Photo of Natalie Lanham, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Natalie Lanham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
We are taking new clients at our office. We believe that therapy is a journey to build a better you. Whether that is moving through trauma, exploring and conquering anxiety, learning sports psychology tactics, raising your child (and dealing with the wonderful adolescent drama), fighting addiction, or strengthening your marriage, we're in this together. If you enter my therapy office, you are here to grow. While therapy is a process, it does not have to be a long, drawn out, difficult and treacherous.
We are taking new clients at our office. We believe that therapy is a journey to build a better you. Whether that is moving through trauma, exploring and conquering anxiety, learning sports psychology tactics, raising your child (and dealing with the wonderful adolescent drama), fighting addiction, or strengthening your marriage, we're in this together. If you enter my therapy office, you are here to grow. While therapy is a process, it does not have to be a long, drawn out, difficult and treacherous.
(385) 284-0225 View (385) 284-0225
Photo of River Barry, Counselor in Salt Lake City, UT
River Barry
Counselor, CMHC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84121  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My specialty is anxiety, depression, and trauma.
You’ve found yourself overwhelmed, lost, and are desperately searching for guidance toward relief. The challenges you’re facing are piling up and becoming more unmanageable. Difficult experiences have left you questioning whether its even possible you’ll ever recover. You can free yourself from old unhelpful patterns of thoughts and behaviors. You can find new ways of being that can create a life that is in alignment with your truest needs and desires. It's possible to create the life you've been longing for and overcome the challenges that have stood as barriers in the way.
My specialty is anxiety, depression, and trauma.
You’ve found yourself overwhelmed, lost, and are desperately searching for guidance toward relief. The challenges you’re facing are piling up and becoming more unmanageable. Difficult experiences have left you questioning whether its even possible you’ll ever recover. You can free yourself from old unhelpful patterns of thoughts and behaviors. You can find new ways of being that can create a life that is in alignment with your truest needs and desires. It's possible to create the life you've been longing for and overcome the challenges that have stood as barriers in the way.
(801) 695-4585 View (801) 695-4585
Photo of Eric Pribyl, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Eric Pribyl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Waitlist for new clients
Have you been through mental health counseling for some time and are trying to figure our why things are not clicking yet? Do you feel like it is hard to talk about your life and trauma because of the reaction others may make? People come to focus on many different issues in their life that may be hard to understand or make work for you. Clients may need more time or financial support and Amethyst Center for Healing can provide a wonderful environment during your mental health journey.
Have you been through mental health counseling for some time and are trying to figure our why things are not clicking yet? Do you feel like it is hard to talk about your life and trauma because of the reaction others may make? People come to focus on many different issues in their life that may be hard to understand or make work for you. Clients may need more time or financial support and Amethyst Center for Healing can provide a wonderful environment during your mental health journey.
(385) 284-2181 View (385) 284-2181
Photo of Claire Hoffmann- Source Holistic Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Claire Hoffmann- Source Holistic Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTS, MSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
Waitlist for new clients
Are you ready to get to the other side of your trauma? Help and support is here! I'm a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist with extensive and specialized experience treating burnout/stress, trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety, depression, dissociation and addiction. I work to help clients acknowledge, explore, and then move through these layers so that we can fully step into our power, purpose, and deep remembering of our soul. Shedding what is not ours to carry, and re-becoming our whole self is perhaps our greatest work here.
Are you ready to get to the other side of your trauma? Help and support is here! I'm a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist with extensive and specialized experience treating burnout/stress, trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety, depression, dissociation and addiction. I work to help clients acknowledge, explore, and then move through these layers so that we can fully step into our power, purpose, and deep remembering of our soul. Shedding what is not ours to carry, and re-becoming our whole self is perhaps our greatest work here.
(801) 316-8525 View (801) 316-8525
Photo of Dr. Ami Owen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Dr. Ami Owen
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Dr. Ami Owen received her undergraduate degree in Social Science and a minor in Psychology. She received her Master’s in General Family Therapy with an advanced emphasis on families and trauma. Dr. Owen also received a Doctorate in Counseling and is a Clinically Certified Trauma Professional. She is licensed in UT, ID, WA, AZ, TX, FL, CA, and is a nationally approved supervisor through the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). She takes delight in mentoring therapists on the complexities of family systems and consults with providers across the country to improve systems approaches.
