Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Erdenheim, PA
![Photo of Tyra A Wilson, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b20dc7d-966a-4da7-b431-98ee96afab26/1/320x400.png)
I specialize in treating participants suffering from severe trauma, PTSD, depression, grief, IPV, sexual abuse/physical abuse/emotional abuse and transgender/nonbinary and LGBQT communities.
In many communities and cultures therapy is frowned upon, perceived as a weakness labeling the individual as an outcast. This is very much not the case. Many people believe they are alone, and they suffer in silence because of the stigma that comes with therapy. You do not have to suffer any longer. You deserve peace.
I specialize in treating participants suffering from severe trauma, PTSD, depression, grief, IPV, sexual abuse/physical abuse/emotional abuse and transgender/nonbinary and LGBQT communities.
In many communities and cultures therapy is frowned upon, perceived as a weakness labeling the individual as an outcast. This is very much not the case. Many people believe they are alone, and they suffer in silence because of the stigma that comes with therapy. You do not have to suffer any longer. You deserve peace.
![Photo of Lauren Massi, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/365a7f85-16ae-4302-9e00-0df12a8905f5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Massi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Erdenheim, PA 19038
I am specifically trained in IFS, EMDR, Trauma Art Narrative Therapy, and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, which can be used to support with healing trauma in a safe and structured way.
Welcome, I'm glad you're here! Whatever your reason for seeking therapy for yourself or your teen, I am so happy to help you along your path. Maybe you've been facing anxiety that interrupts your life with worry, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks; or depression that keeps you stuck within sadness, hopelessness, or feeling numb and disconnected. Challenges within your relationships - romantic, family, friends - make it feel scary to connect with people and trust others. Perhaps you've suffered traumatic experiences and relationships that have left you feeling lost, hoping to feel like yourself again.
I am specifically trained in IFS, EMDR, Trauma Art Narrative Therapy, and the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, which can be used to support with healing trauma in a safe and structured way.
Welcome, I'm glad you're here! Whatever your reason for seeking therapy for yourself or your teen, I am so happy to help you along your path. Maybe you've been facing anxiety that interrupts your life with worry, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks; or depression that keeps you stuck within sadness, hopelessness, or feeling numb and disconnected. Challenges within your relationships - romantic, family, friends - make it feel scary to connect with people and trust others. Perhaps you've suffered traumatic experiences and relationships that have left you feeling lost, hoping to feel like yourself again.
![Photo of Allison Schlegel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c537643-250a-4414-a06f-ef6f43d7d5dd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Allison Schlegel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Erdenheim, PA 19038 (Online Only)
I love supporting these populations with life stressors, past (and/or current) trauma, and navigating relationship challenges.
As a therapist, my priority is establishing a safe, secure, and trusted relationship with my clients so that they have the space to be their authentic self to create the change they are seeking. I strongly believe that a relational connection is the foundation to creating long-term, therapeutic change. My approach includes utilizing validation and empathy, curiosity, and therapeutic challenging in a way that feels manageable, and helps me meet the client where they’re at. I want my clients to leave the office feeling empowered, hopeful, and having a new perspective of their perception of the world.
I love supporting these populations with life stressors, past (and/or current) trauma, and navigating relationship challenges.
As a therapist, my priority is establishing a safe, secure, and trusted relationship with my clients so that they have the space to be their authentic self to create the change they are seeking. I strongly believe that a relational connection is the foundation to creating long-term, therapeutic change. My approach includes utilizing validation and empathy, curiosity, and therapeutic challenging in a way that feels manageable, and helps me meet the client where they’re at. I want my clients to leave the office feeling empowered, hopeful, and having a new perspective of their perception of the world.
![Photo of Elizabeth Campbell, MS, LPC, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2814696f-9973-4b73-b691-fdd319ae33ef/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Campbell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Erdenheim, PA 19038
There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~Anais Nin. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor providing an empowerment and strength-based approach to support individuals in personal growth and change. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor specializing in play therapy with children, family therapy, creative counseling for adolescents, and trauma-informed treatment. I utilize an integrative, mindful approach to address the whole individual and promote healing and wellness.
