Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Hayward, CA

Photo of Bryan Tucker, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bryan Tucker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hayward, CA 94541
I have worked with psychosis, gang members, addictions, mid-life crises, war/combat trauma, single parents, young children, mood disorders and more.
I tend to be open, non-judmental and able to listen well to a broad range of individuals. I have experience with people from many walks of life, varying backgrounds and have worked in the mental health field since 2002. If you desire someone to help you feel more self-acceptance, clarity and meaning I may be able to help. I have a passion for learning about human psychology, a passion I would pursue even if I were not practicing as a therapist. I like to write about human psychology and continue to read and self-educate extensively.
I have worked with psychosis, gang members, addictions, mid-life crises, war/combat trauma, single parents, young children, mood disorders and more.
I tend to be open, non-judmental and able to listen well to a broad range of individuals. I have experience with people from many walks of life, varying backgrounds and have worked in the mental health field since 2002. If you desire someone to help you feel more self-acceptance, clarity and meaning I may be able to help. I have a passion for learning about human psychology, a passion I would pursue even if I were not practicing as a therapist. I like to write about human psychology and continue to read and self-educate extensively.
(510) 488-6384 View (510) 488-6384
Photo of Davida Rodriguez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Davida Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94544
Sometimes life can present challenges and we need someone to accompany us on that journey. I am a strength based licensed marriage and family therapist. I have experience in providing mental health services to adolescents and adults. My experience includes treating trauma, psychoses, depression, and anxiety. I implement an eclectic approach while providing a safe environment in order to work towards exploration, understanding, and healing. I assist my clients with navigating through difficulties and hardships.
Sometimes life can present challenges and we need someone to accompany us on that journey. I am a strength based licensed marriage and family therapist. I have experience in providing mental health services to adolescents and adults. My experience includes treating trauma, psychoses, depression, and anxiety. I implement an eclectic approach while providing a safe environment in order to work towards exploration, understanding, and healing. I assist my clients with navigating through difficulties and hardships.
(341) 895-7267 View (341) 895-7267
Photo of Jacqueline Smith, EdD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jacqueline Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94544  (Online Only)
I possess over 14 years' experience working with Anxiety, Depression, Psychotic disorders, Trauma, Child Physical, Sexual, and Mental abuse, Domestic and Community Violence and over 10 years' experience working with people struggling with Addiction and the homeless population.
Life is a journey that we all have to take. Sometimes you need a little assistance getting through tough times and life's transitions. Therapy can be the avenue in which you take control of your destiny and make strides towards creating a better life for yourself. I look forward to assisting you on that journey by meeting you where you are at and leading you to where you want to be
I possess over 14 years' experience working with Anxiety, Depression, Psychotic disorders, Trauma, Child Physical, Sexual, and Mental abuse, Domestic and Community Violence and over 10 years' experience working with people struggling with Addiction and the homeless population.
Life is a journey that we all have to take. Sometimes you need a little assistance getting through tough times and life's transitions. Therapy can be the avenue in which you take control of your destiny and make strides towards creating a better life for yourself. I look forward to assisting you on that journey by meeting you where you are at and leading you to where you want to be
(510) 816-1265 View (510) 816-1265
Photo of Martina Friedrich, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Martina Friedrich
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hayward, CA 94541  (Online Only)
I specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I find this type of trauma therapy to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and past painful experiences that have resulted in negative thoughts and beliefs about ourselves. My goal is to help you look at yourself and your pain differently, in a way that will create hope for you and help you to reach your goals and your "best self."
I specialize in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I find this type of trauma therapy to be helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and past painful experiences that have resulted in negative thoughts and beliefs about ourselves. My goal is to help you look at yourself and your pain differently, in a way that will create hope for you and help you to reach your goals and your "best self."
(415) 225-6290 View (415) 225-6290
Photo of Bernadette Antoinette Wood, LCSW , Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bernadette Antoinette Wood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94541  (Online Only)
My clinical approaches include but are not limited to Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy.
