Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Emerald Isle, NC

Photo of Greta Enriquez - Sagestone, PLLC, PhD, LCMHC
Sagestone, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
My specialties include developmental trauma, nonheteronormative relationships and dynamics, work-life balance, and somatic touch therapy.
At Sagestone, we respect and acknowledge the vital aspects of your life and take a "whole you" approach. We use empathy, compassion, and curiosity to better understand you and your needs. We listen. We share our experience, "know how", and provide thought-provoking, substantive, and practical process. We provide support that fosters safety, curiosity, and growth. We meet you where you are, in the here and now, allowing you to experience grounded vulnerability, presence, and acceptance, as you expand your way of being to embody inner peace, balance, and empowerment.
My specialties include developmental trauma, nonheteronormative relationships and dynamics, work-life balance, and somatic touch therapy.
At Sagestone, we respect and acknowledge the vital aspects of your life and take a "whole you" approach. We use empathy, compassion, and curiosity to better understand you and your needs. We listen. We share our experience, "know how", and provide thought-provoking, substantive, and practical process. We provide support that fosters safety, curiosity, and growth. We meet you where you are, in the here and now, allowing you to experience grounded vulnerability, presence, and acceptance, as you expand your way of being to embody inner peace, balance, and empowerment.
(252) 377-4073 View (252) 377-4073
Photo of Tamara Liaschenko - Sagestone PLLC, MA, LPCA, LCAS-A
Sagestone PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LPCA, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
I use my background in movement and art with my experiential, trauma, and substance use/abuse training.
At Sagestone, we respect and acknowledge the vital aspects of your life and take a "whole you" approach. We use empathy, compassion, and curiosity to better understand you and your needs. We listen. We share our experience, "know how", and provide thought-provoking, substantive, and practical process. We provide support that fosters safety, curiosity, and growth. We meet you where you are, in the here and now, allowing you to experience grounded vulnerability, presence, and acceptance, as you expand your way of being to embody inner peace, balance, and empowerment.
I use my background in movement and art with my experiential, trauma, and substance use/abuse training.
At Sagestone, we respect and acknowledge the vital aspects of your life and take a "whole you" approach. We use empathy, compassion, and curiosity to better understand you and your needs. We listen. We share our experience, "know how", and provide thought-provoking, substantive, and practical process. We provide support that fosters safety, curiosity, and growth. We meet you where you are, in the here and now, allowing you to experience grounded vulnerability, presence, and acceptance, as you expand your way of being to embody inner peace, balance, and empowerment.
(252) 674-1971 View (252) 674-1971
Photo of Gina Zotz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gina Zotz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Emerald Isle, NC 28594  (Online Only)
Experiencing a loss or trauma can feel alienating and leave you lacking connection. Maybe you have experienced a loss/ trauma while also navigating pregnancy, postpartum or infertility. Maybe you are or were military or a First Responder but don't feel supported by the systems in place to "help". You might want to feel different but struggle to navigate the how. Or the opposite you understand the how, you have done lots of therapy and continue to feel like you are not making the progress you wish. Whether you've never been to therapy before or you have tried it before but feel stuck; you are in the right place.
Experiencing a loss or trauma can feel alienating and leave you lacking connection. Maybe you have experienced a loss/ trauma while also navigating pregnancy, postpartum or infertility. Maybe you are or were military or a First Responder but don't feel supported by the systems in place to "help". You might want to feel different but struggle to navigate the how. Or the opposite you understand the how, you have done lots of therapy and continue to feel like you are not making the progress you wish. Whether you've never been to therapy before or you have tried it before but feel stuck; you are in the right place.
(252) 424-4886 View (252) 424-4886
Photo of Stefanie Anthenor, LCMHCA, MA, Counselor
Stefanie Anthenor
Counselor, LCMHCA, MA
Verified Verified
Emerald Isle, NC 28594  (Online Only)
I am EMDR-trained and help clients struggling with past traumas and PTSD.
Life can be extremely challenging and we could all use some help with navigation. I can work with you to provide a safe, relaxing environment where you can freely express yourself without judgment or bias. There is no "one size fits all" approach to therapy, and I treat each client as an individual. We will work together to create a treatment plan that best meets your needs and help you make sense of the difficulties you may be currently facing.
I am EMDR-trained and help clients struggling with past traumas and PTSD.
Life can be extremely challenging and we could all use some help with navigation. I can work with you to provide a safe, relaxing environment where you can freely express yourself without judgment or bias. There is no "one size fits all" approach to therapy, and I treat each client as an individual. We will work together to create a treatment plan that best meets your needs and help you make sense of the difficulties you may be currently facing.
