/identity struggles, and PTSD.
Understanding ourselves and our lives can be difficult. On the one hand, we may be prone to a sea of critical internal or external voices which make self-examination torturous. On the other, well-meaning people in our lives may be so eager to validate us that we are never quite able to face ourselves honestly. So, counseling is essentially about receiving the support to work creatively with all of this noise long enough to allow change to happen in and through you. The only way to do this to let someone get to know the real you. If we can do that, therapy can be a deeply authentic, radically human, even life-changing encounter!
I am also very familiar w/anxiety, depression, addiction, sexual/identity struggles, and PTSD.
Understanding ourselves and our lives can be difficult. On the one hand, we may be prone to a sea of critical internal or external voices which make self-examination torturous. On the other, well-meaning people in our lives may be so eager to validate us that we are never quite able to face ourselves honestly. So, counseling is essentially about receiving the support to work creatively with all of this noise long enough to allow change to happen in and through you. The only way to do this to let someone get to know the real you. If we can do that, therapy can be a deeply authentic, radically human, even life-changing encounter!
(760) 824-3092 View (760) 824-3092
Photo of Rafael Cortina, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92014, CA
Rafael Cortina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MBA
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in both Mexico and the United States. I have over 20 years of experience in individual, couples, family and group therapy. I believe I am personally warm, understanding, emphatic, patient, caring, and compassionate with clients. And feel strongly that the nature of human beings tends toward growth and harmony. Along the way, the natural ability to self-regulate may unfortunately be interrupted. However, through the path of self-awareness, and self-responsibility we are able to restore our natural abilities and utilize our full potential, and live healthy life.
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in both Mexico and the United States. I have over 20 years of experience in individual, couples, family and group therapy. I believe I am personally warm, understanding, emphatic, patient, caring, and compassionate with clients. And feel strongly that the nature of human beings tends toward growth and harmony. Along the way, the natural ability to self-regulate may unfortunately be interrupted. However, through the path of self-awareness, and self-responsibility we are able to restore our natural abilities and utilize our full potential, and live healthy life.
(619) 870-1263 View (619) 870-1263
Photo of Adrianne Faye, Marriage & Family Therapist in 92014, CA
Adrianne Faye
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Del Mar, CA 92014  (Online Only)
Are you having trouble with your relationships, feeling stuck in your life, depressed, not achieving your goals, feeling like you are consistently suffering, or are there problematic patterns you continue to repeat in your life? These are some of the issues that bring people to psychotherapy. My style is warm, supportive, and interactive with a focus on trust, authenticity, and openness. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, teens, and young women who want to achieve a more adequate, satisfying, and productive life through using a broad range of practices. I will be a constant witness to your growth, happiness and self realization.
Are you having trouble with your relationships, feeling stuck in your life, depressed, not achieving your goals, feeling like you are consistently suffering, or are there problematic patterns you continue to repeat in your life? These are some of the issues that bring people to psychotherapy. My style is warm, supportive, and interactive with a focus on trust, authenticity, and openness. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, teens, and young women who want to achieve a more adequate, satisfying, and productive life through using a broad range of practices. I will be a constant witness to your growth, happiness and self realization.
(310) 736-6346 View (310) 736-6346
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.