Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Oceanside, NY

Photo of Nicole Ann Vivona, MSW, LCSW-R, CASAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole Ann Vivona
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-R, CASAC
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572
I have over 20 years of experience in helping individuals recover from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, addictions and life transitions.
I believe in an approach to therapy that simply, "starts where the client is at." Therapy should be tailored to the individual. I believe in a well-rounded approach that considers the social, psychological and biological aspects of one's life. I feel that all too often society pathologizes the individual without taking into account the past and present environmental factors that have influenced where the person is today. I provide a safe, non-judgemental and caring atmosphere to help the individual examine where they are in life and where they would like to be.
I have over 20 years of experience in helping individuals recover from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, addictions and life transitions.
I believe in an approach to therapy that simply, "starts where the client is at." Therapy should be tailored to the individual. I believe in a well-rounded approach that considers the social, psychological and biological aspects of one's life. I feel that all too often society pathologizes the individual without taking into account the past and present environmental factors that have influenced where the person is today. I provide a safe, non-judgemental and caring atmosphere to help the individual examine where they are in life and where they would like to be.
(516) 513-8777 View (516) 513-8777
Photo of Allison Lebowitz Elkoubi, PhD, Psychologist
Allison Lebowitz Elkoubi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oceanside, NY 11572
My areas of expertise include mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specific phobias, post traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders.
Hi! I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in providing evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) techniques. I specialize in the treatment of adolescents, adults, and families, struggling with a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, impulsive behaviors, self-harm, relationship problems, tolerating distress, and trauma reactions. I truly believe that treatment is most successful when working collaboratively with a client to identify and work towards goals.
My areas of expertise include mood disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specific phobias, post traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorders.
Hi! I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in providing evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) techniques. I specialize in the treatment of adolescents, adults, and families, struggling with a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, impulsive behaviors, self-harm, relationship problems, tolerating distress, and trauma reactions. I truly believe that treatment is most successful when working collaboratively with a client to identify and work towards goals.
(516) 613-2818 View (516) 613-2818
Photo of Christina DeMaria, MS, LCAT, Art Therapist
Christina DeMaria
Art Therapist, MS, LCAT
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572
I work with children, adolescents, adults and families, through CBT and DBT, looking to address underlying feelings and the environmental impact associated with ADHD, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Have you experienced a traumatic event? Are you not sure what to do next? The ability to feel confident in yourself as well as gaining clarity about what your needs are can be a very challenging process. I am here to guide you back to yourself and assist you in learning skills to help deal with your current symptoms. My approach is humanistic and eclectic in order to collaborate with my clients to live healthier lives and reach their unique goals.
I work with children, adolescents, adults and families, through CBT and DBT, looking to address underlying feelings and the environmental impact associated with ADHD, trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Have you experienced a traumatic event? Are you not sure what to do next? The ability to feel confident in yourself as well as gaining clarity about what your needs are can be a very challenging process. I am here to guide you back to yourself and assist you in learning skills to help deal with your current symptoms. My approach is humanistic and eclectic in order to collaborate with my clients to live healthier lives and reach their unique goals.
(929) 499-0648 View (929) 499-0648
Photo of Guissoo Nabavian, PsyD, Psychologist
Guissoo Nabavian
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572
As a psychologist, I understand that looking for the right therapist can be daunting. By focusing on past events and their impact on your life, present issues can be better understood. My goal is to help you leave my office with a clearer understanding of yourself and better equipped to deal with life's challenges. I have received training in various treatment approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapies, Trauma Focused Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and play therapy. In my approach, I keep the client's individual needs in mind, working in a safe and collaborative manner.
As a psychologist, I understand that looking for the right therapist can be daunting. By focusing on past events and their impact on your life, present issues can be better understood. My goal is to help you leave my office with a clearer understanding of yourself and better equipped to deal with life's challenges. I have received training in various treatment approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapies, Trauma Focused Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and play therapy. In my approach, I keep the client's individual needs in mind, working in a safe and collaborative manner.
