Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Kittery, ME

Photo of Pamela Ellen Blodgett - Brain Training Center of New England, MEd, BCN
Brain Training Center of New England
MEd, BCN
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904
For the past 35 years I have worked in the field of counseling, education, and in the field of disability. It has been my fervent hope to find a therapeutic approach to neurological problems. When I encountered The field of brain training, also called neurofeedback, I knew I had found my life work. Since 2009 I have been providing a natural and non-invasive treatment for conditions that cover the gamut. ADD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, seizure disorder, brain injury, trauma, accident, stroke, developmental differences, sleep disorder, headache, chronic fatigue, and tics as well as OCD.
For the past 35 years I have worked in the field of counseling, education, and in the field of disability. It has been my fervent hope to find a therapeutic approach to neurological problems. When I encountered The field of brain training, also called neurofeedback, I knew I had found my life work. Since 2009 I have been providing a natural and non-invasive treatment for conditions that cover the gamut. ADD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, seizure disorder, brain injury, trauma, accident, stroke, developmental differences, sleep disorder, headache, chronic fatigue, and tics as well as OCD.
(603) 392-7757 View (603) 392-7757
Photo of Wendy Quinn, PsyD, LADC, ADTR, Psychologist
Wendy Quinn
Psychologist, PsyD, LADC, ADTR
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904
D (Psychologist), LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor), ADTR (Registered Dance Therapist) offers a unique blend of verbal and expressive therapies in treating individuals suffering from eating disorders, addictions and trauma.
During this medical crisis, Dr. Quinn is providing TelePsychology through a secure web portal. With thirty-five years of experience in the field of mental health, Dr. Quinn specializes in the effective treatment of eating disorders, addictions & trauma through individual, couples & family therapy for adults, children and adolescents. In treating clients with eating disorders, Dr. Quinn works closely with families, primary care physicians, psychiatrists and inpatient facilities to coordinate treatment. Dr. Quinn also incorporates expressive therapies (art & movement) with verbal therapy to access inner pain and promote deep healing.
D (Psychologist), LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor), ADTR (Registered Dance Therapist) offers a unique blend of verbal and expressive therapies in treating individuals suffering from eating disorders, addictions and trauma.
During this medical crisis, Dr. Quinn is providing TelePsychology through a secure web portal. With thirty-five years of experience in the field of mental health, Dr. Quinn specializes in the effective treatment of eating disorders, addictions & trauma through individual, couples & family therapy for adults, children and adolescents. In treating clients with eating disorders, Dr. Quinn works closely with families, primary care physicians, psychiatrists and inpatient facilities to coordinate treatment. Dr. Quinn also incorporates expressive therapies (art & movement) with verbal therapy to access inner pain and promote deep healing.
(603) 685-3145 View (603) 685-3145
Photo of Alissa Dillon, LCMHC, LMHC, Counselor
Alissa Dillon
Counselor, LCMHC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904
I am accepting new patients, ages 16 & older! I am licensed in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut & Vermont for Telehealth! I have an office in NH. I specialize in the treatment of grief, trauma & loss, whether it be a person, pet, job, a marriage, etc. All losses have a large impact on our lives. Let me help you cope with your grief, and heal the pain from a trauma. It's time you live the life that you deserve. Fees are $150 per session, 24 hr cancellation required to avoid a $75 fee To set up an appointment with me, please visit www.timetohealme.com and complete the forms. I look forward to working with you!
I am accepting new patients, ages 16 & older! I am licensed in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut & Vermont for Telehealth! I have an office in NH. I specialize in the treatment of grief, trauma & loss, whether it be a person, pet, job, a marriage, etc. All losses have a large impact on our lives. Let me help you cope with your grief, and heal the pain from a trauma. It's time you live the life that you deserve. Fees are $150 per session, 24 hr cancellation required to avoid a $75 fee To set up an appointment with me, please visit www.timetohealme.com and complete the forms. I look forward to working with you!
(978) 857-6549 View (978) 857-6549
Photo of Emily Ostrow, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Ostrow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kittery, ME 03904
Waitlist for new clients
I am skilled in working with clients one-on-one with mental health issues (anxiety, depression, self-esteem, mood disorders) common in adolescence that progress into adulthood, with a specialty in trauma and relationships.
Getting through life, dealing with relationships and what is expected of you can make you feel stuck and sometimes hopeless. Lots of people going through big phases in life do not know what to do when their mental health isn’t great or how to handle life and emotions day-to-day. Turning to family may not have always been a great place to get support, and many people want a safe person, and a safe place, to talk about their lives and emotions. Finding a way to "just relax", "get over it", and move forward can be extremely challenging and therapy can be very helpful to find what works best for you.
