Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Cupertino, CA

Photo of Xiyue Wang, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Xiyue Wang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014  (Online Only)
I have years of experience working with trauma survivors, immigrants, second-generation Asian Americans to overcome anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, and cope with life stress such as work-related stress, divorce, grief, and other transitions.
Hi, I'm glad you stopped by! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 6 years of experience providing individual therapy in the SF bay area. It can be a difficult decision to enter therapy. Many of us carry more stress than we are aware of, and sometimes the weight of past stressors and memories gets in our current life, preventing us from achieving our goals. I want to create a safe space for you to unpack your emotions, make meaningful choices, and restore inner peace so you can live your authentic values in all aspects of life.
I have years of experience working with trauma survivors, immigrants, second-generation Asian Americans to overcome anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms, and cope with life stress such as work-related stress, divorce, grief, and other transitions.
Hi, I'm glad you stopped by! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 6 years of experience providing individual therapy in the SF bay area. It can be a difficult decision to enter therapy. Many of us carry more stress than we are aware of, and sometimes the weight of past stressors and memories gets in our current life, preventing us from achieving our goals. I want to create a safe space for you to unpack your emotions, make meaningful choices, and restore inner peace so you can live your authentic values in all aspects of life.
(408) 217-0537 View (408) 217-0537
Photo of Mariella Lauriola - Trauma Healing Therapy, PhD, Psychologist
Trauma Healing Therapy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cupertino, CA 95014
At Trauma Healing Therapy (THT), we firmly believe that clients can overcome past trauma.
Do you feel disconnected from yourself after experiencing challenging or traumatic events, including medical traumas like cancer, pregnancy loss/traumatic birth, NICU stay, or infertility? Do you grapple with overwhelming feelings of anxiety, isolation, fear, or persistent sadness every day? Are your relationships with peers and romantic partners strained by unresolved childhood trauma and emotional challenges? Do you sense that your trauma and relationship issues are preventing you from living a healthy life? If you often wonder if there's a way to improve your situation, you're not alone.
At Trauma Healing Therapy (THT), we firmly believe that clients can overcome past trauma.
Do you feel disconnected from yourself after experiencing challenging or traumatic events, including medical traumas like cancer, pregnancy loss/traumatic birth, NICU stay, or infertility? Do you grapple with overwhelming feelings of anxiety, isolation, fear, or persistent sadness every day? Are your relationships with peers and romantic partners strained by unresolved childhood trauma and emotional challenges? Do you sense that your trauma and relationship issues are preventing you from living a healthy life? If you often wonder if there's a way to improve your situation, you're not alone.
(650) 753-9663 View (650) 753-9663
Photo of Anat Fein, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Anat Fein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cupertino, CA 95014  (Online Only)
I see clients with PTSD, emotional and social difficulties, chronic illnesses, depression, anxiety, obsessive thoughts and behaviors , and self esteem issues.
Emotional pain is as common as physical pain, and can be truely agonizing. Don't give up! You don't have to suffer alone. I come from a place of compassion, acceptance and hope. I am constantly amazed by the human spirit and by our ability to heal. I am eclectic, and use different approaches to meet each client's individual needs. I am open and honest with my clients and never judge anyone. My style is interactive and direct. I take my role seriously and am committed to helping you feel better. I'm fluent in English and Hebrew.
I see clients with PTSD, emotional and social difficulties, chronic illnesses, depression, anxiety, obsessive thoughts and behaviors , and self esteem issues.
Emotional pain is as common as physical pain, and can be truely agonizing. Don't give up! You don't have to suffer alone. I come from a place of compassion, acceptance and hope. I am constantly amazed by the human spirit and by our ability to heal. I am eclectic, and use different approaches to meet each client's individual needs. I am open and honest with my clients and never judge anyone. My style is interactive and direct. I take my role seriously and am committed to helping you feel better. I'm fluent in English and Hebrew.
(408) 310-0800 View (408) 310-0800
Photo of Janet E Akyol, MA, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janet E Akyol
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT, CPTT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Cupertino, CA 95014  (Online Only)
Telehealth appointments via confidential, HIPAA-compliant system. Experienced therapist helping clients with intimacy disorders, betrayal trauma, behavioral addictions, trauma and couples therapy. Therapy can help you to make the changes you want, support you toward becoming the person you strive to be, and encourage you to live the life you choose. There is hope, there is help, there are options.
