Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Arlington Heights, MA

Photo of Ayelet Pravda, LMHC, Counselor
Ayelet Pravda
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Arlington Heights, MA 02475
In my counseling work I provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. My clients include people struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. My relational and existential approach helps me understand and connect with my clients. I believe that the intent of therapy is exchanging "symptoms" for "coping skills." To accomplish this transformation, we need to understand our past to shed light on who we are in the present, where we have the power to focus on present issues and make changes that will influence our future.
In my counseling work I provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. My clients include people struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. My relational and existential approach helps me understand and connect with my clients. I believe that the intent of therapy is exchanging "symptoms" for "coping skills." To accomplish this transformation, we need to understand our past to shed light on who we are in the present, where we have the power to focus on present issues and make changes that will influence our future.
(617) 936-8812 View (617) 936-8812
Photo of Catherine Glenn, MEd, PhD, Psychologist
Catherine Glenn
Psychologist, MEd, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arlington Heights, MA 02475  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I work with adults of all ages, with a focus on helping people with anxiety, depression, PTSD/history of trauma, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
I view therapy as a collaborative process built on mutual trust, honesty, and the courage to look at and explore parts of ourselves and our lives that we tend to avoid, dislike, or shield others from seeing. Through exploring difficult feelings, thoughts, experiences, and the places you get stuck, these begin to hold less power over you and your life. I will help you find ways to understand and shift the patterns that are getting in your way, identify strengths, build and strengthen skills to better manage distress, and live more presently and authentically.
I work with adults of all ages, with a focus on helping people with anxiety, depression, PTSD/history of trauma, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
I view therapy as a collaborative process built on mutual trust, honesty, and the courage to look at and explore parts of ourselves and our lives that we tend to avoid, dislike, or shield others from seeing. Through exploring difficult feelings, thoughts, experiences, and the places you get stuck, these begin to hold less power over you and your life. I will help you find ways to understand and shift the patterns that are getting in your way, identify strengths, build and strengthen skills to better manage distress, and live more presently and authentically.
(617) 860-3335 View (617) 860-3335
Photo of Kathleen S. O'Donnell, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathleen S. O'Donnell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Arlington Heights, MA 02475
We live in extremely stressful times. You might be experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD for the first time. Individuals may need support to address their symptoms in order to maintain a healthy baseline of functioning. I believe that people are resilient and have the answers within but often need assistance uncovering them. The process of being mindful of emotions and behaviors, while learning to be present, can lead to a sense of regulation and acceptance.
We live in extremely stressful times. You might be experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD for the first time. Individuals may need support to address their symptoms in order to maintain a healthy baseline of functioning. I believe that people are resilient and have the answers within but often need assistance uncovering them. The process of being mindful of emotions and behaviors, while learning to be present, can lead to a sense of regulation and acceptance.
(617) 941-9655 View (617) 941-9655
Photo of Jessica Berkowitz, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Berkowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Arlington Heights, MA 02475
I am a clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience working with adults and older teens. My professional goal is to develop the highest quality relationship with each client, while using a variety of specific techniques that are catered to each individual's needs. I offer a safe and supportive therapeutic environment based on trust and mutual respect. I use a solution focused approach based on each client's strengths in order to achieve his or her desired goals.
I am a clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience working with adults and older teens. My professional goal is to develop the highest quality relationship with each client, while using a variety of specific techniques that are catered to each individual's needs. I offer a safe and supportive therapeutic environment based on trust and mutual respect. I use a solution focused approach based on each client's strengths in order to achieve his or her desired goals.
(781) 787-2479 View (781) 787-2479
Photo of Merle Ann Bombardieri, MSW, LICSW, CHPC-SW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Merle Ann Bombardieri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CHPC-SW
Verified Verified
Arlington Heights, MA 02475
As former director of RESOLVE and author of The Baby Decision,I am a national pioneer in grief, loss, and parenthood decision-making.I have been quoted in the New York Times, Time and Newsweek, and WEBMD. I have invented creative exercises for coping and decisions. I have advanced certification in hypnosis and use it for peak perfomance,confidence,insomnia,preparation for surgery, PMS and menopause. I have an ability to listen to you and articulate how you're trying to grow even if you don't know it yet. I'm the wisewoman who guides heroines on their journeys.
