Trauma and PTSD Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Alexandra Park, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alexandra Park
Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I also specialize in childhood trauma, attachment issues, and multicultural issues.
Are you experiencing relationship issues with your partner or family members? I’m passionate about helping people have healthier relationships within themselves and with others. I work with couples and families who are stuck in conflict, seeking better communication, healing from past wounds, bridging cultural gaps, or adjusting to life transitions. I also provide individual therapy to support those affected by relational issues. We can work on managing anxiety, processing trauma, overcoming people-pleasing habits, improving emotional regulation, working through codependency, and embarking on a journey of healing and well-being.
I also specialize in childhood trauma, attachment issues, and multicultural issues.
Are you experiencing relationship issues with your partner or family members? I’m passionate about helping people have healthier relationships within themselves and with others. I work with couples and families who are stuck in conflict, seeking better communication, healing from past wounds, bridging cultural gaps, or adjusting to life transitions. I also provide individual therapy to support those affected by relational issues. We can work on managing anxiety, processing trauma, overcoming people-pleasing habits, improving emotional regulation, working through codependency, and embarking on a journey of healing and well-being.
(415) 573-3540 View (415) 573-3540
Photo of Laura Picard, LMFT, 135100, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Picard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, 135100
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
Warm, open, and compassionate, I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder, I guide from a three prong approach considering the past, present and future. Rooted in a warm, eclectic approach, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management including getting to know the different "parts" that make up each unique person. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling future:)
Warm, open, and compassionate, I'd love to be your guide to holistic healing and transformation. With expertise in anxiety, trauma, and borderline personality disorder, I guide from a three prong approach considering the past, present and future. Rooted in a warm, eclectic approach, I'll help teach you evidence-based tools to reframe thoughts and regulate emotions, as well as explore root causes for symptom management including getting to know the different "parts" that make up each unique person. Let's empower you to achieve resilience and personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling future:)
(415) 877-9215 View (415) 877-9215
Photo of Maryam Ashraf, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maryam Ashraf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I specialize in healing from low self-worth, relational trauma, childhood trauma, and attachment injuries.
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, identity, and difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, DBT, CBT, IFS, and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.
I specialize in healing from low self-worth, relational trauma, childhood trauma, and attachment injuries.
Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, identity, and difficult life transitions? Do you find yourself feeling stuck and can’t seem to focus or move forward? There are many ways to get unstuck, and this is the work I love to do to help you heal, grow and live a more fulfilling life. I use an integrative approach including attachment-based work, DBT, CBT, IFS, and mindfulness, bringing in each as needed. Above all, I strive to hold space and empathy for your life experience.
(415) 236-5618 View (415) 236-5618
Photo of Lynda Paulson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lynda Paulson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
I treat anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, addictions, PTSD and complex trauma, adjustment disorders, obsessive/compulsive behaviors and grief and loss.
I am here to join with you as you explore therapy as a path to heal and thrive. Taking the step to engage in therapy can feel daunting. I will take that step with you and provide support and a safe place. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years’ experience in direct practice. Throughout my practice I have focused on the importance of identifying all aspects of my clients’ lives that impact their well-being (support systems, cultural, work/ school environment, physical health, life experience, faith/spirituality) to provide treatment through a holistic person-in- environment perspective.
I treat anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, addictions, PTSD and complex trauma, adjustment disorders, obsessive/compulsive behaviors and grief and loss.
I am here to join with you as you explore therapy as a path to heal and thrive. Taking the step to engage in therapy can feel daunting. I will take that step with you and provide support and a safe place. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years’ experience in direct practice. Throughout my practice I have focused on the importance of identifying all aspects of my clients’ lives that impact their well-being (support systems, cultural, work/ school environment, physical health, life experience, faith/spirituality) to provide treatment through a holistic person-in- environment perspective.
(415) 881-4254 View (415) 881-4254
Photo of Dana Andrews, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dana Andrews
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94104
Are you struggling with anxiety and/or depression and looking for support? Is trauma from the past affecting your functioning and relationships? Have you recently lost someone and experiencing grief? I offer a warm and compassionate space for you to share you story, process any feelings arising, and further guide you to identify and heal the patterns and wounds that are holding you back. Providing personalized tools and exercises (now including optional Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy) to feel well-resourced both in and outside of session, we can work together to create a healing experience that works best for you and your needs.
Are you struggling with anxiety and/or depression and looking for support? Is trauma from the past affecting your functioning and relationships? Have you recently lost someone and experiencing grief? I offer a warm and compassionate space for you to share you story, process any feelings arising, and further guide you to identify and heal the patterns and wounds that are holding you back. Providing personalized tools and exercises (now including optional Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy) to feel well-resourced both in and outside of session, we can work together to create a healing experience that works best for you and your needs.
