Therapists in Oregon
Rising Phoenix Counseling Services, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CETP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Medford, OR 97504
We specialize in trauma informed care and evidence based trauma treatments to help you to to overcome the hurts of the past.
With every situation comes the choice for self-growth and rising above the ashes by igniting a need for change. These times may seem intense and unmanageable, but with the proper support many of these unmanageable situations can become the beacon of change to a new stage of life. By creating a strong therapeutic alliance, the development of your new chosen self can begin. Our goal is to empower you to make the choice of how you want to see your life while creating an individualized environment to help you reach your goals for you are the expert of you.
We specialize in trauma informed care and evidence based trauma treatments to help you to to overcome the hurts of the past.
With every situation comes the choice for self-growth and rising above the ashes by igniting a need for change. These times may seem intense and unmanageable, but with the proper support many of these unmanageable situations can become the beacon of change to a new stage of life. By creating a strong therapeutic alliance, the development of your new chosen self can begin. Our goal is to empower you to make the choice of how you want to see your life while creating an individualized environment to help you reach your goals for you are the expert of you.
Carin Lee Cunningham
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97218 (Online Only)
Past trauma, childhood family dynamics and life experiences all impact our personalities and emotional stability and need to be part of the path to the solutions.
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".
Past trauma, childhood family dynamics and life experiences all impact our personalities and emotional stability and need to be part of the path to the solutions.
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".
Laura M. Duncan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Corvallis, OR 97330
My style of psychotherapy/counseling is Eclectic which incorporates various styles of therapies: EMDR/ trauma, Guided imagery therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Gestalt, Family & Marriage therapy, Adolescent/Child counseling, Play therapy, Behavioral Therapy, DBT (light), Emotionally Focus, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal an Reality Therapy.
Welcome! All of us come to a time in our lives where we want to talk to someone. In a safe place to process our thoughts and feelings, while using self-compassion and nonjudgment. To come to a deeper understanding of our behaviors, emotions, and ideas, or what the root may be. We then develop our sense of clarity and pleasures in life. We cooperatively define the direction of your counseling session and goals. We are all unique in our humanity, as our situations and experiences are all different yet the same. And at the beginning of each day, we can all conclude "I am enough".
My style of psychotherapy/counseling is Eclectic which incorporates various styles of therapies: EMDR/ trauma, Guided imagery therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Gestalt, Family & Marriage therapy, Adolescent/Child counseling, Play therapy, Behavioral Therapy, DBT (light), Emotionally Focus, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal an Reality Therapy.
Welcome! All of us come to a time in our lives where we want to talk to someone. In a safe place to process our thoughts and feelings, while using self-compassion and nonjudgment. To come to a deeper understanding of our behaviors, emotions, and ideas, or what the root may be. We then develop our sense of clarity and pleasures in life. We cooperatively define the direction of your counseling session and goals. We are all unique in our humanity, as our situations and experiences are all different yet the same. And at the beginning of each day, we can all conclude "I am enough".
I am committed to helping clients heal from adverse childhood experiences, trauma, and PTSD.
Welcome! I’m Claire Waterman, a Registered Associate Counselor with a passion for helping individuals gain personal insight and navigate life’s complexities. My journey into therapy was shaped by my own experiences with trauma, which deepened my understanding of its effects on mental health. This insight informs my use of evidence-based techniques, specifically tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs.
I am committed to helping clients heal from adverse childhood experiences, trauma, and PTSD.
Welcome! I’m Claire Waterman, a Registered Associate Counselor with a passion for helping individuals gain personal insight and navigate life’s complexities. My journey into therapy was shaped by my own experiences with trauma, which deepened my understanding of its effects on mental health. This insight informs my use of evidence-based techniques, specifically tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs.
I've been working in the field of Social Work for over 22 years focusing on multi-generational trauma in Communities of Color and providing culturally responsive treatment in the healing process.
For some of us life can bring some pretty significant challenges, stressors or transitions that just have "you stuck" in unproductive patterns in relationships, work, school or just life in general. You yearn for release-freedom from these unproductive repetitions; but where to turn? It takes courage to seek help and the task of finding the right person can be overwhelming. The thought of talking to someone who does not understand your cultural lens makes therapy seem "hardly worth the effort". UNFORTUNATELY NO LONGER EXCEPTING CLIENTS AT THIS TIME.
I've been working in the field of Social Work for over 22 years focusing on multi-generational trauma in Communities of Color and providing culturally responsive treatment in the healing process.
