Photo of Megan Fiore, Psychologist in Alexandria, VA
Megan Fiore
Psychologist, PsyD, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
I work with children, adolescents, college-aged, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma and loss.
I have spent my career working with persons across the lifespan, providing individual, group, family, parent-child, and couples therapy. My therapeutic approach focuses on using your strengths to help you develop coping strategies for difficulties you are experiencing. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the value of hearing your story. My commitment to you includes a belief that things can and will begin to get better. Much of my work has been with trauma survivors, and I have witnessed and been humbled by the power of resiliency and posttraumatic growth.
I work with children, adolescents, college-aged, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma and loss.
I have spent my career working with persons across the lifespan, providing individual, group, family, parent-child, and couples therapy. My therapeutic approach focuses on using your strengths to help you develop coping strategies for difficulties you are experiencing. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and the value of hearing your story. My commitment to you includes a belief that things can and will begin to get better. Much of my work has been with trauma survivors, and I have witnessed and been humbled by the power of resiliency and posttraumatic growth.
(703) 468-8995 View (703) 468-8995
Photo of Alexandria Place Therapy, LLC, Psychologist in Alexandria, VA
Alexandria Place Therapy, LLC
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Our team has had extensive training in play therapy, expressive therapies, and trauma treatment in addition to specialized training in EMDR, Theraplay ® techniques, and parent-child relational assessments.
We, at Alexandria Place Therapy, value authentic and genuine connection with our clients and their families. We believe this connection is the groundwork for all work we do with clients. Alexandria Place Therapy offers therapeutic services in Old Town Alexandria. Our clinicians have spent their careers working with children, adolescents, young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma and loss. Collectively, we bring over thirty years of experience to our work and aim to offer help in vulnerable times. Our experience and specialized training afford us the opportunity to tailor treatment to meet your unique needs.
Our team has had extensive training in play therapy, expressive therapies, and trauma treatment in addition to specialized training in EMDR, Theraplay ® techniques, and parent-child relational assessments.
We, at Alexandria Place Therapy, value authentic and genuine connection with our clients and their families. We believe this connection is the groundwork for all work we do with clients. Alexandria Place Therapy offers therapeutic services in Old Town Alexandria. Our clinicians have spent their careers working with children, adolescents, young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma and loss. Collectively, we bring over thirty years of experience to our work and aim to offer help in vulnerable times. Our experience and specialized training afford us the opportunity to tailor treatment to meet your unique needs.
(703) 879-1360 View (703) 879-1360
Photo of Leah H Young, Pre-Licensed Professional in Alexandria, VA
Leah H Young
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
I specialize in providing trauma-informed therapy for children and adolescents with expertise in navigating difficulties such as mood disorders, anxiety, developmental and attachment trauma, self-esteem issues,attention difficulties, learning challenges, behavioral issues, stress management, compulsive media use, and life transitions.
My training in EMDR, Play Therapy, Expressive Arts (Sand Tray & Art), and DBT, among other evidenced-based techniques, allows me to tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each client. I aim to provide a welcoming space where your authentic self feels valued, open, and ready to embark on the healing journey. Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, let me help you in fully embracing your life in the present moment. I am honored to serve as a helper in your journey towards healing and growth and look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals.
I specialize in providing trauma-informed therapy for children and adolescents with expertise in navigating difficulties such as mood disorders, anxiety, developmental and attachment trauma, self-esteem issues,attention difficulties, learning challenges, behavioral issues, stress management, compulsive media use, and life transitions.
My training in EMDR, Play Therapy, Expressive Arts (Sand Tray & Art), and DBT, among other evidenced-based techniques, allows me to tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each client. I aim to provide a welcoming space where your authentic self feels valued, open, and ready to embark on the healing journey. Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, let me help you in fully embracing your life in the present moment. I am honored to serve as a helper in your journey towards healing and growth and look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals.