(415) 231-5013 View (415) 231-5013
Photo of Arielle Piastunovich, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Arielle Piastunovich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94107  (Online Only)
Trauma and underdeveloped communication skills underlie many life issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of mental health experience. I work with children, adults, older adults couples, and families. I have a wealth of diverse experience which includes mood / anxiety disorders, substance disorders (chronic alcoholism and eating disorders), and providing couples and family treatment. I specialize in trauma and relationships. Healing is often a hard and painful process, but it also can be joyful and lead to a more fulfilling life and improved relationships. I would be honored to accompany you on your journey towards happiness, acceptance, greater intimacy, peace, and recovery.
Trauma and underdeveloped communication skills underlie many life issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20+ years of mental health experience. I work with children, adults, older adults couples, and families. I have a wealth of diverse experience which includes mood / anxiety disorders, substance disorders (chronic alcoholism and eating disorders), and providing couples and family treatment. I specialize in trauma and relationships. Healing is often a hard and painful process, but it also can be joyful and lead to a more fulfilling life and improved relationships. I would be honored to accompany you on your journey towards happiness, acceptance, greater intimacy, peace, and recovery.
(650) 206-9870 View (650) 206-9870
Photo of Laurel Roberts-Meese, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laurel Roberts-Meese
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
Lawyers, executives, and entrepreneurs find support and understanding in my practice. I help driven professionals process trauma, decrease anxiety, and build better relationships. You've probably got a lot going on; your relationship is strained, demands on you at work are increasing, or the ways you used to cope don't seem to be working anymore. Whatever brings you to therapy, we can figure out a way to feel better together.
Lawyers, executives, and entrepreneurs find support and understanding in my practice. I help driven professionals process trauma, decrease anxiety, and build better relationships. You've probably got a lot going on; your relationship is strained, demands on you at work are increasing, or the ways you used to cope don't seem to be working anymore. Whatever brings you to therapy, we can figure out a way to feel better together.
(628) 216-2543 View (628) 216-2543
Photo of Alena Bell, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alena Bell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94104
I specialize in working with complex trauma and with clients experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, emotional dysregulation, relationship stress and how to improve interpersonal functioning.
Are you feeling anxious or down? Are you unsure about the future of a relationship, or wondering why you find yourself repeating the same patterns and behaviors? Therapy is a collaborative process of self-discovery and personal growth. I focus on helping my clients through the development of greater self-understanding, self-awareness and self-acceptance. I want to support you to make the changes you desire, and to live your life to the fullest. I treat a wide range of clinical issues and invite clients of diverse identities and backgrounds into my therapy practice.
I specialize in working with complex trauma and with clients experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, emotional dysregulation, relationship stress and how to improve interpersonal functioning.
Are you feeling anxious or down? Are you unsure about the future of a relationship, or wondering why you find yourself repeating the same patterns and behaviors? Therapy is a collaborative process of self-discovery and personal growth. I focus on helping my clients through the development of greater self-understanding, self-awareness and self-acceptance. I want to support you to make the changes you desire, and to live your life to the fullest. I treat a wide range of clinical issues and invite clients of diverse identities and backgrounds into my therapy practice.
(628) 800-0232 View (628) 800-0232
Photo of Sandra Berger - Sandra Berger Psychotherapy, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sandra Berger Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
These may include relational, trauma/IFS (Internal Family Systems) and awareness/mindfulness based therapy.
Therapy with me will help you to gain better understanding of yourself and hopefully will affect positively in your family and your relationships. I work well with adults and adolescents who experience difficult childhood/family relationships, anxiety/depression, single parenting, life transitions and co-dependence/addiction issues. I can help you with coping tools you can use in the first session.
These may include relational, trauma/IFS (Internal Family Systems) and awareness/mindfulness based therapy.
Therapy with me will help you to gain better understanding of yourself and hopefully will affect positively in your family and your relationships. I work well with adults and adolescents who experience difficult childhood/family relationships, anxiety/depression, single parenting, life transitions and co-dependence/addiction issues. I can help you with coping tools you can use in the first session.
(415) 650-1025 View (415) 650-1025
Photo of Vesna Lubina Westbrook, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Vesna Lubina Westbrook
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
For the integration of trauma, I offer a blend of modalities, including bilateral stimulation/EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Kiloby Somatic Inquiry, Ancestral Work.
I work with clients who are (highly) sensitive, empathic, or intuitive. Sensitive people have a finely attuned nervous system that is a huge gift when made conscious. They experience life deeply, yet don't always feel easily understood by others. Growing up, they often experienced not fitting in, and have adapted to a largely non-sensitive world in myriad ways that didn't always serve their best interest. I support sensitive people on their path to finding their voice, experiencing genuine relationships, purposeful work, and reclaiming their space in the world.