I am skilled in working with clients one-on-one with mental health issues (anxiety, depression, self-esteem, mood disorders) common in adolescence that progress into adulthood, with a specialty in trauma and relationships.
Getting through life, dealing with relationships and what is expected of you can make you feel stuck and sometimes hopeless. Lots of people going through big phases in life do not know what to do when their mental health isn’t great or how to handle life and emotions day-to-day. Turning to family may not have always been a great place to get support, and many people want a safe person, and a safe place, to talk about their lives and emotions. Finding a way to "just relax", "get over it", and move forward can be extremely challenging and therapy can be very helpful to find what works best for you.
(207) 337-9668 View (207) 337-9668
Photo of Andrea Kelley - Andrea Kelley Counseling, LLC, LCMHC, Counselor
Andrea Kelley Counseling, LLC
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults to address challenges with anxiety, work-related stress, trauma/ PTSD, grief, and life transitions.
If you are here, it’s likely because you are in some state of struggle. Perhaps you are considering therapy for the first time and you are uncertain what to expect. Or maybe you are returning to therapy with a different purpose or goal. In either case, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, uncomfortable, stuck or even defeated. However distressing your struggle may be, I suspect there is also a sense of hope… a feeling or wish that things could be better. That is where our work begins.
I specialize in working with adults to address challenges with anxiety, work-related stress, trauma/ PTSD, grief, and life transitions.
If you are here, it’s likely because you are in some state of struggle. Perhaps you are considering therapy for the first time and you are uncertain what to expect. Or maybe you are returning to therapy with a different purpose or goal. In either case, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, uncomfortable, stuck or even defeated. However distressing your struggle may be, I suspect there is also a sense of hope… a feeling or wish that things could be better. That is where our work begins.
(833) 442-4896 View (833) 442-4896
Photo of Dr. Tracy LaChapelle, MA, LPC, EdD, Counselor
Dr. Tracy LaChapelle
Counselor, MA, LPC, EdD
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904
T is committed to making a difference in the lives of others through the transparency of being dedicated to the field and trauma-informed practice of helping others.
Dr. Tracy LaChapelle (Dr. T) is a licensed professional counselor with a doctorate in educational leadership. She specializes in evidence-based trauma-informed practices that are used to treat trauma, depression, anxiety, neurodiversity-affirming, ADHD, Dis-Abilities, and various life transitions, transgender-gender affirming care, serving members of the LGBTQ+ population. "Engaging in therapy is not about changing a person; it is finding the person, their strengths, and supporting them to be their true selves."
T is committed to making a difference in the lives of others through the transparency of being dedicated to the field and trauma-informed practice of helping others.
Dr. Tracy LaChapelle (Dr. T) is a licensed professional counselor with a doctorate in educational leadership. She specializes in evidence-based trauma-informed practices that are used to treat trauma, depression, anxiety, neurodiversity-affirming, ADHD, Dis-Abilities, and various life transitions, transgender-gender affirming care, serving members of the LGBTQ+ population. "Engaging in therapy is not about changing a person; it is finding the person, their strengths, and supporting them to be their true selves."
(207) 503-2955 View (207) 503-2955
Photo of Mary Richardson Satterthwaite, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Richardson Satterthwaite
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904
It is a behavioral approach that is often an amazingly effective treatment for the residual effects of trauma.
It has been an honor to be practicing for more than 30 years as a psychotherapist, working individually with children, adolescents and adults, as well as with families and couples. I appreciate the amount of courage it takes for clients to enter therapy. My approach is collaborative, based on connection and trust. We work together as a team, forming goals and strategies. My E.F.T.C. (Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) approach has been particularly effective in helping couples enhance their relationship by gaining access to their attachment longings.
It is a behavioral approach that is often an amazingly effective treatment for the residual effects of trauma.
It has been an honor to be practicing for more than 30 years as a psychotherapist, working individually with children, adolescents and adults, as well as with families and couples. I appreciate the amount of courage it takes for clients to enter therapy. My approach is collaborative, based on connection and trust. We work together as a team, forming goals and strategies. My E.F.T.C. (Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy) approach has been particularly effective in helping couples enhance their relationship by gaining access to their attachment longings.
(603) 782-4135 View (603) 782-4135
Photo of Toni Bennett, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Toni Bennett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904
I have two offices which are professional yet homelike settings. They each have 3-5 stairs. I practice with an eclectic style but do utilize EMDR, CBT and DBT. I draw on clients strengths and empower the client to utilize their present skills. I specialize in trauma and substance abuse and also depression and anxiety etc. I am a co-occurring therapist. The goal is to improve self esteem and self worth and focus on the goals and objectives of the client. The initial visit is a time for the client to share their hopes and aspirations and create a plan that is challenging but attainable. The client will always feel supported.