Telehealth appointments via confidential, HIPAA-compliant system. Experienced therapist helping clients with intimacy disorders, betrayal trauma, behavioral addictions, trauma and couples therapy. Therapy can help you to make the changes you want, support you toward becoming the person you strive to be, and encourage you to live the life you choose. There is hope, there is help, there are options.
(408) 872-9630 View (408) 872-9630
Photo of Martina Glenn, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Martina Glenn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Cupertino, CA 95014
I love working with creative people. My passion is to bring healing to those who have often felt limited by the burdens of their anxiety, depression, or trauma. If your desire is to find new freedom in living without hesitation and being supported in living your life with fierce and unapologetic authenticity then you’ve come to the right place. I create welcoming and affirming environment and provide a safe space where you can feel appreciated for your individuality and your rebelling soul. I am not going to repeat cliché phrases that you’ve heard million times already, but I will challenge you to find your authentic Self.
I love working with creative people. My passion is to bring healing to those who have often felt limited by the burdens of their anxiety, depression, or trauma. If your desire is to find new freedom in living without hesitation and being supported in living your life with fierce and unapologetic authenticity then you’ve come to the right place. I create welcoming and affirming environment and provide a safe space where you can feel appreciated for your individuality and your rebelling soul. I am not going to repeat cliché phrases that you’ve heard million times already, but I will challenge you to find your authentic Self.
(669) 257-6137 View (669) 257-6137
Photo of Anta Yu, PsyD, Psychologist
Anta Yu
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cupertino, CA 95014  (Online Only)
For over a decade, I have been supporting individuals across the lifespan with culturally sensitive and compassionate therapy. In addition to helping people work through anxiety and depression, I specialize in working with adults affected by complex/systemic trauma and help them feel safer and more hopeful to create a life worth living. I also support people with marginalized identities process the stressful impacts of oppression and increase experiences of empowerment and connection.
For over a decade, I have been supporting individuals across the lifespan with culturally sensitive and compassionate therapy. In addition to helping people work through anxiety and depression, I specialize in working with adults affected by complex/systemic trauma and help them feel safer and more hopeful to create a life worth living. I also support people with marginalized identities process the stressful impacts of oppression and increase experiences of empowerment and connection.
(408) 351-9802 View (408) 351-9802
Leemore Federman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, trauma, OCD, body image issues, and ADHD.
For therapy to be effective, it is important that you feel safe to express your most vulnerable thoughts and feelings as well as be committed to putting in the work. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can feel seen and heard. From that place, and employing the most effective evidence-based therapies along with integrative and holistic modalities, we work together to uncover and shift negative subconscious beliefs and blocks to create lasting change. I love helping my clients live more fulfilled and meaningful lives in alignment with their values and purpose.
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, trauma, OCD, body image issues, and ADHD.
For therapy to be effective, it is important that you feel safe to express your most vulnerable thoughts and feelings as well as be committed to putting in the work. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can feel seen and heard. From that place, and employing the most effective evidence-based therapies along with integrative and holistic modalities, we work together to uncover and shift negative subconscious beliefs and blocks to create lasting change. I love helping my clients live more fulfilled and meaningful lives in alignment with their values and purpose.
(408) 549-8613 View (408) 549-8613
Photo of Theo Villalobos, MA, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Theo Villalobos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014  (Online Only)
Welcome, I'm glad you're here. I am nonbinary, neurodivergent and Latinx and provide gender affirming care in English and Spanish. I specialize in somatic, mindfulness-based and trauma-informed models of care. Equity is an essential value that drives my approach to clinical work. Bienvenido/bienvenida/bienvenide, me alegro de que estés aquí. Soy una persona no binario, neurodivergente y Latinx, y ofrezco afirmación de género en mi trabajo en inglés y español. Me especializo en modelos basados en somáticos, basados en la atención plena y basados en el trauma. La equidad es un valor esencial que impulsa mi enfoque clínico.