(516) 535-0418 View (516) 535-0418
Photo of Kindale Grinage-Botchway, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kindale Grinage-Botchway
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572
I have additional training/certification in trauma studies, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness practices, and restorative practice.
Hello; my name is Kindale and I'd appreciate the honor of being your therapist. As your Psychotherapist I intend to establish and develop our therapeutic relationship on three basic principles; fostering esteem, consistently encouraging your goals, and empowering you to sustain lasting achievement.
I have additional training/certification in trauma studies, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness practices, and restorative practice.
Hello; my name is Kindale and I'd appreciate the honor of being your therapist. As your Psychotherapist I intend to establish and develop our therapeutic relationship on three basic principles; fostering esteem, consistently encouraging your goals, and empowering you to sustain lasting achievement.
(929) 335-2187 View (929) 335-2187
Photo of Amy Malkin-Ingoglia, PhD, Psychologist
Amy Malkin-Ingoglia
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572
I work with issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, loss/grief, parenting, and healthy behavior change.
Does life feel overwhelming and not how you imagined it would be? Do you feel like you are a human "doing" instead of a human "being"? Do you feel anxious or depressed, hoping that happiness will come when people or circumstances change? Ultimately, you are the only person who has the ability to make the changes necessary to find inner peace and balance in your life. Let's work together to identify your personal strengths and use them to move you toward the life you want to live. You do not have to feel "stuck" forever.
I work with issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, loss/grief, parenting, and healthy behavior change.
Does life feel overwhelming and not how you imagined it would be? Do you feel like you are a human "doing" instead of a human "being"? Do you feel anxious or depressed, hoping that happiness will come when people or circumstances change? Ultimately, you are the only person who has the ability to make the changes necessary to find inner peace and balance in your life. Let's work together to identify your personal strengths and use them to move you toward the life you want to live. You do not have to feel "stuck" forever.
(516) 246-2115 View (516) 246-2115
Photo of Sylvia Ortega, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sylvia Ortega
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oceanside, NY 11572
Sylvia Ortega is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 10 + yrs of experience in direct clinical practice. As a highly skilled and compassionate Psychotherapist, Sylvia is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. With a deep understanding and genuine passion for helping others, Sylvia strives to empower clients on their journey of self-discovery and healing. Sylvia works collaboratively with clients to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, body dysmorphia, and relationship issues.
Sylvia Ortega is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 10 + yrs of experience in direct clinical practice. As a highly skilled and compassionate Psychotherapist, Sylvia is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. With a deep understanding and genuine passion for helping others, Sylvia strives to empower clients on their journey of self-discovery and healing. Sylvia works collaboratively with clients to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, body dysmorphia, and relationship issues.
(516) 884-9977 View (516) 884-9977
Photo of Sophia Resciniti, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sophia Resciniti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572  (Online Only)
I have experience working with adults and children, specializing in trauma work, anxiety, depression, loss, adjustment/transitions including immigration issues. I have taught Master level clinical courses, worked with victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse and with client's and families dealing with end-of-life issues and loss. I also have training in and have responded to community crisis and emergencies such as flooding and mass shootings.
I have experience working with adults and children, specializing in trauma work, anxiety, depression, loss, adjustment/transitions including immigration issues. I have taught Master level clinical courses, worked with victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse and with client's and families dealing with end-of-life issues and loss. I also have training in and have responded to community crisis and emergencies such as flooding and mass shootings.
(607) 536-3123 View (607) 536-3123
Photo of Sharon Kourt, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sharon Kourt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oceanside, NY 11572  (Online Only)
Trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, recovery, mood disorders, sexual abuse/assault/ trauma, pre-post divorce, chronic pain management, family discord, fertility journeys, and palliative care for patient and/or family are some of the concerns I have clinical experience working with.
Are you satisfied with the life you’re livin’? There is some kind of way outta here. My goal is to guide you towards accessing self energy to create stability happiness & lasting life changes. Through exploring and processing your experiences in a safe and collaborative space we can build internal and external supports for a fulfilling life. My counseling style incorporates multiple approaches such as CBT, IFS, Trauma-focused, client centered therapies & mental health coaching. I'm an LCSW with over 20 yrs experience. I also offer supervision towards earning advanced licensing (NY) professional supervision & ongoing consultation.
Trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, recovery, mood disorders, sexual abuse/assault/ trauma, pre-post divorce, chronic pain management, family discord, fertility journeys, and palliative care for patient and/or family are some of the concerns I have clinical experience working with.
Are you satisfied with the life you’re livin’? There is some kind of way outta here. My goal is to guide you towards accessing self energy to create stability happiness & lasting life changes. Through exploring and processing your experiences in a safe and collaborative space we can build internal and external supports for a fulfilling life. My counseling style incorporates multiple approaches such as CBT, IFS, Trauma-focused, client centered therapies & mental health coaching. I'm an LCSW with over 20 yrs experience. I also offer supervision towards earning advanced licensing (NY) professional supervision & ongoing consultation.
(347) 933-6907 View (347) 933-6907
Photo of Michelle Haviken Capofari, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Haviken Capofari
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572
Many of us suffer on a daily basis be it from stress, depression, anxiety, loss, or childhood trauma. Or you could be suffering with emotional pain due to being stuck in negative self patterns. Unfortunately that suffering leads to problems, conflicts or disruption in daily life, or at work with friends and family. Therapy is a wonderful practice to learn to clam down, learn about your self, and self heal. When you feeling heard and understood you can learn to become emphatic to your self and others. . The goal of therapy is to understand these negative patterns and how to stop them.
Many of us suffer on a daily basis be it from stress, depression, anxiety, loss, or childhood trauma. Or you could be suffering with emotional pain due to being stuck in negative self patterns. Unfortunately that suffering leads to problems, conflicts or disruption in daily life, or at work with friends and family. Therapy is a wonderful practice to learn to clam down, learn about your self, and self heal. When you feeling heard and understood you can learn to become emphatic to your self and others. . The goal of therapy is to understand these negative patterns and how to stop them.
(646) 760-8375 View (646) 760-8375
Photo of Jessica Doyle, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Doyle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572  (Online Only)
I've always known my true calling was to help others, driven by deep rooted belief that all humans deserve respect, dignity, and opportunity for change. I am deeply committed to fostering growth and healing through an empathetic and client-centered approach. With extensive experience in treating a diverse range of challenges, including addiction, grief, chronic illness, mood disorders, trauma, I focus on empowering individuals to navigate life’s complexities with resilience and clarity. I am dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion or abilities.
I've always known my true calling was to help others, driven by deep rooted belief that all humans deserve respect, dignity, and opportunity for change. I am deeply committed to fostering growth and healing through an empathetic and client-centered approach. With extensive experience in treating a diverse range of challenges, including addiction, grief, chronic illness, mood disorders, trauma, I focus on empowering individuals to navigate life’s complexities with resilience and clarity. I am dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion or abilities.
(516) 990-4361 View (516) 990-4361
Photo of Christine Fuchs, LMHC, CASAC-T, Counselor
Christine Fuchs
Counselor, LMHC, CASAC-T
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oceanside, NY 11572  (Online Only)
My approach is specifically tailored to help you move past depression and anxiety and the debilitating effects of trauma.
My clients come to me because they have struggled with depression, anxiety, and fear for as long as they can remember. They doubt themselves and often feel like they are a burden to others. They have struggled with feeling empty, self-judgment, isolation, and loneliness.
My approach is specifically tailored to help you move past depression and anxiety and the debilitating effects of trauma.
My clients come to me because they have struggled with depression, anxiety, and fear for as long as they can remember. They doubt themselves and often feel like they are a burden to others. They have struggled with feeling empty, self-judgment, isolation, and loneliness.
(516) 990-2940 View (516) 990-2940
Photo of Susan Ferrara-Jones, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Ferrara-Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572
Anxiety, depression, sadness, loss, trauma, and anger are painful experiences that can affect one's behavior patterns, ability to cope, and quality of life. I believe in providing a compassionate space where one feels listened to, understood and not alone. From there we will work together on identifying the underlying issues that contribute to the emotional and behavioral challenges, and develop tools and strategies needed for effective ways of coping and healing.
