Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Silver Spring, MD

Photo of Mara Levy, Occupational Therapist in Silver Spring, MD
Mara Levy
Occupational Therapist, MSOT, OTR/L, CLTLANA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
You deserve healing care that welcomes your whole self - care that’s fat positive, queer and trans affirming, anti-racist, kink and polyamory friendly, pagan welcoming, and generally anti-oppression. You may be living with medical trauma, or with chronic health conditions that have left you feeling gaslit and frustrated. You may be trying to survive in an oppressive system, or to make the world around you better. You may be looking to reconnect with your body or live more fully as yourself. You may be living with chronic pain or fatigue that make it hard to get through the day.
You deserve healing care that welcomes your whole self - care that’s fat positive, queer and trans affirming, anti-racist, kink and polyamory friendly, pagan welcoming, and generally anti-oppression. You may be living with medical trauma, or with chronic health conditions that have left you feeling gaslit and frustrated. You may be trying to survive in an oppressive system, or to make the world around you better. You may be looking to reconnect with your body or live more fully as yourself. You may be living with chronic pain or fatigue that make it hard to get through the day.
(301) 686-5458 View (301) 686-5458
Photo of Healing Harmony Health & Wellness with Shana LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Silver Spring, MD
Healing Harmony Health & Wellness with Shana LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20902  (Online Only)
Trauma shatters your world and the world around you, including your personal and professional relationships. Finding your wellness requires having a therapist who understands your needs. We specialize in working with trauma and its related disorders. We bring creativity and above all else sincere caring for our clients. With children, we use play therapy and emotional regulation tools to facilitate and increase the child's wellness. For adolescents and adults, we create a warm self-honoring environment that increases in their ability to develop positive tools to navigate through their traumas, relationships, anxieties, and fears.
Trauma shatters your world and the world around you, including your personal and professional relationships. Finding your wellness requires having a therapist who understands your needs. We specialize in working with trauma and its related disorders. We bring creativity and above all else sincere caring for our clients. With children, we use play therapy and emotional regulation tools to facilitate and increase the child's wellness. For adolescents and adults, we create a warm self-honoring environment that increases in their ability to develop positive tools to navigate through their traumas, relationships, anxieties, and fears.
(240) 453-4828 View (240) 453-4828
Photo of Jen Hackler, LCSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Silver Spring, MD
Jen Hackler, LCSW, SEP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, SEP
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
My extensive psychotherapy training with Washington School of Psychiatry, Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis, and Institute for Trauma Healing informs my work.
In a non-judgemental, respectful atmosphere I accompany people along their journey to living richer, more meaningful life. I encourage people to broaden their awareness into their thoughts, feelings, reactions and behaviors to identify strengths and whats working and challenges and how they are getting in the way. Recognizing the the mind-body-spirit connection, understanding healthy and antiquated defenses and increasing capacity for feeling a greater range of emotions at a deeper level is an important focus of the psychotherapy process. Identifying feelings, understanding reactions and learning better, more effective means of communicating with others is integral as well.
My extensive psychotherapy training with Washington School of Psychiatry, Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis, and Institute for Trauma Healing informs my work.
In a non-judgemental, respectful atmosphere I accompany people along their journey to living richer, more meaningful life. I encourage people to broaden their awareness into their thoughts, feelings, reactions and behaviors to identify strengths and whats working and challenges and how they are getting in the way. Recognizing the the mind-body-spirit connection, understanding healthy and antiquated defenses and increasing capacity for feeling a greater range of emotions at a deeper level is an important focus of the psychotherapy process. Identifying feelings, understanding reactions and learning better, more effective means of communicating with others is integral as well.
(301) 684-8137 View (301) 684-8137
Photo of Rowan Blackmon in Silver Spring, MD
Rowan Blackmon
LPC, LCPC, RCT-C
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20901  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties are in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity disorders, depression and anxiety disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Because no two patients are alike, therapy should be tailored to each patient, rather than trying to treat everyone with the same theoretical approach. I believe that a therapist’s job is to guide the patient as they learn to change the behaviors and thinking styles that may have once been helpful, but are now getting in their way. Most importantly, I believe it is a therapist's job to teach their patients the skills necessary to eventually function independent of their therapist, allowing them to eventually leave therapy instead of being stuck with having weekly sessions for the rest of their lives!