Welcome, I'm glad you're here. I am nonbinary, neurodivergent and Latinx and provide gender affirming care in English and Spanish. I specialize in somatic, mindfulness-based and trauma-informed models of care. Equity is an essential value that drives my approach to clinical work. Bienvenido/bienvenida/bienvenide, me alegro de que estés aquí. Soy una persona no binario, neurodivergente y Latinx, y ofrezco afirmación de género en mi trabajo en inglés y español. Me especializo en modelos basados en somáticos, basados en la atención plena y basados en el trauma. La equidad es un valor esencial que impulsa mi enfoque clínico.
(831) 777-2861 View (831) 777-2861
Photo of Veronica Calkins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Veronica Calkins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
(562) 268-0957 View (562) 268-0957
Photo of Francis Abueg, PhD, Psychologist
Francis Abueg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cupertino, CA 95014
Clients with histories of trauma and addiction have been the center of a 33-year practice as a clinical psychologist.
You are ready to make a big change finally and this may be your best year ever. Paradoxically, in the midst of greatest stress and suffering you reach out to therapy. After 33 years as a clinical psychologist, I have great confidence that I can partner with you to manage overwhelming pain, loss and fear. More than that, you can reawaken resilience and wisdom, and find your way to great meaning and purpose once again in your life.
Clients with histories of trauma and addiction have been the center of a 33-year practice as a clinical psychologist.
You are ready to make a big change finally and this may be your best year ever. Paradoxically, in the midst of greatest stress and suffering you reach out to therapy. After 33 years as a clinical psychologist, I have great confidence that I can partner with you to manage overwhelming pain, loss and fear. More than that, you can reawaken resilience and wisdom, and find your way to great meaning and purpose once again in your life.
(408) 337-2953 View (408) 337-2953
Photo of Ashton Hart, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashton Hart
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014
Hello, my name is Ashton Hart. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, and friendly. My hope is to help my clients understand they are not alone and there is always hope to move forward. If you have a desire to make a positive change in your life, therapy may be the right path for you. My typical clients tend to be women facing an array of issues such as trauma, family issues, relationship issues, communication style conflics, life transitions, anxiety, depression. I have experience in many other areas such as teens, family, first responder/medical professionals, lgbtqia+.
Hello, my name is Ashton Hart. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My therapeutic style is warm, nonjudgmental, and friendly. My hope is to help my clients understand they are not alone and there is always hope to move forward. If you have a desire to make a positive change in your life, therapy may be the right path for you. My typical clients tend to be women facing an array of issues such as trauma, family issues, relationship issues, communication style conflics, life transitions, anxiety, depression. I have experience in many other areas such as teens, family, first responder/medical professionals, lgbtqia+.
(408) 762-3416 View (408) 762-3416
Photo of Linda Shing, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Linda Shing
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014
Waitlist for new clients
A trauma specialist practicing for almost 20 years, I help creatives, Asian Americans, and other high achievers make sense of their difficulties and then make change.
Do you work in a highly competitive industry like entertainment, tech, or healthcare? Are you exhausted by the intense pressure to perform and impress? In spite of your achievements, you may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or chronic stress. You may feel burned out or confused about your identity and self-worth. Perhaps the constant striving, a difficult relationship, or a work-related setback has tanked your motivation or damaged your self esteem. You may be battling procrastination, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or self-sabotaging behavior - even though you're extremely capable and want to thrive. I get it and I can help.
A trauma specialist practicing for almost 20 years, I help creatives, Asian Americans, and other high achievers make sense of their difficulties and then make change.
Do you work in a highly competitive industry like entertainment, tech, or healthcare? Are you exhausted by the intense pressure to perform and impress? In spite of your achievements, you may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or chronic stress. You may feel burned out or confused about your identity and self-worth. Perhaps the constant striving, a difficult relationship, or a work-related setback has tanked your motivation or damaged your self esteem. You may be battling procrastination, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or self-sabotaging behavior - even though you're extremely capable and want to thrive. I get it and I can help.
(323) 676-0274 View (323) 676-0274
Photo of Lisa L. Noon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lisa L. Noon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cupertino, CA 95014  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, low self esteem, trauma and life transitions.