As former director of RESOLVE and author of The Baby Decision,I am a national pioneer in grief, loss, and parenthood decision-making.I have been quoted in the New York Times, Time and Newsweek, and WEBMD. I have invented creative exercises for coping and decisions. I have advanced certification in hypnosis and use it for peak perfomance,confidence,insomnia,preparation for surgery, PMS and menopause. I have an ability to listen to you and articulate how you're trying to grow even if you don't know it yet. I'm the wisewoman who guides heroines on their journeys.
(781) 780-2720 View (781) 780-2720
Photo of Kimberly R. Martin, MEd, LMFT, CHWC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kimberly R. Martin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MEd, LMFT, CHWC
Verified Verified
Arlington Heights, MA 02475  (Online Only)
As an experienced licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Duke Certified Health and Well-being Coach, I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, and families struggling with depression, ADHD, anxiety and other challenges. Utilizing evidence-based practices such as DBT, mindfulness, and MI, my approach is person-centered, solution-focused, and individualized. I aim to create a non-judgmental, safe, and warm therapeutic space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and offer neurodiversity affirming care, ensuring all feel seen and heard.
As an experienced licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Duke Certified Health and Well-being Coach, I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, and families struggling with depression, ADHD, anxiety and other challenges. Utilizing evidence-based practices such as DBT, mindfulness, and MI, my approach is person-centered, solution-focused, and individualized. I aim to create a non-judgmental, safe, and warm therapeutic space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and offer neurodiversity affirming care, ensuring all feel seen and heard.
(781) 332-5231 View (781) 332-5231
Photo of Colleen M Casey - Colleen Casey, PsyD, Psychologist
Colleen Casey
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Arlington Heights, MA 02475
Beginning June 2024, I am accepting new clients in both my Boston and Arlington offices. While I work with a variety of people, many of my clients are students or young professionals who are struggling with self-confidence, productivity, and relationships. My typical client has many wonderful goals but can become easily overwhelmed by perfectionist tendencies. I help people explore current difficulties while also connecting these problems to past hurts or losses. Throughout our work, clients are also able to build concrete skills, allowing them to feel less anxious, more like themselves, and more connected in their relationships.
Beginning June 2024, I am accepting new clients in both my Boston and Arlington offices. While I work with a variety of people, many of my clients are students or young professionals who are struggling with self-confidence, productivity, and relationships. My typical client has many wonderful goals but can become easily overwhelmed by perfectionist tendencies. I help people explore current difficulties while also connecting these problems to past hurts or losses. Throughout our work, clients are also able to build concrete skills, allowing them to feel less anxious, more like themselves, and more connected in their relationships.
(617) 841-6248 View (617) 841-6248

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Paige Simpson-Hamilton, PsyD, Psychologist
Paige Simpson-Hamilton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Belmont, MA 02478
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20+ years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, couples, families and adolescents struggling with a range of interpersonal and emotional issues. My approach is gentle and compassionate and focuses on active listening, problem solving, coping skills training and gaining insight into how past experiences influence the present.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20+ years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, couples, families and adolescents struggling with a range of interpersonal and emotional issues. My approach is gentle and compassionate and focuses on active listening, problem solving, coping skills training and gaining insight into how past experiences influence the present.
(617) 500-6002 View (617) 500-6002
Photo of Evelyn Gladu, LMHC, Counselor
Evelyn Gladu
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02474
Not accepting new clients
If you are already working with a therapist and want to focus on a specific issue, such as a phobia or trauma, we can work together in a way that doesn't interrupt your primary therapy.
Each of us has the capacity to be fully alive. Something may be keeping you from being fully yourself, whether it is anxiety, fear, shame, guilt, difficulties with work or relationships, past traumas, illness, loss or abuse. I am here to address these obstacles with you so you can move toward living a full life. I am interested in helping you heal. When we view the obstacles compassionately as parts of you that are acting in extreme ways or carrying burdens, they begin to relax and learn to trust your Self. Then they become assets to a healthy life.
If you are already working with a therapist and want to focus on a specific issue, such as a phobia or trauma, we can work together in a way that doesn't interrupt your primary therapy.