(571) 506-8537 View (571) 506-8537
Photo of Vanessa Durrant, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alexandria, VA
Vanessa Durrant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, RMT, RYT-
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314
Are you or your child struggling at home, school, work, or in peer relationships? I specialize in helping people heal from any difficult situation, experience, or trauma. I'm here to support you into new insights and get you unstuck. I work with children, teens, and adults who are looking to find integrative and holistic methods to real mind-body healing. Anxiety, trauma, depression, perfectionism, grief, and life transitions. Together we will make sure that you take charge of your life in a way that helps you thrive. I especially love to blend ancient healing approaches with modern therapies for true somatic based healing.
Are you or your child struggling at home, school, work, or in peer relationships? I specialize in helping people heal from any difficult situation, experience, or trauma. I'm here to support you into new insights and get you unstuck. I work with children, teens, and adults who are looking to find integrative and holistic methods to real mind-body healing. Anxiety, trauma, depression, perfectionism, grief, and life transitions. Together we will make sure that you take charge of your life in a way that helps you thrive. I especially love to blend ancient healing approaches with modern therapies for true somatic based healing.
(571) 512-7496 View (571) 512-7496
Photo of Andrea Zalzal Sanderson, Counselor in Alexandria, VA
Andrea Zalzal Sanderson
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22307
Specialized experience: trauma, sexual abuse, invasive medical treatment.
At times, we all struggle with the inevitable trials of being human. You may be a parent or partner in a significant relationship struggling with connection, and in need of both practical and emotional support. At times, feelings of anxiety, apathy, and depression arise, and feelings of disconnection and loneliness can take hold. For others, we may be at a crossroads in our life, brought about by divorce, relocation, caregiving for a loved one, or a desire to have a bigger impact in our communities and the world. We may be asking ourselves BIG questions, “what’s next”, “what should I do”, and “what do I want from life”.
Specialized experience: trauma, sexual abuse, invasive medical treatment.
At times, we all struggle with the inevitable trials of being human. You may be a parent or partner in a significant relationship struggling with connection, and in need of both practical and emotional support. At times, feelings of anxiety, apathy, and depression arise, and feelings of disconnection and loneliness can take hold. For others, we may be at a crossroads in our life, brought about by divorce, relocation, caregiving for a loved one, or a desire to have a bigger impact in our communities and the world. We may be asking ourselves BIG questions, “what’s next”, “what should I do”, and “what do I want from life”.
(571) 252-5549 View (571) 252-5549
Photo of Brandy Walker, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alexandria, VA
Brandy Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22315  (Online Only)
As a holistic trauma therapist, I work to help you—or your child—move from overwhelm and anxiety to navigating life with confidence, ease, and joy. I seek to help you see your innate wisdom so that you can create goals, remember dreams, and find a deep, abiding sense of contentment within yourself. Many clients I work with were told they were "too sensitive" or "overdramatic" as a child. I am skilled at guiding you reconnect with younger parts of yourself and shift unhelpful core beliefs. My areas of expertise include anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and existential dread. I am licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
As a holistic trauma therapist, I work to help you—or your child—move from overwhelm and anxiety to navigating life with confidence, ease, and joy. I seek to help you see your innate wisdom so that you can create goals, remember dreams, and find a deep, abiding sense of contentment within yourself. Many clients I work with were told they were "too sensitive" or "overdramatic" as a child. I am skilled at guiding you reconnect with younger parts of yourself and shift unhelpful core beliefs. My areas of expertise include anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and existential dread. I am licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
(703) 215-3277 View (703) 215-3277
Photo of Nicole Jalazo Halpern, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alexandria, VA
Nicole Jalazo Halpern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314
I specialize in work with children, adolescents and adults managing issues of depression, anxiety, adjustment, trauma and loss.
I believe in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship and work with clients to create a safe space in which they can develop insight, expand coping skills, grieve losses, process traumas and explore their internal worlds. When it comes to working with children, as a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, I am a strong believer in the power of play and expressive therapies as a means of accessing, expressing and processing emotions and conflict.
I specialize in work with children, adolescents and adults managing issues of depression, anxiety, adjustment, trauma and loss.
I believe in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship and work with clients to create a safe space in which they can develop insight, expand coping skills, grieve losses, process traumas and explore their internal worlds. When it comes to working with children, as a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, I am a strong believer in the power of play and expressive therapies as a means of accessing, expressing and processing emotions and conflict.