I have been a therapist for 4 years.I have provided both individual therapy and ASW supervision hours. I have conducted over 12,000 therapy sessions mainly for trauma. I have experience working with adult survivors of child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, commercial exploiation, and rape. I have experience working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, divorce, family separation, and caretaker fatigue. I also have experience working with adults dealing with significant life/career changes, and those dealing with crisis situations. Let's empty your trauma bucket, learn better boundaries, and establish good self-care.
My clinical approaches include but are not limited to Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy.
I have been a therapist for 4 years.I have provided both individual therapy and ASW supervision hours. I have conducted over 12,000 therapy sessions mainly for trauma. I have experience working with adult survivors of child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, commercial exploiation, and rape. I have experience working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, divorce, family separation, and caretaker fatigue. I also have experience working with adults dealing with significant life/career changes, and those dealing with crisis situations. Let's empty your trauma bucket, learn better boundaries, and establish good self-care.
(510) 630-1972 View (510) 630-1972
Photo of Jose Luis Ochoa, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jose Luis Ochoa
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94541
I also work with PTSD and would like to help individuals overcome trauma.
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, fluent in both English and Spanish, dedicated to fostering positive change through the lens of counseling psychology. With over 8 years of professional experience, and driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of their lives, fostering growth, resilience, and meaningful connections.
I also work with PTSD and would like to help individuals overcome trauma.
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, fluent in both English and Spanish, dedicated to fostering positive change through the lens of counseling psychology. With over 8 years of professional experience, and driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of their lives, fostering growth, resilience, and meaningful connections.
(925) 452-7668 View (925) 452-7668
Photo of Janelle Gervais, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janelle Gervais
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94544
I am also heavily trauma and addiction focused with my adult clients and often view both through a growth-based and existential lens.
Hi there! My name is Janelle Gervais and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Sacramento, CA working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, children, and family systems and specialize in treating trauma, addiction, depression/anxiety, family conflict, and parenting/behavior management from a humanistic person-centered approach.
I am also heavily trauma and addiction focused with my adult clients and often view both through a growth-based and existential lens.
Hi there! My name is Janelle Gervais and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Sacramento, CA working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, children, and family systems and specialize in treating trauma, addiction, depression/anxiety, family conflict, and parenting/behavior management from a humanistic person-centered approach.
(341) 999-4055 View (341) 999-4055
Photo of Claudia Williams, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Claudia Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hayward, CA 94542
I am a trauma-informed, strength-based therapist who provide authentic, nonjudgmental support to women, teens, individuals and couples.
Relationships are hard! especially the one with yourself. Do you find yourself questioning your worth, comparing yourself with others or feeling like an imposter? Do you shrink or minimize yourself to remain "loyal" or bite your tongue, so you won't be labeled as "dramatic", "too much" or "emotional"? Are you in a relationship but walk around feeling empty and lonely? And let's not even talk about setting boundaries! If you want to learn to express yourself & your needs without feeling guilty, learn to set appropriate boundaries, and learn to live authentically and on purpose, call me.
I am a trauma-informed, strength-based therapist who provide authentic, nonjudgmental support to women, teens, individuals and couples.
Relationships are hard! especially the one with yourself. Do you find yourself questioning your worth, comparing yourself with others or feeling like an imposter? Do you shrink or minimize yourself to remain "loyal" or bite your tongue, so you won't be labeled as "dramatic", "too much" or "emotional"? Are you in a relationship but walk around feeling empty and lonely? And let's not even talk about setting boundaries! If you want to learn to express yourself & your needs without feeling guilty, learn to set appropriate boundaries, and learn to live authentically and on purpose, call me.
(559) 354-3081 View (559) 354-3081
Photo of Meghan Giles, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Meghan Giles
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94545
I like to utilize techniques and interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Humanistic, and Trauma Informed practices.