Anxiety, depression, sadness, loss, trauma, and anger are painful experiences that can affect one's behavior patterns, ability to cope, and quality of life. I believe in providing a compassionate space where one feels listened to, understood and not alone. From there we will work together on identifying the underlying issues that contribute to the emotional and behavioral challenges, and develop tools and strategies needed for effective ways of coping and healing.
(516) 594-0560 View (516) 594-0560
Photo of Kristine Baker, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristine Baker
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572  (Online Only)
My name is Kristine Baker. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 8 years of clinical experience working with various individuals and couples with Anxiety, Family Conflict, Military, Relationship Issues, Trauma, and PTSD. I can help provide tools necessary to combat current areas of struggle as well as highlight resources you already have. Some of my treatment modalities include Experiential Therapy, EMDR, Family Therapy, Family Systems, and Family / Marital therapies. I believe that one of the most significant components of treatment is learning healthy coping tools necessary to combat current areas of struggle.
My name is Kristine Baker. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 8 years of clinical experience working with various individuals and couples with Anxiety, Family Conflict, Military, Relationship Issues, Trauma, and PTSD. I can help provide tools necessary to combat current areas of struggle as well as highlight resources you already have. Some of my treatment modalities include Experiential Therapy, EMDR, Family Therapy, Family Systems, and Family / Marital therapies. I believe that one of the most significant components of treatment is learning healthy coping tools necessary to combat current areas of struggle.
(332) 286-2961 View (332) 286-2961
Photo of Kristen Padula, LMHC, Counselor
Kristen Padula
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572  (Online Only)
I am a licensed mental health counselor who works with adolescents and adults. it’s my priority to develop a safe, empathic, and nonjudgmental space for you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship. I have worked with a diverse population of clients in a mental health clinic and an outpatient chemical dependency program. I treat a wide range of mental health areas, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and relational conflict.
I am a licensed mental health counselor who works with adolescents and adults. it’s my priority to develop a safe, empathic, and nonjudgmental space for you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I believe in the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship. I have worked with a diverse population of clients in a mental health clinic and an outpatient chemical dependency program. I treat a wide range of mental health areas, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and relational conflict.
(516) 715-3444 View (516) 715-3444
Photo of Lauren Jukofsky, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Jukofsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oceanside, NY 11572  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating Trauma, Grief and Bereavement as well as Mood Disorders like depression and anxiety.
Most of us encounter life challenges that can become unmanageable, its important to know that you are not alone. Congratulations on taking your first step towards emotional empowerment! This step is usually one of the hardest as it means that you have been thinking about making changes, probably for quite some time, and are finally ready. It takes a lot of courage to do that! It helps to know that you have a trusted and objective professional who has worked in clinical settings with individuals in crisis, chronic health illnesses, hematology/oncology, adolescent medicine, mental health, medical and bereavement.
I specialize in treating Trauma, Grief and Bereavement as well as Mood Disorders like depression and anxiety.
Most of us encounter life challenges that can become unmanageable, its important to know that you are not alone. Congratulations on taking your first step towards emotional empowerment! This step is usually one of the hardest as it means that you have been thinking about making changes, probably for quite some time, and are finally ready. It takes a lot of courage to do that! It helps to know that you have a trusted and objective professional who has worked in clinical settings with individuals in crisis, chronic health illnesses, hematology/oncology, adolescent medicine, mental health, medical and bereavement.
(516) 604-5190 View (516) 604-5190
Photo of Catherine Petrone, LP, Licensed Psychoanalyst
Catherine Petrone
Licensed Psychoanalyst, LP
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572
Are you seeking to overcome anxiety, depression, or trauma? As a seasoned psychoanalyst and Gestalt therapist, I specialize in individual therapy, couples therapy and I also lead interactive group therapy sessions. I empower you to reach your full potential, fostering a life filled with peace and joy. Together, we will transform past wounds into a powerful source of love, strength, and freedom. Imagine living a life beyond your wildest dreams—I’m here to show you the way. I offer online therapy for residents of New York and in-person sessions in South Nassau County.