For the integration of trauma, I offer a blend of modalities, including bilateral stimulation/EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Kiloby Somatic Inquiry, Ancestral Work.
I work with clients who are (highly) sensitive, empathic, or intuitive. Sensitive people have a finely attuned nervous system that is a huge gift when made conscious. They experience life deeply, yet don't always feel easily understood by others. Growing up, they often experienced not fitting in, and have adapted to a largely non-sensitive world in myriad ways that didn't always serve their best interest. I support sensitive people on their path to finding their voice, experiencing genuine relationships, purposeful work, and reclaiming their space in the world.
(530) 270-3224 View (530) 270-3224
Photo of Alexa Enyart, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Alexa Enyart
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
Do you feel as though your anxiety and depression are unmanageable? How about feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness like you’ve hit rock bottom and are struggling to find hope for tomorrow? Once we start to unravel the details of our past and trauma we give ourselves the ability to process feelings that we have long suppressed. I aim to collaborate with you and provide tools to decrease the challenging feelings you are currently facing and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self, leading to emotional healing and personal growth.
(415) 915-0988 View (415) 915-0988
Photo of Dr. Sasha Avanesov, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Sasha Avanesov
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship issues, coping with trauma, wondering if the world has gone mad, seeking answers to spiritual or existential questions, or pursuing personal growth, I will work hard to empower you. Together, we will explore, clarify, and address issues at the root of your concerns, clearing a path towards inner peace.
Whether you are experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship issues, coping with trauma, wondering if the world has gone mad, seeking answers to spiritual or existential questions, or pursuing personal growth, I will work hard to empower you. Together, we will explore, clarify, and address issues at the root of your concerns, clearing a path towards inner peace.
(510) 405-7319 View (510) 405-7319
Photo of Karen Pickett, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karen Pickett
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about assisting my clients to heal and grow through my clinical and lived experiences, compassion, and training. My areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, panic disorder, OCD, process addictions (including hair pulling and skin picking), and C-PTSD. I work with individual adults (ages 21+) who are seeking help for Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Complex PTSD, and Process Addictions (including those commonly referred to as Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors).
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about assisting my clients to heal and grow through my clinical and lived experiences, compassion, and training. My areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, panic disorder, OCD, process addictions (including hair pulling and skin picking), and C-PTSD. I work with individual adults (ages 21+) who are seeking help for Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Complex PTSD, and Process Addictions (including those commonly referred to as Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors).
(415) 619-6857 View (415) 619-6857
Photo of Ken Gladstone, Psychologist
Ken Gladstone
Psychologist
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94103
In my practice, I enjoy meeting with a range of people in terms of age, demographics, and psychological needs. In addition to extensive training, I have many years of experience providing care for those in need here in the Bay Area. I also have specific expertise in the areas of trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. I incorporate the well-researched areas of psychodynamic, family systems, and cognitive-behavioral therapies into my work. As each person is different, I carefully tailor our work to your needs and your goals.
In my practice, I enjoy meeting with a range of people in terms of age, demographics, and psychological needs. In addition to extensive training, I have many years of experience providing care for those in need here in the Bay Area. I also have specific expertise in the areas of trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. I incorporate the well-researched areas of psychodynamic, family systems, and cognitive-behavioral therapies into my work. As each person is different, I carefully tailor our work to your needs and your goals.
(628) 222-4325 View (628) 222-4325
Photo of Brandy Dunn - Silver Lake Psychology--San Francisco location, Psychologist
Silver Lake Psychology--San Francisco location
Psychologist
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109  (Online Only)
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
Relationship and sexual concerns, couples therapy, anxiety, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, stress management, insomnia, women's issues, creativity, LGBTQ- welcome.
Learn how to feel more connected to yourself, others and the world around you. Therapy provides all the elements of intimacy: honest communication, vulnerability and trust. Good therapy is challenging yet warm, providing both structure and empathy for your unique experience. We are a collective of therapists with a wide range of specialties. Our intake professionals will help connect you with the right therapist for your needs. We make appointments easy, offering evenings and weekends and flexibility for creative professionals who can't make the same time each week.
(415) 727-4453 View (415) 727-4453
Photo of Thomas Gerard Browne - Thomas Browne, Ph. D., Ph, D, Psychologist
Thomas Browne, Ph. D.
Psychologist, Ph, D
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94108
Neurofeedback requires a trained health professional doctor as emotions, memories of trauma needing management in the office can be accessed during a session, or later.
