Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Tennessee

Photo of Hannah Grisham, Pre-Licensed Professional in Tennessee
Hannah Grisham
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, TN 37027
(I am currently accepting new clients!) If you find yourself here because you're feeling overwhelmed, lost, and unsure how to move forward in life, you've made it to the right place. Congrats on starting your journey to healing, I am already so proud of you! I am here to help you work through the anxiety that keeps you from recognizing your potential, the trauma that keeps you feeling stuck in the past, and any attachment wounds that keep you from forming deep and meaningful connections. If any of these have resonated with you, then let's get started working towards the life you desire.
(I am currently accepting new clients!) If you find yourself here because you're feeling overwhelmed, lost, and unsure how to move forward in life, you've made it to the right place. Congrats on starting your journey to healing, I am already so proud of you! I am here to help you work through the anxiety that keeps you from recognizing your potential, the trauma that keeps you feeling stuck in the past, and any attachment wounds that keep you from forming deep and meaningful connections. If any of these have resonated with you, then let's get started working towards the life you desire.
(615) 802-6533 View (615) 802-6533
Photo of Vicki Miller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Tennessee
Vicki Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37919
While I have worked with a variety of issues through individual sessions and leading groups at Focus, my specialties include trauma, PTSD, eating disorders, and mood disorders.
After retiring from the military with over 21 years in service, I completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. I wanted to help others discover their own potential in living a fulfilling, joyful life. I believe in empowering the whole person through Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the connection of mind, body, and spirit.
While I have worked with a variety of issues through individual sessions and leading groups at Focus, my specialties include trauma, PTSD, eating disorders, and mood disorders.
After retiring from the military with over 21 years in service, I completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. I wanted to help others discover their own potential in living a fulfilling, joyful life. I believe in empowering the whole person through Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the connection of mind, body, and spirit.
(865) 407-2323 View (865) 407-2323
Photo of Emily Hand, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Emily Hand
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Johnson City, TN 37601
Existing can be tough, especially if you're part of a marginalized community, going through a difficult time, or have faced adversity and/or trauma. Our brains want to experience fulfillment and peace, but at times the familiar patterns or approaches we've tried aren't getting us the life we desire. Often we believe there's something wrong with us, when in reality it's what happened to us and the ripple effects of that which are causing us pain and suffering.
Existing can be tough, especially if you're part of a marginalized community, going through a difficult time, or have faced adversity and/or trauma. Our brains want to experience fulfillment and peace, but at times the familiar patterns or approaches we've tried aren't getting us the life we desire. Often we believe there's something wrong with us, when in reality it's what happened to us and the ripple effects of that which are causing us pain and suffering.
(423) 445-0251 View (423) 445-0251
Photo of Mary Morrow, Pre-Licensed Professional in Tennessee
Mary Morrow
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
In my work with clients, I take an eclectic, client-centered, trauma-based approach, and integrate modalities including ACT, DBT, and Brainspotting.
I do this work because I feel called to support people through the messy-but-worth-it journey of healing, and toward a cultivation of the joy and contentment they deserve. A genuine therapeutic relationship is the most crucial element in this process. If therapy hasn’t worked well for you in the past, it’s very likely that the therapist wasn’t the right fit for you. My first priority is to create a space that allows my clients to feel seen, understood, and cared for. I believe you're doing the best you can with the tools you currently have— but at times we ALL need more tools and support, and I would love to collaborate with you.
In my work with clients, I take an eclectic, client-centered, trauma-based approach, and integrate modalities including ACT, DBT, and Brainspotting.
I do this work because I feel called to support people through the messy-but-worth-it journey of healing, and toward a cultivation of the joy and contentment they deserve. A genuine therapeutic relationship is the most crucial element in this process. If therapy hasn’t worked well for you in the past, it’s very likely that the therapist wasn’t the right fit for you. My first priority is to create a space that allows my clients to feel seen, understood, and cared for. I believe you're doing the best you can with the tools you currently have— but at times we ALL need more tools and support, and I would love to collaborate with you.
(615) 492-9291 View (615) 492-9291
Photo of Philip Zimmerman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Tennessee
Philip Zimmerman, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37067
My areas of focus include abuse and trauma recovery, restoring broken relationships, and couples in crisis.
