Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Rainier, OR

Photo of Cynthia D Vogel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cynthia D Vogel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Rainier, OR 97048  (Online Only)
I specialize in trauma recovery, grief and loss, and have worked extensively in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as well as Narrative Therapy in Hospice.
Thank you for being here. I appreciate the vulnerability it takes to seek therapeutic care, and I value the trust placed in me. I'm committed to justice and healing, both personally and collectively, valuing anti-racism and mutual aid in my work. I create a warm, safe setting to help you to integrate grief, trauma, altered states, and the esoteric in your life; working towards peace- even in the storm, healing and joy. I practice from Relational-Cultural Feminist Theory. One of my strengths is in recognizing therapy and healing don't happen in isolation -society and structural (in)equity impacts most everything we do.
I specialize in trauma recovery, grief and loss, and have worked extensively in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as well as Narrative Therapy in Hospice.
Thank you for being here. I appreciate the vulnerability it takes to seek therapeutic care, and I value the trust placed in me. I'm committed to justice and healing, both personally and collectively, valuing anti-racism and mutual aid in my work. I create a warm, safe setting to help you to integrate grief, trauma, altered states, and the esoteric in your life; working towards peace- even in the storm, healing and joy. I practice from Relational-Cultural Feminist Theory. One of my strengths is in recognizing therapy and healing don't happen in isolation -society and structural (in)equity impacts most everything we do.
(503) 743-6652 View (503) 743-6652
Photo of Sarah Osborn, MA CMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah Osborn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA CMHC
Verified Verified
Rainier, OR 97048  (Online Only)
Sandplay can help individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many other mental health issues.
Many of us experience the feeling of being stuck, wanting to move forward but not knowing how to break free of those things holding us back. What I offer is the opportunity for you to be safe, heard, and understood in a way that allows you to discover your path forward. You get to decide what you want to do and where you want to go.
Sandplay can help individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many other mental health issues.
Many of us experience the feeling of being stuck, wanting to move forward but not knowing how to break free of those things holding us back. What I offer is the opportunity for you to be safe, heard, and understood in a way that allows you to discover your path forward. You get to decide what you want to do and where you want to go.
(971) 251-1064 View (971) 251-1064
Photo of Leslie O'Donoghue, LMHC, LPC, NCC, CRC, Counselor
Leslie O'Donoghue
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, NCC, CRC
Verified Verified
Rainier, OR 97048  (Online Only)
Accepting new telehealth clients. Are you living with isolation, questions of belonging, issues with loving, anxiety, depression, grief, or loss? Maybe your career is in question? Talk therapy can be so helpful. Sometimes we need someone else to confidentially work through issues and come to a place where you feel more secure and enjoy the demands of your life. I offer a safe place to talk it out and discover what is beneath the surface to help you fully engage in your life. Urban or rural, high tech or low tech... I can meet you there. (Click on my Headway link where you can schedule a session.)
Accepting new telehealth clients. Are you living with isolation, questions of belonging, issues with loving, anxiety, depression, grief, or loss? Maybe your career is in question? Talk therapy can be so helpful. Sometimes we need someone else to confidentially work through issues and come to a place where you feel more secure and enjoy the demands of your life. I offer a safe place to talk it out and discover what is beneath the surface to help you fully engage in your life. Urban or rural, high tech or low tech... I can meet you there. (Click on my Headway link where you can schedule a session.)
(503) 749-7600 View (503) 749-7600
Photo of Chloe L Ackerman, PsyD, Psychologist
Chloe L Ackerman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Rainier, OR 97048
Not accepting new clients
NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. When we try to achieve perfect happiness, we inevitably fail, and then we think there must be something wrong with us. Many times, we try to escape our hard feelings, distract ourselves from them, or numb them out, but that doesn’t seem to work for very long. Wellness is not about being happy all the time or never feeling pain again. Wellness is about learning to get better at feeling, period. That feeling may be happiness or sadness, contentment or grief, anger or joy.
NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. When we try to achieve perfect happiness, we inevitably fail, and then we think there must be something wrong with us. Many times, we try to escape our hard feelings, distract ourselves from them, or numb them out, but that doesn’t seem to work for very long. Wellness is not about being happy all the time or never feeling pain again. Wellness is about learning to get better at feeling, period. That feeling may be happiness or sadness, contentment or grief, anger or joy.