Hello my name is Meghan Giles, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I am passionate about working collaboratively with individuals to help empower them to create lasting change. I have worked with adults, teens, and children that are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and communication difficulties. For the past 6 years I have treated children from 5-12 years of age in the school setting and virtually during COVID. Additionally I have treated adolescents struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression.
I like to utilize techniques and interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Humanistic, and Trauma Informed practices.
Hello my name is Meghan Giles, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I am passionate about working collaboratively with individuals to help empower them to create lasting change. I have worked with adults, teens, and children that are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, and communication difficulties. For the past 6 years I have treated children from 5-12 years of age in the school setting and virtually during COVID. Additionally I have treated adolescents struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression.
(424) 855-1028 View (424) 855-1028
Photo of Michelle Mihoko Taniguchi, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Mihoko Taniguchi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94545
I use variety of techiniques depending on your needs, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, and motivational interviewing.
Seeking help takes courage and I am here to provide a safe, welcoming space that encourages healing and positive change. I am a licensed Marrage and Family thearpist that works with individuals and families dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, life transitions, and disruptive behavior/parenting concerns. I am currently licensed in California and Ohio.
I use variety of techiniques depending on your needs, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, and motivational interviewing.
Seeking help takes courage and I am here to provide a safe, welcoming space that encourages healing and positive change. I am a licensed Marrage and Family thearpist that works with individuals and families dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, life transitions, and disruptive behavior/parenting concerns. I am currently licensed in California and Ohio.
(619) 329-9098 View (619) 329-9098
Photo of Melody Chen, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Melody Chen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hayward, CA 94545
Among many modalities, I use family systems and CBT through a trauma-informed lens and integrate your faith to the extent you desire.
Anxiety, fear, and shame can make us feel trapped. Maybe you feel overwhelmed from striving to be perfect or pleasing people and wish you could just be. Or you feel weighed down by burdens you've kept inside for so long that you need a safe space to share and be heard. Whatever you are going through, I want you to know that you are not alone and there is hope. Having been through my own healing journey, I focus on creating a safe empathic space to help clients feel understood as they are, so healing can happen. My hope is that you would leave each session feeling encouraged and better equipped to embrace whatever emerges next.
Among many modalities, I use family systems and CBT through a trauma-informed lens and integrate your faith to the extent you desire.
Anxiety, fear, and shame can make us feel trapped. Maybe you feel overwhelmed from striving to be perfect or pleasing people and wish you could just be. Or you feel weighed down by burdens you've kept inside for so long that you need a safe space to share and be heard. Whatever you are going through, I want you to know that you are not alone and there is hope. Having been through my own healing journey, I focus on creating a safe empathic space to help clients feel understood as they are, so healing can happen. My hope is that you would leave each session feeling encouraged and better equipped to embrace whatever emerges next.
(510) 462-3681 View (510) 462-3681
Photo of Devera Jackson-Garber, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Devera Jackson-Garber
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hayward, CA 94541
I offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other therapies to help individuals heal from trauma: e.
You are beautiful and deserve to be celebrated! As a Black Woman, Teen, Girl, and/or Queer person in a world that tries to stamp or silence you, you have survived some difficult things. Maybe someone significantly hurt you in childhood, or you experienced trauma as an adult. Maybe you lost someone and the grief feels unbearable. You have been trying to move on, but this "thing" just won't let you. Fortunately, there is help. You can recover and live a fulfilling life. You can feel more like yourself again and create the life that you want and deserve. A life of wholeness, joy, and freedom IS possible for you.
I offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other therapies to help individuals heal from trauma: e.
You are beautiful and deserve to be celebrated! As a Black Woman, Teen, Girl, and/or Queer person in a world that tries to stamp or silence you, you have survived some difficult things. Maybe someone significantly hurt you in childhood, or you experienced trauma as an adult. Maybe you lost someone and the grief feels unbearable. You have been trying to move on, but this "thing" just won't let you. Fortunately, there is help. You can recover and live a fulfilling life. You can feel more like yourself again and create the life that you want and deserve. A life of wholeness, joy, and freedom IS possible for you.
