Trauma and PTSD Therapists in East Grand Rapids, MI
Justyne Ortquist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Justyne utilizes a holistic framework that encompasses a systems thinking perspective, and techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Non-Violent Communication, Narrative Therapy, and trauma-informed counseling.
Justyne is a compassionate and dedicated therapist specializing in relational therapy and the treatment of eating disorders. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Justyne employs an integrative approach that combines somatic techniques, trauma-informed yoga, and emotion focused therapy to facilitate healing on multiple levels. Her deep understanding of the relationship between body and mind informs her approach to somatic-based healing, which goes beyond traditional talk therapy. This is the foundation of her work with clients to support them in healing trauma in the body and addressing maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Justyne utilizes a holistic framework that encompasses a systems thinking perspective, and techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Non-Violent Communication, Narrative Therapy, and trauma-informed counseling.
Justyne is a compassionate and dedicated therapist specializing in relational therapy and the treatment of eating disorders. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Justyne employs an integrative approach that combines somatic techniques, trauma-informed yoga, and emotion focused therapy to facilitate healing on multiple levels. Her deep understanding of the relationship between body and mind informs her approach to somatic-based healing, which goes beyond traditional talk therapy. This is the foundation of her work with clients to support them in healing trauma in the body and addressing maladaptive coping mechanisms.
The Holistic Counseling Center
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, MLP
Verified Verified
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
We offer holistic counseling and wellness services, such as DBT, CBT, EMDR, nutrition & mood, mindfulness, reiki therapy, breathwork, and trauma-informed yoga, to heal your whole body and to have lasting change.
Have you/your child experienced trauma or adversity that has led to depression, anxiety, self-harm, low self-worth, and difficult relationships? You may believe you are "broken." You are not alone. As DBT, EMDR, trauma-informed, and integrative practitioners, we have years of clinical experience working with at risk teens and adults in the psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings. We focus on the emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects to the root causes of mental health to heal the whole body and to transform your life. We believe healing and change are always possible. We are here to help.
We offer holistic counseling and wellness services, such as DBT, CBT, EMDR, nutrition & mood, mindfulness, reiki therapy, breathwork, and trauma-informed yoga, to heal your whole body and to have lasting change.
Have you/your child experienced trauma or adversity that has led to depression, anxiety, self-harm, low self-worth, and difficult relationships? You may believe you are "broken." You are not alone. As DBT, EMDR, trauma-informed, and integrative practitioners, we have years of clinical experience working with at risk teens and adults in the psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings. We focus on the emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects to the root causes of mental health to heal the whole body and to transform your life. We believe healing and change are always possible. We are here to help.
Hilary Tudor
Pre-Licensed Professional, C-IAYT, RYT-500
Verified Verified
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Yoga therapy is an approach to overall health and well-being from a comprehensive, whole-person view to address an array of imbalances from lifestyle mismanagement, stress, anxiety, disease, trauma, and more.
Hello and welcome, I’m Hilary, a certified yoga therapist through the International Associations of Yoga Therapists with YogaLife Institute. In addition, a 500 hr certified yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance, earning my first 200 hr yoga teacher training through The Mindful School of Yoga in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2018. Yoga has been an integral aspect of my life as the teenage years approached and big changes began physically, mentally, and socially. It has been one of my brightest guiding lights, continuously leading back to myself from then until today.
Yoga therapy is an approach to overall health and well-being from a comprehensive, whole-person view to address an array of imbalances from lifestyle mismanagement, stress, anxiety, disease, trauma, and more.
Hello and welcome, I’m Hilary, a certified yoga therapist through the International Associations of Yoga Therapists with YogaLife Institute. In addition, a 500 hr certified yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance, earning my first 200 hr yoga teacher training through The Mindful School of Yoga in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2018. Yoga has been an integral aspect of my life as the teenage years approached and big changes began physically, mentally, and socially. It has been one of my brightest guiding lights, continuously leading back to myself from then until today.
Kayla Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (Online Only)
My passion is working with people that struggle with traumatic life experiences - big and small, religious trauma, and adult children of alcoholics.
Are you struggling with trauma? You might feel anxious, disconnected from your body, feeling the need to constantly distract yourself, or not feeling like yourself. This may be in response to a bigger life event, loss, life transitions, or something you’ve been unable to access. Sometimes, our responses are connected to childhood trauma, religious trauma, work trauma, or from past relationships. You may also question if your responses are connected to trauma at all. You want to live a life where it feels good to be present with yourself and in relationships. Where you can be authentically yourself.
