Photo of Genevieve Fahey, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Genevieve Fahey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
You're "weird," you're queer, you were bullied for being nuero-divergent before we had a word for it. You know that this world doesn't fit you, but you were told that you needed to change to fit this world. You've been through it! And, the lack of attunment and understanding from those around you has only led to more trauma.
You're "weird," you're queer, you were bullied for being nuero-divergent before we had a word for it. You know that this world doesn't fit you, but you were told that you needed to change to fit this world. You've been through it! And, the lack of attunment and understanding from those around you has only led to more trauma.
(530) 441-0530 View (530) 441-0530
Photo of Rachel Cloud, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Rachel Cloud
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
I work with LGBTQIA+ adults, couples, and teens. Together we will navigate relationship issues, sexuality, trauma, anxiety-and whatever is keeping you stuck right now. Life is really hard sometimes and when we are attacked for our identity on a global level, we go through everything that life throws at us with additional fear and minority stress. You are not alone, let's work together towards a joyful and fulfilling life and relationships. Visit lovehealgrow.com to schedule or learn more.
I work with LGBTQIA+ adults, couples, and teens. Together we will navigate relationship issues, sexuality, trauma, anxiety-and whatever is keeping you stuck right now. Life is really hard sometimes and when we are attacked for our identity on a global level, we go through everything that life throws at us with additional fear and minority stress. You are not alone, let's work together towards a joyful and fulfilling life and relationships. Visit lovehealgrow.com to schedule or learn more.
(530) 722-4668 View (530) 722-4668
Photo of Nor Cal Trauma Healing Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Nor Cal Trauma Healing Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95821
If you're experiencing increased irritability, difficulty with sleep, avoiding situations that you used to enjoy or want to enjoy, struggling with feeling anxious, you might be experiencing some of the indicators of being exposed to trauma. We have all been subject to incidents and struggles in our lives that have caused us to reach out for help. It can feel heavy or even scary to ask for support. This has you searching right now for help and guidance.
If you're experiencing increased irritability, difficulty with sleep, avoiding situations that you used to enjoy or want to enjoy, struggling with feeling anxious, you might be experiencing some of the indicators of being exposed to trauma. We have all been subject to incidents and struggles in our lives that have caused us to reach out for help. It can feel heavy or even scary to ask for support. This has you searching right now for help and guidance.
(916) 345-2083 View (916) 345-2083
Photo of Mary Schellentrager, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Mary Schellentrager
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
My therapeutic focus encompasses trauma, attachment, relationships, self-actualization, and concrete tools for navigating life's stressors.
Not currently accepting new clients. Life is full of challenges. You're doing your best but may still be feeling lost and overwhelmed. As part of the LGBTQIA+ community, you want a therapist who can empathize and relate to your unique experiences. You may want to improve your relationships with others or with yourself. You may have difficulty setting boundaries and identifying your needs. Perhaps you want to heal from past traumas and develop skills to manage triggers. You might be stuck in beliefs, stories, or patterns that are no longer serving you. The good news is that obstacles can be opportunities. Let's explore them together.
My therapeutic focus encompasses trauma, attachment, relationships, self-actualization, and concrete tools for navigating life's stressors.
Not currently accepting new clients. Life is full of challenges. You're doing your best but may still be feeling lost and overwhelmed. As part of the LGBTQIA+ community, you want a therapist who can empathize and relate to your unique experiences. You may want to improve your relationships with others or with yourself. You may have difficulty setting boundaries and identifying your needs. Perhaps you want to heal from past traumas and develop skills to manage triggers. You might be stuck in beliefs, stories, or patterns that are no longer serving you. The good news is that obstacles can be opportunities. Let's explore them together.
(916) 262-7112 View (916) 262-7112
Photo of Julie Strathdee, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Julie Strathdee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95811
I work with couples, adults, and teenagers seeking relief from panic attacks, depression and suicidal thoughts, self harm, gender dysphoria, sexual abuse, and childhood trauma and PTSD.
You’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, and searching for relief, and quite frankly, getting pretty desperate. That "best life" others seem to live feels just beyond reach, with a little progress one day, then sliding all the way back to where you started. It’s exhausting. You logically know you’ve overcome so much, but where is that strength everyone says you have? Together, we can foster compassion for the coping skills you’ve used to survive. These strategies deserve acknowledgment and appreciation because they have kept you alive.