(510) 391-5356 View (510) 391-5356
Photo of Courtney Watson, LMFT, MEd, Marriage & Family Therapist
Courtney Watson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hayward, CA 94542
Ketamine assisted therapy is highly effective in addressing treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and even eating disorders.
Psychedelic assisted therapy has been on your mind for a while now. You want to see if the amazing results that John Hopkins, Yale, Columbia and many others have been researching can manifest in your life. Now is as good as a time as any to make major moves toward the breaking through you have been looking for. We work with individuals who are looking to address long-standing depression and PTSD with Ketamine Assisted Therapy. I know it feels like a lot and you don’t know how this will work but we can work to make it better.
Ketamine assisted therapy is highly effective in addressing treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and even eating disorders.
Psychedelic assisted therapy has been on your mind for a while now. You want to see if the amazing results that John Hopkins, Yale, Columbia and many others have been researching can manifest in your life. Now is as good as a time as any to make major moves toward the breaking through you have been looking for. We work with individuals who are looking to address long-standing depression and PTSD with Ketamine Assisted Therapy. I know it feels like a lot and you don’t know how this will work but we can work to make it better.
(510) 990-9331 View (510) 990-9331
Photo of Kathleen Cutshall, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathleen Cutshall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94545
I work exclusively with Active Duty Military, Veterans and their partners/spouses, assisting them to navigate the impact of military life, the aftermath of combat & non-combat deployments, and the life of multiple-ongoing missions. My focus is Combat & Post Traumatic Stress, as well as what is now being referred to as "Moral Injury". Over the last 2 years, I've worked increasingly with combat & SAR aviators, and members of the Special Operation Forces (SOF) Community, co-creating custom tailored, and often unconventional interventions to match their unconventional culture and personalities.
I work exclusively with Active Duty Military, Veterans and their partners/spouses, assisting them to navigate the impact of military life, the aftermath of combat & non-combat deployments, and the life of multiple-ongoing missions. My focus is Combat & Post Traumatic Stress, as well as what is now being referred to as "Moral Injury". Over the last 2 years, I've worked increasingly with combat & SAR aviators, and members of the Special Operation Forces (SOF) Community, co-creating custom tailored, and often unconventional interventions to match their unconventional culture and personalities.
(510) 610-5295 View (510) 610-5295
Photo of Alice Philips, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alice Philips
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hayward, CA 94540
I also use a variety of techniques including talk therapy, teaching communication skills, as well as EMDR for trauma relief.
"Know thyself." Until we know ourselves, we are tossed around by life's events and our circumstances whether work- related, relationships, or families. I believe that you know yourself better than anyone and have the answers in you already. By providing a safe place for you to discuss your thoughts and feelings, I am confident that you will arrive at solutions to your problems freeing you to make choices that lead to creating and accomplishing goals. I provide support, understanding, and a non-judgmental atmosphere where personal growth is not only possible, but can be achieved.
I also use a variety of techniques including talk therapy, teaching communication skills, as well as EMDR for trauma relief.
"Know thyself." Until we know ourselves, we are tossed around by life's events and our circumstances whether work- related, relationships, or families. I believe that you know yourself better than anyone and have the answers in you already. By providing a safe place for you to discuss your thoughts and feelings, I am confident that you will arrive at solutions to your problems freeing you to make choices that lead to creating and accomplishing goals. I provide support, understanding, and a non-judgmental atmosphere where personal growth is not only possible, but can be achieved.
(510) 878-4039 View (510) 878-4039
Photo of Amanda Joy Boer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Joy Boer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94546
I am most comfortable treating conditions under the following categories: Mood Disorders (Bi-Polar, Depression), Anxiety Disorders, Trauma-Related Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Substance Abuse/Induced Disorders.
