Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Kentucky

Photo of Stephanie Barnes, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kentucky
Stephanie Barnes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Edmonton, KY 42129
I use a variety of evidence-based practices that I have been trained in, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, all from a trauma informed perspective, to address behavioral, cognitive, and emotional issues in a collaborative way to best meet each client’s needs. I specialize in treating trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, and anxiety, with the intention of helping clients find healing and emotional well-being.
I use a variety of evidence-based practices that I have been trained in, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, all from a trauma informed perspective, to address behavioral, cognitive, and emotional issues in a collaborative way to best meet each client’s needs. I specialize in treating trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, and anxiety, with the intention of helping clients find healing and emotional well-being.
(270) 561-8261 View (270) 561-8261
Photo of Hatching Better Days Counseling Services, Counselor in Kentucky
Hatching Better Days Counseling Services
Counselor, LPCC, MS
Verified Verified
Campbellsville, KY 42718  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping individuals who are struggling with generational trauma re-learn and recreate new and healthy patterns in adulthood.
Do you feel like you had a particularly rough upbringing or childhood? Are there parts of your younger years that you are fighting to heal from? Did you experience trauma that now causes you to question your view of the world? Did you know that when we struggle with trauma in our lives, these skewed behaviors and views can be passed down to future generations? If you believe that you have trauma from your childhood that currently impacts your adulthood, you found the right page!
I specialize in helping individuals who are struggling with generational trauma re-learn and recreate new and healthy patterns in adulthood.
Do you feel like you had a particularly rough upbringing or childhood? Are there parts of your younger years that you are fighting to heal from? Did you experience trauma that now causes you to question your view of the world? Did you know that when we struggle with trauma in our lives, these skewed behaviors and views can be passed down to future generations? If you believe that you have trauma from your childhood that currently impacts your adulthood, you found the right page!
(502) 289-6571 View (502) 289-6571
Photo of Dr. Daniel Bush, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky
Dr. Daniel Bush
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC-S, PhD, MDiv, NCC, C-PD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Florence, KY 41042
I'm skilled in psychodynamic, emotionally-focused methods, specializing in attachment, trauma, and marriage therapy.
Do you feel overwhelmed, angry, anxious, or do you simply want to feel alive and at ease in your own skin? Are you experiencing marital or relationship problems? Or is something weighing you down, robbing you of happiness, and causing you to doubt yourself or your future? Often, finding someone to talk to and work through your problems with can help you regain your sense of freedom, joy, contentment, and well-being. Working with another who is curious, interested in discovering what makes you tick, and meets you with compassion is critical to becoming your best self.
I'm skilled in psychodynamic, emotionally-focused methods, specializing in attachment, trauma, and marriage therapy.
Do you feel overwhelmed, angry, anxious, or do you simply want to feel alive and at ease in your own skin? Are you experiencing marital or relationship problems? Or is something weighing you down, robbing you of happiness, and causing you to doubt yourself or your future? Often, finding someone to talk to and work through your problems with can help you regain your sense of freedom, joy, contentment, and well-being. Working with another who is curious, interested in discovering what makes you tick, and meets you with compassion is critical to becoming your best self.
(859) 209-6427 View (859) 209-6427
Photo of Wynna Tabb, Marriage & Family Therapist in Kentucky
Wynna Tabb
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT
Verified Verified
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Waitlist for new clients
I am a therapist certified in trauma therapy and EMDR.
You've spent years dealing with the memories of the trauma. You're triggered all of the time, and it's hard to function daily. You have nightmares, sleep issues, or you just don't have the energy to get up. Your heart beats fast, you can't breathe, and you panic. You bury yourself in work, food, television, video games, or anything to avoid thinking about what happened to you. Sometimes you feel numb, like a zombie, and you space out. If someone walks up, you jump! You don't have to live this way! You can face the past, once and for all!
I am a therapist certified in trauma therapy and EMDR.