For some of us life can bring some pretty significant challenges, stressors or transitions that just have "you stuck" in unproductive patterns in relationships, work, school or just life in general. You yearn for release-freedom from these unproductive repetitions; but where to turn? It takes courage to seek help and the task of finding the right person can be overwhelming. The thought of talking to someone who does not understand your cultural lens makes therapy seem "hardly worth the effort". UNFORTUNATELY NO LONGER EXCEPTING CLIENTS AT THIS TIME.
In addition to evidence based psychotherapies, I am trained in and provide EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma and Neurofeedback to help my clients achieve their goals.
I believe that we all experience struggles in life, both within ourselves and through challenging circumstances. These struggles can result in trauma, anxiety, depression, brain and body changes, influence our sense of self-worth, identity, belief in our abilities, the world around us, and otherwise limit us . So often, these struggles can impact our relationships, career, and long-term well-being. Clients who want to address these, and other, concerns head on in a supportive manner with a trauma lens and utilize treatment guided by science and a neuro-biological approach would enjoy my approach to therapy.
In addition to evidence based psychotherapies, I am trained in and provide EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma and Neurofeedback to help my clients achieve their goals.
I believe that we all experience struggles in life, both within ourselves and through challenging circumstances. These struggles can result in trauma, anxiety, depression, brain and body changes, influence our sense of self-worth, identity, belief in our abilities, the world around us, and otherwise limit us . So often, these struggles can impact our relationships, career, and long-term well-being. Clients who want to address these, and other, concerns head on in a supportive manner with a trauma lens and utilize treatment guided by science and a neuro-biological approach would enjoy my approach to therapy.
Nicole La Verne
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, MAC, CADC II, ACS
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97301 (Online Only)
I use a client-centered, trauma informed approach when working with people.
Is life becoming challenging, overwhelming, confusing, unfair, and more? I understand! I have over 30 years of experience supporting people struggling with a variety of issues - depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma & PTSD, grief & loss, life changes, abuse, and more. I personally and professionally understand the dynamics that accompany many of these life challenges.
I use a client-centered, trauma informed approach when working with people.
Is life becoming challenging, overwhelming, confusing, unfair, and more? I understand! I have over 30 years of experience supporting people struggling with a variety of issues - depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma & PTSD, grief & loss, life changes, abuse, and more. I personally and professionally understand the dynamics that accompany many of these life challenges.
Sabira Ahmed
Professional Counselor Associate, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Salem, OR 97301 (Online Only)
I specialize in providing trauma-informed interventions that are tailored to meet the cultural framework of diverse clients, including people of color, queer and trans folx, neurodivergent, children of immigrants, and survivors of interpersonal trauma (i.
Are you BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or neurodivergent and feeling burnt out from existing at the margins of society? Perhaps you're a high achiever struggling with burnout, shame, people-pleasing, or difficult family dynamics. Do you want to heal invisible wounds, reclaim your mind and body, and feel connected to a community where you don’t exactly fit the mold? Together, we can uncover the root causes of your struggles, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and learn powerful tools to heal from past traumas.
I specialize in providing trauma-informed interventions that are tailored to meet the cultural framework of diverse clients, including people of color, queer and trans folx, neurodivergent, children of immigrants, and survivors of interpersonal trauma (i.
Are you BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or neurodivergent and feeling burnt out from existing at the margins of society? Perhaps you're a high achiever struggling with burnout, shame, people-pleasing, or difficult family dynamics. Do you want to heal invisible wounds, reclaim your mind and body, and feel connected to a community where you don’t exactly fit the mold? Together, we can uncover the root causes of your struggles, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and learn powerful tools to heal from past traumas.
Centering Intersectionaly - Post Modern- Client Centered - Trauma Informed - Valuing Diversity - Sex Positive - Fat Positive - Anti Abelist - Internal Family Systems style work - Trauma Recovery - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy - DBT - Experiential - Polyvagal Theory -Neurobiology of Trauma - Mindfulness -.
Couples - Families - Individuals: Help in finding balance between emotional closeness and distance with others. Mapping to self and learning somatic cues that signal awareness of needs and practice sharing our personal states of being
Centering Intersectionaly - Post Modern- Client Centered - Trauma Informed - Valuing Diversity - Sex Positive - Fat Positive - Anti Abelist - Internal Family Systems style work - Trauma Recovery - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy - DBT - Experiential - Polyvagal Theory -Neurobiology of Trauma - Mindfulness -.