Dr. Ami Owen received her undergraduate degree in Social Science and a minor in Psychology. She received her Master’s in General Family Therapy with an advanced emphasis on families and trauma. Dr. Owen also received a Doctorate in Counseling and is a Clinically Certified Trauma Professional. She is licensed in UT, ID, WA, AZ, TX, FL, CA, and is a nationally approved supervisor through the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). She takes delight in mentoring therapists on the complexities of family systems and consults with providers across the country to improve systems approaches.
(385) 485-5601 View (385) 485-5601
Photo of Tristyn Wilkerson, Psychologist in Salt Lake City, UT
Tristyn Wilkerson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Waitlist for new clients
I provide psychological and neuropsychological assessment for a variety of conditions including ADHD, autism, mood and anxiety, TBI, trauma, personality disorders, executive functioning, learning, intellectual disability, and cognition and memory difficulties. I have extensive experience working with parents and schools to access academic services for their children. I provide individual therapy specializing in trauma, mood and anxiety, and executive function difficulties. I also provide forensic consultation and assessment nationwide in civil cases with a focus in child abuse and trauma restitution.
I provide psychological and neuropsychological assessment for a variety of conditions including ADHD, autism, mood and anxiety, TBI, trauma, personality disorders, executive functioning, learning, intellectual disability, and cognition and memory difficulties. I have extensive experience working with parents and schools to access academic services for their children. I provide individual therapy specializing in trauma, mood and anxiety, and executive function difficulties. I also provide forensic consultation and assessment nationwide in civil cases with a focus in child abuse and trauma restitution.
(385) 786-0737 View (385) 786-0737
Photo of Huan (Mike) Lo, Pre-Licensed Professional in Salt Lake City, UT
Huan (Mike) Lo
Pre-Licensed Professional, CSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Our trauma-focused treatment plans ensure individualized care.
As a first-generation Asian immigrant to the U.S. and an ex-Mormon, I understand the difficulty of blending cultures, values, and faith transition. It is important to me to help individuals feel heard and give them a sense of belonging. I want my clients to be able to tell their stories without being judged and live fully without shame and guilt. In our sessions, you will gain a new perspective on yourself and find the confidence to take on any challenges in your life. I want you to be able to view your experiences through a different lens
Our trauma-focused treatment plans ensure individualized care.
As a first-generation Asian immigrant to the U.S. and an ex-Mormon, I understand the difficulty of blending cultures, values, and faith transition. It is important to me to help individuals feel heard and give them a sense of belonging. I want my clients to be able to tell their stories without being judged and live fully without shame and guilt. In our sessions, you will gain a new perspective on yourself and find the confidence to take on any challenges in your life. I want you to be able to view your experiences through a different lens
(385) 492-6755 View (385) 492-6755
Photo of Alice Dughi, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Alice Dughi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84106  (Online Only)
The goal of my practice is to provide presence, emotional safety, and neurobiological understanding of my clients' nervous systems and mind-body connection, to promote better understanding of their mechanisms of adaptation and inherent wisdom. Through this compassionate inquiry, parts of ourselves have the opportunity to reintegrate back into our system of wellness after fracturing off from trauma and dysfunction. This approach embodies the philosophy of my practice: living an Essence Aligned life, where your inner intelligence and wisdom is the driving force, empowering a life of your own creation.
The goal of my practice is to provide presence, emotional safety, and neurobiological understanding of my clients' nervous systems and mind-body connection, to promote better understanding of their mechanisms of adaptation and inherent wisdom. Through this compassionate inquiry, parts of ourselves have the opportunity to reintegrate back into our system of wellness after fracturing off from trauma and dysfunction. This approach embodies the philosophy of my practice: living an Essence Aligned life, where your inner intelligence and wisdom is the driving force, empowering a life of your own creation.
(385) 503-9077 View (385) 503-9077
Photo of Adrienne Kriss, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Adrienne Kriss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Clients I work with feel overwhelmed, lost, like a failure, stuck, and unsure of how to find balance in our chaotic world. I support clients in improving emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships. I provide a safe space to explore experiences and emotions. I specialize in helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, personality disorders, and substance misuse.
Clients I work with feel overwhelmed, lost, like a failure, stuck, and unsure of how to find balance in our chaotic world. I support clients in improving emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships. I provide a safe space to explore experiences and emotions. I specialize in helping those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, personality disorders, and substance misuse.
