Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Los Gatos, CA

Photo of Deborah Black Lamble, LMFT, #105164, Marriage & Family Therapist
Deborah Black Lamble
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, #105164
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
I love helping people re-connect with their own happiness and practice a strength-based approach to assessment, strategies and treatment! My clinical expertise is in combining specialized clinical knowledge and skills in the service of resolving anxiety and depression. I find that many people diagnosed with long-standing clinical depression and anxiety are often suffering from the negative impact of self-criticism, relationship discord, past trauma, or achievement fatigue, and that once these are addressed, their symptoms subside. My intention is to help provide a safe space to reduce your suffering and provide coping strategies.
I love helping people re-connect with their own happiness and practice a strength-based approach to assessment, strategies and treatment! My clinical expertise is in combining specialized clinical knowledge and skills in the service of resolving anxiety and depression. I find that many people diagnosed with long-standing clinical depression and anxiety are often suffering from the negative impact of self-criticism, relationship discord, past trauma, or achievement fatigue, and that once these are addressed, their symptoms subside. My intention is to help provide a safe space to reduce your suffering and provide coping strategies.
(408) 539-6918 View (408) 539-6918
Photo of Peter Cellarius, MA, LMFT, SEP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Peter Cellarius
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Waitlist for new clients
Are you having the same painful arguments, again and again? Does it feel like nothing will ever change? I specialize in couples counseling, and in working with trauma. If things have gotten hard I can help. Let's talk.
Are you having the same painful arguments, again and again? Does it feel like nothing will ever change? I specialize in couples counseling, and in working with trauma. If things have gotten hard I can help. Let's talk.
(408) 831-2974 View (408) 831-2974
Photo of Pantea Bozorgfar, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pantea Bozorgfar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Welcome! If you're grappling with challenges stemming from past trauma or current situations—experiencing overwhelming sadness and worry, struggling to express your feelings, lacking joy and peace in your life, and noticing impacts on your work and relationships—I'm here to support you! If you're feeling powerless or questioning your worth, know that you're not alone. Let's work together to navigate through these difficulties.
Welcome! If you're grappling with challenges stemming from past trauma or current situations—experiencing overwhelming sadness and worry, struggling to express your feelings, lacking joy and peace in your life, and noticing impacts on your work and relationships—I'm here to support you! If you're feeling powerless or questioning your worth, know that you're not alone. Let's work together to navigate through these difficulties.
(408) 755-9671 View (408) 755-9671
Photo of Cynthia Haartman - Cynthia Haartman: Psychotherapy, Sex Therapy, EMDR, MA, LMFT, CST, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cynthia Haartman: Psychotherapy, Sex Therapy, EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CST
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032  (Online Only)
I am a Certified Sex Therapist, and also Certified in EMDR Therapy. My primary focus includes: intimacy and sexuality concerns, pelvic pain, fear and anxiety around intimacy, stress, trauma, anxiety, self worth, guilt and shame, neurodivergence/ADHD, chronic pain and chronic illness, as well as medical trauma, and manifestation of stress physically in the body. I am kink affirming and knowledgable, LGBTQ+/sexual and gender minority inclusive, and a sex positive provider.
I am a Certified Sex Therapist, and also Certified in EMDR Therapy. My primary focus includes: intimacy and sexuality concerns, pelvic pain, fear and anxiety around intimacy, stress, trauma, anxiety, self worth, guilt and shame, neurodivergence/ADHD, chronic pain and chronic illness, as well as medical trauma, and manifestation of stress physically in the body. I am kink affirming and knowledgable, LGBTQ+/sexual and gender minority inclusive, and a sex positive provider.
(408) 478-3890 View (408) 478-3890
Photo of Alison Silvius Casanova, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alison Silvius Casanova
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
I love helping people of all ages who struggle with social skills, who have suffered from trauma/loss/addiction, or who are affected by people in their lives who struggle with addiction.
Finding a therapist is hard! It doesn't help that there are so many to choose from. I think the most important part is actually liking the person you are talking to. Take a look at my page (and website), and if you think we may be a good fit, I encourage you to call me for a free 15 minute consultation. If we end up working together, I will do my best to find which methods align with you so that I can help you get to the place you want to be.