(910) 541-9763 View (910) 541-9763
Photo of Jennifer Tremblay Pettee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Tremblay Pettee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Emerald Isle, NC 28594  (Online Only)
Overwhelmed? We can be overwhelmed by many things; work/family demands, grief, romantic relationships, health, traumatic events, and so on. Sometimes, even when we feel like we SHOULD be happy, we are not. At Bonne Journée PLLC, I take a "Big Picture" approach to help empower clients to sort out what is meaningful and helpful in their lives.
Overwhelmed? We can be overwhelmed by many things; work/family demands, grief, romantic relationships, health, traumatic events, and so on. Sometimes, even when we feel like we SHOULD be happy, we are not. At Bonne Journée PLLC, I take a "Big Picture" approach to help empower clients to sort out what is meaningful and helpful in their lives.
(252) 542-2160 View (252) 542-2160
Photo of Colleen M. Kenny, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Colleen M. Kenny
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Waitlist for new clients
*waitlist only* I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am also an Integrated Therapist, which means I draw from traditional (evidence-based), nontraditional (i.e. somatic, psychobiology) and nonphysical (spiritual, not religious, nonmaterial) approaches as part of the counseling session. I work with adults, couples, and families facing various challenges. My approach is strengths-based, focused on what's right with you and will support you to reinforce the bridge between logic--"what I should do" and heart--"what I want to do".
*waitlist only* I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am also an Integrated Therapist, which means I draw from traditional (evidence-based), nontraditional (i.e. somatic, psychobiology) and nonphysical (spiritual, not religious, nonmaterial) approaches as part of the counseling session. I work with adults, couples, and families facing various challenges. My approach is strengths-based, focused on what's right with you and will support you to reinforce the bridge between logic--"what I should do" and heart--"what I want to do".
(252) 499-0683 View (252) 499-0683
Photo of J Michael Petroro - J Michael Petroro LPC, LCMH, Licensed Professional Counselor
J Michael Petroro LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMH
Verified Verified
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
"What hurts the most is pretending it doesn't." Reaching out to others for help is never easy, going it alone is even harder. Life sometimes provides us with demands, challenges and obstacles that sometimes can become overwhelming. Do you have a rough time at school, tired of arguing with your parents. Are you struggling with relationships, going through a breakup/divorce. Maybe your suffering from anxiety, stress or depression. While creating a supportive environment we can work together on building a solid foundation and begin to change how you see others, how you see circumstances and more importantly how you see yourself.
"What hurts the most is pretending it doesn't." Reaching out to others for help is never easy, going it alone is even harder. Life sometimes provides us with demands, challenges and obstacles that sometimes can become overwhelming. Do you have a rough time at school, tired of arguing with your parents. Are you struggling with relationships, going through a breakup/divorce. Maybe your suffering from anxiety, stress or depression. While creating a supportive environment we can work together on building a solid foundation and begin to change how you see others, how you see circumstances and more importantly how you see yourself.
(252) 501-6794 View (252) 501-6794
Photo of Nicole Leigh Bettis, EdS, LMFT, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nicole Leigh Bettis
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdS, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
I am a marriage & family therapist and a registered play therapist. I have a wide range of experience in working with children, adolescents, couples, individuals, and families. My areas of specialization working with issues related to divorce, child custody, parenting, co-parenting, infidelity, family loss/grief, military family issues, school or work related problems, adoption, infertility, emotion regulation, trust and abandonment issues. My goal is to provide a private, safe place for you to better understand your situation and to help you make the changes necessary to live the life you desire.
I am a marriage & family therapist and a registered play therapist. I have a wide range of experience in working with children, adolescents, couples, individuals, and families. My areas of specialization working with issues related to divorce, child custody, parenting, co-parenting, infidelity, family loss/grief, military family issues, school or work related problems, adoption, infertility, emotion regulation, trust and abandonment issues. My goal is to provide a private, safe place for you to better understand your situation and to help you make the changes necessary to live the life you desire.
(252) 377-4047 View (252) 377-4047
Photo of Michelle Richmond, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Richmond
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Not accepting new clients
I look forward to working with you to identify areas of concern and develop goals to address those concerns. I will use various therapeutic techniques (CBT and Strength Focused Approach) as well as resources to assist in resolving issues to meet your goals. I am trained in the use of EMDR with adults and children to address trauma and anxiety, which I have observed to be effective and life changing for many. I am happy to incorporate Christian/Biblical principles in our work together if you so choose.