You've spent years dealing with the memories of the trauma. You're triggered all of the time, and it's hard to function daily. You have nightmares, sleep issues, or you just don't have the energy to get up. Your heart beats fast, you can't breathe, and you panic. You bury yourself in work, food, television, video games, or anything to avoid thinking about what happened to you. Sometimes you feel numb, like a zombie, and you space out. If someone walks up, you jump! You don't have to live this way! You can face the past, once and for all!
(270) 455-1493 View (270) 455-1493
Photo of Christin Kingery, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kentucky
Christin Kingery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Erlanger, KY 41018  (Online Only)
My Clinical Interests are trauma, anxiety, depression, self-worth, life transitions, stress, women's issues, men's issues, mood disorders, relationship and marital concerns, non-traditional relationships, and personality disorders.
I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I have worked in several agency settings and private practice settings which has given me the tools to provide therapy for a diverse range of clients. I strive to always find ways to enhance the therapy tools I have to better serve clients and meeting them where they are at in their journey. I am dedicated to providing high quality, modern mental and relational health care to help individuals, couples, children & adolescents, and creative professionals work through complicated relationships and difficult experiences.
My Clinical Interests are trauma, anxiety, depression, self-worth, life transitions, stress, women's issues, men's issues, mood disorders, relationship and marital concerns, non-traditional relationships, and personality disorders.
I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I have worked in several agency settings and private practice settings which has given me the tools to provide therapy for a diverse range of clients. I strive to always find ways to enhance the therapy tools I have to better serve clients and meeting them where they are at in their journey. I am dedicated to providing high quality, modern mental and relational health care to help individuals, couples, children & adolescents, and creative professionals work through complicated relationships and difficult experiences.
(859) 724-5904 View (859) 724-5904
Photo of Shelly Werts, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kentucky
Shelly Werts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CMHIMP, RYT, Reiki, Ayurved
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40291
I am trained to work with teens and adults suffering with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress and a variety of other mental health concerns.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified Warrior Goddess Training Facilitator, Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, Peristeam Facilitator, and Reiki Practitioner. I have been working in the mental health field for over 22 years and have a holistic perspective.
I am trained to work with teens and adults suffering with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress and a variety of other mental health concerns.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified Warrior Goddess Training Facilitator, Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, Peristeam Facilitator, and Reiki Practitioner. I have been working in the mental health field for over 22 years and have a holistic perspective.
(502) 806-8649 View (502) 806-8649
Photo of Michael Bennett, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky
Michael Bennett
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
Nicholasville, KY 40340  (Online Only)
My specialties include: Trauma, PTSD, & Posttraumatic Growth; Dissociative Disorders & Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment; C-PTSD & Borderline Personality Disorder; Religious Trauma Syndrome & Issues of Spirituality/Faith; Dysfunctional Family Systems: Emotionally Immature Parents & Codependent Patterns; LGBTQIA+ Relationships, Experiences.
Often in adulthood, we gain awareness of the maladaptive patterns and traumatizing experiences which have impacted us since childhood. The first step in post-traumatic growth is seeing that the patterns no longer benefit us, or recognizing that processing trauma can make life more meaningful. If you're here and seeking a guide for your post-trauma growth journey, connecting with a therapist may be the next step for you. When supported, you can connect to your own vision and self-power to create and accomplish your healing goals. Learn more at www.trailheadtherapist.com.
My specialties include: Trauma, PTSD, & Posttraumatic Growth; Dissociative Disorders & Dissociative Identity Disorder Treatment; C-PTSD & Borderline Personality Disorder; Religious Trauma Syndrome & Issues of Spirituality/Faith; Dysfunctional Family Systems: Emotionally Immature Parents & Codependent Patterns; LGBTQIA+ Relationships, Experiences.
Often in adulthood, we gain awareness of the maladaptive patterns and traumatizing experiences which have impacted us since childhood. The first step in post-traumatic growth is seeing that the patterns no longer benefit us, or recognizing that processing trauma can make life more meaningful. If you're here and seeking a guide for your post-trauma growth journey, connecting with a therapist may be the next step for you. When supported, you can connect to your own vision and self-power to create and accomplish your healing goals. Learn more at www.trailheadtherapist.com.