There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~Anais Nin. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor providing an empowerment and strength-based approach to support individuals in personal growth and change. I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor specializing in play therapy with children, family therapy, creative counseling for adolescents, and trauma-informed treatment. I utilize an integrative, mindful approach to address the whole individual and promote healing and wellness.
![Photo of Arika Moody - Arika Moody, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76d1b21d-cc15-4b2a-99b9-f05507cb19c1/1/320x400.jpeg)
She specializes in treating clients suffering with significant trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, marital issues, parenting struggles, relationship/peer issues and many more causes of suffering.
Arika Moody, LMFT is a Philadelphia Native who strives to service the community she grew up in, and to provide them with affordable therapeutic supports and resources. She has spent her college years in Syracuse University and LaSalle University, where she obtained a B.S. in Child and Family Studies and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has been dedicated to continuing to learn new ways to be effective in treating her clients and providing holistic treatment that includes processing, validation, and skill building.
She specializes in treating clients suffering with significant trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, marital issues, parenting struggles, relationship/peer issues and many more causes of suffering.
Arika Moody, LMFT is a Philadelphia Native who strives to service the community she grew up in, and to provide them with affordable therapeutic supports and resources. She has spent her college years in Syracuse University and LaSalle University, where she obtained a B.S. in Child and Family Studies and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has been dedicated to continuing to learn new ways to be effective in treating her clients and providing holistic treatment that includes processing, validation, and skill building.
![Photo of Ashley Straub - Ashley Straub Psychotherapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/438fb8e0-51c3-4ff8-b110-5a1b722eeb4a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Straub Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Erdenheim, PA 19038
Together we will work to understand how your family systems, intergenerational trauma, and other outside factors affect your mind and body and how we can foster healing through therapy.
Feeling stuck and wondering why? Or what you can do about it? Let’s work together to identify your goals and create a path towards them. Along the way we will work on self-acceptance, self-love and developing an understanding of all spheres of yourself. My ideal client struggles to find their words, has difficulties describing what’s happening to them, and often needs validation and acceptance. All stressors, regardless of intensity, can leave us feeling powerless and hopeless as they accumulate. Sometimes people fall short and are not sure why, working with a therapist can help you understand what might be getting in your way.
Together we will work to understand how your family systems, intergenerational trauma, and other outside factors affect your mind and body and how we can foster healing through therapy.
Feeling stuck and wondering why? Or what you can do about it? Let’s work together to identify your goals and create a path towards them. Along the way we will work on self-acceptance, self-love and developing an understanding of all spheres of yourself. My ideal client struggles to find their words, has difficulties describing what’s happening to them, and often needs validation and acceptance. All stressors, regardless of intensity, can leave us feeling powerless and hopeless as they accumulate. Sometimes people fall short and are not sure why, working with a therapist can help you understand what might be getting in your way.
![Photo of Elizabeth White, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db1b93b9-3e56-4cab-a719-3bab9971375f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Erdenheim, PA 19038
People seek therapy for many different reasons. It’s not unusual for the main theme to be having discontent with daily life struggles. Our work together will center on your reasons for inquiring about therapy and I will tailor sessions in response to your therapeutic thoughts and goals. We will work collaboratively to uncover what may be getting in the way of your experiencing life with more enjoyment.
People seek therapy for many different reasons. It’s not unusual for the main theme to be having discontent with daily life struggles. Our work together will center on your reasons for inquiring about therapy and I will tailor sessions in response to your therapeutic thoughts and goals. We will work collaboratively to uncover what may be getting in the way of your experiencing life with more enjoyment.
![Photo of Hannah Sadock Lmft, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cf59da6-d103-450c-ba2a-7b53fb7cb86e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah Sadock Lmft
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Erdenheim, PA 19038
Welcome fellow warriors! As a therapist, a unique factor of supporting individuals, couples, and families is their lived experience. Each story is different from the next though all share the same characteristic, resilience. Through each journey, the hardships brought unbearable pain, though underneath, the foundation of resilience is building, preparing each for managing the next difficulty in life. Resilient. Your journey through life gives you this gift, and with my commitment to upholding an authentic, honest relationship, I will travel the road with you to find your resiliency.