My specialties are in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity disorders, depression and anxiety disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Because no two patients are alike, therapy should be tailored to each patient, rather than trying to treat everyone with the same theoretical approach. I believe that a therapist’s job is to guide the patient as they learn to change the behaviors and thinking styles that may have once been helpful, but are now getting in their way. Most importantly, I believe it is a therapist's job to teach their patients the skills necessary to eventually function independent of their therapist, allowing them to eventually leave therapy instead of being stuck with having weekly sessions for the rest of their lives!
(240) 213-4609 View (240) 213-4609
Photo of Tamia Barnes Tomasek Counseling LLC, Counselor in Silver Spring, MD
Tamia Barnes Tomasek Counseling LLC
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910  (Online Only)
The practice specializes in individual trauma work and couples therapy; with clinicians trained in EMDR and Brainspotting.
If you find yourself grappling with reactions to people and situations that leave you less than proud, it’s time to embark on a journey of transformation. Understanding the root causes of these reactions is a crucial step in building self-awareness. Together, we will delve into the process of change, so you can gain insight into how your past experiences have shaped your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For couples seeking to enhance their relationship dynamics, my Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) Intensives provide a unique opportunity for focused, in-depth work.
The practice specializes in individual trauma work and couples therapy; with clinicians trained in EMDR and Brainspotting.
If you find yourself grappling with reactions to people and situations that leave you less than proud, it’s time to embark on a journey of transformation. Understanding the root causes of these reactions is a crucial step in building self-awareness. Together, we will delve into the process of change, so you can gain insight into how your past experiences have shaped your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. For couples seeking to enhance their relationship dynamics, my Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) Intensives provide a unique opportunity for focused, in-depth work.
(240) 734-3637 View (240) 734-3637
Photo of Nelly Valero-Wills, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Silver Spring, MD
Nelly Valero-Wills
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Welcome to my practice! I am a bilingual psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience working in the Clinical field. I offer psychotherapy to people whose goals are to improve their mental well being, strengthen their interpersonal relationships, and achieve their aspirations in life. I combine different schools of psychotherapy to offer the most pertinent tools for clients to learn how to deal with diverse mental health conditions: anxiety, depression, sexual trauma, PTSD, complicated grief, relational challenges, self harm, among others. I am bilingual (Spanish) and also multicultural.
Welcome to my practice! I am a bilingual psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience working in the Clinical field. I offer psychotherapy to people whose goals are to improve their mental well being, strengthen their interpersonal relationships, and achieve their aspirations in life. I combine different schools of psychotherapy to offer the most pertinent tools for clients to learn how to deal with diverse mental health conditions: anxiety, depression, sexual trauma, PTSD, complicated grief, relational challenges, self harm, among others. I am bilingual (Spanish) and also multicultural.
(301) 433-7767 View (301) 433-7767
Photo of Pamela Atueyi, Counselor in Silver Spring, MD
Pamela Atueyi
Counselor, LCPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910  (Online Only)
Life can be challenging, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you are feeling hopeless, depressed, or anxious, perhaps I can help you with this. If you feel you have no support from friends and family, I can be a support to you. Maybe it is childhood trauma you need to unpack. I can help you through it. I am skilled in CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to help clients reach their best selves. My goal as a clinician is to feel empowered to take control of their lives and be in optimal health.
Life can be challenging, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you are feeling hopeless, depressed, or anxious, perhaps I can help you with this. If you feel you have no support from friends and family, I can be a support to you. Maybe it is childhood trauma you need to unpack. I can help you through it. I am skilled in CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to help clients reach their best selves. My goal as a clinician is to feel empowered to take control of their lives and be in optimal health.