(859) 800-3560 View (859) 800-3560
Photo of Chelsea Mitchell, Psychologist in Kentucky
Chelsea Mitchell
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40241
Does your child or teenager appear anxious, irritable, or distant? Have they experienced a traumatic event? Do you find your current parenting strategies are ineffective? As a Clinical Psychologist, I provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) that is research-based and time-limited. My speciality areas include separation anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, specific phobia's, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic grief.
Does your child or teenager appear anxious, irritable, or distant? Have they experienced a traumatic event? Do you find your current parenting strategies are ineffective? As a Clinical Psychologist, I provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) that is research-based and time-limited. My speciality areas include separation anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, specific phobia's, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic grief.
(502) 465-8150 View (502) 465-8150
Photo of Liz Epperson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kentucky
Liz Epperson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40509
Waitlist for new clients
With over 14 years of experience in mental health and trauma work, I am trained in various evidence-based treatments (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, etc.
Recognizing you would like for your life to be different is a big step and so is reaching out to start therapy. You may be newly experiencing stress due to a big life change or maybe you're realizing that depression, stress, or trauma have been with you for a long time. In either case, starting therapy can be a huge support for you. Having a dedicated, private time each week to sort things out and learn new skills will help you start working towards making positive changes in your life. I truly believe that each person has the ability to make changes and it is an honor and privilege to walk alongside each of my clients.
With over 14 years of experience in mental health and trauma work, I am trained in various evidence-based treatments (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, etc.
Recognizing you would like for your life to be different is a big step and so is reaching out to start therapy. You may be newly experiencing stress due to a big life change or maybe you're realizing that depression, stress, or trauma have been with you for a long time. In either case, starting therapy can be a huge support for you. Having a dedicated, private time each week to sort things out and learn new skills will help you start working towards making positive changes in your life. I truly believe that each person has the ability to make changes and it is an honor and privilege to walk alongside each of my clients.
(859) 762-2627 View (859) 762-2627
Photo of Kimberly Gray, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kentucky
Kimberly Gray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, KY 40475
I specialize in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for ages 12-18.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience in the Social Work field helping others and 9 years experience in the clinical field of diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. I have experience with inpatient and outpatient settings. In my years of experience I have gained knowledge in working with a variety of mental health needs in ages 5 and up, all the way through helping to accept and process end of life related issues.
I specialize in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for ages 12-18.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience in the Social Work field helping others and 9 years experience in the clinical field of diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. I have experience with inpatient and outpatient settings. In my years of experience I have gained knowledge in working with a variety of mental health needs in ages 5 and up, all the way through helping to accept and process end of life related issues.
(859) 756-4050 View (859) 756-4050
Photo of Douglas Dayne Wells, Psychologist in Kentucky
Douglas Dayne Wells
Psychologist, MA, LPP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paducah, KY 42001
Dayne is a native of Paducah, Kentucky and has been practicing locally for nineteen years. He earned his master's degree in clinical psychology from Murray State University and is licensed as a Psychological Practitioner. Dayne works with clients using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to treat depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, adjustment disorders, and issues related to foster care placement and adoption.
Dayne is a native of Paducah, Kentucky and has been practicing locally for nineteen years. He earned his master's degree in clinical psychology from Murray State University and is licensed as a Psychological Practitioner. Dayne works with clients using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to treat depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, adjustment disorders, and issues related to foster care placement and adoption.
(270) 681-4617 View (270) 681-4617
Photo of Alissa Lehn-Jones, Counselor in Kentucky
Alissa Lehn-Jones
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Florence, KY 41042
Hi! My name is Ali and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I have been working as a therapist for 8 years and am passionate about helping people of all ages heal from past trauma, overcome distressing life events, feel a sense of empowerment, improve their sense of self worth, and achieve personal growth. I work with individuals (ages 3 and up), couples, and families utilizing a variety of approaches in order to individually tailor sessions to best meet clients' needs. I have experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, behavioral concerns, relationship issues and struggles with life adjustments.