I look forward to working with you to identify areas of concern and develop goals to address those concerns. I will use various therapeutic techniques (CBT and Strength Focused Approach) as well as resources to assist in resolving issues to meet your goals. I am trained in the use of EMDR with adults and children to address trauma and anxiety, which I have observed to be effective and life changing for many. I am happy to incorporate Christian/Biblical principles in our work together if you so choose.
(252) 300-0362 View (252) 300-0362

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Mary F Summerlin - Brighter Life Counseling, PLLC, NCC, LPC, LCAS, CCMC, DBTC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brighter Life Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, LCAS, CCMC, DBTC
Verified Verified
Newport, NC 28570
I have trained with and received supervision from one of the developers of Cognitive Processing Therapy and one of the developers of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior therapy.
Life can be very difficult at times, and I want to help. I have had the opportunity to train in a variety of therapeutic modalities, making me uniquely qualified to utilize the interventions that are most appropriate for each of my clients. In order to determine the most appropriate form of treatment, I collaborate with each of my clients to determine the issues they would like to address and the goals they would like to achieve. We are then in a better position to determine the most efficacious treatment modality.
I have trained with and received supervision from one of the developers of Cognitive Processing Therapy and one of the developers of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior therapy.
Life can be very difficult at times, and I want to help. I have had the opportunity to train in a variety of therapeutic modalities, making me uniquely qualified to utilize the interventions that are most appropriate for each of my clients. In order to determine the most appropriate form of treatment, I collaborate with each of my clients to determine the issues they would like to address and the goals they would like to achieve. We are then in a better position to determine the most efficacious treatment modality.
(910) 378-3685 View (910) 378-3685
Photo of Beverly King, LCMHC, Counselor
Beverly King
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Newport, NC 28570  (Online Only)
Beverly holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Radford University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in North Carolina, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and a Trauma certified clinician, she has more than 15 years of experience providing mental health counseling to a wide variety of people. Prior to joining Teladoc, Beverly served as clinical director for a psychiatric hospital, as well as regional director for a community mental health agency.
Beverly holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Radford University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in North Carolina, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and a Trauma certified clinician, she has more than 15 years of experience providing mental health counseling to a wide variety of people. Prior to joining Teladoc, Beverly served as clinical director for a psychiatric hospital, as well as regional director for a community mental health agency.
(252) 666-5818 View (252) 666-5818
Photo of Kim Morris, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kim Morris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Morehead City, NC 28557
REEL therapy for REAL change. Would you like to transform the way you respond to life’s stress? Learn tactics that help you show up as the best REAL version of yourself at home and at work? It’s my mission to create a therapeutic space where you will leave feeling heard, understood, and empowered to take charge of your health, mental well-being, and achieve your goals. Let’s strengthen your capacity to manage stress, symptoms, or trauma that may be holding you back from pursuing a life that aligns with your REAL value, your core values.
REEL therapy for REAL change. Would you like to transform the way you respond to life’s stress? Learn tactics that help you show up as the best REAL version of yourself at home and at work? It’s my mission to create a therapeutic space where you will leave feeling heard, understood, and empowered to take charge of your health, mental well-being, and achieve your goals. Let’s strengthen your capacity to manage stress, symptoms, or trauma that may be holding you back from pursuing a life that aligns with your REAL value, your core values.
(252) 253-6105 View (252) 253-6105
Photo of Kathryn Tuttle MacMoran - MacMoran Counseling and Coaching, MS, LPC, BCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
MacMoran Counseling and Coaching
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, BCPC
Verified Verified
Newport, NC 28570
Due to the complexities of addictions, my focus has also included: Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety disorders,Personality Disorders, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and PTSD using CBT, DBT, and Trauma FocusedTherapies.
As a seasoned professional in the addiction treatment field, my 30 years of clinical experience covers a wide variety of issues that face individuals and their families. In collaboration with my clients, I provide an individually customized success plan. We face the issues of this life in a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where healing happens, hope is restored, and growth becomes the inevitable outcome.
Due to the complexities of addictions, my focus has also included: Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety disorders,Personality Disorders, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and PTSD using CBT, DBT, and Trauma FocusedTherapies.
As a seasoned professional in the addiction treatment field, my 30 years of clinical experience covers a wide variety of issues that face individuals and their families. In collaboration with my clients, I provide an individually customized success plan. We face the issues of this life in a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where healing happens, hope is restored, and growth becomes the inevitable outcome.
