Trauma and PTSD Therapists in San Bruno, CA

Photo of Martha Borja Acacio, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Martha Borja Acacio
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I hold years of experience working holistically in the areas of mood disorder, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Domestic Violence, Grief and Loss.
I hold over 25 years of experience working with youth, adolescents, young adults, adults and families. After earning my master's degree in Counseling at San Francisco State University, I accepted a position with Family Service Agency of San Francisco, then with the City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health, Community Behavioral Services. In this position, I helped to create the Transitional Youth Service Program. In 2000, I received a Certificate of Honor award from the Mayor of San Francisco.
I hold years of experience working holistically in the areas of mood disorder, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Domestic Violence, Grief and Loss.
I hold over 25 years of experience working with youth, adolescents, young adults, adults and families. After earning my master's degree in Counseling at San Francisco State University, I accepted a position with Family Service Agency of San Francisco, then with the City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health, Community Behavioral Services. In this position, I helped to create the Transitional Youth Service Program. In 2000, I received a Certificate of Honor award from the Mayor of San Francisco.
(650) 353-9141 View (650) 353-9141
Photo of Julie Look, PsyD, Psychologist
Julie Look
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Bruno, CA 94066
We would begin with your current concerns, and then work to understand how your present feelings and reactions may be unknowingly shaped by family patterns or earlier trauma.
Life can be complicated and confusing. Making room for joy, for satisfaction – for even a deep breath – can get pushed aside amid the demands of family, school, work, and the flood of world news. You may be struggling with newness, such as new parenthood or going away to college, or with the loss of a loved one or a long-term way of living. You may have experienced a traumatic event, or be concerned with emotional eating. Or maybe you just feel that something isn’t quite right, as an individual or as a couple, even though life looks fine on the surface.
We would begin with your current concerns, and then work to understand how your present feelings and reactions may be unknowingly shaped by family patterns or earlier trauma.
Life can be complicated and confusing. Making room for joy, for satisfaction – for even a deep breath – can get pushed aside amid the demands of family, school, work, and the flood of world news. You may be struggling with newness, such as new parenthood or going away to college, or with the loss of a loved one or a long-term way of living. You may have experienced a traumatic event, or be concerned with emotional eating. Or maybe you just feel that something isn’t quite right, as an individual or as a couple, even though life looks fine on the surface.
(415) 634-3993 View (415) 634-3993
Photo of Michelle Mihoko Taniguchi, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michelle Mihoko Taniguchi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
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 Rafael Portuges, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rafael Portuges
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Bruno, CA 94066
I bring a positive and strength-based approach to therapy, with over 10 years of experience in assisting clients addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and relationship obstacles.
As a licensed therapist, I offer many years of experience helping individuals, families, and couples find balance. My style has been described as collaborative, warm, and non-judgmental. I approach every client's unique needs by providing a safe space to explore the past, understand the present, and prepare for the future.
I bring a positive and strength-based approach to therapy, with over 10 years of experience in assisting clients addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and relationship obstacles.
As a licensed therapist, I offer many years of experience helping individuals, families, and couples find balance. My style has been described as collaborative, warm, and non-judgmental. I approach every client's unique needs by providing a safe space to explore the past, understand the present, and prepare for the future.
(650) 360-9881 View (650) 360-9881
Photo of Bernadette Rivero, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bernadette Rivero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Bruno, CA 94066  (Online Only)
Whether it's depression, anxiety, trauma, negative self-talk, family dynamics, intergenerational cycles, race relations, or you're a fellow healthcare worker, I will work diligently with you to develop an awareness and understanding of these aspects of your life.
Are there topics you're nervous or scared to discuss with your partner, friends or family due to embarrassment or fear of judgement? Do you continue to tell everyone you're "fine" when internally you may be experiencing a variety of emotions that you're unsure how to manage? Were you raised in a family that did not discuss emotions or perceived them as "weak"? These are very common thoughts that I would love to unpack with you. I understand the difficulty in being vulnerable and discussing your emotions. My purpose is to create a comfortable environment for you to work through these feelings and practice coping skills.
Whether it's depression, anxiety, trauma, negative self-talk, family dynamics, intergenerational cycles, race relations, or you're a fellow healthcare worker, I will work diligently with you to develop an awareness and understanding of these aspects of your life.
Are there topics you're nervous or scared to discuss with your partner, friends or family due to embarrassment or fear of judgement? Do you continue to tell everyone you're "fine" when internally you may be experiencing a variety of emotions that you're unsure how to manage? Were you raised in a family that did not discuss emotions or perceived them as "weak"? These are very common thoughts that I would love to unpack with you. I understand the difficulty in being vulnerable and discussing your emotions. My purpose is to create a comfortable environment for you to work through these feelings and practice coping skills.