I love helping people of all ages who struggle with social skills, who have suffered from trauma/loss/addiction, or who are affected by people in their lives who struggle with addiction.
Finding a therapist is hard! It doesn't help that there are so many to choose from. I think the most important part is actually liking the person you are talking to. Take a look at my page (and website), and if you think we may be a good fit, I encourage you to call me for a free 15 minute consultation. If we end up working together, I will do my best to find which methods align with you so that I can help you get to the place you want to be.
(408) 214-6656 View (408) 214-6656
Photo of Dr. Jeanne Jakob - Jeanne Jakob / Inside Out Psychology Inc, PhD, ABPP, Psychologist
Jeanne Jakob / Inside Out Psychology Inc
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
I have expertise in working with clients who struggle with anxiety, worry, panic, developmental trauma, self-esteem, depression, insomnia and PTSD.
I am a seasoned, board-certified psychologist licensed in California. I provide individual and group psychotherapy via telehealth and in-person (Los Gatos, CA). My ideal clients are motivated to develop psychological flexibility skills to live more fulfilling lives. I integrate various psychotherapy perspectives, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches (ACT, CBT, DBT). I am the owner of Inside Out Psychology, an educational and wellness company. I offer Zoom mindfulness sessions to the general public and host expert webinars to educate mental health consumers. Psychotherapy practice: DrJeanneJakob.com
I have expertise in working with clients who struggle with anxiety, worry, panic, developmental trauma, self-esteem, depression, insomnia and PTSD.
I am a seasoned, board-certified psychologist licensed in California. I provide individual and group psychotherapy via telehealth and in-person (Los Gatos, CA). My ideal clients are motivated to develop psychological flexibility skills to live more fulfilling lives. I integrate various psychotherapy perspectives, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches (ACT, CBT, DBT). I am the owner of Inside Out Psychology, an educational and wellness company. I offer Zoom mindfulness sessions to the general public and host expert webinars to educate mental health consumers. Psychotherapy practice: DrJeanneJakob.com
(650) 429-8787 View (650) 429-8787
Photo of Stefanie Smith, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Stefanie Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032  (Online Only)
Be able and confident to use real tools helping to bring ease in your life and get your world on track. There is help for suffering, PTSD, anxiety, etc. that does not always involve having to trench up the past, but rather, can work right now to bring relief. Are you hurting or stuck? Often our past laid down unconscious survival mechanisms that are at work today that are no longer useful. We can work together to discover these and then insert a new and more useful tool that can allow more ease in your world. I help you identify current needs are so that these can be supported. I specialize in adult adoptees (I am one myself).
Be able and confident to use real tools helping to bring ease in your life and get your world on track. There is help for suffering, PTSD, anxiety, etc. that does not always involve having to trench up the past, but rather, can work right now to bring relief. Are you hurting or stuck? Often our past laid down unconscious survival mechanisms that are at work today that are no longer useful. We can work together to discover these and then insert a new and more useful tool that can allow more ease in your world. I help you identify current needs are so that these can be supported. I specialize in adult adoptees (I am one myself).
(408) 214-8349 View (408) 214-8349
Photo of Marga Vaquer-Rhodes, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marga Vaquer-Rhodes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
I use Hakomi Body-Oriented Psychotherapy, a mindfulness-based experiential method, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a proven, highly effective method that shortens trauma treatment times.
Is there an ache in your heart? A longing in your soul? Does your body tell you something's off? Your mind driving you crazy? Hurting too much? Maybe something's RIGHT about this! It may lead to uncovering what you long for, and bring you towards it! Let's unwrap the gift together! I'd be honored to be your copilot for this journey. As your ally in healing and growth, my job is to apply my sound professional training while maintaining an open attitude of acceptance and respect towards your experience and uniqueness.
I use Hakomi Body-Oriented Psychotherapy, a mindfulness-based experiential method, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a proven, highly effective method that shortens trauma treatment times.