(971) 352-1601 View (971) 352-1601

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Ian J Kepler, LCSW, CADC-II, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ian J Kepler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC-II, MSW
Verified Verified
Clatskanie, OR 97016  (Online Only)
I believe that when we are buried in fear, anxiety, depression, existential dread or the various forms of mental and emotional distress that lead us to seek counseling, we are primarily dealing with a loss of connection. That disconnection - from people, purpose, safety, motivation, meaning and even disconnection from our own sense of self - can have so many different causes, and each of us must chart our own path to wholeness which can feel impossible to do on our own. I am continuously humbled by the bravery of my clients as they step onto this path of healing and self discovery which is not always easy, but is always worth it.
I believe that when we are buried in fear, anxiety, depression, existential dread or the various forms of mental and emotional distress that lead us to seek counseling, we are primarily dealing with a loss of connection. That disconnection - from people, purpose, safety, motivation, meaning and even disconnection from our own sense of self - can have so many different causes, and each of us must chart our own path to wholeness which can feel impossible to do on our own. I am continuously humbled by the bravery of my clients as they step onto this path of healing and self discovery which is not always easy, but is always worth it.
(971) 265-6364 View (971) 265-6364

Online Therapists

Photo of Catherine Fixe Chapin, MSW, E-RYT
Catherine Fixe Chapin
MSW, E-RYT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Are you looking for something different than talk therapy? Are you looking to access the wisdom of your body and/or spirit to help you? Whether you are dealing with anxiety, trauma, life transition, body pain, somatic concerns, spiritual crisis, search for deeper meaning and connection, a holistic approach to healing can help. Find out how to get the WHOLE you in its highest vibration so your mental neural network, your nervous system, your compassionate heart and your soul's purpose can ALL be in alignment.
Are you looking for something different than talk therapy? Are you looking to access the wisdom of your body and/or spirit to help you? Whether you are dealing with anxiety, trauma, life transition, body pain, somatic concerns, spiritual crisis, search for deeper meaning and connection, a holistic approach to healing can help. Find out how to get the WHOLE you in its highest vibration so your mental neural network, your nervous system, your compassionate heart and your soul's purpose can ALL be in alignment.
(503) 461-5174 View (503) 461-5174
Photo of Amy McDonald, MSW, CSWA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Amy McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, CSWA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97217
I enjoy working with teens and adults experiencing; chronic illness (especially Chronic Lyme Disease), anxiety, trauma, first-episode psychosis, systems survival, identity and relationship challenges, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, and parenting challenges.
First things first: I have limited availability, during the day on Tuesday and Friday, for individual therapy and/or couples therapy. If you have or no someone who would find support in a Chronic Lyme therapy group for men (trans and non-binary folx VERY welcome) please reach out to me. This closed group will start Winter 2024, meet bi-weekly and focus on community/solidarity, navigating care systems, myths about Lyme, system failure and chronic illness, the haunting of "the good sick person", anger and illness, and much more.
I enjoy working with teens and adults experiencing; chronic illness (especially Chronic Lyme Disease), anxiety, trauma, first-episode psychosis, systems survival, identity and relationship challenges, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, and parenting challenges.
First things first: I have limited availability, during the day on Tuesday and Friday, for individual therapy and/or couples therapy. If you have or no someone who would find support in a Chronic Lyme therapy group for men (trans and non-binary folx VERY welcome) please reach out to me. This closed group will start Winter 2024, meet bi-weekly and focus on community/solidarity, navigating care systems, myths about Lyme, system failure and chronic illness, the haunting of "the good sick person", anger and illness, and much more.
(503) 974-3495 View (503) 974-3495
Photo of Emily Ruiz Romero - Empowerment with Emily, LCSW, QMHP, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Empowerment with Emily
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, QMHP, MSW
Verified Verified
Scappoose, OR 97056  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you a trauma survivor? Are you overwhelmed, anxious, experiencing panic attacks? Are you depressed, not sleeping/eating, and/or isolating? Are you unsure of why you are the way that you are? Do you feel like you don't belong, maybe you're mixed race and struggle with identity? Do you feel low, loss and are in need of support off the ground? I'm here to help find and/or regain your empowerment to succeed in your goals. We can collaboratively work together to improve your overall functionality & wellbeing through individual outpatient therapy.