(252) 677-9976 View (252) 677-9976
Photo of Noella N. S Dowers, MS, CHAD, LCMHC, CCTP
Noella N. S Dowers
MS, CHAD, LCMHC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Swansboro, NC 28584
I am experienced in the areas of anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, grief, behavior issues and various issues pertaining to mental health & wellness.
Counseling for children, adolescents, adults, & couples. Professional, confidential support for Children, Adolescents and Adults, Families and Couples. If you are struggling with relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, parenting, issues at work or difficulty figuring out where you fit in. Does your child have behavior challenges? socialization struggles? Are you experiencing loss of a loved one or a broken relationship? Past traumatic event making life seem unbearable therapy provides you someone who will listen, offer guidance, and offer support as you learn new coping strategies and gain insight.
I am experienced in the areas of anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, grief, behavior issues and various issues pertaining to mental health & wellness.
Counseling for children, adolescents, adults, & couples. Professional, confidential support for Children, Adolescents and Adults, Families and Couples. If you are struggling with relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, parenting, issues at work or difficulty figuring out where you fit in. Does your child have behavior challenges? socialization struggles? Are you experiencing loss of a loved one or a broken relationship? Past traumatic event making life seem unbearable therapy provides you someone who will listen, offer guidance, and offer support as you learn new coping strategies and gain insight.
(910) 543-3483 View (910) 543-3483
Photo of Lydia Kerns, LCSW, LCAS-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lydia Kerns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Swansboro, NC 28584
You'll find a safe, open, and welcoming space where you can freely explore trauma, anxiety, and substance use.
Are you tired of your thoughts going a mile a minute? Feeling like you just can't handle it all, no matter how much you vent to your friends and how many memes you send? You're trying to cope but you keep falling back on the same unhealthy patterns and relationships. I get it! Anxiety, trauma, and substance use can make everyday life feel overwhelming and exhausting, especially when you're going through major changes or the stress keeps adding up. I'm here to help you find balance, break those unhealthy patterns, and gain control of your life so you can move forward without the burdens that aren't yours to carry.
You'll find a safe, open, and welcoming space where you can freely explore trauma, anxiety, and substance use.
Are you tired of your thoughts going a mile a minute? Feeling like you just can't handle it all, no matter how much you vent to your friends and how many memes you send? You're trying to cope but you keep falling back on the same unhealthy patterns and relationships. I get it! Anxiety, trauma, and substance use can make everyday life feel overwhelming and exhausting, especially when you're going through major changes or the stress keeps adding up. I'm here to help you find balance, break those unhealthy patterns, and gain control of your life so you can move forward without the burdens that aren't yours to carry.
(910) 490-3523 View (910) 490-3523
Photo of Sarah J Roe, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah J Roe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hubert, NC 28539  (Online Only)
I tailor my approach to each person, using techniques taken from therapy models such as CBT, DBT and trauma informed approaches.
Life is beautiful, but it can be hard to face the challenges that come with it sometimes. Whether it be medical issues, family/relationship problems, or just common life stresses, all of us have challenges to overcome. Some challenges are short-lived and can be overcome with small adaptations of our mindset and/or coping strategies. Others, however, can be quite daunting and complex, such as trauma and addiction. I believe that regardless of the issues we face, we all want basically the same things - to feel safe and comfortable with ourselves, within our relationships, and in the world.
I tailor my approach to each person, using techniques taken from therapy models such as CBT, DBT and trauma informed approaches.
Life is beautiful, but it can be hard to face the challenges that come with it sometimes. Whether it be medical issues, family/relationship problems, or just common life stresses, all of us have challenges to overcome. Some challenges are short-lived and can be overcome with small adaptations of our mindset and/or coping strategies. Others, however, can be quite daunting and complex, such as trauma and addiction. I believe that regardless of the issues we face, we all want basically the same things - to feel safe and comfortable with ourselves, within our relationships, and in the world.
(252) 599-5224 View (252) 599-5224
Photo of Derek Prescott, PsyD, LCMHC, CAS, CATP
Derek Prescott
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PsyD, LCMHC, CAS, CATP
Verified Verified
Hubert, NC 28539
National Board Certified Counselor - Certified Marriage and Pre-Marriage counseling, Certified Autism Specialist; Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional, and Anger Management.