(240) 202-1018 View (240) 202-1018
Photo of Sarah Fairchild - Healing Hearts Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Silver Spring, MD
Sarah Fairchild - Healing Hearts Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910  (Online Only)
Welcome to Healing Hearts Therapy. Whether you need support navigating relationship challenges, processing grief, managing anxiety/depression, or exploring ways to move forward from past trauma, I am here to walk with you on your healing journey. At the center of my trauma-informed work is a deep belief that all of my clients possess inner wisdom, courage, and the potential to heal. I utilize a blend of modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Relational Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness. I am currently training to be an EMDR practitioner and am licensed in both DC and Maryland.
Welcome to Healing Hearts Therapy. Whether you need support navigating relationship challenges, processing grief, managing anxiety/depression, or exploring ways to move forward from past trauma, I am here to walk with you on your healing journey. At the center of my trauma-informed work is a deep belief that all of my clients possess inner wisdom, courage, and the potential to heal. I utilize a blend of modalities including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Relational Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness. I am currently training to be an EMDR practitioner and am licensed in both DC and Maryland.
(240) 253-6276 View (240) 253-6276
Photo of Jamila Mckinney, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Silver Spring, MD
Jamila Mckinney
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LGPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910  (Online Only)
Processing, managing and resolving relational issues, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma.
Adding to what you already have, our time will be spent doing what I call “adjusting the lens”: adding more depth—more clarity to whatever has been difficult to identify. Through the use of further psycho-educational knowledge, developing and practicing new coping skills, while having a safe non-judgmental space to process and grow. Your experiences, your story matters.
Processing, managing and resolving relational issues, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma.
Adding to what you already have, our time will be spent doing what I call “adjusting the lens”: adding more depth—more clarity to whatever has been difficult to identify. Through the use of further psycho-educational knowledge, developing and practicing new coping skills, while having a safe non-judgmental space to process and grow. Your experiences, your story matters.
(301) 298-8355 View (301) 298-8355
Photo of Nancy K Montagna, Psychologist in Silver Spring, MD
Nancy K Montagna
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Maybe you want a sense of security, to be calmer, to have more energy and creativity or more loving relationships. Maybe you want freedom from the after-effects of trauma. We begin with an attitude of loving self acceptance. You can change an unhealthy habit, heal from trauma or shed an addiction relatively quickly with a brand new (evidence-based) method called Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.). I bring wide experience and a large professional toolbox to help you toward your goals.
Maybe you want a sense of security, to be calmer, to have more energy and creativity or more loving relationships. Maybe you want freedom from the after-effects of trauma. We begin with an attitude of loving self acceptance. You can change an unhealthy habit, heal from trauma or shed an addiction relatively quickly with a brand new (evidence-based) method called Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.). I bring wide experience and a large professional toolbox to help you toward your goals.
(301) 691-4317 x2 View (301) 691-4317 x2
Photo of Amy Bibb-Ford, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Silver Spring, MD
Amy Bibb-Ford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Adjusting to life transitions, interpersonal struggles, or needing to look inward are compelling reasons to seek therapy. As a therapist with 25+ years of experience, I establish a confidential, trusting relationship and help individuals, couples, and families cope and move forward. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and transparent, informed by advanced training in treating trauma, evidence-based Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Accelerated Experiential Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Core Self Reclamation Therapy (CSRT) and family therapy.
Adjusting to life transitions, interpersonal struggles, or needing to look inward are compelling reasons to seek therapy. As a therapist with 25+ years of experience, I establish a confidential, trusting relationship and help individuals, couples, and families cope and move forward. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and transparent, informed by advanced training in treating trauma, evidence-based Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Accelerated Experiential Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Core Self Reclamation Therapy (CSRT) and family therapy.
(240) 661-7069 View (240) 661-7069
Photo of Saryn Levy, Psychologist in Silver Spring, MD
Saryn Levy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
My clinical interests include eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, interpersonal dynamics, and identity development.
Individuals frequently find themselves feeling stuck: in seemingly repeating patterns, with symptoms of anxiety and depression, or with pain from the past. Whether you are struggling in your connection with yourself and others, in your relationship with food and your body, or in your processing of past trauma and hurt, I believe that a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship can facilitate healing, growth, and change.
My clinical interests include eating disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, interpersonal dynamics, and identity development.
