Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Menlo Park, CA

Photo of Jason Magers, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jason Magers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Waitlist for new clients
I am a licensed psychotherapist and consultant specializing in treating trauma. I have extensive experience in the areas of PTSD, childhood attachment wounds, and sexual abuse. I believe everyone deserves a safe, secure space that welcomes all of them. Together we will explore the parts of yourself that seem harder to navigate, and over time we can develop a new understanding of the internal walls that hold you back from significant growth.
I am a licensed psychotherapist and consultant specializing in treating trauma. I have extensive experience in the areas of PTSD, childhood attachment wounds, and sexual abuse. I believe everyone deserves a safe, secure space that welcomes all of them. Together we will explore the parts of yourself that seem harder to navigate, and over time we can develop a new understanding of the internal walls that hold you back from significant growth.
(408) 533-0581 View (408) 533-0581
Photo of Albert R Mezistrano, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Albert R Mezistrano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Whether it shows up as depression, anxiety, or has its roots in trauma of any sort, it deserves to be expressed in the therapy space.
You’ve always had a sense that something crucial is missing, like a song stuck on a note that never resolves. Sometimes you feel disconnected from your authentic self, unable to put words to feelings, lost in a fog of uncertainty. At other times it feels like you’re too much for others and don’t know how to let it out without feeling like a burden. This existential dread has been a constant companion, but you’re sure there’s more to life and that some piece of the puzzle is missing. You long to remove this familiar barrier from impacting your ability to relax, to focus, to show up more as yourself in relationships.
Whether it shows up as depression, anxiety, or has its roots in trauma of any sort, it deserves to be expressed in the therapy space.
You’ve always had a sense that something crucial is missing, like a song stuck on a note that never resolves. Sometimes you feel disconnected from your authentic self, unable to put words to feelings, lost in a fog of uncertainty. At other times it feels like you’re too much for others and don’t know how to let it out without feeling like a burden. This existential dread has been a constant companion, but you’re sure there’s more to life and that some piece of the puzzle is missing. You long to remove this familiar barrier from impacting your ability to relax, to focus, to show up more as yourself in relationships.
(650) 830-8313 View (650) 830-8313
Photo of Grace N Flier, AMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Grace N Flier
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
With over four years of experience in healthcare, I am trained in trauma, sexual abuse, DP/IPV, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, and family/couple therapy.
Everyone deserves respect and a compassionate listener for their concerns and worries. I specialize in helping individuals, families, and couples dealing with internal struggles, trauma, and relationship issues. My goal is to reduce conflict and teach tools that transform adversities into celebrations.
With over four years of experience in healthcare, I am trained in trauma, sexual abuse, DP/IPV, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, and family/couple therapy.
Everyone deserves respect and a compassionate listener for their concerns and worries. I specialize in helping individuals, families, and couples dealing with internal struggles, trauma, and relationship issues. My goal is to reduce conflict and teach tools that transform adversities into celebrations.
(650) 789-5604 View (650) 789-5604
Photo of Kelly Saam, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Kelly Saam
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I use an integrative, trauma-informed approach to therapy, weaving humanistic, systems, and attachment-based theories to inform my practice.
Healing is possible for all people, especially in the context of connection and empathy. My unwavering belief in the goodness of people and the resilience of the human spirit has guided and informed my approach to therapy. I strive to build trustworthy collaborative relationships with my clients in order to find ways to heal, change patterns, and establish more fulfilling lives and relationships.
I use an integrative, trauma-informed approach to therapy, weaving humanistic, systems, and attachment-based theories to inform my practice.
Healing is possible for all people, especially in the context of connection and empathy. My unwavering belief in the goodness of people and the resilience of the human spirit has guided and informed my approach to therapy. I strive to build trustworthy collaborative relationships with my clients in order to find ways to heal, change patterns, and establish more fulfilling lives and relationships.
(650) 374-0382 View (650) 374-0382
Photo of Svetlana Kreimer, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Svetlana Kreimer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Relationships can be hard. Partners struggle with communication, conflicting parenting styles, sexual expressions... Life's challenges, hurtful fights, history of trauma or infidelity make it difficult to sustain trust and closeness. How can you create desired connections, and not lose yourself in the process? How can you be true both to self and to your partnership? I invite you to explore these questions together with empathy and curiosity, letting go of habitual judgments, self-deprecation, and shame. I work with individuals, couples, and families. Both traditional and alternative lifestyles are welcome, and no issue is a taboo.