Welcome fellow warriors! As a therapist, a unique factor of supporting individuals, couples, and families is their lived experience. Each story is different from the next though all share the same characteristic, resilience. Through each journey, the hardships brought unbearable pain, though underneath, the foundation of resilience is building, preparing each for managing the next difficulty in life. Resilient. Your journey through life gives you this gift, and with my commitment to upholding an authentic, honest relationship, I will travel the road with you to find your resiliency.
![Photo of Rebecca McDermott, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cc5c021-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca McDermott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Erdenheim, PA 19038
Not accepting new clients
You have spent years now wishing that things would be different. Your hope that things would get better once you were done school, the kids were older, you/they got the job, but nothing feels different. You are stuck in cycle, that during it's peak shakes you to your core and makes you question everything. When things feel calmer, you are holding your breath waiting for it to start again. You want to break free of this cycle. You want joy, laughter, love and connection! You already have the answers to make this a reality, maybe you just need a guide.
You have spent years now wishing that things would be different. Your hope that things would get better once you were done school, the kids were older, you/they got the job, but nothing feels different. You are stuck in cycle, that during it's peak shakes you to your core and makes you question everything. When things feel calmer, you are holding your breath waiting for it to start again. You want to break free of this cycle. You want joy, laughter, love and connection! You already have the answers to make this a reality, maybe you just need a guide.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Robin Axelrod Sabag, LCSW, MFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d849193-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Robin Axelrod Sabag
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jenkintown, PA 19046
As a therapist, I value and create a safe, warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore underlying issues. I realize that coming to see a therapist and opening up is an act of trust and not always easy. In your work with me, I hope you will feel accepted and understood and experience our work as an ongoing process that we co-create. If we work together, you can expect to gain a better understanding of yourself and of meaningful people in your life. My areas of expertise include: eating disorders, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, moodiness, trauma, and addiction.
As a therapist, I value and create a safe, warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore underlying issues. I realize that coming to see a therapist and opening up is an act of trust and not always easy. In your work with me, I hope you will feel accepted and understood and experience our work as an ongoing process that we co-create. If we work together, you can expect to gain a better understanding of yourself and of meaningful people in your life. My areas of expertise include: eating disorders, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, moodiness, trauma, and addiction.
![Photo of Catie Senior, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4115cabb-fce4-4621-aa63-04d18b2ea282/1/320x400.jpeg)
Catie Senior
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oreland, PA 19075 (Online Only)
I am a compassionate and supportive licensed professional counselor, who specializes in working with teenagers, young adults, college students, and adults through a trauma informed lens. With years of experience in the field, I aim to help people navigate a variety of issues, including: anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, self-harm, mood disorders, family and relationship conflicts, and attachment. I am currently accepting clients virtually.
I am a compassionate and supportive licensed professional counselor, who specializes in working with teenagers, young adults, college students, and adults through a trauma informed lens. With years of experience in the field, I aim to help people navigate a variety of issues, including: anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, self-harm, mood disorders, family and relationship conflicts, and attachment. I am currently accepting clients virtually.
![Photo of Certified Brainspotting - Elizabeth Collins, LPC, MTBC, MA, EMDR, BSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32660127-f324-4e77-b142-346a923f92a2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Certified Brainspotting - Elizabeth Collins
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MTBC, MA, EMDR, BSP
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046 (Online Only)
Elizabeth specializes in helping people with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, OCD, panic, C/PTSD and Dissociative Disorders due to childhood and adult traumatic experiences of bullying, neglect and abuse by a trusted or inescapable person, sexual and physical abuses, verbal, mental, cognitive and emotional abuses, financial control, food control, coercive control, deceit, deception and gaslighting, guilt trips, professional obstruction, and chronic micro aggressions of public humiliations, and 'teasing'.
Elizabeth specializes in helping people with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, OCD, panic, C/PTSD and Dissociative Disorders due to childhood and adult traumatic experiences of bullying, neglect and abuse by a trusted or inescapable person, sexual and physical abuses, verbal, mental, cognitive and emotional abuses, financial control, food control, coercive control, deceit, deception and gaslighting, guilt trips, professional obstruction, and chronic micro aggressions of public humiliations, and 'teasing'.