Individuals frequently find themselves feeling stuck: in seemingly repeating patterns, with symptoms of anxiety and depression, or with pain from the past. Whether you are struggling in your connection with yourself and others, in your relationship with food and your body, or in your processing of past trauma and hurt, I believe that a warm and collaborative therapeutic relationship can facilitate healing, growth, and change.
(410) 237-0772 View (410) 237-0772
Photo of Magyarita Anderson, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Silver Spring, MD
Magyarita Anderson
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20902  (Online Only)
Magyarita Anderson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has over 30 years of professional experience working with adults and seniors who are struggling to cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, trauma, and more.
Magyarita Anderson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has over 30 years of professional experience working with adults and seniors who are struggling to cope with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, trauma, and more.
(240) 363-9576 View (240) 363-9576
Photo of Stephanie Gurka, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Silver Spring, MD
Stephanie Gurka
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20902  (Online Only)
I have experience working with clients who present with depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and a myriad of other mental and/or behavioral health conditions.
My passion is helping others to live their best and most productive lives. I strive to empower my clients to be their most authentic selves by learning to manage life stressors and to overcome past experiences. I work from an eclectic theoretical approach, using modalities such as CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness, to support clients to learn effective coping strategies and to build self-esteem. My role is to partner with clients to support positive growth and self-actualization. I work with individuals of all ages and their families to develop skills to successfully navigate life’s challenges.
I have experience working with clients who present with depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and a myriad of other mental and/or behavioral health conditions.
My passion is helping others to live their best and most productive lives. I strive to empower my clients to be their most authentic selves by learning to manage life stressors and to overcome past experiences. I work from an eclectic theoretical approach, using modalities such as CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness, to support clients to learn effective coping strategies and to build self-esteem. My role is to partner with clients to support positive growth and self-actualization. I work with individuals of all ages and their families to develop skills to successfully navigate life’s challenges.
(240) 821-5910 View (240) 821-5910
Photo of Kelli A Cronin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Silver Spring, MD
Kelli A Cronin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910  (Online Only)
Every body has a story to tell and sometimes trauma, chronic stress, and overwhelm are held in the body.
My intention is for you to feel safe bringing all parts of yourself into our sessions. All of you - all feelings, all identities - are welcome. Only in a relationship of relative safety & non-judgement can growth happen. I maintain that YOU are the expert on you and as such I take a client-centered, collaborative, and relational approach to therapy. I will use our relationship, my experience, and YOUR insight & self-knowing, as well as appropriate tools & techniques. I will ask about your goals, challenges, strengths, and what has worked for you in the past. Your care will be as individual as you are.
Every body has a story to tell and sometimes trauma, chronic stress, and overwhelm are held in the body.
My intention is for you to feel safe bringing all parts of yourself into our sessions. All of you - all feelings, all identities - are welcome. Only in a relationship of relative safety & non-judgement can growth happen. I maintain that YOU are the expert on you and as such I take a client-centered, collaborative, and relational approach to therapy. I will use our relationship, my experience, and YOUR insight & self-knowing, as well as appropriate tools & techniques. I will ask about your goals, challenges, strengths, and what has worked for you in the past. Your care will be as individual as you are.
(301) 835-1089 View (301) 835-1089
Photo of Rina Phillips, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Silver Spring, MD
Rina Phillips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20901
I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, relationship issues, grief, and trauma.
Life can be tedious and overwhelming, especially when we do it with kids, work, and family. Even if we look around and see that “nothing is actually wrong in our lives”, we may still feel sad, lonely, anxious, and overwhelmed. Therapy can be very helpful in gaining the internal tools needed to cope better with our lives.
I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, relationship issues, grief, and trauma.
Life can be tedious and overwhelming, especially when we do it with kids, work, and family. Even if we look around and see that “nothing is actually wrong in our lives”, we may still feel sad, lonely, anxious, and overwhelmed. Therapy can be very helpful in gaining the internal tools needed to cope better with our lives.
(240) 847-3841 View (240) 847-3841
Photo of Sarah Sullivan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Silver Spring, MD
Sarah Sullivan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20904  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults and teens who are experiencing grief, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and addiction. I draw on various evidence-based practices in my work, and also believe in the healing power of nature, art, spirituality, books, routines and rituals, movement, alignment with core values, humor, infinite curiosity, a warm and nonjudgemental therapeutic relationship, and my clients’ innate wisdom and strengths. I also believe we are shaped by our environments, and work with clients on identifying sources of support and healing in their environments, as well as ways they have been impacted by harmful systems.