Knowing that the therapeutic relationship is built on trust, hope, and care, I create an environment in which people can be themselves. My approach is holistic, acknowledging the interaction of mind, body and spirit in the healing process. I invite people to look at both how they have been hurt and what they have done with their pain. At core, I view counseling as a healing relationship that helps people grow in their capacity to love others and to love themselves.
My areas of focus include abuse and trauma recovery, restoring broken relationships, and couples in crisis.
Knowing that the therapeutic relationship is built on trust, hope, and care, I create an environment in which people can be themselves. My approach is holistic, acknowledging the interaction of mind, body and spirit in the healing process. I invite people to look at both how they have been hurt and what they have done with their pain. At core, I view counseling as a healing relationship that helps people grow in their capacity to love others and to love themselves.
(615) 656-7187 View (615) 656-7187
Photo of Jill Terhune, Counselor in Tennessee
Jill Terhune
Counselor, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Here at Affirming Life Therapy, we define trauma as anything less than a life affirming experience and want you to know that regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, relationship dynamics, or past you are welcome and respected here.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, isolated, anxious, depressed, and reliving past traumatic experiences, but hopeful for understanding, confidence, and peace. Through my work in sexual assault centers, domestic violence shelters, in private practice, and at Onsite Workshops I have learned how trauma is stored in the body, how it creates negative beliefs about the self, how it keeps us from living in the present moment and how it keeps us from connecting to those around us. Working with me feels like gentle confrontation and resource building in order to delve into past wounds with a deeply open, knowledgeable, and compassionate ally.
Here at Affirming Life Therapy, we define trauma as anything less than a life affirming experience and want you to know that regardless of your gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, ethnicity, relationship dynamics, or past you are welcome and respected here.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, isolated, anxious, depressed, and reliving past traumatic experiences, but hopeful for understanding, confidence, and peace. Through my work in sexual assault centers, domestic violence shelters, in private practice, and at Onsite Workshops I have learned how trauma is stored in the body, how it creates negative beliefs about the self, how it keeps us from living in the present moment and how it keeps us from connecting to those around us. Working with me feels like gentle confrontation and resource building in order to delve into past wounds with a deeply open, knowledgeable, and compassionate ally.
View
Photo of Ailie Green, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Tennessee
Ailie Green
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brentwood, TN 37027  (Online Only)
I particularly enjoy working with (but not limited to) anxiety, trauma, stress, grief, and depression.
I hold a belief that we are all doing the very best we can with the skills and the knowledge that we have. I also hold a belief that sometimes we need support to step into healthier skills and gain new knowledge to grow and to heal. Being human is messy, imperfection is our only option, and wow that can be hard to sit with sometimes. Whether you are searching for support because you are deep in struggle or you are searching for support because you are interested in growing as a human, I am here for it! If this is your first interaction with therapy OR you've tried therapy and want to give it another go, you are so welcome here!
I particularly enjoy working with (but not limited to) anxiety, trauma, stress, grief, and depression.
I hold a belief that we are all doing the very best we can with the skills and the knowledge that we have. I also hold a belief that sometimes we need support to step into healthier skills and gain new knowledge to grow and to heal. Being human is messy, imperfection is our only option, and wow that can be hard to sit with sometimes. Whether you are searching for support because you are deep in struggle or you are searching for support because you are interested in growing as a human, I am here for it! If this is your first interaction with therapy OR you've tried therapy and want to give it another go, you are so welcome here!
(629) 205-7984 View (629) 205-7984
Photo of Melissa Rose, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Melissa Rose
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, -MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37923
Waitlist for new clients
As an experienced child and family therapist, I am committed to helping families become happy, healthy, and whole. My area of expertise includes early childhood development, trauma, and childhood mental health. I am experienced in the treatment of a wide range of issues including ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, and behavioral issues. Other issues I commonly work with are emotion dysregulation, school-related difficulties, and parenting challenges.
As an experienced child and family therapist, I am committed to helping families become happy, healthy, and whole. My area of expertise includes early childhood development, trauma, and childhood mental health. I am experienced in the treatment of a wide range of issues including ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, and behavioral issues. Other issues I commonly work with are emotion dysregulation, school-related difficulties, and parenting challenges.
(865) 269-9047 View (865) 269-9047
Photo of Megan Richardson, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Tennessee
Megan Richardson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37064
I have training in the Internal Family Systems approach to therapy, I am EMDR trained (trauma therapy), and I practice an experiential approach to therapy with couples, families, and individuals.