My passion is working with people that struggle with traumatic life experiences - big and small, religious trauma, and adult children of alcoholics.
Are you struggling with trauma? You might feel anxious, disconnected from your body, feeling the need to constantly distract yourself, or not feeling like yourself. This may be in response to a bigger life event, loss, life transitions, or something you’ve been unable to access. Sometimes, our responses are connected to childhood trauma, religious trauma, work trauma, or from past relationships. You may also question if your responses are connected to trauma at all. You want to live a life where it feels good to be present with yourself and in relationships. Where you can be authentically yourself.
Amanda Larson
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, MLP, DBTC, CMHIMP, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Have you/your child experienced trauma or adversity that has led to depression, anxiety, self harm, low self-worth, and interpersonal difficulties? You may believe you are "broken" or "unworthy"? You are not alone. Healing and change is always possible. As a DBT, EMDR, and integrative medicine practitioner, I have years of clinical experience helping teens and adults in the psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings. And, it can be scary to take the first steps and believe your life will get better. In our work together, the goal is to provide you with skills to help be more compassionate and mindful on this path to healing.
Have you/your child experienced trauma or adversity that has led to depression, anxiety, self harm, low self-worth, and interpersonal difficulties? You may believe you are "broken" or "unworthy"? You are not alone. Healing and change is always possible. As a DBT, EMDR, and integrative medicine practitioner, I have years of clinical experience helping teens and adults in the psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings. And, it can be scary to take the first steps and believe your life will get better. In our work together, the goal is to provide you with skills to help be more compassionate and mindful on this path to healing.
Jonathan Gladding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
I have noticed my patients who live with depression, anxiety, and trauma tend to benefit the most from our time together.
If you are looking to begin therapy for the first time ever, first time in a while, or are just needing something new, I am happy to be that person for you. My patients have informed me that I offer a presence that they had not yet experienced in their lives. As I was taught by my theology teacher at my Catholic high school, "the greatest yearning of the human heart is to love and be loved." While I don't agree with everything that institution told me, I find this sentiment relevant in my work as a therapist: we are social creatures. "Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion," bell hooks.
I have noticed my patients who live with depression, anxiety, and trauma tend to benefit the most from our time together.
If you are looking to begin therapy for the first time ever, first time in a while, or are just needing something new, I am happy to be that person for you. My patients have informed me that I offer a presence that they had not yet experienced in their lives. As I was taught by my theology teacher at my Catholic high school, "the greatest yearning of the human heart is to love and be loved." While I don't agree with everything that institution told me, I find this sentiment relevant in my work as a therapist: we are social creatures. "Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion," bell hooks.
Jennifer DiGennaro
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
I help people who are hurting and faced with variety of issues often around their body size or eating behaviors, in addition to symptoms of depression, anxiety, chronic stress, trauma or relationship problems.
Being at war with yourself and your body is exhausting. Maybe it started with your first diet in your teens or maybe it didn't start until later in life dealing with chronic pain or illness, or something else. You are sick of suffering and feeling like your body is an endless problem to be solved. It is hard to feel hopeful. Psychotherapy with me can help you deepen self-trust, self-care and self-acceptance. I have specialized training in trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR and Body Trust® which inform my holistic approach. I can support you to work through your past, honor your present and envision your future.
I help people who are hurting and faced with variety of issues often around their body size or eating behaviors, in addition to symptoms of depression, anxiety, chronic stress, trauma or relationship problems.
Being at war with yourself and your body is exhausting. Maybe it started with your first diet in your teens or maybe it didn't start until later in life dealing with chronic pain or illness, or something else. You are sick of suffering and feeling like your body is an endless problem to be solved. It is hard to feel hopeful. Psychotherapy with me can help you deepen self-trust, self-care and self-acceptance. I have specialized training in trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR and Body Trust® which inform my holistic approach. I can support you to work through your past, honor your present and envision your future.