I work with couples, adults, and teenagers seeking relief from panic attacks, depression and suicidal thoughts, self harm, gender dysphoria, sexual abuse, and childhood trauma and PTSD.
You’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, and searching for relief, and quite frankly, getting pretty desperate. That "best life" others seem to live feels just beyond reach, with a little progress one day, then sliding all the way back to where you started. It’s exhausting. You logically know you’ve overcome so much, but where is that strength everyone says you have? Together, we can foster compassion for the coping skills you’ve used to survive. These strategies deserve acknowledgment and appreciation because they have kept you alive.
(916) 698-0288 View (916) 698-0288
Photo of Riverbend Counseling Services, Counselor in Sacramento, CA
Riverbend Counseling Services
Counselor, MS, LPCC, CSAC, ICAADC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95831  (Online Only)
As a therapist I am solutions-focused, inquisitive and relate-able, and will utilize a diverse range of theoretical approaches tailored to your individual needs, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT/DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Creative & Expressive, and Trauma Informed Therapy including EMDR (Certified Through EMDRIA). By integrating various evidenced based treatment protocols, we will collaborate to get where you want to go. My process is always to ask you, the client, what it is you want, what would that look like, and what is in your way of achieving your goals.
As a therapist I am solutions-focused, inquisitive and relate-able, and will utilize a diverse range of theoretical approaches tailored to your individual needs, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT/DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Creative & Expressive, and Trauma Informed Therapy including EMDR (Certified Through EMDRIA). By integrating various evidenced based treatment protocols, we will collaborate to get where you want to go. My process is always to ask you, the client, what it is you want, what would that look like, and what is in your way of achieving your goals.
(916) 312-4066 View (916) 312-4066
Photo of Lance A Ferris, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Lance A Ferris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95814
whether that means resolving trauma, conquering emotional issues, overcoming blocking beliefs, or repairing important relationships.
Life is changing constantly! ONLINE & IN OFFICE SESSIONS – You can access excellent therapy. I am passionate about problem solving and assisting clients discover a clear vision of their future and then identify the personal strengths that will enable this vision. Our work together will engage in mindfulness, improve self-compassion, and find meaning on your journey to emotional health and mental wellness. You will develop new awareness about patterns in your life that no longer serve you and learn new skills to transform those patterns.
whether that means resolving trauma, conquering emotional issues, overcoming blocking beliefs, or repairing important relationships.
Life is changing constantly! ONLINE & IN OFFICE SESSIONS – You can access excellent therapy. I am passionate about problem solving and assisting clients discover a clear vision of their future and then identify the personal strengths that will enable this vision. Our work together will engage in mindfulness, improve self-compassion, and find meaning on your journey to emotional health and mental wellness. You will develop new awareness about patterns in your life that no longer serve you and learn new skills to transform those patterns.
(530) 433-0587 View (530) 433-0587
Photo of Eddie Posadas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Eddie Posadas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95815
I am an Air Force veteran with a passionate in helping others. I was born in the Philippines but raised in Maryland. After graduating from high school, I made the decision to serve in the United States Air Force as an Equal Opportunity Advisor. During my time in the military, I came face-to-face with trauma and learned about the complexity of the human brain. It became evident to me that having a trusted person by your side can alleviate emotional intensity.
I am an Air Force veteran with a passionate in helping others. I was born in the Philippines but raised in Maryland. After graduating from high school, I made the decision to serve in the United States Air Force as an Equal Opportunity Advisor. During my time in the military, I came face-to-face with trauma and learned about the complexity of the human brain. It became evident to me that having a trusted person by your side can alleviate emotional intensity.
(916) 249-1069 View (916) 249-1069
Photo of John Cabonce, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in Sacramento, CA
John Cabonce
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC, ASW, PPS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 94277
You tried to manage the effects of trauma but you do not have to carry it all alone.
Welcome new clients! Do traumatic memories impact different areas of your life? You tried so hard to cope with them, and yet they still affect you, your relationships, and your hopes for the future. The trauma limits your capacity to move on to the next chapter and hold you back from creating your preferred life story. The trauma does not get the final say on how you live your life. What if I tell you that you are able to reclaim that life you have always wanted, as you get in touch with your strengths and values in a safe space to create your solutions and build hope. You are the author of your story! Let me help you write it.