My hope is to meet with clients of all ages who find themselves scrambling for health and wholeness and whatever that means to them. I believe there is immense power in feeling safe and known and that our wounds and victories both impact our thought processes, relationships, emotions, and behaviors. In life transitions, relational difficulties, and personal struggles, I aim to be an agent of hope and compassion that moves clients towards greater awareness and confidence, and away from self-defeating processes of shame and feelings of unworthiness. As a result, the health of body, mind, soul, and relationships improves.
I have training in the Internal Family Systems approach to therapy, I am EMDR trained (trauma therapy), and I practice an experiential approach to therapy with couples, families, and individuals.
My hope is to meet with clients of all ages who find themselves scrambling for health and wholeness and whatever that means to them. I believe there is immense power in feeling safe and known and that our wounds and victories both impact our thought processes, relationships, emotions, and behaviors. In life transitions, relational difficulties, and personal struggles, I aim to be an agent of hope and compassion that moves clients towards greater awareness and confidence, and away from self-defeating processes of shame and feelings of unworthiness. As a result, the health of body, mind, soul, and relationships improves.
(615) 436-5830 View (615) 436-5830
Photo of Greg P Kirkham, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Tennessee
Greg P Kirkham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Franklin, TN 37067  (Online Only)
Hi im Greg Kirkham! Im a licensed therapist, practicing for over 20 years. I specialize in treating trauma. Now, you may be saying “but I don’t have trauma!” Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes and is often not recognized as such, but almost always has a significant impact on someone’s overall mental, physical and emotional health. Trauma also presents in many different forms, including struggles with depression, anxiety and anger management. Over my career I have worked with an array of populations, including children/families, juvenile sex offenders, and even convicts.
Hi im Greg Kirkham! Im a licensed therapist, practicing for over 20 years. I specialize in treating trauma. Now, you may be saying “but I don’t have trauma!” Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes and is often not recognized as such, but almost always has a significant impact on someone’s overall mental, physical and emotional health. Trauma also presents in many different forms, including struggles with depression, anxiety and anger management. Over my career I have worked with an array of populations, including children/families, juvenile sex offenders, and even convicts.
(615) 265-6527 View (615) 265-6527
Photo of Barbara L. Schmitt, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Barbara L. Schmitt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Clarksville, TN 37042  (Online Only)
I have training and experience working with victims of trauma and offer EMDR Therapy.
Emotional pain is hurtful. Sometimes life circumstances overwhelm us and we lose our way and our peace of mind. Therapy can help heal relationships with others but most importantly with ourselves. We need an objective partner who can identify problematic issues and assist with development of coping skills and healing. I've named my practice Tranquility Counseling because I hope to help my clients enter a space of peacefulness, calm, and safety - even amidst chaotic times.
I have training and experience working with victims of trauma and offer EMDR Therapy.
Emotional pain is hurtful. Sometimes life circumstances overwhelm us and we lose our way and our peace of mind. Therapy can help heal relationships with others but most importantly with ourselves. We need an objective partner who can identify problematic issues and assist with development of coping skills and healing. I've named my practice Tranquility Counseling because I hope to help my clients enter a space of peacefulness, calm, and safety - even amidst chaotic times.
(615) 656-7209 View (615) 656-7209
Photo of Brandi Santiwan, Pre-Licensed Professional in Tennessee
Brandi Santiwan
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hixson, TN 37343
I have walked with clients through experiences including sexual abuse, family disruptions, childhood trauma, and more.
Sometimes your own mind can be the hardest place to exist. I believe that every individual deserves access to the tools necessary to feel comfortable and safe within themselves. I have history working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced life-altering traumas and navigating a path forward. There are so many things in our worlds outside of our control. My passion is helping individuals gain, or take back, their sense of control over their own lives.
I have walked with clients through experiences including sexual abuse, family disruptions, childhood trauma, and more.
Sometimes your own mind can be the hardest place to exist. I believe that every individual deserves access to the tools necessary to feel comfortable and safe within themselves. I have history working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced life-altering traumas and navigating a path forward. There are so many things in our worlds outside of our control. My passion is helping individuals gain, or take back, their sense of control over their own lives.