For appointments call or text 910-545-2142. We offer a compassionate and positive environment to help you make empowering decisions about life and overcome any struggles or obstacles. Using emphatic, compassionate, empowering skills, our goal is to assist you in applying the skills needed to make healthy changes. We view the therapeutic relationship as an honor and appreciate the courage that it takes to enter a healing relationship. We look forward to sharing your journey and believe that we will learn from one another throughout this healing journey.
National Board Certified Counselor - Certified Marriage and Pre-Marriage counseling, Certified Autism Specialist; Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional, and Anger Management.
For appointments call or text 910-545-2142. We offer a compassionate and positive environment to help you make empowering decisions about life and overcome any struggles or obstacles. Using emphatic, compassionate, empowering skills, our goal is to assist you in applying the skills needed to make healthy changes. We view the therapeutic relationship as an honor and appreciate the courage that it takes to enter a healing relationship. We look forward to sharing your journey and believe that we will learn from one another throughout this healing journey.
(910) 469-0264 View (910) 469-0264
Photo of Maria Donaty-Gurba, LCSW, LCAS, RN, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maria Donaty-Gurba
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, RN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Swansboro, NC 28584
Reaching out & asking for help can be really hard. If you are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Medical issues, Relationship/Marital Issues, problem behaviors, maintaining sobriety, unwanted change or navigating & adjusting to difficult decisions it is important to seek help. Whether you're going through a painful transition like divorce, having difficulty in your relationships, self-medicating with substances, or have debilitating anxiety or depression- guidance from a qualified, objective person is necessary. I will help you gain insight into the root cause of what is keeping you stuck.
Reaching out & asking for help can be really hard. If you are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Medical issues, Relationship/Marital Issues, problem behaviors, maintaining sobriety, unwanted change or navigating & adjusting to difficult decisions it is important to seek help. Whether you're going through a painful transition like divorce, having difficulty in your relationships, self-medicating with substances, or have debilitating anxiety or depression- guidance from a qualified, objective person is necessary. I will help you gain insight into the root cause of what is keeping you stuck.
(910) 684-4626 View (910) 684-4626
Photo of Lisa Fitzpatrick, LCSWA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Lisa Fitzpatrick
Pre-Licensed Professional, LCSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Swansboro, NC 28584
Hey there! I’m really glad you’re here. Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma, I’m here to support you through it all. I get it—starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure if it’s right for you. It’s totally normal to have doubts! Maybe you’re used to handling things on your own and taking pride in your independence, but lately, it feels like everything is getting a bit too much. Even if you're uncertain, you’re looking for a way to feel better and find healthier ways to cope. Let’s work on that together.
Hey there! I’m really glad you’re here. Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma, I’m here to support you through it all. I get it—starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure if it’s right for you. It’s totally normal to have doubts! Maybe you’re used to handling things on your own and taking pride in your independence, but lately, it feels like everything is getting a bit too much. Even if you're uncertain, you’re looking for a way to feel better and find healthier ways to cope. Let’s work on that together.
(910) 901-2913 View (910) 901-2913
Photo of Chrissy Napowsa Schlude - Chrissy's Empowering Counseling Services, PLLC, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chrissy's Empowering Counseling Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Swansboro, NC 28584
Ever felt like things are getting out of control in your life, and you're having trouble slowing things down? I have a passion to help people who are dealing with anxiety symptoms, whether they be from trauma related issues, including domestic violence or the ups and downs of dealing with life's expectations.
Now accepting new clients! Whether you are having a bad day or just need someone to talk to, finding the right therapist can be extremely difficult. Please take the time to take advantage of my 15 minute free consultation. During this consultation, we can take time to discuss and highlight the areas of concern and decide if we are a good fit to work together in order to gain the maximum benefit from your therapy. I take the time to actively listen so that education and empowerment can be used to assist in solving many of life’s challenges.
Ever felt like things are getting out of control in your life, and you're having trouble slowing things down? I have a passion to help people who are dealing with anxiety symptoms, whether they be from trauma related issues, including domestic violence or the ups and downs of dealing with life's expectations.
Now accepting new clients! Whether you are having a bad day or just need someone to talk to, finding the right therapist can be extremely difficult. Please take the time to take advantage of my 15 minute free consultation. During this consultation, we can take time to discuss and highlight the areas of concern and decide if we are a good fit to work together in order to gain the maximum benefit from your therapy. I take the time to actively listen so that education and empowerment can be used to assist in solving many of life’s challenges.
(910) 541-9052 View (910) 541-9052

See more therapy options for Emerald Isle

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.