You tried to manage the effects of trauma but you do not have to carry it all alone.
Welcome new clients! Do traumatic memories impact different areas of your life? You tried so hard to cope with them, and yet they still affect you, your relationships, and your hopes for the future. The trauma limits your capacity to move on to the next chapter and hold you back from creating your preferred life story. The trauma does not get the final say on how you live your life. What if I tell you that you are able to reclaim that life you have always wanted, as you get in touch with your strengths and values in a safe space to create your solutions and build hope. You are the author of your story! Let me help you write it.
(442) 233-3895 View (442) 233-3895
Photo of Aven Lugh Armstrong-Sutton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Aven Lugh Armstrong-Sutton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BSW, MSW, PhD(c), ASW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95857
I am an experienced therapist with specialized training in family therapy, couples counseling, trauma recovery, and anxiety disorders.
I have an extensive experience of 15 years in providing psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals of all ages, from childhood to older adulthood. If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic anxiety, persistent depression, past traumas, life transitions, feelings of disconnection, substance abuse, or an unrelenting inner critic, please contact me. I can assist you in increasing your confidence, resolving emotional pain, gaining personal insight, and creating a fulfilling life worth living. Don't let these issues hold you back - take charge of your life today.
I am an experienced therapist with specialized training in family therapy, couples counseling, trauma recovery, and anxiety disorders.
I have an extensive experience of 15 years in providing psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals of all ages, from childhood to older adulthood. If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic anxiety, persistent depression, past traumas, life transitions, feelings of disconnection, substance abuse, or an unrelenting inner critic, please contact me. I can assist you in increasing your confidence, resolving emotional pain, gaining personal insight, and creating a fulfilling life worth living. Don't let these issues hold you back - take charge of your life today.
(530) 531-8908 View (530) 531-8908
Photo of AOC Alpha Omega Counseling and Consulting Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Sacramento, CA
AOC Alpha Omega Counseling and Consulting Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW-S, CCTP II, CAGCS, CA & TX
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95834
Are you feeling uncertain, fearful, sad, anxious, insecure, struggling with addiction, the victim of past trauma, Narcissistic Abuse or Racial/Social Injustice? Allow us to co-pilot your journey to healing.
We help people who are struggling with the root causes of anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, family conflict and to recover from Narcissistic Abuser relationships; to find healing through balance, transformation and wellness. Counseling is the most rewarding investment that you will ever make; in yourself, your relationships and your emotional health. We specialize in Trauma therapy, and we are certified in Grief and Teletherapy. *** We offer Phone, Video and Text Counseling Sessions. ******NO MORE SHAME, FEAR or STIGMA*********Call us we can help.
Are you feeling uncertain, fearful, sad, anxious, insecure, struggling with addiction, the victim of past trauma, Narcissistic Abuse or Racial/Social Injustice? Allow us to co-pilot your journey to healing.
We help people who are struggling with the root causes of anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, family conflict and to recover from Narcissistic Abuser relationships; to find healing through balance, transformation and wellness. Counseling is the most rewarding investment that you will ever make; in yourself, your relationships and your emotional health. We specialize in Trauma therapy, and we are certified in Grief and Teletherapy. *** We offer Phone, Video and Text Counseling Sessions. ******NO MORE SHAME, FEAR or STIGMA*********Call us we can help.
(972) 427-3010 View (972) 427-3010
Photo of Aba Horthy, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Sacramento, CA
Aba Horthy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95811  (Online Only)
I am here to help you find and express your authentic self, help heal complex trauma, manage AuDHD, chronic illnesses & more.
I am a queer multicultural nonbinary AuDHD therapist who creates a nonjudgemental space for their clients. I mainly focus on the trans and nonbinary experience, complex trauma, chronic/terminal illnesses, ADHD/autism and grief/loss. I have clinical and personal experiences regarding my specializations. I have a deep capacity for working with trauma & supporting clients who think their story is “too heavy” for others to bear. I am really good at helping you (re)connect with who you are, who you want to be & figuring out how self-care looks like for you. Whatever we work on, I will create a safe environment and affirm your experience.