(423) 401-6474 View (423) 401-6474
Photo of Sean Coyle, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Sean Coyle
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37207
I help clients struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, PTSD/trauma, motivation & life adjustments. It is not uncommon to find ourselves stuck or overwhelmed. We've often learned to neglect ourselves, our needs, and feel unable to call upon others when we need help. Many of us battle with feelings of shame and speak to ourselves in a critical voice. I believe this often comes from a place of wounding from our past that drives us further away from our true, authentic self. When we can learn how to care for ourselves in the way we needed in the past, we can shift our beliefs of ourselves and who we are in relation to others
I help clients struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, PTSD/trauma, motivation & life adjustments. It is not uncommon to find ourselves stuck or overwhelmed. We've often learned to neglect ourselves, our needs, and feel unable to call upon others when we need help. Many of us battle with feelings of shame and speak to ourselves in a critical voice. I believe this often comes from a place of wounding from our past that drives us further away from our true, authentic self. When we can learn how to care for ourselves in the way we needed in the past, we can shift our beliefs of ourselves and who we are in relation to others
(615) 576-3751 View (615) 576-3751
Photo of Colton Hammond, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Tennessee
Colton Hammond
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brentwood, TN 37027
Colton counsels individuals and couples with issues of relational distress, self-image, anxiety, grief, trauma, and addiction.
Colton specializes in helping clients who are no longer content with the way things are. He will work with you to develop healthy and effective patterns of relating to yourself, others, and the world. With compassion and presence, Colton is committed to your personal and relational wholeness.
Colton counsels individuals and couples with issues of relational distress, self-image, anxiety, grief, trauma, and addiction.
Colton specializes in helping clients who are no longer content with the way things are. He will work with you to develop healthy and effective patterns of relating to yourself, others, and the world. With compassion and presence, Colton is committed to your personal and relational wholeness.
(629) 356-5703 View (629) 356-5703
Photo of Sharon Sitler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Sharon Sitler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Maryville, TN 37803
I have a heart for people who have walked thru traumatic experiences (PTSD) and have extra training in this area.
I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, encouraging them and giving them hope. I believe in balanced living and looking at how issues are affecting us emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. I believe in looking at things from a Christian Worldview but work with people from all viewpoints. I used to work in the corporate world so can identify with people from all walks of life and many different life experiences. I started counseling individuals in Florida as an intern many years ago. Graduated in 1997 and am licensed both in Florida and Tennessee. My family moved to Tennessee 16 years ago, we love Tennessee.
I have a heart for people who have walked thru traumatic experiences (PTSD) and have extra training in this area.
I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, encouraging them and giving them hope. I believe in balanced living and looking at how issues are affecting us emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually. I believe in looking at things from a Christian Worldview but work with people from all viewpoints. I used to work in the corporate world so can identify with people from all walks of life and many different life experiences. I started counseling individuals in Florida as an intern many years ago. Graduated in 1997 and am licensed both in Florida and Tennessee. My family moved to Tennessee 16 years ago, we love Tennessee.
(865) 409-1334 View (865) 409-1334
Photo of Tony D. Weaver, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Tony D. Weaver
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37923
Tony specializes in treating trauma-related issues through such methods as EMDR, PE, CPT, and other proven forms of psychotherapy.
Tony is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has extensive experience treating both first responders and military personnel and their dependents for trauma-related issues as well as a host of other concerns. Tony and his family reside in West Knoxville and he is well versed in the Tennessee culture having been raised in East Tennessee. In addition to an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Tony earned a Master of Divinity and served for over 15 years in the pastoral setting. From his broad academic and experiential background he brings to the clinical setting a wealth of wisdom and skill with a unique perspective.
Tony specializes in treating trauma-related issues through such methods as EMDR, PE, CPT, and other proven forms of psychotherapy.
Tony is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has extensive experience treating both first responders and military personnel and their dependents for trauma-related issues as well as a host of other concerns. Tony and his family reside in West Knoxville and he is well versed in the Tennessee culture having been raised in East Tennessee. In addition to an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Tony earned a Master of Divinity and served for over 15 years in the pastoral setting. From his broad academic and experiential background he brings to the clinical setting a wealth of wisdom and skill with a unique perspective.
(865) 234-3426 View (865) 234-3426
Photo of Rebekah Barrom, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Rebekah Barrom
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Memphis, TN 38117
Many trauma survivors simply want to avoid the topic of their trauma and get on with their lives.