Couples - Families - Individuals: Help in finding balance between emotional closeness and distance with others. Mapping to self and learning somatic cues that signal awareness of needs and practice sharing our personal states of being
Audriana Garcilazo LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hermiston, OR 97838
I approach therapy in a client centered, trauma informed, and holistic approach.
Life can be challenging at times. We often feel overwhelmed with the many pressures and changes life may bring us. As a licensed professional counselor, my belief is that every individual/relationship brings a unique personal, relational, dynamic and cultural experience. I approach therapy with a nonjudgmental attitude. In the therapeutic relationship I hope to help persons cultivate a sense of self, build healthier habits, challenging mindsets, and defining wants and needs. I believe people have many strengths, skills, and values that foster the therapeutic process. In collaboration we can work towards your goals.
I approach therapy in a client centered, trauma informed, and holistic approach.
Life can be challenging at times. We often feel overwhelmed with the many pressures and changes life may bring us. As a licensed professional counselor, my belief is that every individual/relationship brings a unique personal, relational, dynamic and cultural experience. I approach therapy with a nonjudgmental attitude. In the therapeutic relationship I hope to help persons cultivate a sense of self, build healthier habits, challenging mindsets, and defining wants and needs. I believe people have many strengths, skills, and values that foster the therapeutic process. In collaboration we can work towards your goals.
Laura Patiño
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for anxiety and OCD, focusing on assisting clients through life transitions as well as relationship and sexual concerns.
Difficult life experiences might leave us isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of what's next. Yet, these challenges often create opportunities for profound growth, transformation, and self-discovery. I offer a safe, open, and consistently stable therapeutic environment where you can explore and move through your concerns with the support of a neutral, experienced licensed professional counselor. I particularly enjoy working with creative and highly motivated individuals who strive to live a meaningful, authentic, and secure life. My passion is helping individuals & couples discover greater empowerment, self-compassion, and connection.
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for anxiety and OCD, focusing on assisting clients through life transitions as well as relationship and sexual concerns.
Difficult life experiences might leave us isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of what's next. Yet, these challenges often create opportunities for profound growth, transformation, and self-discovery. I offer a safe, open, and consistently stable therapeutic environment where you can explore and move through your concerns with the support of a neutral, experienced licensed professional counselor. I particularly enjoy working with creative and highly motivated individuals who strive to live a meaningful, authentic, and secure life. My passion is helping individuals & couples discover greater empowerment, self-compassion, and connection.
15 Second Videos
Sabira Ahmed
Laura Patiño
Daniel Maher
Niko Delgado-McGee
Jacey Small
Robin Bodhi Trauma-Informed Counseling
Sue Mary Fagin
Kathryn Hartnett Boruff
Cari Strickland
Jenn Garlock
Fumiyo Nishimoto
Scott Kopoian
Ryan Carroll
Sunny Mae Saul
Lanonda Babs Corbett
Danielle Render Turmaud
Madalyn Twist
Aaron Todd Overman
Susan Robens
Teresa F Jansen
Emerging Phoenix EMDR, LLC
Still Waters Counseling Services, LLC
Alexander N Rassekh
Elise Madeline Himes
Leisha Miller
Ruma Marshall
Brian Longworth
Clarissa Jane Shepherd
Resonance LLC
Amanda Cortez
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for PTSD in Seattle
Rob Heinz
Madeline Warnick
Amanda R Freeman
Sydnee Ettelson
Angelie Karabatsos
Kelsey McVeigh
Cindy Nesiba Counseling and Supervision
Erin Renee Earley
Jessie Kaleikau
Stronger Oregon - Telehealth Throughout Oregon
David C Manfield
Kessa Stephenson Taylor
Sway Positive™, PLLC dba Sway+®
Katie Markley
Nancy Kao Rhiannon
Slade Thackeray
Jenna Johnson
Debra Rachelle
Tracy Gilmore
I may also add mind-body, spiritual, trauma-informed, or more conventional therapeutic techniques.
I help those searching for a creative solution to life's challenges, who are open to or seeking somatic and process-based therapy, in addition to talk therapy. I enjoy working with people from many different walks of life, who seek help with existential issues, life events, mental health challenges and more. I strive to create a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere where you can feel safe sharing your concerns, and supported in exploring and engaging with self-discovery, learning and insight.
I may also add mind-body, spiritual, trauma-informed, or more conventional therapeutic techniques.