Starting and continuing therapy can be a vulnerable experience and it takes courage. I want to welcome you and thank you for taking the next step for yourself. Whether you are seeking therapy because of anxiety, depression, life transitions, struggles with relationships or a general dissatisfaction with life I appreciate your willingness to show up for yourself. Therapy can help you get unstuck, feel happier and more present. It can provide you with tools and insights you need to create a life you love. My approach is humanistic, holistic, somatic and heart-centered.
I specialize in working with adults and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, low self esteem, trauma and life transitions.
Starting and continuing therapy can be a vulnerable experience and it takes courage. I want to welcome you and thank you for taking the next step for yourself. Whether you are seeking therapy because of anxiety, depression, life transitions, struggles with relationships or a general dissatisfaction with life I appreciate your willingness to show up for yourself. Therapy can help you get unstuck, feel happier and more present. It can provide you with tools and insights you need to create a life you love. My approach is humanistic, holistic, somatic and heart-centered.
(408) 539-9419 View (408) 539-9419
Photo of Katherine Chan, MS, LMFT, RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katherine Chan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, RYT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Cupertino, CA 95014  (Online Only)
I specialize in folks who are struggling with the impact of past relational trauma. This means you might have had a difficult relationship with a parent, struggled with friendships, or have a hard time feeling like you belong or are "good enough." This often shows up in your life today as chronic anxiety and worry, depression and low self-esteem, as well as unfulfilling relationships or a lack of direction in life. You also struggle with difficult emotions, noticing yourself getting triggered by seemingly mundane moments. Overall, you're feeling lost in life and unsure of how to get past this.
I specialize in folks who are struggling with the impact of past relational trauma. This means you might have had a difficult relationship with a parent, struggled with friendships, or have a hard time feeling like you belong or are "good enough." This often shows up in your life today as chronic anxiety and worry, depression and low self-esteem, as well as unfulfilling relationships or a lack of direction in life. You also struggle with difficult emotions, noticing yourself getting triggered by seemingly mundane moments. Overall, you're feeling lost in life and unsure of how to get past this.
(424) 326-8617 View (424) 326-8617
Photo of Kelly Koken, MBA, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly Koken
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cupertino, CA 95014  (Online Only)
I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma and life transitions.
Are you feeling stuck in life? Does stress at work, from life, from family, your partner or friends, feel overwhelming? I believe that we all deserver to live happy, healthy lives. I help adults and adolescents who are struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, anger, life transitions, or grief. Together we untangle what is holding you back and keeping you from being your best self. Whether you are feeling anxious, depressed, or at your wits' end there is help for you. Together, we will help you get unstuck and cope with your life’s challenges. Let's bring happiness back to your life!
I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma and life transitions.
Are you feeling stuck in life? Does stress at work, from life, from family, your partner or friends, feel overwhelming? I believe that we all deserver to live happy, healthy lives. I help adults and adolescents who are struggling with depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, anger, life transitions, or grief. Together we untangle what is holding you back and keeping you from being your best self. Whether you are feeling anxious, depressed, or at your wits' end there is help for you. Together, we will help you get unstuck and cope with your life’s challenges. Let's bring happiness back to your life!
(408) 599-3066 View (408) 599-3066
Photo of Melissa E Miller, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Melissa E Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014  (Online Only)
Are you a worried parent of a teenager who's headed for trouble, or is already there? I'll help you get your kid back on track. Are you suffering the aftereffects of trauma (nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, feeling disconnected from yourself and loved ones)? We'll find a way to heal your pain and make you whole again. Had enough of the bipolar roller-coaster? Want to break free of alcohol, substances, and other addictions, including eating disorders? Let's develop a plan for your recovery, so you have your life back.
Are you a worried parent of a teenager who's headed for trouble, or is already there? I'll help you get your kid back on track. Are you suffering the aftereffects of trauma (nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, feeling disconnected from yourself and loved ones)? We'll find a way to heal your pain and make you whole again. Had enough of the bipolar roller-coaster? Want to break free of alcohol, substances, and other addictions, including eating disorders? Let's develop a plan for your recovery, so you have your life back.