Are you seeking to overcome anxiety, depression, or trauma? As a seasoned psychoanalyst and Gestalt therapist, I specialize in individual therapy, couples therapy and I also lead interactive group therapy sessions. I empower you to reach your full potential, fostering a life filled with peace and joy. Together, we will transform past wounds into a powerful source of love, strength, and freedom. Imagine living a life beyond your wildest dreams—I’m here to show you the way. I offer online therapy for residents of New York and in-person sessions in South Nassau County.
(516) 973-5078 View (516) 973-5078
Photo of Colleen C Piazza - Colleen C. Piazza, MA, LMHC, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Colleen C. Piazza, MA, LMHC
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572
I received postgraduate training in Relationship Enhancement, Cross-cultural Therapy, Abuse and Trauma Therapy and Family Therapy at the California Graduate School of Marital and Family Therapy.
I provide a caring, supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere for a variety of clients from all backgrounds, from the young to the elderly. I help people who are experiencing relationship issues, family/parenting issues/ depression, anxiety & panic, stress and anger management, grief and loss, financial stresses, and those seeking personal growth. I specialize in helping people learn successful ways of coping through all life's transitions.
I received postgraduate training in Relationship Enhancement, Cross-cultural Therapy, Abuse and Trauma Therapy and Family Therapy at the California Graduate School of Marital and Family Therapy.
I provide a caring, supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere for a variety of clients from all backgrounds, from the young to the elderly. I help people who are experiencing relationship issues, family/parenting issues/ depression, anxiety & panic, stress and anger management, grief and loss, financial stresses, and those seeking personal growth. I specialize in helping people learn successful ways of coping through all life's transitions.
(516) 515-1988 View (516) 515-1988
Photo of Maura Kilduff Turner, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maura Kilduff Turner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oceanside, NY 11572  (Online Only)
The personal interaction of therapy is a powerful way to identify patterns of behavior and coping styles, and then take steps toward chosen areas for change. To pursue personal growth, our work recognizes the inter-relatedness of physical and emotional health. My work is based on diverse experiences with men and women, from teenagers to seniors, who face challenges including interpersonal problems, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, obsessions/compulsions, and death/bereavement. I previously worked in corporate finance, where I gained an understanding of the business world that often helps in our work.
The personal interaction of therapy is a powerful way to identify patterns of behavior and coping styles, and then take steps toward chosen areas for change. To pursue personal growth, our work recognizes the inter-relatedness of physical and emotional health. My work is based on diverse experiences with men and women, from teenagers to seniors, who face challenges including interpersonal problems, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, obsessions/compulsions, and death/bereavement. I previously worked in corporate finance, where I gained an understanding of the business world that often helps in our work.
(516) 584-3477 View (516) 584-3477
Photo of Stefanie Fernandez, LCSWR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stefanie Fernandez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWR
Verified Verified
Oceanside, NY 11572
I also treat anxiety, depressive disorders, grief, trauma, and many other mental health challenges.
Are you experiencing anxious mood, depression, or other feelings that are affecting your relationships, work, health or other aspects of life? Do you suffer from a chronic pain disorder, a physical illness, or any type of limitation that is not only hard to manage, but also makes you sad, worried, or feel isolated? Together we will work as a team to identify difficulties, life challenges and most importantly, build on self awareness and strengths to find improved ways to cope in order to help you to achieve a happier, more balanced and fulfilling life.
I also treat anxiety, depressive disorders, grief, trauma, and many other mental health challenges.
Are you experiencing anxious mood, depression, or other feelings that are affecting your relationships, work, health or other aspects of life? Do you suffer from a chronic pain disorder, a physical illness, or any type of limitation that is not only hard to manage, but also makes you sad, worried, or feel isolated? Together we will work as a team to identify difficulties, life challenges and most importantly, build on self awareness and strengths to find improved ways to cope in order to help you to achieve a happier, more balanced and fulfilling life.
(516) 368-0103 View (516) 368-0103
1
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.