Dr Cramer is a licensed clinical psychologist with 11 years of experience as a psychotherapist. She is also a registered nurse. She is a compassionate therapist who strives to create a close and supportive relationship with each patient. She has a strong belief in treating the whole person, utilizing psychotherapy with a focus on wellness, inner peace, spirituality and cultivating a deeper awareness with ones inner self. She has experience in the treatment of a wide range of problems, trauma and stress, relationship/marital or couple problems, issues related to chronic pain, and patients in recovery from substance abuse/addiction.
Dr Cramer is a licensed clinical psychologist with 11 years of experience as a psychotherapist. She is also a registered nurse. She is a compassionate therapist who strives to create a close and supportive relationship with each patient. She has a strong belief in treating the whole person, utilizing psychotherapy with a focus on wellness, inner peace, spirituality and cultivating a deeper awareness with ones inner self. She has experience in the treatment of a wide range of problems, trauma and stress, relationship/marital or couple problems, issues related to chronic pain, and patients in recovery from substance abuse/addiction.
An individual once asked what I did for a living and what it taught me. After a moment, I offered spending time with people that life has stomped on and I learned how resilient people can be. Professional experience has focussed upon treatment and evaluation for those who have faced severe life trauma. This has included combat veterans, abuse victims, as well as medical and environmental catastrophe. A respect for families and children under stress prompted work with issues such as divorce, custody, parental rights and adoption. Experience with militay personel, and others who were resilient under extreme stress fostered work in assessing and develping leadership in roles such as corporate psychology and career development.
An individual once asked what I did for a living and what it taught me. After a moment, I offered spending time with people that life has stomped on and I learned how resilient people can be. Professional experience has focussed upon treatment and evaluation for those who have faced severe life trauma. This has included combat veterans, abuse victims, as well as medical and environmental catastrophe. A respect for families and children under stress prompted work with issues such as divorce, custody, parental rights and adoption. Experience with militay personel, and others who were resilient under extreme stress fostered work in assessing and develping leadership in roles such as corporate psychology and career development.
Megan Flier
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CMHIMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Most of the people who work with me range from adolescents to adults and generally experience depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, have a history of suicide, trauma, and/or general trouble adjusting to changes in life. However, I also have experience working with grief and loss, family adjustment to autism diagnosis, general family concerns, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. I am trained in S.A.F.E. EMDR, integrative medicine for mental health, CBT, and TF-CBT. I have additional knowledge of sand tray, IFS, narrative therapy, and interpersonal neurobiology and draw on these in my therapy.
Most of the people who work with me range from adolescents to adults and generally experience depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, have a history of suicide, trauma, and/or general trouble adjusting to changes in life. However, I also have experience working with grief and loss, family adjustment to autism diagnosis, general family concerns, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. I am trained in S.A.F.E. EMDR, integrative medicine for mental health, CBT, and TF-CBT. I have additional knowledge of sand tray, IFS, narrative therapy, and interpersonal neurobiology and draw on these in my therapy.
Jacquelyn Lee Lee
Counselor, MA, LPC, LLC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (Online Only)
My post-graduate education has included special training in trauma therapy (EMDR Parts 1 and 2, EMDRIA-approved training).
Are you looking for a counselor who will accept you just as you are, make you feel safe, and help you to rediscover hope? I will walk beside you while you learn to experience more self-compassion, live more contentedly, and enjoy a more abundant life. Since 1995, I have worked with clients experiencing troubling issues such as trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, various types of relationship problems, low self-esteem, parenting difficulties, school-related problems, marriage difficulties, and spiritual needs.
My post-graduate education has included special training in trauma therapy (EMDR Parts 1 and 2, EMDRIA-approved training).
Are you looking for a counselor who will accept you just as you are, make you feel safe, and help you to rediscover hope? I will walk beside you while you learn to experience more self-compassion, live more contentedly, and enjoy a more abundant life. Since 1995, I have worked with clients experiencing troubling issues such as trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, various types of relationship problems, low self-esteem, parenting difficulties, school-related problems, marriage difficulties, and spiritual needs.
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Anna Gerard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (Online Only)
I believe the most well-adjusted individuals have found contentment through the brave exploration of themselves. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate in Clinical Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. For over fifteen years, I have worked with a variety of populations, including children, adolescents, families and adults. My experience supporting clients through Substance Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Grief and Loss, PTSD and OCD is vast. I also have specialized expertise working with adolescents and young adults.