Each of us has the capacity to be fully alive. Something may be keeping you from being fully yourself, whether it is anxiety, fear, shame, guilt, difficulties with work or relationships, past traumas, illness, loss or abuse. I am here to address these obstacles with you so you can move toward living a full life. I am interested in helping you heal. When we view the obstacles compassionately as parts of you that are acting in extreme ways or carrying burdens, they begin to relax and learn to trust your Self. Then they become assets to a healthy life.
(781) 281-8313 View (781) 281-8313
Photo of Siobhan Kerr - Siobhan Kerr, LCSW, CCTP, LICSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Siobhan Kerr, LCSW, CCTP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02476  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens.
Do you struggle with feeling anxious, replaying past traumatic moments over and over, or constantly running worst-case scenarios in your head? Do you lie awake at night anxiously planning the next day? I am the kind of therapist who likes to partner with you to make sense of what is happening and work with your mind and body to heal. We’ll use mindfulness strategies, and breathing techniques to help you find more peace, and be more present in your day. If you’re curious and open to trying new things, I am committed to being open, and patient, to drop my assumptions, and to be flexible, so you have the freedom to heal.
I work from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens.
Do you struggle with feeling anxious, replaying past traumatic moments over and over, or constantly running worst-case scenarios in your head? Do you lie awake at night anxiously planning the next day? I am the kind of therapist who likes to partner with you to make sense of what is happening and work with your mind and body to heal. We’ll use mindfulness strategies, and breathing techniques to help you find more peace, and be more present in your day. If you’re curious and open to trying new things, I am committed to being open, and patient, to drop my assumptions, and to be flexible, so you have the freedom to heal.
(339) 233-4320 View (339) 233-4320
Photo of Kristin Talcott, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristin Talcott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Boston, MA 02108  (Online Only)
Significant changes in our lives can leave us feeling sad, confused, isolated, or stuck. I believe that we are all unique and we will work together to identify the strategies that work best for you now and in the future. I offer compassionate and confident care, and welcome children, adolescents, and adults to join me in finding support for a number of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma, emotion regulation, and behavioral concerns. It takes strength and courage to reach out for support, and I am committed to honoring your courage in building resilience to live a more balanced and fulfilled life.
Significant changes in our lives can leave us feeling sad, confused, isolated, or stuck. I believe that we are all unique and we will work together to identify the strategies that work best for you now and in the future. I offer compassionate and confident care, and welcome children, adolescents, and adults to join me in finding support for a number of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma, emotion regulation, and behavioral concerns. It takes strength and courage to reach out for support, and I am committed to honoring your courage in building resilience to live a more balanced and fulfilled life.
(617) 356-0248 View (617) 356-0248
Photo of Alia Albeer, LMHC, Counselor
Alia Albeer
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02474
Not accepting new clients
Although trained across the mental health field, my areas of specialization and passion include addiction, trauma and identity formation and I use a blend of trauma-informed, strength-based, solution-focused, and holistic approaches.
I hear you. I see you. And I understand. Have you had times when you have sat in pain and confusion, felt stuck in repetitive, self-destructive patterns, felt fearful and overwhelmed and not been able to see a clear way out? Connection, insight and support help. The therapeutic alliance between a therapist and their client is a sacred space based on trust and connection and has the power to change a “survivor” into a “thriver.” I welcome the opportunity to work together to explore the thoughts, core beliefs, and behaviors that might be keeping you feeling trapped and treading water and existing rather than in living fully.
Although trained across the mental health field, my areas of specialization and passion include addiction, trauma and identity formation and I use a blend of trauma-informed, strength-based, solution-focused, and holistic approaches.
I hear you. I see you. And I understand. Have you had times when you have sat in pain and confusion, felt stuck in repetitive, self-destructive patterns, felt fearful and overwhelmed and not been able to see a clear way out? Connection, insight and support help. The therapeutic alliance between a therapist and their client is a sacred space based on trust and connection and has the power to change a “survivor” into a “thriver.” I welcome the opportunity to work together to explore the thoughts, core beliefs, and behaviors that might be keeping you feeling trapped and treading water and existing rather than in living fully.