Is there an ache in your heart? A longing in your soul? Does your body tell you something's off? Your mind driving you crazy? Hurting too much? Maybe something's RIGHT about this! It may lead to uncovering what you long for, and bring you towards it! Let's unwrap the gift together! I'd be honored to be your copilot for this journey. As your ally in healing and growth, my job is to apply my sound professional training while maintaining an open attitude of acceptance and respect towards your experience and uniqueness.
(831) 227-3431 View (831) 227-3431
Photo of Ricci Elliott, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ricci Elliott
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032  (Online Only)
I have experience in treating depression, anxiety, self-esteem/body image issues, grief/loss, trauma, sexual abuse, attachment issues, narcissistic abuse, and more.
Seeking and getting support isn't always easy, but we aren't meant to endure life's challenges alone. Reaching out for support is itself a brave act of self love, and in doing so you will prove to yourself the depth of your abilities and the unlimited potential for growth with which you possess. I believe people are capable of so much, and my goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you achieve what you want to get out of your life and your relationships with others.
I have experience in treating depression, anxiety, self-esteem/body image issues, grief/loss, trauma, sexual abuse, attachment issues, narcissistic abuse, and more.
Seeking and getting support isn't always easy, but we aren't meant to endure life's challenges alone. Reaching out for support is itself a brave act of self love, and in doing so you will prove to yourself the depth of your abilities and the unlimited potential for growth with which you possess. I believe people are capable of so much, and my goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you achieve what you want to get out of your life and your relationships with others.
(510) 661-3402 View (510) 661-3402
Photo of Lorren Siu - Therapy For Highly Sensitive Persons, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lorren Siu - Therapy For Highly Sensitive Persons
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
I work with women and highly sensitive people who are struggling with anxiety and want to understand how their family and upbringing have affected them so that they can grow out of those patterns. Sometimes this can be setting better boundaries, creating closer relationships, or receiving brainspotting to heal from childhood attachment trauma/emotional neglect. I also provide animal-assisted therapy with my canine partner, Emi. She is a highly sensitive dog who struggles with anxiety as well, but she loves people and enjoys helping clients feel happy and safe.
I work with women and highly sensitive people who are struggling with anxiety and want to understand how their family and upbringing have affected them so that they can grow out of those patterns. Sometimes this can be setting better boundaries, creating closer relationships, or receiving brainspotting to heal from childhood attachment trauma/emotional neglect. I also provide animal-assisted therapy with my canine partner, Emi. She is a highly sensitive dog who struggles with anxiety as well, but she loves people and enjoys helping clients feel happy and safe.
(408) 692-9152 View (408) 692-9152
Photo of Crystal Morris, MA, LMFT, LPHA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Crystal Morris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPHA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
My experience includes, but is not limited to; childhood trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, interpersonal and family conflict, sexual trauma, and adolescent/young adult development and conflict.
The guiding purpose of my practice is to create an accepting and supportive environment for all my clients. My focus is building a genuine therapeutic relationship through trust and empathy so that clients feel safe and heard.
My experience includes, but is not limited to; childhood trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, interpersonal and family conflict, sexual trauma, and adolescent/young adult development and conflict.
The guiding purpose of my practice is to create an accepting and supportive environment for all my clients. My focus is building a genuine therapeutic relationship through trust and empathy so that clients feel safe and heard.
(408) 692-0937 View (408) 692-0937
Photo of Lindsey Kelly, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lindsey Kelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
What if you could design your ideal life and have the tools to turn that life into a reality? Are you feeling anxious, lost, confused, stuck? Perhaps you're frustrated because you don't know where to start? Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, burnout, or just trying to figure out your next move, I'm here with an open heart and listening ears.
What if you could design your ideal life and have the tools to turn that life into a reality? Are you feeling anxious, lost, confused, stuck? Perhaps you're frustrated because you don't know where to start? Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, burnout, or just trying to figure out your next move, I'm here with an open heart and listening ears.
(408) 359-4806 View (408) 359-4806
Photo of Liat Ben-Uzi, MA, LMFT, CAMS-II, Marriage & Family Therapist
Liat Ben-Uzi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CAMS-II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95030
I work with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ concerns, disassociation and trauma, and with couples and families facing conflicted relationships.