I help those searching for a creative solution to life's challenges, who are open to or seeking somatic and process-based therapy, in addition to talk therapy. I enjoy working with people from many different walks of life, who seek help with existential issues, life events, mental health challenges and more. I strive to create a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere where you can feel safe sharing your concerns, and supported in exploring and engaging with self-discovery, learning and insight.
Aleisha Maunu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LAC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97005 (Online Only)
I also do individual counseling, with a particular specialty in trauma work, and utilize EMDR, "parts" work, and somatic based approaches.
Are you struggling in your relationship with your partner, with stressors in your family/work life, with your child's behaviors/emotions, or with your own personal/inner fears/worries/sadness? Perhaps you are struggling with the question, 'Who am I?' Maybe you are dealing with symptoms related to trauma. If you are feeling stuck, I can help you. Many people have gone through what you are going through, and there is help out there. I am a licensed therapist in Oregon and Colorado with over 20 years of experience in the helping field, and I work with couples, parents, and adult individuals.
I also do individual counseling, with a particular specialty in trauma work, and utilize EMDR, "parts" work, and somatic based approaches.
Are you struggling in your relationship with your partner, with stressors in your family/work life, with your child's behaviors/emotions, or with your own personal/inner fears/worries/sadness? Perhaps you are struggling with the question, 'Who am I?' Maybe you are dealing with symptoms related to trauma. If you are feeling stuck, I can help you. Many people have gone through what you are going through, and there is help out there. I am a licensed therapist in Oregon and Colorado with over 20 years of experience in the helping field, and I work with couples, parents, and adult individuals.
Code 4 Counseling PDX LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, MAC, LPC
Verified Verified
Gresham, OR 97030
Additionally, I worked in Iraq for a period of time in 2005 and understand the gravity of PTSD and adjustments our service members endure.
The therapeutic experience should encourage one to live a more satisfying and meaningful life. Everyone has a unique journey through this world and the sum of the experiences along the way (good or bad) make us as individual. Sometimes we get lost, hit bumps, or even get overcome with a tidal wave of things that we need help getting back on our path or creating a new one.
Additionally, I worked in Iraq for a period of time in 2005 and understand the gravity of PTSD and adjustments our service members endure.
The therapeutic experience should encourage one to live a more satisfying and meaningful life. Everyone has a unique journey through this world and the sum of the experiences along the way (good or bad) make us as individual. Sometimes we get lost, hit bumps, or even get overcome with a tidal wave of things that we need help getting back on our path or creating a new one.
Michael D'Angelo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT,OR, MFTA,WA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
Waitlist for new clients
Together we engage in practices that support embodiment, trauma healing, nervous system regulation, and relational growth.
I offer a warm and welcoming space for those seeking positive change in their lives or in relationship. Whether you and/or your loved ones are going through a family or life transition, experiencing relational difficulties, or needing support with emotional struggles, I can help you mobilize your strengths to meet and transform challenges in your life. As a supportive ally, I help you discover how to reduce anxiety, heal from traumas, transform relational patterns, and develop the skills needed to increase trust and connection with yourself and others.
Together we engage in practices that support embodiment, trauma healing, nervous system regulation, and relational growth.
I offer a warm and welcoming space for those seeking positive change in their lives or in relationship. Whether you and/or your loved ones are going through a family or life transition, experiencing relational difficulties, or needing support with emotional struggles, I can help you mobilize your strengths to meet and transform challenges in your life. As a supportive ally, I help you discover how to reduce anxiety, heal from traumas, transform relational patterns, and develop the skills needed to increase trust and connection with yourself and others.
Daniel Maher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97227 (Online Only)
I specialize in treating depression/anxiety, PTSD/ trauma, complicated grief, & the impact of physical illness and addictions.
Many people come to therapy seeking relief from painful symptoms, relationship issues and self-defeating patterns. They may feel alone and isolated in their suffering. I work to create a safe, respectful and supportive environment that alleviates aloneness and facilitates connection, healing and positive change. My style is relational, warm and forthright. My clients achieve more than just symptom relief -- they also grow in their capacity to feel safe and connected with others, and they experience improved self-esteem and identity.
I specialize in treating depression/anxiety, PTSD/ trauma, complicated grief, & the impact of physical illness and addictions.