(385) 458-3824 View (385) 458-3824
Photo of Gina M. Wehling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Gina M. Wehling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84110  (Online Only)
How can we expect to run, if we have not yet learned to walk? All too often, we place pressure, self-doubt, fear, and beat ourselves up physically, emotionally, and mentally when we falter and fail in life’s pursuit. No matter the circumstances, at some point, we need someone to walk or wheel alongside us in our journey. As a multi-cultural, differently abled, first-generation immigrant Latina therapist, I take pride in being trauma-informed and understanding the intersectionality that individuals from all walks of life encounter. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, & empowering space for my clients to confront their problems.
How can we expect to run, if we have not yet learned to walk? All too often, we place pressure, self-doubt, fear, and beat ourselves up physically, emotionally, and mentally when we falter and fail in life’s pursuit. No matter the circumstances, at some point, we need someone to walk or wheel alongside us in our journey. As a multi-cultural, differently abled, first-generation immigrant Latina therapist, I take pride in being trauma-informed and understanding the intersectionality that individuals from all walks of life encounter. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, & empowering space for my clients to confront their problems.
(385) 386-8399 View (385) 386-8399
Photo of Amanda Cutler, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Amanda Cutler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
*ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR GROUP THERAPY OR WAITLIST ONLY* Through the therapeutic process, you can release the pain that you carry and build a life that you enjoy. I am passionate about helping you heal. As a therapist, my primary focus is on the overall wellness and goals of my client. I use a client-centered approach while providing trauma-informed and evidence-based methods to help you achieve what is really important to you. Areas of specialty include trauma, anxiety, life transitions, coming of age issues, depression, attachment, relationship issues, grief, chronic illness and coping with stress and loss.
*ACCEPTING CLIENTS FOR GROUP THERAPY OR WAITLIST ONLY* Through the therapeutic process, you can release the pain that you carry and build a life that you enjoy. I am passionate about helping you heal. As a therapist, my primary focus is on the overall wellness and goals of my client. I use a client-centered approach while providing trauma-informed and evidence-based methods to help you achieve what is really important to you. Areas of specialty include trauma, anxiety, life transitions, coming of age issues, depression, attachment, relationship issues, grief, chronic illness and coping with stress and loss.
(385) 255-7538 View (385) 255-7538
Photo of Caroline Alyce Kellough, Counselor in Salt Lake City, UT
Caroline Alyce Kellough
Counselor, CMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
Waitlist for new clients
My work is influenced by many trauma-informed practices including attachment theory, object relations, EMDR (trained), family systems, and internal family systems.
I work with young adults, families, and couples helping them to shed light on themselves and the systems of which they are a part. I have worked predominately with clients experiencing symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar, addictive disorders, and personality disorders. I have a background in wilderness therapy and experiential treatment and love to introduce creative, alternative modes of expression to my clients, including yoga movement, narrative, and outdoor based therapies (walk and talk). By the end of our first session, most of my clients feel relieved and hopeful for their next steps.
My work is influenced by many trauma-informed practices including attachment theory, object relations, EMDR (trained), family systems, and internal family systems.
I work with young adults, families, and couples helping them to shed light on themselves and the systems of which they are a part. I have worked predominately with clients experiencing symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar, addictive disorders, and personality disorders. I have a background in wilderness therapy and experiential treatment and love to introduce creative, alternative modes of expression to my clients, including yoga movement, narrative, and outdoor based therapies (walk and talk). By the end of our first session, most of my clients feel relieved and hopeful for their next steps.
(435) 562-9024 View (435) 562-9024
Photo of David Elder, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
David Elder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Addressing challenges including marriage, divorce, religious transition, aging, depression, anxiety, stress, unemployment, death of loved ones, domestic issues, abuse, trauma, codependence, addiction, grief, parenting and relationships.
I know what it's like to struggle with the challenges of family, parenting, aging, grief, employment, marriage, life transitions, career loss, self fulfillment and purpose. Married for over 44 years, having owned a family business, I learned firsthand how to find purpose and peace in the midst of stress, depression, loss, anxiety and grief. I draw on personal experiences of raising children, marriage, owning a business, aging parents, loss of loved ones, major life transitions, depression, anxiety, addiction and stress. These life experiences give me a unique understanding and ability to help clients overcome similar challenges.