Are you a trauma survivor? Are you overwhelmed, anxious, experiencing panic attacks? Are you depressed, not sleeping/eating, and/or isolating? Are you unsure of why you are the way that you are? Do you feel like you don't belong, maybe you're mixed race and struggle with identity? Do you feel low, loss and are in need of support off the ground? I'm here to help find and/or regain your empowerment to succeed in your goals. We can collaboratively work together to improve your overall functionality & wellbeing through individual outpatient therapy.
(971) 308-9126 View (971) 308-9126
Photo of Leiora Kortvely - Virago Counseling, LCSW-C, CST, CCTP-II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Virago Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CST, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97216  (Online Only)
Through compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally-affirming support, we will work together to reconnect with your self-worth and confidence.
Are you a Millennial or Black/POC high-achieving woman, grappling with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism? Do you face added layers of societal expectations and microaggressions, like being overlooked in professional settings or misunderstood in social interactions, which make it harder for you to speak up or seek help. It's tough feeling like you constantly have to prove yourself, both professionally and personally. Perhaps you’ve reached a breaking point where the emotional toll is affecting your health, career and relationships, prompting you to seek therapy.
Through compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally-affirming support, we will work together to reconnect with your self-worth and confidence.
Are you a Millennial or Black/POC high-achieving woman, grappling with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism? Do you face added layers of societal expectations and microaggressions, like being overlooked in professional settings or misunderstood in social interactions, which make it harder for you to speak up or seek help. It's tough feeling like you constantly have to prove yourself, both professionally and personally. Perhaps you’ve reached a breaking point where the emotional toll is affecting your health, career and relationships, prompting you to seek therapy.
(410) 656-9353 View (410) 656-9353
Photo of Clifford Henry, MA
Clifford Henry
Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215
Are you feeling the weight of anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma? Wrestling with your identity or facing challenges in your relationships? The clients I have worked with are on a journey to find clarity, balance, and peace. If you’re committed to becoming more intentional in your life and breaking free from generational patterns that no longer serve you, we could be a great fit. My clients are often on the path to deeper self-awareness and genuine self-expression. Together, we’ll navigate what’s holding you back and guide you toward the growth and authenticity you seek.
Are you feeling the weight of anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma? Wrestling with your identity or facing challenges in your relationships? The clients I have worked with are on a journey to find clarity, balance, and peace. If you’re committed to becoming more intentional in your life and breaking free from generational patterns that no longer serve you, we could be a great fit. My clients are often on the path to deeper self-awareness and genuine self-expression. Together, we’ll navigate what’s holding you back and guide you toward the growth and authenticity you seek.
(971) 309-8669 View (971) 309-8669
Photo of Carin Lee Cunningham, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Carin Lee Cunningham
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97218  (Online Only)
My goal is to meet the client where they are at and work together towards identifying what their struggles are, what gets in the way of addressing them and building skills to grow from there. Using mindfulness to increase awareness and understanding of the connection between mind and body we learn to recognize how emotions and other factors impact mood, attitude, attention and relationships. I view people through a trauma informed lens to ensure that all aspects of their past and present are considered possible influencers and may need to be better understood. I like to say my hope as your therapist is "helping you help yourself".
My goal is to meet the client where they are at and work together towards identifying what their struggles are, what gets in the way of addressing them and building skills to grow from there. Using mindfulness to increase awareness and understanding of the connection between mind and body we learn to recognize how emotions and other factors impact mood, attitude, attention and relationships. I view people through a trauma informed lens to ensure that all aspects of their past and present are considered possible influencers and may need to be better understood. I like to say my hope as your therapist is "helping you help yourself".
(503) 300-4019 View (503) 300-4019
Photo of Kelly Strider, LPC, CADCIII, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelly Strider
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADCIII
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232
My areas of focus and expertise include: Coping with depression and/or anxiety; addressing trauma; navigating transitions; identity development; developing shame resilience; having healthier boundaries with others; drug and alcohol misuse; nontraditional and/or queer relationships.
What do you want to change? At the shorter end of things, it's possible to make positive changes in a handful of sessions. This is often the case for issues related to specific events. For more serious and/or chronic problems, longer-term work is appropriate, especially when a sufficiently safe therapeutic relationship takes more time to build.