(571) 366-9340 View (571) 366-9340
Photo of Jennifer Trainor, Licensed Professional Counselor in Alexandria, VA
Jennifer Trainor
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314
Waitlist for new clients
Hello! Always working together, we create experiential plans and varied, flexible routines that are specifically tailored to your needs & goals; while also navigating through topics and challenges such as: Grief, Loss, Complex Post-Traumatic Growth/Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal & Intrapersonal Struggles, Parent Education, Affirming Neurodiversity Interventions, LGBTQ+ Identity Exploration, Systemic Oppression & Multicultural Diversity, etc. by using a myriad of cutting edge, personalized, evidence-based treatments to reduce internalizing (i.e. depression/anxiety) & externalizing (substance abuse/acting out) challenges.
Hello! Always working together, we create experiential plans and varied, flexible routines that are specifically tailored to your needs & goals; while also navigating through topics and challenges such as: Grief, Loss, Complex Post-Traumatic Growth/Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal & Intrapersonal Struggles, Parent Education, Affirming Neurodiversity Interventions, LGBTQ+ Identity Exploration, Systemic Oppression & Multicultural Diversity, etc. by using a myriad of cutting edge, personalized, evidence-based treatments to reduce internalizing (i.e. depression/anxiety) & externalizing (substance abuse/acting out) challenges.
(571) 616-9640 View (571) 616-9640
Photo of Christine E. Buckingham, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Alexandria, VA
Christine E. Buckingham
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22302
If your life is not working as well as you believe it should and you are willing to investigate why, you are my ideal client. You may be angry, depressed, anxious, or using food to deal with emotional pain. You may be reeling from the effects of childhood issues, abuse, or PTSD, or in such turmoil that you don't know what is real anymore. You may just need a sounding board. You may be struggling with aspects of your identity, or looking for a way to heal from infidelity, trauma, grief, or loss. We will explore that together.
If your life is not working as well as you believe it should and you are willing to investigate why, you are my ideal client. You may be angry, depressed, anxious, or using food to deal with emotional pain. You may be reeling from the effects of childhood issues, abuse, or PTSD, or in such turmoil that you don't know what is real anymore. You may just need a sounding board. You may be struggling with aspects of your identity, or looking for a way to heal from infidelity, trauma, grief, or loss. We will explore that together.
(240) 392-1292 View (240) 392-1292
Photo of Jennie Polizzi, Licensed Professional Counselor in Alexandria, VA
Jennie Polizzi
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC&NCC, Phd Can, MS, Cert, BS, AS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22301  (Online Only)
I have thorough knowledge and interest in Trauma, Multicultural, developmental, family.
No matter who you are, life is always changing, filled with challenges, transitions, doubts, and sometimes successes. This is the human experience, and you do not have to go it alone. Counseling is an available resource to help hone your natural talents and skills to find vision, motivation, meaning, and resolve through your choices and experiences. With the support of a professional counselor there are no dead-end scenarios. I thoroughly believe in meeting clients where they are at, treating individuals with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they come from, celebrating differences and individuality.
I have thorough knowledge and interest in Trauma, Multicultural, developmental, family.
No matter who you are, life is always changing, filled with challenges, transitions, doubts, and sometimes successes. This is the human experience, and you do not have to go it alone. Counseling is an available resource to help hone your natural talents and skills to find vision, motivation, meaning, and resolve through your choices and experiences. With the support of a professional counselor there are no dead-end scenarios. I thoroughly believe in meeting clients where they are at, treating individuals with dignity and respect no matter who they are or where they come from, celebrating differences and individuality.
(571) 322-8610 View (571) 322-8610
Photo of Ebony Canady, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alexandria, VA
Ebony Canady
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314  (Online Only)
A graduate of University of California Riverside and Norfolk State University, Ebony is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience treating all age groups in various settings and modalities like EMDR. She is trained and certified to work with grief, intellectual disabilities, and critical incident stress debriefing. She is also comfortable with substance abuse counseling, acute mental illness and crisis intervention as well as family counseling, trauma recovery, and perinatal mental healthcare.