Addressing challenges including marriage, divorce, religious transition, aging, depression, anxiety, stress, unemployment, death of loved ones, domestic issues, abuse, trauma, codependence, addiction, grief, parenting and relationships.
I know what it's like to struggle with the challenges of family, parenting, aging, grief, employment, marriage, life transitions, career loss, self fulfillment and purpose. Married for over 44 years, having owned a family business, I learned firsthand how to find purpose and peace in the midst of stress, depression, loss, anxiety and grief. I draw on personal experiences of raising children, marriage, owning a business, aging parents, loss of loved ones, major life transitions, depression, anxiety, addiction and stress. These life experiences give me a unique understanding and ability to help clients overcome similar challenges.
(801) 734-9096 View (801) 734-9096
Photo of Aline Devaud, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Aline Devaud
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Waitlist for new clients
So if you're looking for an accepting and nonjudgmental therapist who can help you navigate through depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship issues, I could be the one for you.
Do you find yourself struggling with self-defeating thoughts, sad and anxious feelings, and behaviors that don't seem to bring you much joy? Do you feel stuck? Well, this can happen to anyone, even therapists. (And it's important to work with a therapist who has done their own therapy.) There's no shame in getting help. It's a sign of being real with yourself and a sign of strength to reach out for help.
So if you're looking for an accepting and nonjudgmental therapist who can help you navigate through depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship issues, I could be the one for you.
Do you find yourself struggling with self-defeating thoughts, sad and anxious feelings, and behaviors that don't seem to bring you much joy? Do you feel stuck? Well, this can happen to anyone, even therapists. (And it's important to work with a therapist who has done their own therapy.) There's no shame in getting help. It's a sign of being real with yourself and a sign of strength to reach out for help.
(385) 270-8180 View (385) 270-8180
Photo of Amethyst Center for Healing, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Amethyst Center for Healing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
At Amethyst Center for Healing we are dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities recover from trauma and abuse, so that we may all live peaceful, empowered lives. We understand that sometimes people go through things that never should have happened and that those circumstances can be damaging for everyone involved. As trauma informed, solution oriented therapists, we will explore your circumstances with you and help you find a plan for what is going to work best to get you moving forward to the healthy, productive life you want to live.
At Amethyst Center for Healing we are dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities recover from trauma and abuse, so that we may all live peaceful, empowered lives. We understand that sometimes people go through things that never should have happened and that those circumstances can be damaging for everyone involved. As trauma informed, solution oriented therapists, we will explore your circumstances with you and help you find a plan for what is going to work best to get you moving forward to the healthy, productive life you want to live.
(435) 315-4147 View (435) 315-4147
Photo of Compass Rose Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Compass Rose Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW , PMH-C
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
My name is Jamie Hales and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in women’s mental health. Whether it is your first time seeking therapy or you are returning to the work, my role is to serve as a guide on your journey. I am certified by Postpartum Support International in the treatment of Perinatal Mental Health Conditions (PMHC) such as postpartum depression and anxiety, perinatal OCD, and reproductive trauma. I also provide treatment and support for individuals and couples experiencing infertility and grief/loss around their reproductive journey.
My name is Jamie Hales and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in women’s mental health. Whether it is your first time seeking therapy or you are returning to the work, my role is to serve as a guide on your journey. I am certified by Postpartum Support International in the treatment of Perinatal Mental Health Conditions (PMHC) such as postpartum depression and anxiety, perinatal OCD, and reproductive trauma. I also provide treatment and support for individuals and couples experiencing infertility and grief/loss around their reproductive journey.
(801) 413-7838 View (801) 413-7838
Photo of In Tune Counseling & Coaching, LLC, Counselor in Salt Lake City, UT
In Tune Counseling & Coaching, LLC
Counselor, CMHC
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84124
Kim M Palmer, CMHC is specialized in working with clients of all ages, and assisting individuals struggling with substance abuse, domestic violence, trauma work, eating disorders, crisis management, etc.
In Tune Counseling and Coaching emphasizes the client - therapist relationship. We offer a safe and comfortable setting that promotes respect, growth and development. Each individual is treated uniquely with regard to personal characteristics and interpersonal skills. Our therapists are invested in our clients and utilize evidence-based practices, creative and experiential modality, and are compassionate about their health and well-being. Wellness is paramount and is supported through therapeutic, life coaching, holistic and/or pharmaceutical means.