My areas of focus and expertise include: Coping with depression and/or anxiety; addressing trauma; navigating transitions; identity development; developing shame resilience; having healthier boundaries with others; drug and alcohol misuse; nontraditional and/or queer relationships.
What do you want to change? At the shorter end of things, it's possible to make positive changes in a handful of sessions. This is often the case for issues related to specific events. For more serious and/or chronic problems, longer-term work is appropriate, especially when a sufficiently safe therapeutic relationship takes more time to build.
(971) 247-1460 View (971) 247-1460
Photo of Sarah Dover - Sarah Zamiska Dover LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sarah Zamiska Dover LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Linn, OR 97068
Well hello! My name is Sarah Dover and my pronouns are she and her. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing individual psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. I received my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco in 2016. I have learned and experienced profound growth (both professionally and personally) while working alongside and supporting clients in spaces filled with grief, trauma and crisis, depression and anxiety, chronic stress, and relational problems. I have worked both in a clinic setting and within the community.
Well hello! My name is Sarah Dover and my pronouns are she and her. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing individual psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. I received my Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco in 2016. I have learned and experienced profound growth (both professionally and personally) while working alongside and supporting clients in spaces filled with grief, trauma and crisis, depression and anxiety, chronic stress, and relational problems. I have worked both in a clinic setting and within the community.
(971) 260-4698 View (971) 260-4698
Photo of Dr. Shelby Kittinger, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Shelby Kittinger
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97215
Dr. Shelby is passionate about entering into the depths of religious and relational trauma, anxiety, perfectionism & burn-out, body image, existential dread, grief, and chronic suffering. She prioritizes balancing compassion and challenge in therapy to unlock patterns of how we relate to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. Her approach is typically a good fit for those interested in developing a longer term treatment with an interest in depth work, value a direct approach, and for those wanting "more." She addresses wants and needs, personal values, and increasing agency, compassion, and radical acceptance.
Dr. Shelby is passionate about entering into the depths of religious and relational trauma, anxiety, perfectionism & burn-out, body image, existential dread, grief, and chronic suffering. She prioritizes balancing compassion and challenge in therapy to unlock patterns of how we relate to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. Her approach is typically a good fit for those interested in developing a longer term treatment with an interest in depth work, value a direct approach, and for those wanting "more." She addresses wants and needs, personal values, and increasing agency, compassion, and radical acceptance.
(503) 683-8027 View (503) 683-8027
Photo of Kristina Wells, MA
Kristina Wells
Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
McMinnville, OR 97128  (Online Only)
My approach is trauma and neuroscience-informed.
Now accepting new clients and OHP insurance. I focus on helping couples and individuals rebuild trust, connection, safety, and security in the key relationships in their lives. Almost everything we do, every reaction we have, every decision we make, and every relationship we form ultimately results from our inner dynamics, and I help clients identify and work through these dynamics. Therapeutic space allows clients to feel heard, reconnect with themselves, gain greater self-awareness, learn to understand and handle triggers, change unhelpful patterns, and overcome life challenges.
My approach is trauma and neuroscience-informed.
Now accepting new clients and OHP insurance. I focus on helping couples and individuals rebuild trust, connection, safety, and security in the key relationships in their lives. Almost everything we do, every reaction we have, every decision we make, and every relationship we form ultimately results from our inner dynamics, and I help clients identify and work through these dynamics. Therapeutic space allows clients to feel heard, reconnect with themselves, gain greater self-awareness, learn to understand and handle triggers, change unhelpful patterns, and overcome life challenges.
(503) 563-2440 View (503) 563-2440
Photo of Heather Mitchell, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heather Mitchell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202
Waitlist for new clients
Heather is a compassionate guide who listens deeply and accepts you where you’re at. She helps you explore your strengths and limitations within a safe context where your thoughts and emotions can be felt, communicated, and understood. Heather is experienced in working with clients struggling with depression, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, relationship stress, and personal growth/exploration. She is specialized in helping women who have experienced infertility or loss due to miscarriage & is an Enneagram expert.
Heather is a compassionate guide who listens deeply and accepts you where you’re at. She helps you explore your strengths and limitations within a safe context where your thoughts and emotions can be felt, communicated, and understood. Heather is experienced in working with clients struggling with depression, grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, relationship stress, and personal growth/exploration. She is specialized in helping women who have experienced infertility or loss due to miscarriage & is an Enneagram expert.