Are you angry? Angry with everyone, angry with life, even angry with God? Do you feel disillusioned about life and distrustful of others? Did you know that these are classic hallmarks of post-traumatic stress disorder? After surviving a traumatic event, many people experience all of these things and more, which can disrupt every aspect of life. I hope it will encourage you to know that all of these reactions to trauma are completely normal and treatable.
Many trauma survivors simply want to avoid the topic of their trauma and get on with their lives.
Are you angry? Angry with everyone, angry with life, even angry with God? Do you feel disillusioned about life and distrustful of others? Did you know that these are classic hallmarks of post-traumatic stress disorder? After surviving a traumatic event, many people experience all of these things and more, which can disrupt every aspect of life. I hope it will encourage you to know that all of these reactions to trauma are completely normal and treatable.
(901) 599-2868 View (901) 599-2868
Photo of Angelina Armstrong, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Angelina Armstrong
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP, (T)
Verified Verified
Cordova, TN 38018
Waitlist for new clients
Acknowledging the need for extra support can feel difficult, however, carrying the burdens alone can be even more of a challenge. If you have found yourself reading this, perhaps you are already on your way to healing, or are searching for help for a loved one. I have experience working with adults in residential and outpatient care with eating disorders and history of trauma, including complex trauma and dissociation/dissociative disorders, including DID. I also have experience working with other mood-related disorders, body image disruptions, anxiety/panic, grief/loss, chronic pain/illness, and general life transitions.
Acknowledging the need for extra support can feel difficult, however, carrying the burdens alone can be even more of a challenge. If you have found yourself reading this, perhaps you are already on your way to healing, or are searching for help for a loved one. I have experience working with adults in residential and outpatient care with eating disorders and history of trauma, including complex trauma and dissociation/dissociative disorders, including DID. I also have experience working with other mood-related disorders, body image disruptions, anxiety/panic, grief/loss, chronic pain/illness, and general life transitions.
(901) 668-7771 View (901) 668-7771
Photo of Carrie Allen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Carrie Allen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Centerville, TN 37033  (Online Only)
I focused all my efforts on being a trauma-informed therapist and sought diverse populations to increase my skill set.
My name is Carrie Allen (she/her), and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I graduated with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2016. Being a therapist is my first career, and I cannot see myself doing anything else. "Trauma is personal. It does not disappear if it is not validated. When it is ignored or invalidated, the silent screams continue internally," by Danielle Bernock. Trauma creates feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, of shame and guilt, and of being so lost in the darkness that it feels like there is no end and no way out. I work with you to find hope and self-compassion.
I focused all my efforts on being a trauma-informed therapist and sought diverse populations to increase my skill set.
My name is Carrie Allen (she/her), and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I graduated with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2016. Being a therapist is my first career, and I cannot see myself doing anything else. "Trauma is personal. It does not disappear if it is not validated. When it is ignored or invalidated, the silent screams continue internally," by Danielle Bernock. Trauma creates feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, of shame and guilt, and of being so lost in the darkness that it feels like there is no end and no way out. I work with you to find hope and self-compassion.
View
Photo of Sheri Frey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Tennessee
Sheri Frey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Whether you struggle with issues like chronic people-pleasing, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, depression, or other challenges, I will work to create a safe space for you to heal, learn, and grow.
Does it seem like everyone else is living their best life, but the story of your life is not what you want it to be? Do many of your relationships feel difficult, one-sided, or disappointing? Do you feel like you prioritize everyone else's needs over your own? Do you feel anxious or guilty when you think you've let someone down? Do you sometimes feel underappreciated because you do so much for others and get so little in return? If you want help to discover the root of the problems, fix toxic patterns, navigate difficult relationships confidently, and find joy, let's work to make the next part of your story a really great one.
Whether you struggle with issues like chronic people-pleasing, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, depression, or other challenges, I will work to create a safe space for you to heal, learn, and grow.
Does it seem like everyone else is living their best life, but the story of your life is not what you want it to be? Do many of your relationships feel difficult, one-sided, or disappointing? Do you feel like you prioritize everyone else's needs over your own? Do you feel anxious or guilty when you think you've let someone down? Do you sometimes feel underappreciated because you do so much for others and get so little in return? If you want help to discover the root of the problems, fix toxic patterns, navigate difficult relationships confidently, and find joy, let's work to make the next part of your story a really great one.
(615) 551-1299 View (615) 551-1299
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.