Trauma and PTSD Counselling in Wollongong, NSW
![Photo of Dr Sophie Russell, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46bd6bab-e38f-48e7-bfd2-2c57db4898db/2/320x400.png)
I have a special interest in EMDR and trauma therapy, as well as working with anxiety and relationship issues.
Hi, I'm Sophie, I aim to offer a warm and supportive therapeutic space so we can engage in individualised psychotherapy. I am a clinically trained psychologist with 7 years of therapy experience, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology. I hope to create a welcoming therapy space, to work with whatever difficulties you are experiencing. I have a special interest in working with people experiencing anxiety and distress related to past trauma/difficult experiences. I also find psychotherapy for self/identity exploration and diverse genders and sexuality (LGBTQI+) really rewarding.
I have a special interest in EMDR and trauma therapy, as well as working with anxiety and relationship issues.
Hi, I'm Sophie, I aim to offer a warm and supportive therapeutic space so we can engage in individualised psychotherapy. I am a clinically trained psychologist with 7 years of therapy experience, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology. I hope to create a welcoming therapy space, to work with whatever difficulties you are experiencing. I have a special interest in working with people experiencing anxiety and distress related to past trauma/difficult experiences. I also find psychotherapy for self/identity exploration and diverse genders and sexuality (LGBTQI+) really rewarding.
![Photo of Jane Woodbridge, PhD, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06dfee18-5f37-419f-997d-ff8b92639731/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you would like some help to make real life changes, clarify your diagnosis, reach important goals, learn new skills and strategies, improve emotion management, deepen your self-insight, recover from a mental illness, process your trauma, make difficult decisions or be supported through a crisis, get in contact with me.
Offering 10 session individualised DBT programs and EMDR.
If you would like some help to make real life changes, clarify your diagnosis, reach important goals, learn new skills and strategies, improve emotion management, deepen your self-insight, recover from a mental illness, process your trauma, make difficult decisions or be supported through a crisis, get in contact with me.
Offering 10 session individualised DBT programs and EMDR.
![Photo of Christina Quattropani, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b98e1051-dca8-4e95-b243-118345eb8618/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christina is an experienced Registered Psychologist with deep expertise in working with individuals with trauma and alcohol and other drug dependence. She is skilled in working across the lifespan, and across a range of different mental health issues. Christina is trained in multiple modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Behavioural Approaches and Trauma-Informed Care, including EMDR therapy. Christina is trained in administering assessments including Autism, ADHD intelligence and academic testing. Christina is SIRA approved for WorkCover.
Christina is an experienced Registered Psychologist with deep expertise in working with individuals with trauma and alcohol and other drug dependence. She is skilled in working across the lifespan, and across a range of different mental health issues. Christina is trained in multiple modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Behavioural Approaches and Trauma-Informed Care, including EMDR therapy. Christina is trained in administering assessments including Autism, ADHD intelligence and academic testing. Christina is SIRA approved for WorkCover.
![Photo of Klaudia Gebert, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eae24c51-ac47-46cf-8d7c-37230553bd9e/2/320x400.png)
Her interests include weight/shape/body image concerns, disordered eating, eating disorders, personality disorders and complex trauma.
Klaudia believes in working collaboratively with you to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. She understands that each experience is unique, and therefore treatment must be tailored to meet individual needs. Klaudia goes beyond a band-aid treatment approach to help you understand your underlying causes, what perpetuates your current difficulties and empowers you to make lifelong sustainable changes. She has an approach that is both warm and empathically challenging to help you build motivation and accountability, while getting your needs met through the therapeutic journey.
Her interests include weight/shape/body image concerns, disordered eating, eating disorders, personality disorders and complex trauma.
Klaudia believes in working collaboratively with you to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. She understands that each experience is unique, and therefore treatment must be tailored to meet individual needs. Klaudia goes beyond a band-aid treatment approach to help you understand your underlying causes, what perpetuates your current difficulties and empowers you to make lifelong sustainable changes. She has an approach that is both warm and empathically challenging to help you build motivation and accountability, while getting your needs met through the therapeutic journey.