I have two offices which are professional yet homelike settings. They each have 3-5 stairs. I practice with an eclectic style but do utilize EMDR, CBT and DBT. I draw on clients strengths and empower the client to utilize their present skills. I specialize in trauma and substance abuse and also depression and anxiety etc. I am a co-occurring therapist. The goal is to improve self esteem and self worth and focus on the goals and objectives of the client. The initial visit is a time for the client to share their hopes and aspirations and create a plan that is challenging but attainable. The client will always feel supported.
(207) 560-0905 View (207) 560-0905
Photo of Debra Rose Fredette, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Debra Rose Fredette
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904
I support individuals to nurture their strengths to overcome depression, anxiety, divorce and trauma.
Welcome to my practice. I have worked with couples, families, and individuals for 25 years helping to heal from trauma, affairs, and early life experiences that get in the way of having warm loving relationships and individual joy. It can be challenging to take the first step to move toward a better and more fulfilling life. Often we fear judgement. I can help you develop an understanding of the issues that are keeping you from living the best life possible. I will work with you to identify the underlying barriers and develop problem solving skills and strategies to cope with issues outside of your control.
I support individuals to nurture their strengths to overcome depression, anxiety, divorce and trauma.
Welcome to my practice. I have worked with couples, families, and individuals for 25 years helping to heal from trauma, affairs, and early life experiences that get in the way of having warm loving relationships and individual joy. It can be challenging to take the first step to move toward a better and more fulfilling life. Often we fear judgement. I can help you develop an understanding of the issues that are keeping you from living the best life possible. I will work with you to identify the underlying barriers and develop problem solving skills and strategies to cope with issues outside of your control.
(207) 358-4305 View (207) 358-4305
Photo of Lawrence Newman, MEd, LCPC, LADC, CCFC, Counselor
Lawrence Newman
Counselor, MEd, LCPC, LADC, CCFC
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904
Has anyone ever criticized your drinking? Have you had problems related to drug use? I have over 20 years experience working with individuals with mental health and substance abuse problems. My specialties include treating addiction, depression and anxiety, recovery from trauma, and the coping skills that are needed to manage these issues. Substance abuse leading to Addiction is an unhealthy coping mechanism often related to underlying causes. I provide a safe environment where we can work on resolving the internal struggle that is holding you back. With my client-centered approach, we can work together to improve your life.
Has anyone ever criticized your drinking? Have you had problems related to drug use? I have over 20 years experience working with individuals with mental health and substance abuse problems. My specialties include treating addiction, depression and anxiety, recovery from trauma, and the coping skills that are needed to manage these issues. Substance abuse leading to Addiction is an unhealthy coping mechanism often related to underlying causes. I provide a safe environment where we can work on resolving the internal struggle that is holding you back. With my client-centered approach, we can work together to improve your life.
(603) 764-7104 View (603) 764-7104
Photo of Christina Marie Casavant-Towers, MEd, LMHC, CCTP, Counselor
Christina Marie Casavant-Towers
Counselor, MEd, LMHC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kittery, ME 03904
Christina loves helping others and enjoys using humor, and person centered therapy to assist clients with dealing with today's challenges. She likes to help clients write their own story and what their life should be and with free of judgment. Christina can assist with managing goals and other behaviors throughout the lifespan, but she will try and go to the core and find what is going on to help you. She is further trauma certified and has experience with a variety of diagnosis, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, neurodiversity, and much more. Christina is licensed in Massachusetts and Maine.
Christina loves helping others and enjoys using humor, and person centered therapy to assist clients with dealing with today's challenges. She likes to help clients write their own story and what their life should be and with free of judgment. Christina can assist with managing goals and other behaviors throughout the lifespan, but she will try and go to the core and find what is going on to help you. She is further trauma certified and has experience with a variety of diagnosis, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, neurodiversity, and much more. Christina is licensed in Massachusetts and Maine.
(508) 257-7892 View (508) 257-7892
Photo of Roslyn Birger-Hershfield, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Roslyn Birger-Hershfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904
I also trained in family therapy, and have attended a multitude of seminars focusing on anxiety, depression, and victims of trauma to name a few.
With over twenty-five years of experience, and a strong academic background, I am able to provide treatment to individuals, couples, and families. I am dedicated to fostering growth and adaptive development in children, adolescents, and adults in a friendly, private, and confidential atmosphere.