A graduate of University of California Riverside and Norfolk State University, Ebony is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience treating all age groups in various settings and modalities like EMDR. She is trained and certified to work with grief, intellectual disabilities, and critical incident stress debriefing. She is also comfortable with substance abuse counseling, acute mental illness and crisis intervention as well as family counseling, trauma recovery, and perinatal mental healthcare.
(703) 810-7279 View (703) 810-7279
Photo of Jennifer Anne Babcock, Psychologist in Alexandria, VA
Jennifer Anne Babcock
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
I practice care through psychotherapy with children, adolescents and adults. I help patients address a range of issues, including: depression, anxiety, ADD and ADHD, trauma, perinatal and postnatal issues, grief, difficulties managing anger, pervasive developmental disorders, low self-esteem, family conflicts, academic difficulties, peer conflict, and chronic medical illness. I seek to understand the unique needs each of my clients within the context of their own ethnic, cultural, and racial identity. I collaborate regularly with parents when treating children.
I practice care through psychotherapy with children, adolescents and adults. I help patients address a range of issues, including: depression, anxiety, ADD and ADHD, trauma, perinatal and postnatal issues, grief, difficulties managing anger, pervasive developmental disorders, low self-esteem, family conflicts, academic difficulties, peer conflict, and chronic medical illness. I seek to understand the unique needs each of my clients within the context of their own ethnic, cultural, and racial identity. I collaborate regularly with parents when treating children.
(540) 987-0983 View (540) 987-0983
Photo of Chrishonna Greene, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alexandria, VA
Chrishonna Greene
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive training in relationship enhancement techniques, child development, and trauma-informed interventions.
Are you feeling discontent in your relationships, overwhelmed by life, or having difficulty adjusting to a recent change in your life? Seeking help is an amazing demonstration of self-awareness. It is also a demonstration of your intentional choice to heal and improve your emotional health. As your therapist, I will help you to see how challenging circumstances arise to show you areas in your life that require attention and resolve. Together, we will co-create multiple pathways to well-being, with the ultimate goal of creating healing for your mind, body, and spirit.
I have extensive training in relationship enhancement techniques, child development, and trauma-informed interventions.
Are you feeling discontent in your relationships, overwhelmed by life, or having difficulty adjusting to a recent change in your life? Seeking help is an amazing demonstration of self-awareness. It is also a demonstration of your intentional choice to heal and improve your emotional health. As your therapist, I will help you to see how challenging circumstances arise to show you areas in your life that require attention and resolve. Together, we will co-create multiple pathways to well-being, with the ultimate goal of creating healing for your mind, body, and spirit.
(703) 215-3574 View (703) 215-3574
Photo of Selma Sahin, Resident in Counseling in Alexandria, VA
Selma Sahin
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
I work with children, adolescents, and adults both in individual and group counseling settings supporting them through adjustments, life transitions, relational and social struggles, along with anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress.
I meet my clients in their desire for change and strive to understand their experience of the world. I work to support my clients by forming a trust-based relationship to create a healing environment where compassion and kindness become healing agents. I utilize a variety of expressive modalities meeting the needs of my clients. I believe in the power of people's inner strengths and resources and work to explore these with my clients while empowering them in reaching their goals for change.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults both in individual and group counseling settings supporting them through adjustments, life transitions, relational and social struggles, along with anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress.
I meet my clients in their desire for change and strive to understand their experience of the world. I work to support my clients by forming a trust-based relationship to create a healing environment where compassion and kindness become healing agents. I utilize a variety of expressive modalities meeting the needs of my clients. I believe in the power of people's inner strengths and resources and work to explore these with my clients while empowering them in reaching their goals for change.
(703) 596-3414 View (703) 596-3414
Photo of Patty Ansani, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alexandria, VA
Patty Ansani
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
I believe each of us has the capacity to overcome life issues and challenges by utilizing strengths. However, we sometimes need assistance working through life’s obstacles and leveraging our strengths. I can provide a safe and empathic space for healing. My experience includes working with individual adults and children addressing trauma, low self-esteem, relationship issues, life transitions, academic issues, anxiety, grief, and depression.