(781) 546-4372 View (781) 546-4372
Photo of Judi Geis Goodman, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Judi Geis Goodman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02421
I am a warm, direct transparent therapist who believes we are all wired to self right & heal given safe & optimum circumstances. I seek to undo aloneness, nurture vitality & create circumstances for positive change in a relational & experiential way with attention to the body. I am particularly interested in people trying to cope with trauma & early attachment issues and with young adults who are struggling.
I am a warm, direct transparent therapist who believes we are all wired to self right & heal given safe & optimum circumstances. I seek to undo aloneness, nurture vitality & create circumstances for positive change in a relational & experiential way with attention to the body. I am particularly interested in people trying to cope with trauma & early attachment issues and with young adults who are struggling.
(781) 570-5276 View (781) 570-5276
Photo of Anushika Srivastava, Pre-Licensed Professional
Anushika Srivastava
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Medford, MA 02155
My specialty being in children and adults, whether you are facing issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, or life transitions, I am here to provide support and guidance tailored to your unique needs.
I am a dedicated mental health counselor with a deep passion for helping kids and adults navigate the complexities of their emotional well-being. Hailing from the culturally diverse and vibrant country of India, I bring a unique perspective to my practice, incorporating elements of Eastern wisdom and Western psychology to provide holistic and culturally sensitive mental health support. My approach to counseling is founded on empathy, active listening, and a client-centered perspective along with trauma-informed care and psychoanalytical approach. I like to blend multiple approaches to cater to the needs of my clients.
My specialty being in children and adults, whether you are facing issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, or life transitions, I am here to provide support and guidance tailored to your unique needs.
I am a dedicated mental health counselor with a deep passion for helping kids and adults navigate the complexities of their emotional well-being. Hailing from the culturally diverse and vibrant country of India, I bring a unique perspective to my practice, incorporating elements of Eastern wisdom and Western psychology to provide holistic and culturally sensitive mental health support. My approach to counseling is founded on empathy, active listening, and a client-centered perspective along with trauma-informed care and psychoanalytical approach. I like to blend multiple approaches to cater to the needs of my clients.
(339) 500-6929 View (339) 500-6929
Photo of Jessica Hammann, PhD, Psychologist
Jessica Hammann
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Lexington, MA 02421  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Coming from a psychodynamic background, I have studied many mindfulness-based and trauma-related therapies, culminating in certification in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which provides a powerful framework for creating new, positive experience and patterns .
Therapy is a journey traveled with a guide, witness, and companion. Over 30+ years I have accompanied individuals, couples, adult children and their parents as they seek to solve problems, cope with transitions, create more satisfying relationships, improve self-esteem or heal from deep and traumatic hurts and losses. I am active, warm and collaborative, and work to create a safe and empowering relationship for exploring wishes and fears, strengths, goals and the obstacles that we encounter in meeting life's challenges. Clients tell me that I am a careful and accurate listener and have a calming, supportive presence.
Coming from a psychodynamic background, I have studied many mindfulness-based and trauma-related therapies, culminating in certification in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which provides a powerful framework for creating new, positive experience and patterns .
Therapy is a journey traveled with a guide, witness, and companion. Over 30+ years I have accompanied individuals, couples, adult children and their parents as they seek to solve problems, cope with transitions, create more satisfying relationships, improve self-esteem or heal from deep and traumatic hurts and losses. I am active, warm and collaborative, and work to create a safe and empowering relationship for exploring wishes and fears, strengths, goals and the obstacles that we encounter in meeting life's challenges. Clients tell me that I am a careful and accurate listener and have a calming, supportive presence.
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Photo of Leza M Sarrouf - Leza M. Sarrouf, LICSW, LLC, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leza M. Sarrouf, LICSW, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02474  (Online Only)
Healing from difficult life circumstances can and does happen. For 20 years I have worked with adolescents, adults and families to help them heal from traumatic stress, transform their lives, and become their best selves. Utilizing creative and holistic interventions from an array of therapeutic modalities, such as IFS, EMDR, Solution Focused & TF-CBT, I work with individuals suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, poor self-esteem, behavioral disruptions and interpersonal conflict. I believe that everyone has the capacity and strength to overcome their past and live to their fullest potential.
Healing from difficult life circumstances can and does happen. For 20 years I have worked with adolescents, adults and families to help them heal from traumatic stress, transform their lives, and become their best selves. Utilizing creative and holistic interventions from an array of therapeutic modalities, such as IFS, EMDR, Solution Focused & TF-CBT, I work with individuals suffering from PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, poor self-esteem, behavioral disruptions and interpersonal conflict. I believe that everyone has the capacity and strength to overcome their past and live to their fullest potential.