(503) 741-2593 View (503) 741-2593
Photo of Kerry Moyer, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kerry Moyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salem, OR 97301
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in relational traumas (abuse, neglect, loss), PTSD, anxiety, depression, and attachment challenges.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and non judgmental environment in which one can develop insight, build healthy relationships, and accomplish desired goals. I see counseling as a collaborative process and my eclectic approach to therapy is tailored to meet your needs. I have over 15 years experience working with teens, children, adults, and families.
I specialize in relational traumas (abuse, neglect, loss), PTSD, anxiety, depression, and attachment challenges.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and non judgmental environment in which one can develop insight, build healthy relationships, and accomplish desired goals. I see counseling as a collaborative process and my eclectic approach to therapy is tailored to meet your needs. I have over 15 years experience working with teens, children, adults, and families.
(503) 536-1057 View (503) 536-1057
Photo of Han Tran, PhD, Psychologist
Han Tran
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97227  (Online Only)
I also treat depression, anxiety, PTSD and complex trauma reactions and help individuals navigate through relationship difficulties and explore identities.
Do you tend to be self-critical, with an internal dialogue that is harsh or judgmental? If so, you may also be struggling with feelings of shame, “not good enough”, and unworthiness. These experiences are painful and can really hold you back from living a more fulfilling life. You may have had these thoughts and feelings for a long time, learned from past traumatic experiences or an unsupportive environment you grew up in. These thoughts and feelings contribute to depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship difficulties, and other physical and mental health problems. And they can be difficult to overcome.
I also treat depression, anxiety, PTSD and complex trauma reactions and help individuals navigate through relationship difficulties and explore identities.
Do you tend to be self-critical, with an internal dialogue that is harsh or judgmental? If so, you may also be struggling with feelings of shame, “not good enough”, and unworthiness. These experiences are painful and can really hold you back from living a more fulfilling life. You may have had these thoughts and feelings for a long time, learned from past traumatic experiences or an unsupportive environment you grew up in. These thoughts and feelings contribute to depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship difficulties, and other physical and mental health problems. And they can be difficult to overcome.
(971) 252-7199 View (971) 252-7199
Photo of Rachel Vineyard, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachel Vineyard
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97301  (Online Only)
We collaboratively explore how trauma and "unfinished business" from the past may be playing out in the present to foster healing and growth.
Accepting new clients at this time! As a counselor, I offer a curious and exploratory approach to supporting my clients through difficult passages in life. Working within a relational framework, I strive to cultivate a sense of openness and compassion for all aspects of your identity and who you are. I find that this framework best suits motivated and engaged adult clients who are ready to create meaningful change in the here and now. Together, we partner to examine old patterns and limiting narratives you may believe about yourself and others, and seek ways to support you living with more integrity, clarity, and wholeness.
We collaboratively explore how trauma and "unfinished business" from the past may be playing out in the present to foster healing and growth.
Accepting new clients at this time! As a counselor, I offer a curious and exploratory approach to supporting my clients through difficult passages in life. Working within a relational framework, I strive to cultivate a sense of openness and compassion for all aspects of your identity and who you are. I find that this framework best suits motivated and engaged adult clients who are ready to create meaningful change in the here and now. Together, we partner to examine old patterns and limiting narratives you may believe about yourself and others, and seek ways to support you living with more integrity, clarity, and wholeness.
(458) 217-5540 View (458) 217-5540
Photo of Anna Lisa Couturier, LCSW, CADCI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anna Lisa Couturier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADCI
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in treating depression and other mood problems, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss.
My approach to counseling is centered on building a relationship with youth and families, adults, and couples that is based on dignity and mutual respect. I attempt to create an atmosphere of cooperation and equality in counseling, based on the belief that clients are the experts on their own lives and experiences, and that this expertise can be utilized in the process of making change. I believe compassion and authenticity are essential to forging a strong therapeutic relationship.
I specialize in treating depression and other mood problems, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss.
My approach to counseling is centered on building a relationship with youth and families, adults, and couples that is based on dignity and mutual respect. I attempt to create an atmosphere of cooperation and equality in counseling, based on the belief that clients are the experts on their own lives and experiences, and that this expertise can be utilized in the process of making change. I believe compassion and authenticity are essential to forging a strong therapeutic relationship.
(503) 451-6068 View (503) 451-6068

See more therapy options for Rainier

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.