I also trained in family therapy, and have attended a multitude of seminars focusing on anxiety, depression, and victims of trauma to name a few.
With over twenty-five years of experience, and a strong academic background, I am able to provide treatment to individuals, couples, and families. I am dedicated to fostering growth and adaptive development in children, adolescents, and adults in a friendly, private, and confidential atmosphere.
(207) 482-0476 View (207) 482-0476
Photo of Michael G. McCay, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael G. McCay
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am also trained to help resolve trauma and abuse.
Couples, families, individuals. I hope to help couples regain the closeness that you felt when you were first together. I hope to help families to resolve conflict and find new ways to be together in a way that brings the family closer together. I hope to help adults to resolve personal difficulties and to work through the barriers that keep you from having the kind of life that you want. I also hope to help children in foster care and adoptive homes be able to feel accepted and welcome parts of their new families.
I am also trained to help resolve trauma and abuse.
Couples, families, individuals. I hope to help couples regain the closeness that you felt when you were first together. I hope to help families to resolve conflict and find new ways to be together in a way that brings the family closer together. I hope to help adults to resolve personal difficulties and to work through the barriers that keep you from having the kind of life that you want. I also hope to help children in foster care and adoptive homes be able to feel accepted and welcome parts of their new families.
(603) 836-9960 View (603) 836-9960
Photo of Kayla McEvoy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kayla McEvoy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904  (Online Only)
I have assisted clients with challenges related to professional growth, service related trauma and disability, relationship stress, and the transition to Veteran status.
Choosing therapy can be a way to discover and hone the skills you need to cultivate the life you deserve. A fresh, nonjudgmental perspective with a background in clinical counseling practice can help you pave a path to personal growth and fulfillment. If you are at all considering starting therapy, I would be happy to call you for a free consultation!
I have assisted clients with challenges related to professional growth, service related trauma and disability, relationship stress, and the transition to Veteran status.
Choosing therapy can be a way to discover and hone the skills you need to cultivate the life you deserve. A fresh, nonjudgmental perspective with a background in clinical counseling practice can help you pave a path to personal growth and fulfillment. If you are at all considering starting therapy, I would be happy to call you for a free consultation!
(910) 335-2734 View (910) 335-2734
Photo of Judith Hatch-Orme, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Judith Hatch-Orme
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
There's a connection between childhood trauma and relational dysfunction.
I offer counseling for adults and couples. With over 36 years of clinical experience, I'm also a parenting specialist, helping parents understand their children's behavior. As a divorce mediator, my approach is child-centered. Ongoing parental conflict increases psychological damage to children, thus by strengthening the co-parenting relationship, the parties can focus on their children's needs. If you're struggling with relational challenges, childhood trauma, divorce, & ready to make positive changes, we can work together to identify generational patterns holding you back. Telehealth only.
There's a connection between childhood trauma and relational dysfunction.
I offer counseling for adults and couples. With over 36 years of clinical experience, I'm also a parenting specialist, helping parents understand their children's behavior. As a divorce mediator, my approach is child-centered. Ongoing parental conflict increases psychological damage to children, thus by strengthening the co-parenting relationship, the parties can focus on their children's needs. If you're struggling with relational challenges, childhood trauma, divorce, & ready to make positive changes, we can work together to identify generational patterns holding you back. Telehealth only.
(603) 476-3560 View (603) 476-3560
Photo of Rebecca Boyle, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Boyle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904
Waitlist for new clients
I am also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I am a mindfulness based therapist, that has a special interest in working with Highly Sensitive People (HSP). I work collaboratively guiding adolescents, adults & families through the challenges of relationships, difficult transitions, and parenthood.
I am also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I am a mindfulness based therapist, that has a special interest in working with Highly Sensitive People (HSP). I work collaboratively guiding adolescents, adults & families through the challenges of relationships, difficult transitions, and parenthood.
(207) 707-3420 View (207) 707-3420
Photo of Jill Case, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jill Case
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kittery, ME 03904  (Online Only)
Some reasons people come to therapy include; anger, stress, relationship issues, trauma, loss of a baby/babies to abortion, Intimacy Issues, grief, defining roles in today's culture, health issues, lack of self care, expressing and identifying emotions.