(408) 676-9909 View (408) 676-9909
Photo of Stacy Annette Brittain, LMFT, CBHC, MH, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stacy Annette Brittain
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CBHC, MH
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014
I also have extra certifications in PTSD and trauma recovery, Dream Interpretation, and I have a Master Herbalist degree.
We are a non-profit, public benefit agency that currently offers Individual and Marital Counseling as well as Life Coaching. We serve adults of all ethnicity, sexual orientation, and faiths. Our ideal client is someone who recognizes that their life isn't working the way they hoped it would...and would like to grow and become the person they were born to be!
I also have extra certifications in PTSD and trauma recovery, Dream Interpretation, and I have a Master Herbalist degree.
We are a non-profit, public benefit agency that currently offers Individual and Marital Counseling as well as Life Coaching. We serve adults of all ethnicity, sexual orientation, and faiths. Our ideal client is someone who recognizes that their life isn't working the way they hoped it would...and would like to grow and become the person they were born to be!
(208) 289-0387 View (208) 289-0387
Photo of Mats Hellsten, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mats Hellsten
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014
(Watch a brief introductory video on my website!) I'll work with you to overcome limiting patterns and discover new, more fulfilling ways to be in the world. Along the way you may discover deeply held beliefs and emotional responses that shape your experience, and choose to let go of what no longer serves you, while giving greater expression to your authentic self. I offer a warm and welcoming therapeutic environment where you can safely explore your concerns. I specialize in helping individuals and couples find relief from anxiety and other distressing emotions, heal trauma, improve self-esteem, improve communication, and experience greater relationship satisfaction.
(Watch a brief introductory video on my website!) I'll work with you to overcome limiting patterns and discover new, more fulfilling ways to be in the world. Along the way you may discover deeply held beliefs and emotional responses that shape your experience, and choose to let go of what no longer serves you, while giving greater expression to your authentic self. I offer a warm and welcoming therapeutic environment where you can safely explore your concerns. I specialize in helping individuals and couples find relief from anxiety and other distressing emotions, heal trauma, improve self-esteem, improve communication, and experience greater relationship satisfaction.
(510) 962-7477 View (510) 962-7477
Photo of Kate Young, PhD, Psychologist
Kate Young
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014
My specialities are trauma, anxiety, work stress, panic, driving and flying fears, dysfunctional family of origin issues, and relationship conflicts. My main approaches are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. I am practical and outcome oriented. EMDR and CBT work well in short term therapy approach. Frequently therapy lasts only 3-6 months depending on the issues to be addressed.
My specialities are trauma, anxiety, work stress, panic, driving and flying fears, dysfunctional family of origin issues, and relationship conflicts. My main approaches are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. I am practical and outcome oriented. EMDR and CBT work well in short term therapy approach. Frequently therapy lasts only 3-6 months depending on the issues to be addressed.
(408) 883-4634 View (408) 883-4634
Photo of Connie Kay, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Connie Kay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cupertino, CA 95014
EMDR, Hypnosis, Meditation, Trauma Informed Training.
Do you find yourself having the same conversation with your partner and getting nowhere? Do you have changes you want to make but don't know where to start? Do you have addictions or patterns of behavior that you would like to change? Are you down, frustrated, tired, depressed, angry, sad? Are you in transition and need help sorting things out? Do you need help in communicating with a family member or friend? Are you unhappy with your initmate relationship, or want to explore new things? Do you experience shame or guilt related to your sexuality and unspoken desires? Are you wondering "Is there more to life?"
EMDR, Hypnosis, Meditation, Trauma Informed Training.
Do you find yourself having the same conversation with your partner and getting nowhere? Do you have changes you want to make but don't know where to start? Do you have addictions or patterns of behavior that you would like to change? Are you down, frustrated, tired, depressed, angry, sad? Are you in transition and need help sorting things out? Do you need help in communicating with a family member or friend? Are you unhappy with your initmate relationship, or want to explore new things? Do you experience shame or guilt related to your sexuality and unspoken desires? Are you wondering "Is there more to life?"
(408) 868-5498 View (408) 868-5498
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.