(510) 323-4463 View (510) 323-4463
Photo of Irina Strekalova, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Irina Strekalova
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I found that Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-Focused therapy in conjunction with Mindfulness, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), TRM ( trauma resiliency model) work well for most people.
Hello, my name is Irina Strekalova and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in a private practice in Arcadia, CA, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in treating depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, life transition difficulties, relationship problems using different approaches to help client to achieve their goals. I assist clients through life transitions and challenges that lead to depression, anxiety, decreased self-confidence, relationship problems, or negative behaviors they would like to change.
I found that Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-Focused therapy in conjunction with Mindfulness, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), TRM ( trauma resiliency model) work well for most people.
Hello, my name is Irina Strekalova and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in a private practice in Arcadia, CA, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in treating depression, trauma, anxiety, stress, life transition difficulties, relationship problems using different approaches to help client to achieve their goals. I assist clients through life transitions and challenges that lead to depression, anxiety, decreased self-confidence, relationship problems, or negative behaviors they would like to change.
(650) 334-0206 View (650) 334-0206
Photo of Cynthia Carter, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cynthia Carter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
My style and approach to therapy are a good fit for couples, families, and Individuals who may be dealing with family trauma, divorce, grief and loss, and social pressures.
My name is Cynthia Carter and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Victorville California working with clients throughout San Bernardino County. I work with small children, adolescents, families, and couples. I specialize in anxiety, stress management, anger management, and trauma-based disorders, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist my clients with making progress toward their goals.
My style and approach to therapy are a good fit for couples, families, and Individuals who may be dealing with family trauma, divorce, grief and loss, and social pressures.
My name is Cynthia Carter and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Victorville California working with clients throughout San Bernardino County. I work with small children, adolescents, families, and couples. I specialize in anxiety, stress management, anger management, and trauma-based disorders, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist my clients with making progress toward their goals.
(650) 297-8233 View (650) 297-8233
Photo of Cheryl Heinla, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cheryl Heinla
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I work with adolescents and young adults with anxiety and life transitions, mid-life+ and life transitions, grief and complicated grief, healing from trauma history, and couples.
Hi there, I'm Cheryl Heinla and I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) residing in the Bay Area. I work with adult individuals, adolescents, and couples. My key areas of interest and experience are anxiety, grief, couples dynamics, family of origin impact, life transitions, relational challenges, and trauma history. My approaches are based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused, short-term solution-focused; and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with couples.
I work with adolescents and young adults with anxiety and life transitions, mid-life+ and life transitions, grief and complicated grief, healing from trauma history, and couples.
Hi there, I'm Cheryl Heinla and I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) residing in the Bay Area. I work with adult individuals, adolescents, and couples. My key areas of interest and experience are anxiety, grief, couples dynamics, family of origin impact, life transitions, relational challenges, and trauma history. My approaches are based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused, short-term solution-focused; and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with couples.
(650) 629-0915 View (650) 629-0915
Photo of Ginny Pizzardi, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ginny Pizzardi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
My areas of expertise include self-esteem, relationships, grief, parenting, adoption, trauma and addiction.
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
My areas of expertise include self-esteem, relationships, grief, parenting, adoption, trauma and addiction.
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
(415) 787-2980 View (415) 787-2980
Photo of Amy F Trusso, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy F Trusso
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I also have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression and PTSD, eating disorders, substance use/abuse, anger issues and performance anxiety.
Does your primary relationship feel stuck? Are you tired of coming up against the same issues and not able to move past them? Has your life (job, children) come between you and your partner? My approach is to be empathic and engaging. I work to provide an environment that will help you to learn and practice emotional skills, improve communication, and develop a keener awareness and understanding of yourself and others. I want you to leave knowing you have several tools in your toolbox to use in daily practice.
I also have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression and PTSD, eating disorders, substance use/abuse, anger issues and performance anxiety.
Does your primary relationship feel stuck? Are you tired of coming up against the same issues and not able to move past them? Has your life (job, children) come between you and your partner? My approach is to be empathic and engaging. I work to provide an environment that will help you to learn and practice emotional skills, improve communication, and develop a keener awareness and understanding of yourself and others. I want you to leave knowing you have several tools in your toolbox to use in daily practice.
(415) 635-0574 View (415) 635-0574
Photo of Diane Marquez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Diane Marquez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
We all want to experience calm, well-being and joy. In a supportive therapeutic atmosphere, I inspire clients to practice tools and learn new habits that will help them reach these goals, while building the resilience necessary to cope with daily life. In our sessions, l introduce the Practices of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion and the Therapeutic practices of DBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as part of the tool kit to help you build the inner resources to overcome: reactivity, emotional distress, and self-criticism that accompany emotional patterns such as depression, anxiety and trauma.