![Photo of Lorraine Anne Tauriello - Lorraine Tauriello counseling, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/516fea76-ba52-4f9d-b629-4a86b373dd21/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lorraine Tauriello counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Fort Washington, PA 19034
I am equipped to help you improve your symptoms of stress, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, overwhelm, and trauma. I can use a faith based, Christian approach as it fits. You may have experienced trauma or ongoing severe stress. Trauma CAN be treated! I can help. Depression and anxiety do not have to be your normal! The brain can change. I hav experience with teens, adults, and couples. My life experiences, training, and clinical expertise, offer more. I am able to assist with the option of medication and/or natural supplements, as a benefit, and can refer you. I hope to speak with you and help you decide what's best.
I am equipped to help you improve your symptoms of stress, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, overwhelm, and trauma. I can use a faith based, Christian approach as it fits. You may have experienced trauma or ongoing severe stress. Trauma CAN be treated! I can help. Depression and anxiety do not have to be your normal! The brain can change. I hav experience with teens, adults, and couples. My life experiences, training, and clinical expertise, offer more. I am able to assist with the option of medication and/or natural supplements, as a benefit, and can refer you. I hope to speak with you and help you decide what's best.
![Photo of Bruce Pitcairn Murray, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58193697-0098-4625-8d3c-f2b9bcc732a7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bruce Pitcairn Murray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glenside, PA 19038 (Online Only)
I obtained my license in Clinical Social Work and later transitioned into a professional educator role, concentrating on Trauma and Loss.
We all experience loss, illness, and other challenging life events. They can unsettle our emotional equilibrium, making us feel vulnerable and looking for assistance to discover a new path to equilibrium. Depression, anxiety, diminished motivation, relationship difficulties, and even suicidal ideation often accompany such losses, changes, and disappointments. Ignoring these issues can exacerbate the pain and may pose a risk to those experiencing severe distress.
I obtained my license in Clinical Social Work and later transitioned into a professional educator role, concentrating on Trauma and Loss.
We all experience loss, illness, and other challenging life events. They can unsettle our emotional equilibrium, making us feel vulnerable and looking for assistance to discover a new path to equilibrium. Depression, anxiety, diminished motivation, relationship difficulties, and even suicidal ideation often accompany such losses, changes, and disappointments. Ignoring these issues can exacerbate the pain and may pose a risk to those experiencing severe distress.
![Photo of Julia Ruane, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ea0ab30-81fd-4145-8c73-7f9cb19f0bc1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Ruane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Glenside, PA 19038 (Online Only)
I use a person-centered, strengths-based and trauma-informed approach.
Hi! I'm Julia. I specialize and am certified in perinatal mental health. I work with clients through the unpredictability of trying to start a family, including adoption and fertility issues. I support families who are facing the pain of pregnancy loss, or dealing with the aftermath of birth trauma. I treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that arise during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. I provide a skilled perspective to help clients learn how to ride the waves of this delicate and vulnerable time.
I use a person-centered, strengths-based and trauma-informed approach.
Hi! I'm Julia. I specialize and am certified in perinatal mental health. I work with clients through the unpredictability of trying to start a family, including adoption and fertility issues. I support families who are facing the pain of pregnancy loss, or dealing with the aftermath of birth trauma. I treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that arise during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. I provide a skilled perspective to help clients learn how to ride the waves of this delicate and vulnerable time.
![Photo of Antoinette Bogan - Gentle Force Counseling Services, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04d198f8-e5dc-4e02-b9ec-72edfc092287/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gentle Force Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046
At Gentle Force Counseling Services, the therapeutic approach is holistic, trauma-informed, and centered around empowering individuals to cultivate resilience and healing. Our clinical team consists of dedicated and compassionate licensed professionals committed to providing mental health services to those in need in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
At Gentle Force Counseling Services, the therapeutic approach is holistic, trauma-informed, and centered around empowering individuals to cultivate resilience and healing. Our clinical team consists of dedicated and compassionate licensed professionals committed to providing mental health services to those in need in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
![Photo of Derek Rose, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8da0e7da-18e7-4121-9c41-8b56917ce459/2/320x400.jpeg)
—Accepting New Clients In-Person or Virtual; Text or Call to Schedule Free Consult— Anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, trauma responses...these are symptoms of underlying pain and fracturing that can be healed. You might know the origin, such as an acute loss or trauma, or maybe you have no idea why you feel lonely, on edge, misunderstood, or unable to face life transitions. It's a common experience to feel disconnected, even from yourself, and while I believe you're the only one who can ultimately make yourself whole, you don't have to find the way alone.