![Photo of Karen Lee Isbister - Becoming Whole, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e5bc018-6953-4234-b45c-ced22dedc979/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you a determined, smart, driven and creative adult or teenager? Do you try hard but things that used to work don’t seem to be working anymore? Are you experiencing any of the following? : – Anxiety – Childhood Trauma – Guilt – Depression – Abuse – Shame – Conflict – Lack of Direction – Unmet Needs – Addictions – Bullying – Peer Pressure – Communication Barriers – Emotional Pain
Are you a determined, smart, driven and creative adult or teenager? Do you try hard but things that used to work don’t seem to be working anymore? Are you experiencing any of the following? : – Anxiety – Childhood Trauma – Guilt – Depression – Abuse – Shame – Conflict – Lack of Direction – Unmet Needs – Addictions – Bullying – Peer Pressure – Communication Barriers – Emotional Pain
![Photo of Olga Lavalle - Dr Olga Lavalle & Associates, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc2b5d04-87c9-43dd-b7be-cd6ddf593769/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr Olga Lavalle & Associates
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Wollongong, NSW 2500
'Empowering people to make positive changes in their lives' Dr Olga Lavalle & Associates offer psychology services which are compassionate, caring and empowering. Treatments and counselling are tailored to your needs and informed by evidence-based best practice principles. Whether you’re looking for help with an existing condition, support while overcoming trauma, or need relationship and family counselling, our team is here to help.
'Empowering people to make positive changes in their lives' Dr Olga Lavalle & Associates offer psychology services which are compassionate, caring and empowering. Treatments and counselling are tailored to your needs and informed by evidence-based best practice principles. Whether you’re looking for help with an existing condition, support while overcoming trauma, or need relationship and family counselling, our team is here to help.
![Photo of Elizabeth Anne O'Neill, MA, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44316b9c-b28f-420f-a05e-989e02696630/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Anne O'Neill
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Wollongong, NSW 2500 (Online Only)
I provide evidence-based, individualized & holistic counselling for managing issues & diagnosis. I offer a wide range of coping skills for many mental health conditions (ie. anxiety, depression & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD). I provide Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD. I offer Schema Therapy. I work with identity issues, grief, gender issues, work stress & relationship stress. I explore individual concerns respectfully & practically for recovery from mental health & issues of distress. I have +20yrs exp. Video sessions available. Also supervision provided.
I provide evidence-based, individualized & holistic counselling for managing issues & diagnosis. I offer a wide range of coping skills for many mental health conditions (ie. anxiety, depression & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD). I provide Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD. I offer Schema Therapy. I work with identity issues, grief, gender issues, work stress & relationship stress. I explore individual concerns respectfully & practically for recovery from mental health & issues of distress. I have +20yrs exp. Video sessions available. Also supervision provided.
![Photo of Ayesha Nhem, PACFA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b5964b1-9d91-47f8-8184-39afd782155d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in personal development & wellness with a focus on areas of relationship issues, grief and loss, mental health and trauma.
Worries, frustrations, and disappointments are common in life. But no matter if your issues are current or recurrent, the right step is to seek help. Even if your problems right now feel like they're getting the best of you - know that there is help available for this! It takes courage to seek help and I'm glad you're here. You deserve to live a life that makes you excited to get up in the morning. As your therapist, I will help you deal with emotional and behavioural problems more effectively.
I specialize in personal development & wellness with a focus on areas of relationship issues, grief and loss, mental health and trauma.
Worries, frustrations, and disappointments are common in life. But no matter if your issues are current or recurrent, the right step is to seek help. Even if your problems right now feel like they're getting the best of you - know that there is help available for this! It takes courage to seek help and I'm glad you're here. You deserve to live a life that makes you excited to get up in the morning. As your therapist, I will help you deal with emotional and behavioural problems more effectively.
![Photo of Anita S, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/828caa2d-0a2d-41b9-a8c4-446442f629c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anita is a registered psychologist with extensive experience providing psychological assessment and interventions to children, adolescents, and adults. Anita’s specific interests include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions and adjustment difficulties, eating and body image concerns, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Global Developmental Delay and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She also has a special interest in providing therapeutic interventions for clients who have experienced trauma such as abuse, neglect, and domestic violence.