I work with individuals and couples. Often men find it difficult to identify their emotions or are unable to translate their emotional experiences into words. I can teach you to learn behaviors and skills to allow you to better express emotions such as vulnerability, intimacy struggles, and perceived weakness. It is very important to most men to feel they are respected and appreciated. Men need a safe place to express their feelings of hurt and vulnerability. These are valid and important male feelings. Men can enhance their well being by learning to identify those feelings, express them appropriately, and be respected for them.
Some reasons people come to therapy include; anger, stress, relationship issues, trauma, loss of a baby/babies to abortion, Intimacy Issues, grief, defining roles in today's culture, health issues, lack of self care, expressing and identifying emotions.
I work with individuals and couples. Often men find it difficult to identify their emotions or are unable to translate their emotional experiences into words. I can teach you to learn behaviors and skills to allow you to better express emotions such as vulnerability, intimacy struggles, and perceived weakness. It is very important to most men to feel they are respected and appreciated. Men need a safe place to express their feelings of hurt and vulnerability. These are valid and important male feelings. Men can enhance their well being by learning to identify those feelings, express them appropriately, and be respected for them.
(844) 901-1274 View (844) 901-1274
Photo of Tonya Elaine Thurlow, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tonya Elaine Thurlow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kittery, ME 03904  (Online Only)
I'm also trained in Trauma Focused CBT, DBT, DNA-v and ACT, and certified ADHD/Executive Function professional.
My role in the therapeutic relationship is to help guide individuals to what their bodies and brains already know though may not be able to access just yet. I aim to provide insight that can disrupt the now-unhelpful routines and habits that may keep you stuck or pull you down. This is an alliance. You bring all that you are and all that you know about yourself while I guide how to move through some of the harder parts. Together, we can find the path for you to see that you are a pretty amazing human being who deserves to feel comfortable in your own skin and are worthy of compassion.
I'm also trained in Trauma Focused CBT, DBT, DNA-v and ACT, and certified ADHD/Executive Function professional.
My role in the therapeutic relationship is to help guide individuals to what their bodies and brains already know though may not be able to access just yet. I aim to provide insight that can disrupt the now-unhelpful routines and habits that may keep you stuck or pull you down. This is an alliance. You bring all that you are and all that you know about yourself while I guide how to move through some of the harder parts. Together, we can find the path for you to see that you are a pretty amazing human being who deserves to feel comfortable in your own skin and are worthy of compassion.
(207) 548-5366 View (207) 548-5366
Photo of Lori Ann Austin, LCSW-C, LISW-S, LICSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lori Ann Austin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LISW-S, LICSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kittery, ME 03904
Becoming integrated and feeling whole is a process. The beauty is we are all capable of healing. Traumatic events in our lives via developmental stressors or one-time occurrences can greatly impact us and how we cope in the world. The coping skills early on were our best survival skills but may not work for us now. Time in counseling, reflection and motivation can help us move forward. Healing is possible and I believe this wholeheartedly.
Becoming integrated and feeling whole is a process. The beauty is we are all capable of healing. Traumatic events in our lives via developmental stressors or one-time occurrences can greatly impact us and how we cope in the world. The coping skills early on were our best survival skills but may not work for us now. Time in counseling, reflection and motivation can help us move forward. Healing is possible and I believe this wholeheartedly.
(614) 257-4951 View (614) 257-4951
Photo of Kael Brooks, LICSW, LADC-1, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kael Brooks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LADC-1
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kittery, ME 03904  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be beautiful but can also feel painful and challenging. It is easy to become distanced from ourselves and overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety, depression and grief. I believe that healing and empowerment come through being seen and witnessed. As your therapist, I will walk alongside you, helping you find the strength and courage to work through life’s challenges. My goal is to help people reconnect with their innate inner strength and learn to live out of a sense of purpose and belonging.
Life can be beautiful but can also feel painful and challenging. It is easy to become distanced from ourselves and overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety, depression and grief. I believe that healing and empowerment come through being seen and witnessed. As your therapist, I will walk alongside you, helping you find the strength and courage to work through life’s challenges. My goal is to help people reconnect with their innate inner strength and learn to live out of a sense of purpose and belonging.
(978) 237-4200 View (978) 237-4200
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Trauma and PTSD Therapists

When should I seek treatment for trauma?

Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.

How long does trauma therapy take?

Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.

What happens if trauma is left untreated?

Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.

Can PTSD come back after treatment?

It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.