I am here to help you find and express your authentic self, help heal complex trauma, manage AuDHD, chronic illnesses & more.
I am a queer multicultural nonbinary AuDHD therapist who creates a nonjudgemental space for their clients. I mainly focus on the trans and nonbinary experience, complex trauma, chronic/terminal illnesses, ADHD/autism and grief/loss. I have clinical and personal experiences regarding my specializations. I have a deep capacity for working with trauma & supporting clients who think their story is “too heavy” for others to bear. I am really good at helping you (re)connect with who you are, who you want to be & figuring out how self-care looks like for you. Whatever we work on, I will create a safe environment and affirm your experience.
(310) 564-1408 View (310) 564-1408
Photo of Chanin Hardwick, Counselor in Sacramento, CA
Chanin Hardwick
Counselor, MA-MFT, LPCC, C-IAYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
Transition, trauma, and transformation are my specialties. Life transition, career transition, transition in relationships, racial trauma, the trauma of loss, sexual assault trauma, imposter syndrome, and personal transformation. Much comes with each and using the mind, body, soul connection I support you in finding healing, and a new sense of being. Healing is done in connection with others through embodied connection, awareness, and meaning or faith. Together through connection, you can bring healing into your life.
Transition, trauma, and transformation are my specialties. Life transition, career transition, transition in relationships, racial trauma, the trauma of loss, sexual assault trauma, imposter syndrome, and personal transformation. Much comes with each and using the mind, body, soul connection I support you in finding healing, and a new sense of being. Healing is done in connection with others through embodied connection, awareness, and meaning or faith. Together through connection, you can bring healing into your life.
(916) 318-3850 View (916) 318-3850
Photo of Rachel Cover-Briggs, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Rachel Cover-Briggs
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95816
Are you an "overthinker" or overachiever wanting to work through harsh attitudes you hold about yourself? Are you hoping to resolve pain from the past? Perhaps you need relief from intense worry, anxiety, PTSD/complex trauma, overwhelming emotions, depression, insomnia, or nightmares. Or you might be seeking to grow as a person and needing to talk through the complexities of your most important relationships with someone trained to ask just the right questions. If these are the kinds of issues you’re grappling with now, therapy is a wonderful place to start, and one of the most meaningful investments you can make in yourself.
Are you an "overthinker" or overachiever wanting to work through harsh attitudes you hold about yourself? Are you hoping to resolve pain from the past? Perhaps you need relief from intense worry, anxiety, PTSD/complex trauma, overwhelming emotions, depression, insomnia, or nightmares. Or you might be seeking to grow as a person and needing to talk through the complexities of your most important relationships with someone trained to ask just the right questions. If these are the kinds of issues you’re grappling with now, therapy is a wonderful place to start, and one of the most meaningful investments you can make in yourself.
(530) 500-0308 View (530) 500-0308
Photo of Catalyst Integration for Health: Ketamine Therapy in Sacramento, CA
Catalyst Integration for Health: Ketamine Therapy
MD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95819
We specialize in ketamine and esketamine (Spravato, a form of ketamine) for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD here in Sacramento. Ketamine is a cutting-edge, evidence-based treatment backed by science. Cleveland Clinic calls ketamine a "top ten medical innovation” and Johns Hopkins calls it "groundbreaking therapy" and the first (truly) new treatment in 60 years. Ketamine increases neuroplasticity and helps your brain to grow new synapses, allowing your brain to heal. Ketamine doesn’t have the side effects of traditional mental health medications, and it works fast. People often start to feel better after the very first treatment.
We specialize in ketamine and esketamine (Spravato, a form of ketamine) for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD here in Sacramento. Ketamine is a cutting-edge, evidence-based treatment backed by science. Cleveland Clinic calls ketamine a "top ten medical innovation” and Johns Hopkins calls it "groundbreaking therapy" and the first (truly) new treatment in 60 years. Ketamine increases neuroplasticity and helps your brain to grow new synapses, allowing your brain to heal. Ketamine doesn’t have the side effects of traditional mental health medications, and it works fast. People often start to feel better after the very first treatment.