We all want to experience calm, well-being and joy. In a supportive therapeutic atmosphere, I inspire clients to practice tools and learn new habits that will help them reach these goals, while building the resilience necessary to cope with daily life. In our sessions, l introduce the Practices of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion and the Therapeutic practices of DBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as part of the tool kit to help you build the inner resources to overcome: reactivity, emotional distress, and self-criticism that accompany emotional patterns such as depression, anxiety and trauma.
(650) 897-4486 View (650) 897-4486
Photo of Lisa M Kelsey, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lisa M Kelsey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
My experience includes: drug/alcohol treatment, trauma, physical/verbal/sexual abuse issues, relationship dynamics with family, couples dynamics, and coparenting.
Therapy means many different things to different people. For some it is a journey of growth, self-awareness, and healing. For others it is necessary for them to survive. For some it is something they are mandated to do, and for many it is something they really want to do. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, I am here to support you through your process. Therapy is about where you are, where you want to go, what you want to explore, and joining you on your experience. I am here to listen, to guide you, focus you, support you and push you when needed.
My experience includes: drug/alcohol treatment, trauma, physical/verbal/sexual abuse issues, relationship dynamics with family, couples dynamics, and coparenting.
Therapy means many different things to different people. For some it is a journey of growth, self-awareness, and healing. For others it is necessary for them to survive. For some it is something they are mandated to do, and for many it is something they really want to do. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, I am here to support you through your process. Therapy is about where you are, where you want to go, what you want to explore, and joining you on your experience. I am here to listen, to guide you, focus you, support you and push you when needed.
(650) 241-4428 View (650) 241-4428
Photo of Meagan Edwards, LPCC
Meagan Edwards
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
I most frequently see clients with acute or childhood trauma; family or relationship stress; coping skills or anger management needs.
Hi, I'm Meagan Edwards and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. My degree, training, and specialties are centered on repairing and enhancing relationships; both those with ourselves and others. I consider and work with individuals and families with holistic frameworks and consideration of the various systems that impact them. My style is client-centered. I utilize systems frameworks in my practice.
I most frequently see clients with acute or childhood trauma; family or relationship stress; coping skills or anger management needs.
Hi, I'm Meagan Edwards and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. My degree, training, and specialties are centered on repairing and enhancing relationships; both those with ourselves and others. I consider and work with individuals and families with holistic frameworks and consideration of the various systems that impact them. My style is client-centered. I utilize systems frameworks in my practice.
(805) 386-9054 View (805) 386-9054
Photo of Bernadette Baltazar, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bernadette Baltazar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066  (Online Only)
I specialized in working with dual-diagnosed clients with substance use disorder & serious & chronic mental health illness Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Borderline, Depression, Anxiety, & Trauma.
Welcome to an empathetic, warm, and collaborative space where self-discovery awaits. As a therapist, my aim is to guide you on life's journey and help you uncover its true meaning. I am here to support you through challenging times by providing coping tools and assisting you in exploring your goals and dreams. Together, we will uncover your innate resilience and foster stronger, more meaningful connections. with a holistic and honest approach, I will help you identify and transform unhealthy thought patterns, enhancing your overall quality of life. Let's embark on a transformative journey towards personal growth and THRIVE.
I specialized in working with dual-diagnosed clients with substance use disorder & serious & chronic mental health illness Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Borderline, Depression, Anxiety, & Trauma.
Welcome to an empathetic, warm, and collaborative space where self-discovery awaits. As a therapist, my aim is to guide you on life's journey and help you uncover its true meaning. I am here to support you through challenging times by providing coping tools and assisting you in exploring your goals and dreams. Together, we will uncover your innate resilience and foster stronger, more meaningful connections. with a holistic and honest approach, I will help you identify and transform unhealthy thought patterns, enhancing your overall quality of life. Let's embark on a transformative journey towards personal growth and THRIVE.
(341) 766-0904 View (341) 766-0904
Photo of Sharon Jones, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sharon Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
Providing interventions for reducing depression, anxiety and trauma.
Sharon Jones was born in the city of Shreveport, Louisiana and raised in the rural area of Coushatta, Louisiana. Her early life was shaped by humble beginnings. Sharon traveled to San Francisco on the bus with a hand full of change looking for a better life. Sharon resides in California and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Sharon has work experience of over 30 years in behavioral healthcare serving others.
Providing interventions for reducing depression, anxiety and trauma.