Relationships can be hard. Partners struggle with communication, conflicting parenting styles, sexual expressions... Life's challenges, hurtful fights, history of trauma or infidelity make it difficult to sustain trust and closeness. How can you create desired connections, and not lose yourself in the process? How can you be true both to self and to your partnership? I invite you to explore these questions together with empathy and curiosity, letting go of habitual judgments, self-deprecation, and shame. I work with individuals, couples, and families. Both traditional and alternative lifestyles are welcome, and no issue is a taboo.
(408) 512-3709 View (408) 512-3709
Photo of Nuria Lopez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nuria Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
Because I believe we are mind, body, and soul, I have a holistic approach in my practice. We are each unique individuals with different problems, needs and wants and therefore require a personalized and individualized treatment to resolve symptoms and conflicts. Emphasizing uniqueness, I utilize an integrative approach in your treatment through the use of various modalities while applying diverse techniques and interventions. This will help you become more in touch with your whole self and recover from any trauma or adverse life experiences and the psychological distress produced by it.
Because I believe we are mind, body, and soul, I have a holistic approach in my practice. We are each unique individuals with different problems, needs and wants and therefore require a personalized and individualized treatment to resolve symptoms and conflicts. Emphasizing uniqueness, I utilize an integrative approach in your treatment through the use of various modalities while applying diverse techniques and interventions. This will help you become more in touch with your whole self and recover from any trauma or adverse life experiences and the psychological distress produced by it.
(424) 391-8691 View (424) 391-8691
Photo of Amy C Friedman, MBA, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy C Friedman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Waitlist for new clients
Although a generalist, I have specialization in: supporting young adults stepping into the next life phase; healing trauma(s); supporting parents including parents of adult children; helping couples understand their dynamics, heal rifts & move toward relationship fulfillment.
Older adolescents, adults & couples are all welcome to my practice. In collaboration with you, I will help guide and support you in attaining your therapy goals by understanding the patterns inhibiting your success, happiness and fulfillment. Together we will chart a therapeutic course specific to who you are and what your goals are. I invite feedback and make corrections as needed along the way. My framework is psychodynamic to which I bring training in other theories/techniques, including: Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, CBT, attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), EMDR and trauma focused.
Although a generalist, I have specialization in: supporting young adults stepping into the next life phase; healing trauma(s); supporting parents including parents of adult children; helping couples understand their dynamics, heal rifts & move toward relationship fulfillment.
Older adolescents, adults & couples are all welcome to my practice. In collaboration with you, I will help guide and support you in attaining your therapy goals by understanding the patterns inhibiting your success, happiness and fulfillment. Together we will chart a therapeutic course specific to who you are and what your goals are. I invite feedback and make corrections as needed along the way. My framework is psychodynamic to which I bring training in other theories/techniques, including: Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, CBT, attachment theory, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), EMDR and trauma focused.
(650) 666-0909 View (650) 666-0909
Photo of Kristian Bowden Menotti, LCSW, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristian Bowden Menotti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I specialize in working with adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress reduction and grief.
You want to feel balanced, centered and be able to truly experience joy. You are tired of depression, anxiety and/or troubling memories standing in the way of your ability to live a rich and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a current challenging situation, or you're just ready to move forward from a troubled past, I cherish the opportunity of hearing your story and walking with you along your path of healing.
I specialize in working with adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress reduction and grief.
You want to feel balanced, centered and be able to truly experience joy. You are tired of depression, anxiety and/or troubling memories standing in the way of your ability to live a rich and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a current challenging situation, or you're just ready to move forward from a troubled past, I cherish the opportunity of hearing your story and walking with you along your path of healing.
(408) 215-9451 View (408) 215-9451
Photo of Maria Young, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maria Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Maria specializes in providing support to individuals experiencing stress, anxiety (including panic attacks), childhood trauma, PTSD, and depression. Her approach involves working with their reptilian brain to alleviate the fight, flight, or freeze response and help them imagine and create a healthier life. She also helps them learn from their past experiences, enabling them to strengthen themselves. Maria's expertise extends to couples and families from diverse backgrounds, including those who are multicultural, multiracial, and multi-generational.