I specialize in working with adults and teens who are experiencing grief, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and addiction. I draw on various evidence-based practices in my work, and also believe in the healing power of nature, art, spirituality, books, routines and rituals, movement, alignment with core values, humor, infinite curiosity, a warm and nonjudgemental therapeutic relationship, and my clients’ innate wisdom and strengths. I also believe we are shaped by our environments, and work with clients on identifying sources of support and healing in their environments, as well as ways they have been impacted by harmful systems.
(443) 731-2528 View (443) 731-2528
Photo of Thrive Behavioral Solutions, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Silver Spring, MD
Thrive Behavioral Solutions
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910  (Online Only)
I find that many people have dealt with so much trauma and disappointment in life that they begin to feel powerless. The way out isn’t necessarily to fix all the problems in your life, but to learn how to respond differently to them, as your capable self. You might wonder what your life purpose really is, or feel as if you’re stuck in the same cycle. Many of my clients have described feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending pressures of life. Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to see a new path. I help people get out of unhelpful patterns, so they can pursue their true purpose, no matter what’s happening around them.
I find that many people have dealt with so much trauma and disappointment in life that they begin to feel powerless. The way out isn’t necessarily to fix all the problems in your life, but to learn how to respond differently to them, as your capable self. You might wonder what your life purpose really is, or feel as if you’re stuck in the same cycle. Many of my clients have described feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending pressures of life. Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to see a new path. I help people get out of unhelpful patterns, so they can pursue their true purpose, no matter what’s happening around them.
(443) 383-3766 View (443) 383-3766
Photo of Chana Lockerman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Silver Spring, MD
Chana Lockerman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
My trauma-infused approach goes at your pace, never pushing to a place you don’t feel ready to be.
Welcome! I am a therapist with many years of experience helping parents navigate the early days of parenthood. Whether it's postpartum mood issues, transitioning to parenthood, or pressures of every day life, we'll find tools that make sense for you! I help with all things family building: fertility decision-making, infertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, termination of pregnancy, and postpartum. I also love working with women trying to find balance, whether it's personal or professional pressures (or both!). I am passionate about helping women optimize their coping and getting the most out of hectic lives. I am here to support you!
My trauma-infused approach goes at your pace, never pushing to a place you don’t feel ready to be.
Welcome! I am a therapist with many years of experience helping parents navigate the early days of parenthood. Whether it's postpartum mood issues, transitioning to parenthood, or pressures of every day life, we'll find tools that make sense for you! I help with all things family building: fertility decision-making, infertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, termination of pregnancy, and postpartum. I also love working with women trying to find balance, whether it's personal or professional pressures (or both!). I am passionate about helping women optimize their coping and getting the most out of hectic lives. I am here to support you!
(301) 477-8254 View (301) 477-8254
Photo of Christy Huang, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Silver Spring, MD
Christy Huang
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20904
My therapy approach is trauma-informed strength-based.
Life’s travels, on and off road, tests our endurance to navigate its difficulties. If you found yourself feeling lost, stressed, out of control, anxious or depressed by the difficulties in life, I am here to help. I work with individuals who suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, sexual dissatisfaction/dysfunction and other mental/behavioral health challenges. Through therapy, you'll create and maintain positive changes in daily life. We will work together towards your goals so you can be the self that you want to be and live the life that is meaningful and fulfill.
My therapy approach is trauma-informed strength-based.
Life’s travels, on and off road, tests our endurance to navigate its difficulties. If you found yourself feeling lost, stressed, out of control, anxious or depressed by the difficulties in life, I am here to help. I work with individuals who suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, sexual dissatisfaction/dysfunction and other mental/behavioral health challenges. Through therapy, you'll create and maintain positive changes in daily life. We will work together towards your goals so you can be the self that you want to be and live the life that is meaningful and fulfill.
View

See more therapy options for Silver Spring

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.