I believe the most well-adjusted individuals have found contentment through the brave exploration of themselves. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate in Clinical Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. For over fifteen years, I have worked with a variety of populations, including children, adolescents, families and adults. My experience supporting clients through Substance Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Grief and Loss, PTSD and OCD is vast. I also have specialized expertise working with adolescents and young adults.
Hannah Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
I am a CSAT-Candidate which means I have specialized training to help people with sex addiction and partners with betrayal trauma.
I have a passion for helping individuals who have experienced trauma, struggle with addiction, or have been impacted by addiction. I also enjoy supporting others with their mental health challenges and navigating life stressors. For example, one may be experiencing grief, making change, conflict in relationships with others and self, and low self-esteem. As a therapist, I want to build a positive and supportive therapeutic relationship with my clients. I want to be clear on their goals and address any problems they may be facing. Most importantly, I want my clients to feel safe, seen, heard, understood, and valued.
I am a CSAT-Candidate which means I have specialized training to help people with sex addiction and partners with betrayal trauma.
I have a passion for helping individuals who have experienced trauma, struggle with addiction, or have been impacted by addiction. I also enjoy supporting others with their mental health challenges and navigating life stressors. For example, one may be experiencing grief, making change, conflict in relationships with others and self, and low self-esteem. As a therapist, I want to build a positive and supportive therapeutic relationship with my clients. I want to be clear on their goals and address any problems they may be facing. Most importantly, I want my clients to feel safe, seen, heard, understood, and valued.
Michele Jackson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
I believe in creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where my clients can feel heard and understood. I tailor my therapeutic techniques to meet the unique needs of each individual, drawing from a variety of evidence-based practices to facilitate healing and growth including CBT, EMDR, strength-based, and solution focused techniques. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, LGBTQAI+ related concerns, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate through their challenges and achieve their personal and emotional goals.
I believe in creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where my clients can feel heard and understood. I tailor my therapeutic techniques to meet the unique needs of each individual, drawing from a variety of evidence-based practices to facilitate healing and growth including CBT, EMDR, strength-based, and solution focused techniques. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, LGBTQAI+ related concerns, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate through their challenges and achieve their personal and emotional goals.
Arianna Pittenger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (Online Only)
My overall goal with clients is to help clients amplify their voice, help them release their anguish from past trauma, health their inner being/child, and navigate life while understanding social constructs that impact a client's daily life.
We have all been through things in life, and some items can be challenging to heal or talk about. Those are normal and validating feelings, but sometimes we need someone to talk to. To help navigate and conceptualize these experiences and gain coping skills. Communicating and healthily processing these emotions can be difficult, depending on our intersectional identities, to do out of fear of being stigmatized. That is why I am passionate about providing a safe space. My goal as a therapist is to help clients nourish their brains in practices that are best for them.
My overall goal with clients is to help clients amplify their voice, help them release their anguish from past trauma, health their inner being/child, and navigate life while understanding social constructs that impact a client's daily life.
We have all been through things in life, and some items can be challenging to heal or talk about. Those are normal and validating feelings, but sometimes we need someone to talk to. To help navigate and conceptualize these experiences and gain coping skills. Communicating and healthily processing these emotions can be difficult, depending on our intersectional identities, to do out of fear of being stigmatized. That is why I am passionate about providing a safe space. My goal as a therapist is to help clients nourish their brains in practices that are best for them.
Listed as one of the top 10 therapists for trauma in Grand Rapids, I will do everything I can to help you find relief.
Do you feel like you're stuck in survival mode? Trauma and pent up stress can feel plaguing and inescapable, but that doesn't have to be your forever reality. You CAN feel like you are in control of your life again. You are capable of experiencing life beyond survival again. And you are deserving of all the support to get there! As a team, I would love to work with you to help you overcome whatever is preventing you from thriving right now. It takes a lot of strength to reach out when you are in need, and I don't take that lightly.
Listed as one of the top 10 therapists for trauma in Grand Rapids, I will do everything I can to help you find relief.
Do you feel like you're stuck in survival mode? Trauma and pent up stress can feel plaguing and inescapable, but that doesn't have to be your forever reality. You CAN feel like you are in control of your life again. You are capable of experiencing life beyond survival again. And you are deserving of all the support to get there! As a team, I would love to work with you to help you overcome whatever is preventing you from thriving right now. It takes a lot of strength to reach out when you are in need, and I don't take that lightly.