(857) 226-9078 View (857) 226-9078
Photo of Ashley Howard, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ashley Howard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02174
I specializes in complex-trauma (c-ptsd), children, anxiety, depression, couples, family conflict and early development (3-5 year old's).
Do you wish you had someone to speak with who will understand your thoughts and feelings without judgement. Someone who will challenge you to become a healthier version of yourself, while being gentle with your emotions. Someone who will help you understand and alleviate your pain. Someone who will meet you where you are and support your growth.I am this person. I understand that growth takes time. I believe we all can grow into healthier, happier versions of ourselves, while acknowledging the pain and experiences that raised us. We are complex and deserve to be supported by people who can understand our complexities.
I specializes in complex-trauma (c-ptsd), children, anxiety, depression, couples, family conflict and early development (3-5 year old's).
Do you wish you had someone to speak with who will understand your thoughts and feelings without judgement. Someone who will challenge you to become a healthier version of yourself, while being gentle with your emotions. Someone who will help you understand and alleviate your pain. Someone who will meet you where you are and support your growth.I am this person. I understand that growth takes time. I believe we all can grow into healthier, happier versions of ourselves, while acknowledging the pain and experiences that raised us. We are complex and deserve to be supported by people who can understand our complexities.
(857) 997-9110 View (857) 997-9110
Photo of Kamela Dolinova, CST
Kamela Dolinova
CST
Verified Verified
Medford, MA 02155
I help people who are exploring questions of sexuality, gender expression, and relationship styles to accept themselves in their beauty and strength, so they can experience loving connection in their lives. Whether you are struggling with gender expression, sexual orientation, desire for multiple partners, BDSM or kink, or other desires that are outside the mainstream, I am here to listen, to educate, to guide, and to help you integrate the parts of you that are currently closed off. I also work with trauma and grief, and provide a space for the boundaried expression and relief of old wounds.
I help people who are exploring questions of sexuality, gender expression, and relationship styles to accept themselves in their beauty and strength, so they can experience loving connection in their lives. Whether you are struggling with gender expression, sexual orientation, desire for multiple partners, BDSM or kink, or other desires that are outside the mainstream, I am here to listen, to educate, to guide, and to help you integrate the parts of you that are currently closed off. I also work with trauma and grief, and provide a space for the boundaried expression and relief of old wounds.
(617) 208-4593 View (617) 208-4593
Photo of Liz Hitzel, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Liz Hitzel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02476
She works with children, adolescents, and adults and specializes in supporting those who live with depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic and persistent mental health conditions.
Liz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist at Center Psychotherapy. She approaches therapy as a collaborative process and draws on psychodynamic, liberation health, relational, and attachment theories, while utilizing modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and narrative therapy. She is committed to anti-oppressive, feminist, and body liberation practices and incorporates these principals into her work.
She works with children, adolescents, and adults and specializes in supporting those who live with depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic and persistent mental health conditions.
Liz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist at Center Psychotherapy. She approaches therapy as a collaborative process and draws on psychodynamic, liberation health, relational, and attachment theories, while utilizing modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and narrative therapy. She is committed to anti-oppressive, feminist, and body liberation practices and incorporates these principals into her work.
(339) 300-8253 View (339) 300-8253
Photo of Danielle Crescione, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Danielle Crescione
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Arlington, MA 02474
I specialize in CBT, Addiction Treatment, Trauma-Informed Care, and nontraditional methods to support healing and recovery.
If I were to imagine an ideal client, it would be someone who wants to change no matter what their needs are. It would also be someone who is open to new and innovative treatment modalities. It is also beneficial to have someone who is not hindered in what they discuss. Everything is important.
I specialize in CBT, Addiction Treatment, Trauma-Informed Care, and nontraditional methods to support healing and recovery.
If I were to imagine an ideal client, it would be someone who wants to change no matter what their needs are. It would also be someone who is open to new and innovative treatment modalities. It is also beneficial to have someone who is not hindered in what they discuss. Everything is important.
(339) 201-5764 View (339) 201-5764
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.