Maria specializes in providing support to individuals experiencing stress, anxiety (including panic attacks), childhood trauma, PTSD, and depression. Her approach involves working with their reptilian brain to alleviate the fight, flight, or freeze response and help them imagine and create a healthier life. She also helps them learn from their past experiences, enabling them to strengthen themselves. Maria's expertise extends to couples and families from diverse backgrounds, including those who are multicultural, multiracial, and multi-generational.
(650) 995-5283 View (650) 995-5283
Photo of Dr. Caroline Stone, PsyD, MA, MS, Psychologist
Dr. Caroline Stone
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
As a clinical psychologist, I help both individuals and couples create more connected and fulfilling lives through personalized, supportive psychotherapy. My clients are looking to make specific changes and want an interactive clinician to provide perspective, as well as tools and strategies for coping with painful emotions and life stressors. I assist clients with relationship concerns, break-ups, anxiety, OCD, physical health conditions, trauma, social anxiety, parenting, and major life, academic, and career transitions. I also provide performance and executive coaching services across Silicon Valley.
As a clinical psychologist, I help both individuals and couples create more connected and fulfilling lives through personalized, supportive psychotherapy. My clients are looking to make specific changes and want an interactive clinician to provide perspective, as well as tools and strategies for coping with painful emotions and life stressors. I assist clients with relationship concerns, break-ups, anxiety, OCD, physical health conditions, trauma, social anxiety, parenting, and major life, academic, and career transitions. I also provide performance and executive coaching services across Silicon Valley.
(341) 444-3994 View (341) 444-3994
Photo of Roger Grossman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Roger Grossman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
I specialize in couples therapy, addiction counseling and working with victims of trauma, emergency services and veterans.
My name is Roger Grossman I literally wrote to book on how to have a successful marriage: "Making Marriage Work: A User’s Guide To A Successful Marriage" by Roger Grossman, I Am Not The Smile and Nod Therapist. I roll up my sleeves and get in there with you. I have a great BS detector. I’ll call you on your stuff. We’ll laugh (a lot).
I specialize in couples therapy, addiction counseling and working with victims of trauma, emergency services and veterans.
My name is Roger Grossman I literally wrote to book on how to have a successful marriage: "Making Marriage Work: A User’s Guide To A Successful Marriage" by Roger Grossman, I Am Not The Smile and Nod Therapist. I roll up my sleeves and get in there with you. I have a great BS detector. I’ll call you on your stuff. We’ll laugh (a lot).
(858) 533-2684 View (858) 533-2684
Photo of Sutha Johnson, PhD, Psychologist
Sutha Johnson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
Hi there. In therapy with me, you can expect to slow down, express your whole self, feel understood, and collaboratively work through feelings of worry, stuck or on-edge, loneliness, sadness, fear or shame. Your therapy goals are central to how I tailor treatment. My expertise are working with adults focusing on generalized/social anxiety, perfectionism, OCD, and who want to strengthen an authentic relationship with self. I also specialize in processing trauma, specifically for sexual assault survivors, adults with history of childhood abuse, and traumatic grief.
Hi there. In therapy with me, you can expect to slow down, express your whole self, feel understood, and collaboratively work through feelings of worry, stuck or on-edge, loneliness, sadness, fear or shame. Your therapy goals are central to how I tailor treatment. My expertise are working with adults focusing on generalized/social anxiety, perfectionism, OCD, and who want to strengthen an authentic relationship with self. I also specialize in processing trauma, specifically for sexual assault survivors, adults with history of childhood abuse, and traumatic grief.
(650) 749-7397 View (650) 749-7397
Photo of Christopher Sato-Perry, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Christopher Sato-Perry
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological trauma, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.
For over 24 years, I've collaborated with people to resolve their psychological trauma, phobias, anxiety & stress as well as maximize responses to their medical diagnoses, treatments & conditions. This clinical focus stems from both a personal medical challenge since age 12 and research on treating women with breast cancer and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet Kaiser research (1998) finding 70% of primary care visits are driven by mental, emotional and relational issues highlights how mind and body are interwoven for each of us. This interplay provides leverage for preventive medicine, for responding to illness and for maximizing peak performance.