Anita is a registered psychologist with extensive experience providing psychological assessment and interventions to children, adolescents, and adults. Anita’s specific interests include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions and adjustment difficulties, eating and body image concerns, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Global Developmental Delay and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She also has a special interest in providing therapeutic interventions for clients who have experienced trauma such as abuse, neglect, and domestic violence.
![Photo of Peter Gormly, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67f37335-ec3d-4845-94d0-50cd3bc44c39/1/320x400.jpeg)
I‘m Peter; I provide counselling for both couples and individuals. I’ve been helping people with the trauma affecting their lives for over 20 years. Trauma can include child and adolescent mental health, medical procedures, bullying, sexual assault, domestic violence, palliative care, oncology, chronic pain and homelessness. The traumatic experience remains and influences our daily lives and our decisions.
I‘m Peter; I provide counselling for both couples and individuals. I’ve been helping people with the trauma affecting their lives for over 20 years. Trauma can include child and adolescent mental health, medical procedures, bullying, sexual assault, domestic violence, palliative care, oncology, chronic pain and homelessness. The traumatic experience remains and influences our daily lives and our decisions.
![Photo of Nadine Wright - Inner Calm Clinical Psychology, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6dc98c14-1a34-427c-ad98-a111344e51ab/3/320x400.jpeg)
Inner Calm Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wollongong, NSW 2500
We are a group of skilled Clinical Psychologists that specialise in a wide range of mental health challenges. We assess and tailor effective treatment for mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, attachment issues, difficulties with relationships, self-esteem issues, body dysmorphia, and parenting challenges. We love to work and forge a relationship of trust and collaboration on this journey inwards, it can confronting to look at our shadows but the reward of letting them drop away can be life changing. We really hope you reach out to us and start your journey.
We are a group of skilled Clinical Psychologists that specialise in a wide range of mental health challenges. We assess and tailor effective treatment for mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, attachment issues, difficulties with relationships, self-esteem issues, body dysmorphia, and parenting challenges. We love to work and forge a relationship of trust and collaboration on this journey inwards, it can confronting to look at our shadows but the reward of letting them drop away can be life changing. We really hope you reach out to us and start your journey.
15 Second Videos
Klaudia Gebert
Inner Calm Clinical Psychology
Core Counselling Services
Spirited Life Counselling and Therapy
Sharleen Gonzalez
Sally Walsh
Renee McDonald
Walk and talk with Rainbow
Rani Kocyan, Couples and individual therapist
Alanna Audus
Anchored Counselling Services
Naomi Fisher
Rachel Mintoff
Jennifer Fisher
Counselling Wollongong
Hope Christian Counselling
EmpowerMind Therapy
Desiree Loveridge
Freedom Psychology and Life Coaching
Kirstin Robertson-Gillam
Danielle Waters
![Photo of Natasha Lawson, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3804cc18-2085-4632-88a5-404d2fd544f9/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm an experienced EMDR practitioner providing support to adults (ages 18+yrs) with issues such as: Acute stress response & PTSD, adjustment difficulties, stress, anxiety, skill building (e.g. communication, assertiveness, problem solving, emotion regulation & coping), significant life events/changes, sleep difficulties, and improving general wellbeing.
I'm an experienced EMDR practitioner providing support to adults (ages 18+yrs) with issues such as: Acute stress response & PTSD, adjustment difficulties, stress, anxiety, skill building (e.g. communication, assertiveness, problem solving, emotion regulation & coping), significant life events/changes, sleep difficulties, and improving general wellbeing.
![Photo of Sheree Blanch, PsyBA General, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf147340-d3df-4a1a-89a3-76da683c288e/1/320x400.jpeg)
My treatment focuses include OCD, anxiety, depression, support with the infertility journey, perinatal (pre-and-postnatal) support, parenting, PTSD and complex trauma.
I have several years’ experience in supporting adolescents, adults and parents using a collaborative treatment approach. Depending on your needs and preferences my therapeutic approach draws on several evidence-based models including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and motivational interviewing.
My treatment focuses include OCD, anxiety, depression, support with the infertility journey, perinatal (pre-and-postnatal) support, parenting, PTSD and complex trauma.
I have several years’ experience in supporting adolescents, adults and parents using a collaborative treatment approach. Depending on your needs and preferences my therapeutic approach draws on several evidence-based models including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and motivational interviewing.