Hello there! My name is Amanda Boer and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Southern California. I take a client-centered and humanistic approach to therapy and allow the client to "take the reins" of therapy and find their truest self. This is to empower the client to take control of their own lives. Within the client-centered approach, I additionally use interventions centered on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the goal of "rewiring" our brain and maladaptive thought patterns.
I am most comfortable treating conditions under the following categories: Mood Disorders (Bi-Polar, Depression), Anxiety Disorders, Trauma-Related Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Substance Abuse/Induced Disorders.
Hello there! My name is Amanda Boer and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Southern California. I take a client-centered and humanistic approach to therapy and allow the client to "take the reins" of therapy and find their truest self. This is to empower the client to take control of their own lives. Within the client-centered approach, I additionally use interventions centered on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the goal of "rewiring" our brain and maladaptive thought patterns.
(909) 352-1714 View (909) 352-1714
Photo of Lauren Nicole Hill, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lauren Nicole Hill
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94541  (Online Only)
Lauren’s speciality is in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression and relationships. One of the techniques she uses is called EMDR which helps reduce the effects that traumatic event (s) and panic are having on a persons life. She also has a breadth of knowledge and experience in CBT and DBT which has been shown to help reduce anxiety and depression.
Lauren’s speciality is in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression and relationships. One of the techniques she uses is called EMDR which helps reduce the effects that traumatic event (s) and panic are having on a persons life. She also has a breadth of knowledge and experience in CBT and DBT which has been shown to help reduce anxiety and depression.
(707) 380-8776 View (707) 380-8776
Photo of Gabriela Mendoza Carpio, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gabriela Mendoza Carpio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94545
I am a licensed clinical social worker with specialized training and experience in working with individuals, couples, and families of color and or trauma survivors. I offer therapy in both English and or Spanish. I offer a safe space for individuals and families to explore behavioral patterns, work stressors, effects of life changes, trauma, and difficult relationships.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with specialized training and experience in working with individuals, couples, and families of color and or trauma survivors. I offer therapy in both English and or Spanish. I offer a safe space for individuals and families to explore behavioral patterns, work stressors, effects of life changes, trauma, and difficult relationships.
(818) 873-2331 View (818) 873-2331
Photo of Mona Attarian, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mona Attarian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94545  (Online Only)
Hi, my name is Mona Attarian, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). The individuals I meet face a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and trauma. I work with adolescents, adults, and families. My approach to therapy addresses the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My approach is collaborative, warm, and direct, as I provide a safe and non-judgmental place. I use a wide range of approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Hi, my name is Mona Attarian, and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). The individuals I meet face a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and trauma. I work with adolescents, adults, and families. My approach to therapy addresses the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My approach is collaborative, warm, and direct, as I provide a safe and non-judgmental place. I use a wide range of approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Trauma Focused Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
(760) 313-7523 View (760) 313-7523
Photo of Vaneza Villagomez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vaneza Villagomez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Hayward, CA 94546
Also adults struggling with following conditions: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and trauma.
Hello, My name is Vaneza Villagomez. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've been a practicing therapist for the last 10 years. I have a Masters of Science in Counseling, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am bilingual, helping both English and Spanish speaking communities. My purpose: to instill hope that positive changes can exist, facilitate healing, and help find new ways of living with satisfaction and peace. My goal is to help you understand the underlying issues causing you distress, limitations, and dissatisfaction in your life.
Also adults struggling with following conditions: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and trauma.
Hello, My name is Vaneza Villagomez. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've been a practicing therapist for the last 10 years. I have a Masters of Science in Counseling, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am bilingual, helping both English and Spanish speaking communities. My purpose: to instill hope that positive changes can exist, facilitate healing, and help find new ways of living with satisfaction and peace. My goal is to help you understand the underlying issues causing you distress, limitations, and dissatisfaction in your life.
(209) 680-3029 View (209) 680-3029
1
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.