Sharon Jones was born in the city of Shreveport, Louisiana and raised in the rural area of Coushatta, Louisiana. Her early life was shaped by humble beginnings. Sharon traveled to San Francisco on the bus with a hand full of change looking for a better life. Sharon resides in California and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Sharon has work experience of over 30 years in behavioral healthcare serving others.
(562) 561-1608 View (562) 561-1608
Photo of Eddy Hong, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Eddy Hong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Bruno, CA 94066
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about fostering self-acceptance and normalizing discussions of mental health. I believe in the importance of context and collaboration in finding solutions that work for you. My clients find that I am humorous, soft-spoken, and compassionate while working with them in their growth. I am skilled in facilitating a safe, inclusive space where, together, we can explore and examine your concerns in a supportive way in addition to utilizing evidence-based interventions to address them.
I am passionate about fostering self-acceptance and normalizing discussions of mental health. I believe in the importance of context and collaboration in finding solutions that work for you. My clients find that I am humorous, soft-spoken, and compassionate while working with them in their growth. I am skilled in facilitating a safe, inclusive space where, together, we can explore and examine your concerns in a supportive way in addition to utilizing evidence-based interventions to address them.
(650) 484-5627 View (650) 484-5627
Photo of Nicole Hanhan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole Hanhan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Bruno, CA 94066  (Online Only)
Accepting new clients via Telehealth only. I’m here to help you make a change and I’m honored to walk this journey with you. My passion is to help you connect to the parts of you that need healing. Feeling “stuck” can look different for everyone – through low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, feeling unsafe, negative view of yourself, lack of confidence and irritability. I am here to guide you to help you transform pain into a life worth celebrating.
Accepting new clients via Telehealth only. I’m here to help you make a change and I’m honored to walk this journey with you. My passion is to help you connect to the parts of you that need healing. Feeling “stuck” can look different for everyone – through low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, feeling unsafe, negative view of yourself, lack of confidence and irritability. I am here to guide you to help you transform pain into a life worth celebrating.
(415) 843-2483 View (415) 843-2483
Photo of Malissa Page, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Malissa Page
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
Hi there, I'm Malissa Page, an experienced Clinical Social Worker licensed in California and Washington State. My therapy approach is centered on creating a safe and empowering environment for women to explore their unique experiences. I utilize a range of effective therapeutic techniques to help women overcome difficult and traumatic events while encouraging them to tap into their inner strength, build resilience, and create a fulfilling and purposeful life in alignment with their authentic selves.
Hi there, I'm Malissa Page, an experienced Clinical Social Worker licensed in California and Washington State. My therapy approach is centered on creating a safe and empowering environment for women to explore their unique experiences. I utilize a range of effective therapeutic techniques to help women overcome difficult and traumatic events while encouraging them to tap into their inner strength, build resilience, and create a fulfilling and purposeful life in alignment with their authentic selves.
(949) 990-3168 View (949) 990-3168
Photo of Andrea Vinton, MCMHC, LPC, CMHC, LMHC, LPCC, Counselor
Andrea Vinton
Counselor, MCMHC, LPC, CMHC, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Bruno, CA 94066
We all deserve a place to process the events that have shaped us. If past traumas are affecting your daily life, therapy can be your path to overcoming these challenges and discovering your inner strength. I firmly believe that living a better, more fulfilling life shouldn't be such a daunting task. As a certified EMDR therapist, my goal is to help you create the life you truly desire. At your core, you already hold the knowledge of your genuine wants and needs. Through therapy, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself, fostering more satisfying relationships with yourself and others.
We all deserve a place to process the events that have shaped us. If past traumas are affecting your daily life, therapy can be your path to overcoming these challenges and discovering your inner strength. I firmly believe that living a better, more fulfilling life shouldn't be such a daunting task. As a certified EMDR therapist, my goal is to help you create the life you truly desire. At your core, you already hold the knowledge of your genuine wants and needs. Through therapy, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself, fostering more satisfying relationships with yourself and others.
(213) 205-0852 View (213) 205-0852
Photo of Maggie B. de Vera, PsyD(c), LMFT, CCHT, CLC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maggie B. de Vera
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD(c), LMFT, CCHT, CLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Bruno, CA 94066
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
Maggie de Vera is a respected Holistic Practitioner, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Life Coach, Trainer & Consultant in the Bay Area. Backed with over 30+ years of extensive experience, education/training and leadership, Maggie is acclaimed in her field for effective work with the most challenging cases and runs a private practice as a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Sex Therapist, Life Coach, Speaker/Trainer, Consultant and also the Founder & President/CEO of a Non-profit Agency serving the disadvantaged & high-risk. Maggie focuses on supporting/ empowering her clients to heal and grow to create a healthy & positive life
(415) 237-2396 View (415) 237-2396
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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.