I believe each of us has the capacity to overcome life issues and challenges by utilizing strengths. However, we sometimes need assistance working through life’s obstacles and leveraging our strengths. I can provide a safe and empathic space for healing. My experience includes working with individual adults and children addressing trauma, low self-esteem, relationship issues, life transitions, academic issues, anxiety, grief, and depression.
(703) 870-3468 View (703) 870-3468
Photo of Dr. Michele Cole, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alexandria, VA
Dr. Michele Cole
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314
Currently, we are beginning groups for social issues, anxiety, trauma, parenting support and academic success.
My practice specializes in helping children, adolescents, adults, couples and the family system collectively to work through and move forward past one's anxiety, depression, adjustment issues from separation/divorce or grief, social skill challenges, past trauma, addictions, obsessive compulsive issues, disruptive behaviors and attention issues.
Currently, we are beginning groups for social issues, anxiety, trauma, parenting support and academic success.
My practice specializes in helping children, adolescents, adults, couples and the family system collectively to work through and move forward past one's anxiety, depression, adjustment issues from separation/divorce or grief, social skill challenges, past trauma, addictions, obsessive compulsive issues, disruptive behaviors and attention issues.
(571) 536-2527 View (571) 536-2527
Photo of Jayna Ratliff, Licensed Professional Counselor in Alexandria, VA
Jayna Ratliff
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314  (Online Only)
Hi! I'm glad you're here. I believe that counseling is most effective when it is designed by the participant and fits their individual or family needs. I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and holds certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Trauma Treatment. I have experience working with children and their families to strengthen attachment, manage complex traumatic experiences, and overcome anxiety, depression, suicidality, isolation, and negative patterns of behavior.
Hi! I'm glad you're here. I believe that counseling is most effective when it is designed by the participant and fits their individual or family needs. I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and holds certifications in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Trauma Treatment. I have experience working with children and their families to strengthen attachment, manage complex traumatic experiences, and overcome anxiety, depression, suicidality, isolation, and negative patterns of behavior.
(571) 202-7150 View (571) 202-7150
Photo of Kelly Clemente, Licensed Professional Counselor in Alexandria, VA
Kelly Clemente
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Most of us have experienced trauma and loss, at varying degrees.
Kelly Clemente is a Resident in Counseling with 8 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Kelly specializes in treating special needs children, drug-addicted youth, pregnant teens, struggling birthmothers, eating-disordered adults, grieving widows, sexual trauma survivors, and victims of domestic violence. Kelly utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.
Most of us have experienced trauma and loss, at varying degrees.
Kelly Clemente is a Resident in Counseling with 8 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Kelly specializes in treating special needs children, drug-addicted youth, pregnant teens, struggling birthmothers, eating-disordered adults, grieving widows, sexual trauma survivors, and victims of domestic violence. Kelly utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.
(571) 556-9917 View (571) 556-9917
Photo of Amy Rahhal, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Alexandria, VA
Amy Rahhal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22305
Teen Groups Open for Registration! Accepting new clients! I have over 16 years of clinical experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, and divorce struggles. I'm relaxed and easy to talk to and ask thought-provoking questions that helps you think through issues without being judgmental. Helping people is my passion and I enjoy seeing clients feel better. It's hard to know where to set boundaries, as 'helping' those we love can often hinder their growth. Do we let go or is that a cop-out? I can help you take small steps towards effective changes.
Teen Groups Open for Registration! Accepting new clients! I have over 16 years of clinical experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, and divorce struggles. I'm relaxed and easy to talk to and ask thought-provoking questions that helps you think through issues without being judgmental. Helping people is my passion and I enjoy seeing clients feel better. It's hard to know where to set boundaries, as 'helping' those we love can often hinder their growth. Do we let go or is that a cop-out? I can help you take small steps towards effective changes.
(571) 339-5529 View (571) 339-5529
Photo of The Center for Connection, Healing and Change (RM), Pre-Licensed Professional in Alexandria, VA
The Center for Connection, Healing and Change (RM)
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMFT-R, LPC-R, LMFT, LPC, LCSW
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314
Accepting new clients -The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, heal trauma, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
Accepting new clients -The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, heal trauma, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
(804) 336-3063 View (804) 336-3063
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.