(650) 440-7197 View (650) 440-7197
Photo of Nino Yniguez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nino Yniguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
The therapeutic process is unique and I aim to build my therapy style around the needs of each client. With over 10 years of experience, I have a passion for working with many populations including veterans, adults with autism, parents of children with autism, working with families in the PHP/IOP setting, students transitioning out of college, and survivors of trauma. I am a level 2 Certified Trauma Specialist with a background in Somatic Reprocessing and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. No matter the challenges you are facing, I am here to provide you with the skills, support, and environment needed to succeed.
The therapeutic process is unique and I aim to build my therapy style around the needs of each client. With over 10 years of experience, I have a passion for working with many populations including veterans, adults with autism, parents of children with autism, working with families in the PHP/IOP setting, students transitioning out of college, and survivors of trauma. I am a level 2 Certified Trauma Specialist with a background in Somatic Reprocessing and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. No matter the challenges you are facing, I am here to provide you with the skills, support, and environment needed to succeed.
(310) 929-6693 View (310) 929-6693
Photo of Ivette Huerta, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ivette Huerta
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
I have been working with the adults, parents, and families for over 20 years. I want to provide helping hands through your journey with the goal of you finding your self-worth and self-awareness. Life causes anxiety and frustrations, but with my guidance you will develop and strengthen yourself into a healthy individual. Through practical individual therapy, a change in your relationship will unfold before your eyes. I believe in creating a safe space for a client and taking time for self-care. I have worked with adults and families who've struggled with depression, anxiety, and trauma.
I have been working with the adults, parents, and families for over 20 years. I want to provide helping hands through your journey with the goal of you finding your self-worth and self-awareness. Life causes anxiety and frustrations, but with my guidance you will develop and strengthen yourself into a healthy individual. Through practical individual therapy, a change in your relationship will unfold before your eyes. I believe in creating a safe space for a client and taking time for self-care. I have worked with adults and families who've struggled with depression, anxiety, and trauma.
(415) 729-2474 View (415) 729-2474
Photo of Sean Sprigle, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sean Sprigle
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
My specialties include substance abuse (dual diagnosis), trauma/PTSD, codependency, dysfunctional family dynamics, anxiety, and depression.
Are you struggling with how crazy the world has become? Do you feel lost, scared or confused? Are you looking for answers during a time when no one seems to have them? I might be able to help you. Before I was a therapist I was a client myself, struggling with addiction, PTSD and other issues as well. My journey of healing led me to becoming a therapist to help others heal. My clients find me to be compassionate, non-judgmental and informative. I tend to work intuitively, while using my training and experience as a guide. I am focused on helping my clients navigate their own healing journey as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
My specialties include substance abuse (dual diagnosis), trauma/PTSD, codependency, dysfunctional family dynamics, anxiety, and depression.
Are you struggling with how crazy the world has become? Do you feel lost, scared or confused? Are you looking for answers during a time when no one seems to have them? I might be able to help you. Before I was a therapist I was a client myself, struggling with addiction, PTSD and other issues as well. My journey of healing led me to becoming a therapist to help others heal. My clients find me to be compassionate, non-judgmental and informative. I tend to work intuitively, while using my training and experience as a guide. I am focused on helping my clients navigate their own healing journey as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
(858) 879-6083 View (858) 879-6083
Photo of Patricia E Lund, PhD, Psychologist
Patricia E Lund
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Have you recently received a medical diagnosis that has thrown you "off your path?" Do you have an upcoming surgical procedure that has you frightened, and you want to be as prepared as possible? Are you scheduling an elective procedure that will make your life better, but that has inherent risks? Or perhaps you need help in healing from a disturbing medical procedure? One of my specialties as a psychotherapist is to help you manage and heal from such events. I have spent 30 years helping people diagnosed with breast cancer, other forms of cancer, and medical crises as well as life transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief.
Have you recently received a medical diagnosis that has thrown you "off your path?" Do you have an upcoming surgical procedure that has you frightened, and you want to be as prepared as possible? Are you scheduling an elective procedure that will make your life better, but that has inherent risks? Or perhaps you need help in healing from a disturbing medical procedure? One of my specialties as a psychotherapist is to help you manage and heal from such events. I have spent 30 years helping people diagnosed with breast cancer, other forms of cancer, and medical crises as well as life transitions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief.