Hi! My name is Ali and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I have been working as a therapist for 8 years and am passionate about helping people of all ages heal from past trauma, overcome distressing life events, feel a sense of empowerment, improve their sense of self worth, and achieve personal growth. I work with individuals (ages 3 and up), couples, and families utilizing a variety of approaches in order to individually tailor sessions to best meet clients' needs. I have experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, behavioral concerns, relationship issues and struggles with life adjustments.
(859) 681-9126 View (859) 681-9126
Photo of Becoming Whole, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kentucky
Becoming Whole
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40291  (Online Only)
I'm here to listen and to help; never to judge or make things worse. Trauma and anxiety are hard and life is weird, having support is often what helps us through the hard things.
I'm here to listen and to help; never to judge or make things worse. Trauma and anxiety are hard and life is weird, having support is often what helps us through the hard things.
(502) 947-2547 View (502) 947-2547
Photo of Charlene Brown McDonald, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky
Charlene Brown McDonald
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, MA, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fort Thomas, KY 41075  (Online Only)
I am a Certified Trauma-Responsive therapist and trauma survivor who understands how trauma affects our body, mind, and our happiness.
Feeling weighed down by grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma? Maybe you're having trouble making sense of it all and moving forward. Perhaps you are experiencing relationship issues and setting healthy boundaries with family, friends, and significant others? Maybe your career/education path just isn't meeting your needs. You want to feel better about yourself and learn healthy skills to live your life to the fullest. You deserve it.
I am a Certified Trauma-Responsive therapist and trauma survivor who understands how trauma affects our body, mind, and our happiness.
Feeling weighed down by grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma? Maybe you're having trouble making sense of it all and moving forward. Perhaps you are experiencing relationship issues and setting healthy boundaries with family, friends, and significant others? Maybe your career/education path just isn't meeting your needs. You want to feel better about yourself and learn healthy skills to live your life to the fullest. You deserve it.
(859) 237-8979 View (859) 237-8979
Photo of Stephanie Vittitoe, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky
Stephanie Vittitoe
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Georgetown, KY 40324  (Online Only)
I am also trained in TF-CBT, an evidenced based treatment to assists children, adolescents and their families who have been impacted by trauma.
Currently conducting telehealth sessions only. Making the decision to enter into counseling can leave you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain and fearful. It’s never easy to trust someone you just recently met and face difficult and painful parts of your life. When you take that first step into my office you will be met with a safe place free from judgment, an empathetic ear as well as my promise to support you through this process. I provide services for all ages as well as families and couples. I have experience with LGBTQ+ concerns, anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders.
I am also trained in TF-CBT, an evidenced based treatment to assists children, adolescents and their families who have been impacted by trauma.
Currently conducting telehealth sessions only. Making the decision to enter into counseling can leave you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain and fearful. It’s never easy to trust someone you just recently met and face difficult and painful parts of your life. When you take that first step into my office you will be met with a safe place free from judgment, an empathetic ear as well as my promise to support you through this process. I provide services for all ages as well as families and couples. I have experience with LGBTQ+ concerns, anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders.
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Photo of Elizabeth Roberts, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky
Elizabeth Roberts
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40218
I specialize in crisis counseling, trauma, suicide bereavement (loss of a loved one to suicide), and anxiety and mood disorders.
Do you struggle with anxiety or depression, trouble sleeping, or maybe just getting through each day? Have you lost someone to suicide or suffered traumatic experiences that keep you from living a productive life? If you answered yes, then therapy may be able to help. I understand that seeking therapy takes courage, and that it is very difficult to take that first step to reach out for help. This is why I offer a free consultation to all prospective clients, so that we can have an opportunity to talk before we make a commitment to work together. I also offer a sliding fee scale, in order to make therapy as affordable as possible.
I specialize in crisis counseling, trauma, suicide bereavement (loss of a loved one to suicide), and anxiety and mood disorders.
Do you struggle with anxiety or depression, trouble sleeping, or maybe just getting through each day? Have you lost someone to suicide or suffered traumatic experiences that keep you from living a productive life? If you answered yes, then therapy may be able to help. I understand that seeking therapy takes courage, and that it is very difficult to take that first step to reach out for help. This is why I offer a free consultation to all prospective clients, so that we can have an opportunity to talk before we make a commitment to work together. I also offer a sliding fee scale, in order to make therapy as affordable as possible.