Shaina McPhetridge
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
As a real human who has suffered and gone through it, and an EMDRIA-approved integrative therapist, I have successfully helped clients heal from a wide variety of negative beliefs, anxieties, painful images and memories, shock traumas, sexual/emotional/physical abuse, chronic health and pain issues, shame, and fears.
Life can lead us down some pretty confusing paths sometimes, leaving us feeling crazy, unsettled, and totally lost. You don't have to feel like this forever. I work with individuals, couples, and teens who just need some relief - from single-incident and complex PTSD, negative beliefs, anxiety, panic, stress, relationship struggles, and other unresolved issues. Many of my clients are insightful, curious, growth-oriented people who are seeking something beyond the usual therapy approach.
As a real human who has suffered and gone through it, and an EMDRIA-approved integrative therapist, I have successfully helped clients heal from a wide variety of negative beliefs, anxieties, painful images and memories, shock traumas, sexual/emotional/physical abuse, chronic health and pain issues, shame, and fears.
Life can lead us down some pretty confusing paths sometimes, leaving us feeling crazy, unsettled, and totally lost. You don't have to feel like this forever. I work with individuals, couples, and teens who just need some relief - from single-incident and complex PTSD, negative beliefs, anxiety, panic, stress, relationship struggles, and other unresolved issues. Many of my clients are insightful, curious, growth-oriented people who are seeking something beyond the usual therapy approach.
Janice Twesten
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LLMFT, LLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
By integrating psychodynamic techniques with various other evidence-based practices, we can work together to alleviate anxiety symptoms, heal past traumas, and cultivate a greater sense of self-acceptance and inner peace.
Anxiety can be overwhelming, affecting all aspects of your life. Together, we will uncover the underlying fears and triggers that contribute to your anxiety, allowing us to develop personalized strategies for managing and reducing its impact. By exploring the roots of your anxiety, we can cultivate self-awareness, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and empower you to regain control over your thoughts and emotions. Trauma can leave deep emotional scars, impacting your relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. We will work together to heal trauma. and help find recurring patterns that stem from our trauma.
By integrating psychodynamic techniques with various other evidence-based practices, we can work together to alleviate anxiety symptoms, heal past traumas, and cultivate a greater sense of self-acceptance and inner peace.
Anxiety can be overwhelming, affecting all aspects of your life. Together, we will uncover the underlying fears and triggers that contribute to your anxiety, allowing us to develop personalized strategies for managing and reducing its impact. By exploring the roots of your anxiety, we can cultivate self-awareness, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and empower you to regain control over your thoughts and emotions. Trauma can leave deep emotional scars, impacting your relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. We will work together to heal trauma. and help find recurring patterns that stem from our trauma.
Matthew VanLinden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Waitlist for new clients
I seek to help those that are struggling with familial conflict, defiance in the home, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other issues.
Life's struggles and experiences can cause us to feel overwhelmed, or even at times, out of control. We want to change how we are feeling or how our child feels, but we don't know how. We all experience moments like this in our lives and often we can persevere. At times though we need some help, and that's okay.
I seek to help those that are struggling with familial conflict, defiance in the home, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other issues.
Life's struggles and experiences can cause us to feel overwhelmed, or even at times, out of control. We want to change how we are feeling or how our child feels, but we don't know how. We all experience moments like this in our lives and often we can persevere. At times though we need some help, and that's okay.
I have worked in various university counseling and community mental health settings and have extensive experience treating individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief and loss, substance use concerns, and relational problems, among other clinical concerns.
Life can be difficult and sometimes we find ourselves feeling stuck, stressed, and lost. I seek to provide an affirming, nonjudgmental, and compassionate therapeutic environment to help you navigate life’s challenges and work toward a healthier and more meaningful life. My work involves helping people to explore the impact of past experiences, understand unhelpful patterns in their thinking and relationships, process painful emotions, and learn new skills to cope with their distress.
I have worked in various university counseling and community mental health settings and have extensive experience treating individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief and loss, substance use concerns, and relational problems, among other clinical concerns.
Life can be difficult and sometimes we find ourselves feeling stuck, stressed, and lost. I seek to provide an affirming, nonjudgmental, and compassionate therapeutic environment to help you navigate life’s challenges and work toward a healthier and more meaningful life. My work involves helping people to explore the impact of past experiences, understand unhelpful patterns in their thinking and relationships, process painful emotions, and learn new skills to cope with their distress.
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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.