Our experiences form an unconscious ‘blueprint’, which shapes our beliefs and aspirations, but also the fears and challenges we face. Gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and the patterns that run your life allows you the freedom to make new choices and respond differently, transforming your relationships with yourself and others. In our work together, I will support you on your journey towards self-awareness that can lead to a profound change. My therapeutic approach is warm, direct and authentic. I believe feeling safe, accepted and heard are all critical elements for therapy to succeed.
I work with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ concerns, disassociation and trauma, and with couples and families facing conflicted relationships.
Our experiences form an unconscious ‘blueprint’, which shapes our beliefs and aspirations, but also the fears and challenges we face. Gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and the patterns that run your life allows you the freedom to make new choices and respond differently, transforming your relationships with yourself and others. In our work together, I will support you on your journey towards self-awareness that can lead to a profound change. My therapeutic approach is warm, direct and authentic. I believe feeling safe, accepted and heard are all critical elements for therapy to succeed.
(408) 418-2526 View (408) 418-2526
Photo of Maxine Wilborn Phd Counseling Education And Supervision, PhD, APCC
Maxine Wilborn Phd Counseling Education And Supervision
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, APCC
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95030  (Online Only)
I work with individuals, families, and couples who are experiencing anxiety, depression, crisis, self-esteem, trauma, abuse, and relationship needs.
Maxine Wilborn, Ph.D.(c) works in CA. Currently, meeting clients through virtual therapy. At times everyone needs help coping with life events, as a PhD, APCC (CA). I enjoy providing individuals, couples, and families with skills they can readily use for current and future life events. Individual and personal strengths can be complemented with tools to achieve a well-balanced and healthy mental health lifestyle. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I provide tools and approaches to achieve individual personal goals and well-being.
I work with individuals, families, and couples who are experiencing anxiety, depression, crisis, self-esteem, trauma, abuse, and relationship needs.
Maxine Wilborn, Ph.D.(c) works in CA. Currently, meeting clients through virtual therapy. At times everyone needs help coping with life events, as a PhD, APCC (CA). I enjoy providing individuals, couples, and families with skills they can readily use for current and future life events. Individual and personal strengths can be complemented with tools to achieve a well-balanced and healthy mental health lifestyle. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I provide tools and approaches to achieve individual personal goals and well-being.
(408) 790-1192 View (408) 790-1192
Photo of Jenna Benson Sholl - Jenna Sholl, Cura Integrative Health, LMFT, CCTP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jenna Sholl, Cura Integrative Health
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
I am a Co-Founder and Clinical Director at Cura and a Certified Neurofeedback provider through the Trauma Research Foundation.
Do you find your current relationship(s) disappointing, have trouble keeping relationships or finding one at all? Our patients have concerns about how trauma impacts their daily life. They often report that food feels overwhelming and confusing. We will track and understand the unsettling and yet important feelings you have about yourself, your past, your food intake and your relationships with others. Common topics addressed in session include anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulty, feeling out of control with food, concerns about sex and more. Taking the first step to examine this with us isn't always easy but can be life-altering.
I am a Co-Founder and Clinical Director at Cura and a Certified Neurofeedback provider through the Trauma Research Foundation.
Do you find your current relationship(s) disappointing, have trouble keeping relationships or finding one at all? Our patients have concerns about how trauma impacts their daily life. They often report that food feels overwhelming and confusing. We will track and understand the unsettling and yet important feelings you have about yourself, your past, your food intake and your relationships with others. Common topics addressed in session include anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulty, feeling out of control with food, concerns about sex and more. Taking the first step to examine this with us isn't always easy but can be life-altering.
(408) 457-0403 View (408) 457-0403
Photo of Connie Kay, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Connie Kay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95031
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
Photo of Ellen Noon, LMFT, CSAT, CEMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ellen Noon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, CEMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95033  (Online Only)
I am a sex therapist and couples counselor. I provide expert care for couples’ issues, intimacy struggles, sexual struggles, infidelity, sexual compulsivity, sexual addiction and trauma. My goal is to create an intimate space where both partners can share their experience and feelings. I also work with individuals on their relationship issues. My intention is to share a journey that will allow you to unlock the whatever it is that is keeping you from having a happy, fulfilling life. The work that you do now can positively impact you and your partner for a life time. If you are serious about change deep transformation is possible.