Kim M Palmer, CMHC is specialized in working with clients of all ages, and assisting individuals struggling with substance abuse, domestic violence, trauma work, eating disorders, crisis management, etc.
In Tune Counseling and Coaching emphasizes the client - therapist relationship. We offer a safe and comfortable setting that promotes respect, growth and development. Each individual is treated uniquely with regard to personal characteristics and interpersonal skills. Our therapists are invested in our clients and utilize evidence-based practices, creative and experiential modality, and are compassionate about their health and well-being. Wellness is paramount and is supported through therapeutic, life coaching, holistic and/or pharmaceutical means.
(801) 666-4762 View (801) 666-4762
Photo of London Meister, Licensed Social Worker in Salt Lake City, UT
London Meister
Licensed Social Worker, CSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
Investing time to tell someone your story can be daunting. Let's make this comfortable - come as you are. I want to help you dismantle the harsh narratives we often take on, sometimes without even realizing it. The stories we tell ourselves shape our behaviors, relationships, physical health & entire reality. Along with Narrative Therapy, our work will include multiple evidence-based modalities— all proven to relieve symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and increase self-esteem. I love working with both individuals & couples. I tell my clients all of the time, we heal in the context of healthy relationships. Let’s cultivate yours.
Investing time to tell someone your story can be daunting. Let's make this comfortable - come as you are. I want to help you dismantle the harsh narratives we often take on, sometimes without even realizing it. The stories we tell ourselves shape our behaviors, relationships, physical health & entire reality. Along with Narrative Therapy, our work will include multiple evidence-based modalities— all proven to relieve symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and increase self-esteem. I love working with both individuals & couples. I tell my clients all of the time, we heal in the context of healthy relationships. Let’s cultivate yours.
(385) 332-8254 View (385) 332-8254
Photo of Blue Skies Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Blue Skies Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Jayne started Blue Skies Counseling with the goal of helping women heal who have experienced relationship trauma. Now, as four empathic, LGBTQIA+-allied feminist therapists, our expanded goal is to help you recognize and actively dismantle felt oppression and inequity on an individual basis, including supporting people who are questioning their faith, sexuality, and gender identity. We offer a client-centered, solution-focused approach through multicultural, humanistic, existential, and relational theories in a safe, warm environment. We also use EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), SE, and other modalities to help our clients heal.
Jayne started Blue Skies Counseling with the goal of helping women heal who have experienced relationship trauma. Now, as four empathic, LGBTQIA+-allied feminist therapists, our expanded goal is to help you recognize and actively dismantle felt oppression and inequity on an individual basis, including supporting people who are questioning their faith, sexuality, and gender identity. We offer a client-centered, solution-focused approach through multicultural, humanistic, existential, and relational theories in a safe, warm environment. We also use EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), SE, and other modalities to help our clients heal.
(385) 324-6238 View (385) 324-6238
Photo of Matthew Maya, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Salt Lake City, UT
Matthew Maya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Waitlist for new clients
I am EMDR and EFiT trained and much of my approach with my clients is trauma and attachment focused; how what happened to us throughout the lifespan shapes how we view the world, our relationships, and ourselves.
Hi there, I'm Matthew! For the last eight years I have worked in the mental health profession in various roles and capacities. I have been a youth mentor, a group facilitator, a child welfare worker, and have been working in family, group, and individual therapy. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ clients who are struggling with identity issues, trauma, and faith transitions. Figuring out who we are and how we belong is a difficult and sometimes challenging task, and it’s okay to ask for help.
I am EMDR and EFiT trained and much of my approach with my clients is trauma and attachment focused; how what happened to us throughout the lifespan shapes how we view the world, our relationships, and ourselves.
Hi there, I'm Matthew! For the last eight years I have worked in the mental health profession in various roles and capacities. I have been a youth mentor, a group facilitator, a child welfare worker, and have been working in family, group, and individual therapy. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ clients who are struggling with identity issues, trauma, and faith transitions. Figuring out who we are and how we belong is a difficult and sometimes challenging task, and it’s okay to ask for help.
(385) 417-4524 View (385) 417-4524

See more therapy options for Salt Lake City


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.