(916) 850-2299 View (916) 850-2299
Photo of Rachel Roberts, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Rachel Roberts
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95825
I work with individuals, couples, and families who are motivated to make changes, build insight, and strengthen their connections. I work with clients seeking support in addressing a range of challenges such as self-worth, intergenerational trauma/patterns, grief, conflict resolution, codependency, and interpersonal difficulties. My primary goal as your therapist is to assist you in identifying and overcoming the barriers that may be hindering your progress. Sometimes, these barriers can be self-imposed. We will work together to recognize the ways in which we unintentionally impede our own growth and well-being.
I work with individuals, couples, and families who are motivated to make changes, build insight, and strengthen their connections. I work with clients seeking support in addressing a range of challenges such as self-worth, intergenerational trauma/patterns, grief, conflict resolution, codependency, and interpersonal difficulties. My primary goal as your therapist is to assist you in identifying and overcoming the barriers that may be hindering your progress. Sometimes, these barriers can be self-imposed. We will work together to recognize the ways in which we unintentionally impede our own growth and well-being.
(916) 365-4289 View (916) 365-4289
Photo of Silver Lake Psychology, Psychologist in Sacramento, CA
Silver Lake Psychology
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95811
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(916) 237-9399 View (916) 237-9399
Photo of Propel Therapeutics - Ketamine Wellness Center in Sacramento, CA
Propel Therapeutics - Ketamine Wellness Center
MD
Verified Verified
Sacramento, CA 95825
Ketamine can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD and chronic pain through neuroplasticity and cell modulation.
www.propeltherapeutics.com Are you suffering with chronic pain, debilitating anxiety, PTSD or intractable depression? Have you used multiple other modalities and medications to try and alleviate your physical and emotional pain but nothing is working? Ketamine therapy might be a solution for you! If you meet the indications for ketamine therapy we will work with you on an individualized plan. We are here to help!
Ketamine can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD and chronic pain through neuroplasticity and cell modulation.
www.propeltherapeutics.com Are you suffering with chronic pain, debilitating anxiety, PTSD or intractable depression? Have you used multiple other modalities and medications to try and alleviate your physical and emotional pain but nothing is working? Ketamine therapy might be a solution for you! If you meet the indications for ketamine therapy we will work with you on an individualized plan. We are here to help!
(916) 915-9215 View (916) 915-9215
Photo of Antonette (Toni) Garcia, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Sacramento, CA
Antonette (Toni) Garcia
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW, CADC-II
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95818
Each of us deserve to lead a happy and healthy life. Yet life's challenges can be overwhelming and seem unresolvable. I provide non-judgmental feed-back to help you clarify those challenges, your goals, options and your own inner strengths. Knowing our strengths and making our own choices are steps toward the life we want. My experience includes trauma (such as sexual abuse and other issues specific to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), victims of domestic abuse and/or violence, mood disorders, depression, alcohol and drug issues and those with dual diagnoses.
Each of us deserve to lead a happy and healthy life. Yet life's challenges can be overwhelming and seem unresolvable. I provide non-judgmental feed-back to help you clarify those challenges, your goals, options and your own inner strengths. Knowing our strengths and making our own choices are steps toward the life we want. My experience includes trauma (such as sexual abuse and other issues specific to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), victims of domestic abuse and/or violence, mood disorders, depression, alcohol and drug issues and those with dual diagnoses.
(916) 502-8924 View (916) 502-8924
Photo of Rachel Marjorie Elliott, Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA
Rachel Marjorie Elliott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sacramento, CA 95818
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked for years with trauma in many presentations from the obvious traumas of abuse and assault to the subtle traumas that may be difficult to even put into words.
Have you gone through a troubling experience? Is it difficult to move on in the aftermath? Maybe, it feels as if you are always going through challenging life experiences, or a lifetime of distress? Are you ready to do something about it, maybe even desperate to? I would love to help. I understand that one of the hardest things to do can be to ask for help and be willing to receive it. I want to help.
I have worked for years with trauma in many presentations from the obvious traumas of abuse and assault to the subtle traumas that may be difficult to even put into words.
Have you gone through a troubling experience? Is it difficult to move on in the aftermath? Maybe, it feels as if you are always going through challenging life experiences, or a lifetime of distress? Are you ready to do something about it, maybe even desperate to? I would love to help. I understand that one of the hardest things to do can be to ask for help and be willing to receive it. I want to help.
(916) 661-4573 View (916) 661-4573
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.