![Photo of Dr Stephanie Shippen, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17827d00-7e9c-4021-ae48-61b5a071c922/1/320x400.png)
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, couples therapy, gender affirming care, adjusting to parenthood, eating concerns and body image and multicultural concerns.
Being human can be hard! From daily stressors to big events, life can feel overwhelming and difficult. You may feel alone in your struggles. It's important to have a place where you can let your guard down, acknowledge what you're facing, and begin healing. I love providing clients with this type of support. I help clients get to know themselves more deeply. I enjoy working with clients to identify and overcome barriers, prepare and cope with life transitions, heal from trauma, tend and befriend feelings, cultivate self-acceptance and self-compassion, build healthy relationships, and foster meaning and purpose in their life.
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, couples therapy, gender affirming care, adjusting to parenthood, eating concerns and body image and multicultural concerns.
Being human can be hard! From daily stressors to big events, life can feel overwhelming and difficult. You may feel alone in your struggles. It's important to have a place where you can let your guard down, acknowledge what you're facing, and begin healing. I love providing clients with this type of support. I help clients get to know themselves more deeply. I enjoy working with clients to identify and overcome barriers, prepare and cope with life transitions, heal from trauma, tend and befriend feelings, cultivate self-acceptance and self-compassion, build healthy relationships, and foster meaning and purpose in their life.
![Photo of Christina Perez, MSc, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c7e0305-7363-45fb-b12e-9826f56f83f4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Perez
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Wollongong, NSW 2500
Waitlist for new clients
I work from a client centred, trauma informed model.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience. I provide therapy for adults and older adults and provide treatment across a range of presenting difficulties, such as relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, emotion regulation difficulties and other complex mental health conditions. I provide both individual therapy and couples therapy, and am a Level 2 Gottman Certified Therapist. I’m also a Board-Certified Supervisor and provide supervision for interns looking to complete their training.
I work from a client centred, trauma informed model.
I’m a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience. I provide therapy for adults and older adults and provide treatment across a range of presenting difficulties, such as relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, emotion regulation difficulties and other complex mental health conditions. I provide both individual therapy and couples therapy, and am a Level 2 Gottman Certified Therapist. I’m also a Board-Certified Supervisor and provide supervision for interns looking to complete their training.
![Photo of Mia Kennedy - Mia Rochelle , MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46714442-336b-4b98-89e7-4df4157e7bf2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dealing with the impact of life stressors, PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. Mia Rochelle offers compassionate therapy tailored to your unique needs. Evidence-based therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) empowers individuals to build resilience and move forward in their lives. Many clients report long-lasting improvements with both reduction of distress and increased mental and emotional well-being. Mia Rochelle is also an Integrative Couples therapist who uses a range of modalities including Gottman; Imago; and Emotion Focused Therapy.
Dealing with the impact of life stressors, PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction can be overwhelming, but you are not alone. Mia Rochelle offers compassionate therapy tailored to your unique needs. Evidence-based therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) empowers individuals to build resilience and move forward in their lives. Many clients report long-lasting improvements with both reduction of distress and increased mental and emotional well-being. Mia Rochelle is also an Integrative Couples therapist who uses a range of modalities including Gottman; Imago; and Emotion Focused Therapy.
![Photo of Sharon Wallace - Core Counselling Services, ACA-L2, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9b007a96-c9f5-4def-8e7b-9cc926b16d42/3/320x400.jpeg)
I often help clients unpack past trauma and difficult relationships with either parents or other significant people in their lives.
Are you experiencing difficulty in life at the moment? I help clients address problems in a positive way by helping to clarify the issues, increase self-awareness, empower, explore options and develop strategies . As an experienced and Registered Counsellor, I provide a safe place to be heard and feel valued. I help clients question things which can help them understand why they occur at a deeper level, and provide practical tools so they feel inspired to create the change they're looking for.
I often help clients unpack past trauma and difficult relationships with either parents or other significant people in their lives.
Are you experiencing difficulty in life at the moment? I help clients address problems in a positive way by helping to clarify the issues, increase self-awareness, empower, explore options and develop strategies . As an experienced and Registered Counsellor, I provide a safe place to be heard and feel valued. I help clients question things which can help them understand why they occur at a deeper level, and provide practical tools so they feel inspired to create the change they're looking for.