—Accepting New Clients In-Person or Virtual; Text or Call to Schedule Free Consult— Anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, trauma responses...these are symptoms of underlying pain and fracturing that can be healed. You might know the origin, such as an acute loss or trauma, or maybe you have no idea why you feel lonely, on edge, misunderstood, or unable to face life transitions. It's a common experience to feel disconnected, even from yourself, and while I believe you're the only one who can ultimately make yourself whole, you don't have to find the way alone.
![Photo of Lee Anne LaRosa, MS, MSc, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/344765c8-eea3-4233-bcc2-6d6e877b435a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lee Anne LaRosa
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MSc, LPC
Verified Verified
Oreland, PA 19075 (Online Only)
I offer empathic therapy with a focus on trauma informed practices. My approach is collaborative and psychodynamic, and driven by the unique needs of each individual client. My specialty is helping my clients through the treatment of trauma and history of trauma, relational challenges, and transitional life events.
I offer empathic therapy with a focus on trauma informed practices. My approach is collaborative and psychodynamic, and driven by the unique needs of each individual client. My specialty is helping my clients through the treatment of trauma and history of trauma, relational challenges, and transitional life events.
![Photo of Marta MacDougall, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/119c2f50-f13e-4ae6-906e-5bd468c29ad5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with adults who have experienced trauma in childhood or adulthood. I have worked with Veterans for over 20 years, and have extensive experience with Evidence-Based Treatments for Trauma and PTSD. I work with each client to foster their strength, resilience, and zest for life. I also work with clients who want to find greater fulfillment in their relationships. I am deeply committed to offering a safe, warm, affirming environment for clients to heal.
I specialize in working with adults who have experienced trauma in childhood or adulthood. I have worked with Veterans for over 20 years, and have extensive experience with Evidence-Based Treatments for Trauma and PTSD. I work with each client to foster their strength, resilience, and zest for life. I also work with clients who want to find greater fulfillment in their relationships. I am deeply committed to offering a safe, warm, affirming environment for clients to heal.
![Photo of Merle Clearfield, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47c6198e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
Merle Clearfield
Psychologist, MA
Verified Verified
Jenkintown, PA 19046 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience working with Mood Disorders, Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety Disorders, Mindfulness, Adjustment Disorders, and Personality Disorders.
I have over twenty years of experience working with people, 18-elders. I believe that therapy is an adventure, where one chooses to go, regardless of not knowing the way. Through the relationship this awareness is brought together by truth, compassion, humor, and some pain. The therapist serves as a guide, modeling and teaching the individual a more effective way of living. I see the individual as someone with a whole life that exists beyond the therapy session. The relationship, which fosters hope is a non-judgmental environment, that underlies all the work that is undertaken.
I have extensive experience working with Mood Disorders, Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety Disorders, Mindfulness, Adjustment Disorders, and Personality Disorders.
I have over twenty years of experience working with people, 18-elders. I believe that therapy is an adventure, where one chooses to go, regardless of not knowing the way. Through the relationship this awareness is brought together by truth, compassion, humor, and some pain. The therapist serves as a guide, modeling and teaching the individual a more effective way of living. I see the individual as someone with a whole life that exists beyond the therapy session. The relationship, which fosters hope is a non-judgmental environment, that underlies all the work that is undertaken.
See more therapy options for Erdenheim
Nearby Trauma and PTSD Therapists Searches for Erdenheim
- Abington
- Cheltenham
- Dresher
- Elkins Park
- Flourtown
- Glenside
- Jenkintown
- Oreland
- Upper Dublin
- Willow Grove
- Wyncote
- Wyndmoor
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.