I am a sex therapist and couples counselor. I provide expert care for couples’ issues, intimacy struggles, sexual struggles, infidelity, sexual compulsivity, sexual addiction and trauma. My goal is to create an intimate space where both partners can share their experience and feelings. I also work with individuals on their relationship issues. My intention is to share a journey that will allow you to unlock the whatever it is that is keeping you from having a happy, fulfilling life. The work that you do now can positively impact you and your partner for a life time. If you are serious about change deep transformation is possible.
(669) 254-3007 View (669) 254-3007
Photo of Jill Barbara Schwerin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill Barbara Schwerin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Gatos, CA 95032
My emphasis and extra training have been in human sexuality and trauma.
Any person who enters into therapy with me is appreciated and welcomed. I identify each client as unique and feel a deep respect for them. My work experience has been primarily with adults and teenagers and it's been an incredibly enriching privilege. I practice client centered therapy, which acknowledges the client's wisdom, and holistic treatments. Whatever the client's issue is, I will be open minded, open hearted and compassionate. Whatever the therapeutic goal, I will assist and explore with the client at their speed. I truly look forward to working with my clients and I'm keenly interested in their therapeutic process.
My emphasis and extra training have been in human sexuality and trauma.
Any person who enters into therapy with me is appreciated and welcomed. I identify each client as unique and feel a deep respect for them. My work experience has been primarily with adults and teenagers and it's been an incredibly enriching privilege. I practice client centered therapy, which acknowledges the client's wisdom, and holistic treatments. Whatever the client's issue is, I will be open minded, open hearted and compassionate. Whatever the therapeutic goal, I will assist and explore with the client at their speed. I truly look forward to working with my clients and I'm keenly interested in their therapeutic process.
(408) 317-1201 View (408) 317-1201
Photo of Jeanette Ayala-Rios, APCC
Jeanette Ayala-Rios
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Hi there! I’m a bilingual Spanish-English speaking therapist specializing in neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am currently seeing clients via Telehealth. I enjoy working with clients on issues related to life and work balance, anxiety and depression disorders, grief, life transitions, relationship issues, trauma, and emotionally dysregulation. I specialize in providing compassionate and effective treatment for individuals struggling with PTSD symptoms. I have experienced success in family sessions by guiding the repair between a child-parent relationship. I wholeheartedly believe that repairing
Hi there! I’m a bilingual Spanish-English speaking therapist specializing in neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am currently seeing clients via Telehealth. I enjoy working with clients on issues related to life and work balance, anxiety and depression disorders, grief, life transitions, relationship issues, trauma, and emotionally dysregulation. I specialize in providing compassionate and effective treatment for individuals struggling with PTSD symptoms. I have experienced success in family sessions by guiding the repair between a child-parent relationship. I wholeheartedly believe that repairing
(209) 396-7329 View (209) 396-7329
Photo of Brian Winkler, PhD, Psychologist
Brian Winkler
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Los Gatos, CA 95032
For over 30 years, I have specialized in working with individuals and couples who are looking for a deep, transformative experience in therapy that resolves core issues and not just symptoms. I help my clients heal life long attachment wounds and change deep seated negative patterns, facilitating a greater capacity for intimacy, joy, inner peace, and confidence. I draw upon several approaches including EMDR for the resolution of past trauma and addictions, psychodynamic (childhood issues), Couples Systems, Jungian dream analysis, meditative practices, somatic focused therapy, and techniques from the latest neuroscience research.
For over 30 years, I have specialized in working with individuals and couples who are looking for a deep, transformative experience in therapy that resolves core issues and not just symptoms. I help my clients heal life long attachment wounds and change deep seated negative patterns, facilitating a greater capacity for intimacy, joy, inner peace, and confidence. I draw upon several approaches including EMDR for the resolution of past trauma and addictions, psychodynamic (childhood issues), Couples Systems, Jungian dream analysis, meditative practices, somatic focused therapy, and techniques from the latest neuroscience research.
(650) 306-8188 View (650) 306-8188
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.