![Photo of Leanne Fawcett, PACFA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec51a041-a630-4434-82d4-41176c9f2a7a/1/320x400.jpeg)
My expertise lies in aiding trauma recovery.
Creating a secure and comfortable environment is crucial for my clients, whether they have previous therapy experience or are seeking support for the first time. I have worked extensively in the community providing clinically informed, culturally responsive, and high-quality evidence-based mental health and addiction services. Building healthy individuals, families, and communities through integrated models of therapy supporting personal coping strategies and strengths to increase resilience. I have experience working with Trauma, PTSD, child abuse, domestic and family violence, and addiction.
My expertise lies in aiding trauma recovery.
Creating a secure and comfortable environment is crucial for my clients, whether they have previous therapy experience or are seeking support for the first time. I have worked extensively in the community providing clinically informed, culturally responsive, and high-quality evidence-based mental health and addiction services. Building healthy individuals, families, and communities through integrated models of therapy supporting personal coping strategies and strengths to increase resilience. I have experience working with Trauma, PTSD, child abuse, domestic and family violence, and addiction.
![Photo of Kim Leone Taylor - Spirited Life Counselling and Therapy, PACFA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/145da3c6-07a1-4c41-9188-56ceef044dd2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Spirited Life Counselling and Therapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Wollongong, NSW 2500
Waitlist for new clients
People attend counselling and psychotherapy because they are feeling upset, in emotional pain or have a long-standing problem that needs attention and clarity. I assist people to work through the issues they bring and not just focus on the problem but the whole person and how this is impacting their lives. Issues I can assist with are Anger Management, Anxiety, Childhood Abuse, Depression, Emotional & Physical Abuse, Emotional Crisis, Grief, Loss, Trauma, Cancer and Palliative Care, Life Transitions, Relationships, Self-esteem, Sexual Issues, Stress Management and Couples/Marriage Affairs, Trust Issues and Communication.
People attend counselling and psychotherapy because they are feeling upset, in emotional pain or have a long-standing problem that needs attention and clarity. I assist people to work through the issues they bring and not just focus on the problem but the whole person and how this is impacting their lives. Issues I can assist with are Anger Management, Anxiety, Childhood Abuse, Depression, Emotional & Physical Abuse, Emotional Crisis, Grief, Loss, Trauma, Cancer and Palliative Care, Life Transitions, Relationships, Self-esteem, Sexual Issues, Stress Management and Couples/Marriage Affairs, Trust Issues and Communication.
![Photo of Lauren Reiners - Thrive Holistic Therapies, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a21dfb07-1143-45e6-83b2-949234f0290f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Thrive Holistic Therapies
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Wollongong, NSW 2500
Over the past decade, I have specialised in helping people overcome the devastating effects of domestic violence and trauma.
Are you at a crossroads in your career or emotional life? Do you want to change your negative patterns or habits permanently? Ready for deep healing of old hurts or letting go of past issues? I not only provide a safe space for you to uncover and heal but also can help you release any physical, mental and spiritual blocks in your life through counselling, trauma recovery, hypnotherapy and reiki. I believe that you have the strength not just to survive, but to truly thrive, let me support you in taking your power back and transforming your life.
Over the past decade, I have specialised in helping people overcome the devastating effects of domestic violence and trauma.
Are you at a crossroads in your career or emotional life? Do you want to change your negative patterns or habits permanently? Ready for deep healing of old hurts or letting go of past issues? I not only provide a safe space for you to uncover and heal but also can help you release any physical, mental and spiritual blocks in your life through counselling, trauma recovery, hypnotherapy and reiki. I believe that you have the strength not just to survive, but to truly thrive, let me support you in taking your power back and transforming your life.
See more therapy options for Wollongong
Nearby Trauma and PTSD Counsellors Searches for Wollongong
- Balgownie
- Bulli
- Corrimal
- Dapto
- Fairy Meadow
- Figtree
- North Wollongong
- Russell Vale
- Tarrawanna
- Unanderra
- Warrawong
- Woonona
Trauma and PTSD Counsellors
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.