Many people come to therapy seeking relief from painful symptoms, relationship issues and self-defeating patterns. They may feel alone and isolated in their suffering. I work to create a safe, respectful and supportive environment that alleviates aloneness and facilitates connection, healing and positive change. My style is relational, warm and forthright. My clients achieve more than just symptom relief -- they also grow in their capacity to feel safe and connected with others, and they experience improved self-esteem and identity.
Kimberly Azure Samuels
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPCA
Verified Verified
Jacksonville, OR 97530 (Online Only)
My area of focus is in treating panic disorder, anxiety, depression, and survivors of childhood trauma.
My mission is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to express their most authentic self. My therapeutic focus lies in exploring how relational wounds reverberate through our lives, shaping our interactions with others, our self-perception, and our belief systems. Through the exploration of interpersonal and behavioral patterns, clients come to understand how their historical experiences have programmed their nervous system in trapped patterns of fight, flight, or freeze; a reactionary loop that impedes personal growth. A dysregulated nervous system can cause anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and more.
My area of focus is in treating panic disorder, anxiety, depression, and survivors of childhood trauma.
My mission is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to express their most authentic self. My therapeutic focus lies in exploring how relational wounds reverberate through our lives, shaping our interactions with others, our self-perception, and our belief systems. Through the exploration of interpersonal and behavioral patterns, clients come to understand how their historical experiences have programmed their nervous system in trapped patterns of fight, flight, or freeze; a reactionary loop that impedes personal growth. A dysregulated nervous system can cause anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and more.
I specialize in life transitions, identity development, career counseling, depression, grief, and trauma.
Each of us navigates many issues and transitions throughout our lives. Whether these are issues of abuse, trauma, identity, relationships, or physical and mental wellness, knowing that you are not alone in this process can lead to profound courage, hope, and change. I have a deep belief in our potential for growth and healing. As a therapist, I offer a safe place for this work. I will be a compassionate and insightful witness that will be fully present to your journey. Together, we will tend to your inner knowing, emerging awareness, and the making of new meaning.
I specialize in life transitions, identity development, career counseling, depression, grief, and trauma.
Each of us navigates many issues and transitions throughout our lives. Whether these are issues of abuse, trauma, identity, relationships, or physical and mental wellness, knowing that you are not alone in this process can lead to profound courage, hope, and change. I have a deep belief in our potential for growth and healing. As a therapist, I offer a safe place for this work. I will be a compassionate and insightful witness that will be fully present to your journey. Together, we will tend to your inner knowing, emerging awareness, and the making of new meaning.
Sharon Cooper-Barth
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Salem, OR 97306 (Online Only)
I know reaching out is hard, especially when the trauma experienced was by a loved one or friend.
Abuse is something that affects a lot of people and in various different ways. It is something that can be hidden from the world and no one will know the pain the individual is going through. It is quiet and insidious, leaving lasting effects. It can creep up on you and make you feel alone in the world full of people. It can leave you feeling misunderstood, alone, and/or broken. There are ways to work through the trauma, safeguard yourself, and heal from parts of the abuse. You will rebuild yourself esteem, sense of self, and confidence in the process of healing. Everyone's journey is different.
I know reaching out is hard, especially when the trauma experienced was by a loved one or friend.
Abuse is something that affects a lot of people and in various different ways. It is something that can be hidden from the world and no one will know the pain the individual is going through. It is quiet and insidious, leaving lasting effects. It can creep up on you and make you feel alone in the world full of people. It can leave you feeling misunderstood, alone, and/or broken. There are ways to work through the trauma, safeguard yourself, and heal from parts of the abuse. You will rebuild yourself esteem, sense of self, and confidence in the process of healing. Everyone's journey is different.
Jodi Laing
Licensed Professional Counselor, MCoun, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Albany, OR 97321 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with complex trauma, specifically trauma stemming from intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and childhood abuse.
I believe that counseling should focus on holistic wellness which incorporates physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and environmental wellness. Counseling isn't about fixing, but growing. My goal is to create an environment that radiates warmth, comfort, and safety with the intention of facilitating growth and healing through support and empowerment. I am here to walk down the path toward healing with you as you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a judgement-free environment.
I specialize in working with complex trauma, specifically trauma stemming from intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and childhood abuse.
I believe that counseling should focus on holistic wellness which incorporates physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and environmental wellness. Counseling isn't about fixing, but growing. My goal is to create an environment that radiates warmth, comfort, and safety with the intention of facilitating growth and healing through support and empowerment. I am here to walk down the path toward healing with you as you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a judgement-free environment.
See more therapy options for Oregon
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.