(415) 592-6893 View (415) 592-6893
Photo of Ronald Gellis, LCP, Psychologist
Ronald Gellis
Psychologist, LCP
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025
I specialize in the treatment of trauma and addiction and utilize evidence-based approaches to the treatment of trauma.
I am Dr. Ron Gellis and have been a Christian and Licensed Clinical, Forensic and Sports Neuropsychologist for many years. I have served in the Navy and am passionate about working with Veterans, First Responders, and their Families. I played D1 soccer, run 20 marathons, taught scuba as well as being an award-winning underwater photographer, and competed at the CrossFit Games for 3 years. I am here to help you. I am passionate about working with Veterans, First Responders, and Families as well as the most overlooked population therein, their children.
I specialize in the treatment of trauma and addiction and utilize evidence-based approaches to the treatment of trauma.
I am Dr. Ron Gellis and have been a Christian and Licensed Clinical, Forensic and Sports Neuropsychologist for many years. I have served in the Navy and am passionate about working with Veterans, First Responders, and their Families. I played D1 soccer, run 20 marathons, taught scuba as well as being an award-winning underwater photographer, and competed at the CrossFit Games for 3 years. I am here to help you. I am passionate about working with Veterans, First Responders, and Families as well as the most overlooked population therein, their children.
(657) 239-4705 View (657) 239-4705
Photo of Devora Weinapple, LMFT, ATR-BC, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Devora Weinapple
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR-BC, MA
Verified Verified
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
As a board certified art therapist, I use art media, the creative process, and resulting artwork to help individuals, couples and families process trauma, reduce anxiety and depression, manage addictions, develop self-awareness, address unresolved emotional conflicts, improve social skills, and build self-esteem.
Whether you've been in therapy before, or this will be your first time; it is important to feel safe and comfortable enough to talk about things that are causing you distress. Are you experiencing life changes, decisions, challenges, trauma, illness, or disabilities? Are you looking for a way to cope with anxiety or depression?  Do you have nightmares or trouble sleeping?  Maybe you have experienced the loss of someone close to you, or a job, or a beloved pet.  Or you are just plain stressed out.  All the time. Talk can help, but so can non-verbal expressive therapies, in a non-threatening, non-judgmental environment.
As a board certified art therapist, I use art media, the creative process, and resulting artwork to help individuals, couples and families process trauma, reduce anxiety and depression, manage addictions, develop self-awareness, address unresolved emotional conflicts, improve social skills, and build self-esteem.
Whether you've been in therapy before, or this will be your first time; it is important to feel safe and comfortable enough to talk about things that are causing you distress. Are you experiencing life changes, decisions, challenges, trauma, illness, or disabilities? Are you looking for a way to cope with anxiety or depression?  Do you have nightmares or trouble sleeping?  Maybe you have experienced the loss of someone close to you, or a job, or a beloved pet.  Or you are just plain stressed out.  All the time. Talk can help, but so can non-verbal expressive therapies, in a non-threatening, non-judgmental environment.
(650) 445-0582 View (650) 445-0582
Photo of Lance Waltman - Lance Waltman, LPC, MS, LPC, Counselor
Lance Waltman, LPC
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Menlo Park, CA 94025  (Online Only)
With fifteen years of experience I have worked with a wide range of client concerns, with a specialty in trauma therapy.
I often work with clients who struggle with never feeling good enough. This would surprise people around you as there's a good chance you've found success in life. You excelled academically, have advanced your career, and appear confident to others, but internally you feel different. The drive to perform has been an attempt to finally feel like you are enough. I can help you begin to look at how these patterns were at one time protective, but may no longer fit in your life. We will work together to heal the underlying wounds these patterns are protecting.
With fifteen years of experience I have worked with a wide range of client concerns, with a specialty in trauma therapy.
I often work with clients who struggle with never feeling good enough. This would surprise people around you as there's a good chance you've found success in life. You excelled academically, have advanced your career, and appear confident to others, but internally you feel different. The drive to perform has been an attempt to finally feel like you are enough. I can help you begin to look at how these patterns were at one time protective, but may no longer fit in your life. We will work together to heal the underlying wounds these patterns are protecting.
(424) 866-8637 View (424) 866-8637
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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.