(502) 334-8865 View (502) 334-8865
Photo of Christa Faulkner, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky
Christa Faulkner
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Lexington, KY 40504  (Online Only)
I have worked in trauma-informed care and started private practice in 2022.
You are not alone if you have felt more anxious, stressed, and burnt out these past few years. Losses, social isolation, family tensions, work fatigue, and uncertainty have created an imbalance in our lives, decreasing our overall wellness - from depression, anxiety, and poor attention to unhealthy relationships with substances and ourselves.
I have worked in trauma-informed care and started private practice in 2022.
You are not alone if you have felt more anxious, stressed, and burnt out these past few years. Losses, social isolation, family tensions, work fatigue, and uncertainty have created an imbalance in our lives, decreasing our overall wellness - from depression, anxiety, and poor attention to unhealthy relationships with substances and ourselves.
(859) 328-1125 View (859) 328-1125
Photo of Melanie Rivard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kentucky
Melanie Rivard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Louisville, KY 40242  (Online Only)
Let's talk about trauma. How common is it? The National Center on PTSD estimates 60% of men and 50% of women will experience at least one trauma in their lifetime. Experiencing trauma isn't a rare event, it can happen to anyone. Common reactions to traumatic experiences include feeling detached or numb, feeling on guard, experiencing nightmares or unwanted thoughts about the trauma, and going out of your way to avoid reminders of the event. If you’ve been through something in your past, and you can’t seem to escape it in the present, you have the power to stop it from disrupting your future.
Let's talk about trauma. How common is it? The National Center on PTSD estimates 60% of men and 50% of women will experience at least one trauma in their lifetime. Experiencing trauma isn't a rare event, it can happen to anyone. Common reactions to traumatic experiences include feeling detached or numb, feeling on guard, experiencing nightmares or unwanted thoughts about the trauma, and going out of your way to avoid reminders of the event. If you’ve been through something in your past, and you can’t seem to escape it in the present, you have the power to stop it from disrupting your future.
(859) 251-2773 View (859) 251-2773
Photo of Angie Olson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Kentucky
Angie Olson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Louisville, KY 40258  (Online Only)
In times of emotional distress and on particularly challenging days, it can feel like everything turns into an overwhelming burden. In response, I employ evidence-based modalities tailored to address a spectrum of issues including family dynamics, trauma, grief and loss, parenting challenges, depression, and anxiety. My practice is LGBT-friendly, emphasizing a supportive and inclusive environment. I aim to lighten the load of emotional distress, guiding clients through their difficulties with empathy and resilience, fostering a path to healing and personal growth.
In times of emotional distress and on particularly challenging days, it can feel like everything turns into an overwhelming burden. In response, I employ evidence-based modalities tailored to address a spectrum of issues including family dynamics, trauma, grief and loss, parenting challenges, depression, and anxiety. My practice is LGBT-friendly, emphasizing a supportive and inclusive environment. I aim to lighten the load of emotional distress, guiding clients through their difficulties with empathy and resilience, fostering a path to healing and personal growth.
(502) 467-6790 View (502) 467-6790
Photo of Laura Shacklette, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky
Laura Shacklette
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Bowling Green, KY 42104  (Online Only)
I am also EMDR trained to assist those with trauma.
Afternoon, weekend, and evening availability! Hi, nice meeting you! I'm a licensed therapist in Kentucky and love working with people that have been thinking about or are ready to change their lives for the better. I have experience helping adults and children in a variety of settings, including outpatient, residential, and inpatient crisis stabilization.
I am also EMDR trained to assist those with trauma.
Afternoon, weekend, and evening availability! Hi, nice meeting you! I'm a licensed therapist in Kentucky and love working with people that have been thinking about or are ready to change their lives for the better. I have experience helping adults and children in a variety of settings, including outpatient, residential, and inpatient crisis stabilization.
(270) 491-3411 View (270) 491-3411
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.