My work embraces two levels. 1. Licensed clinical psychologist with a range of classical methods. 2. Board Certified Senior Fellow in Medical Neurofeedback and QEEG (not consumer level for amusement/recreation). Clients develop a more powerful sense of relaxed self-esteem and an effective understanding of how to manage life traumas and stress more effectively. Several publications in mental health and medical neurofeedback. "The Encyclopedia of Mental Health", "Neurofeedback First 50 Years". The combination of clinical therapy and medical neurofeedback can be powerful, healing, and transformative in its ability to change lives.
Neurofeedback requires a trained health professional doctor as emotions, memories of trauma needing management in the office can be accessed during a session, or later.
My work embraces two levels. 1. Licensed clinical psychologist with a range of classical methods. 2. Board Certified Senior Fellow in Medical Neurofeedback and QEEG (not consumer level for amusement/recreation). Clients develop a more powerful sense of relaxed self-esteem and an effective understanding of how to manage life traumas and stress more effectively. Several publications in mental health and medical neurofeedback. "The Encyclopedia of Mental Health", "Neurofeedback First 50 Years". The combination of clinical therapy and medical neurofeedback can be powerful, healing, and transformative in its ability to change lives.
(415) 401-0777 View (415) 401-0777
Photo of Christine Corrigan, PsyD, Psychologist
Christine Corrigan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
As a clinical psychologist I specialize in treating anxiety and depression in the context of trauma, work stress, relationship problems and family conflict. I help people deal with issues including grief and loss, substance abuse, domestic violence, and childhood trauma. My approach is to seek immediate reduction in symptoms while carefully addressing long-term, underlying problems.
As a clinical psychologist I specialize in treating anxiety and depression in the context of trauma, work stress, relationship problems and family conflict. I help people deal with issues including grief and loss, substance abuse, domestic violence, and childhood trauma. My approach is to seek immediate reduction in symptoms while carefully addressing long-term, underlying problems.
(415) 494-7027 View (415) 494-7027
Photo of Samantha Mero, LCSW, EMDR, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Samantha Mero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, PMH-C
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Working on yourself is an epic journey- I know that from experience! If you’re feeling stuck, suffering from trauma, or just want to improve your mental health, let’s connect for a free 15 minute consultation!.
I work with people-pleasing millennials who want to heal from past emotional wounds and stop self-sabotaging. Do you struggle with anxiety, body image and patterns of self-judgment? Always putting others needs before your own? The traumas and abuse you experience throughout your lifespan- big or small, can warp the way you see yourself, making you question everything, overthink, and cause you to stand in your own way. If this feels relatable, you are not alone. I will work with you to break through these barriers, heal, and create a life that aligns with your values.
Working on yourself is an epic journey- I know that from experience! If you’re feeling stuck, suffering from trauma, or just want to improve your mental health, let’s connect for a free 15 minute consultation!.
I work with people-pleasing millennials who want to heal from past emotional wounds and stop self-sabotaging. Do you struggle with anxiety, body image and patterns of self-judgment? Always putting others needs before your own? The traumas and abuse you experience throughout your lifespan- big or small, can warp the way you see yourself, making you question everything, overthink, and cause you to stand in your own way. If this feels relatable, you are not alone. I will work with you to break through these barriers, heal, and create a life that aligns with your values.
(916) 502-9948 View (916) 502-9948
Photo of Alex Silberstein, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alex Silberstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
I specialize in helping adults overcome anxiety and depression. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I focus on helping clients recover from the effects of trauma. I also enjoy working with couples to develop effective communication skills and reduce destructive conflict. I strive to provide clients with a warm, secure environment in which they feel safe to explore painful experiences from the past that need healing. My approach combines the perspective of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy with more practical cognitive-behavioral methods, as well as using the latest research from neuroscience about how our minds develop and change.
I specialize in helping adults overcome anxiety and depression. As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I focus on helping clients recover from the effects of trauma. I also enjoy working with couples to develop effective communication skills and reduce destructive conflict. I strive to provide clients with a warm, secure environment in which they feel safe to explore painful experiences from the past that need healing. My approach combines the perspective of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy with more practical cognitive-behavioral methods, as well as using the latest research from neuroscience about how our minds develop and change.
(415) 646-0421 View (415) 646-0421
Photo of Randy Weled, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Randy Weled
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Past and present Trauma is permanently released through the body.
The most important questions is: "What pain brought you here? What is the hardest issue for you to deal with?" The most important result of the first session is that you walk out feeling that I understand you and will be able to be your ally in working through your issues. In other words we need to like each other and you need to feel that I have the expertise to handle your problems and not judge you.
Past and present Trauma is permanently released through the body.
The most important questions is: "What pain brought you here? What is the hardest issue for you to deal with?" The most important result of the first session is that you walk out feeling that I understand you and will be able to be your ally in working through your issues. In other words we need to like each other and you need to feel that I have the expertise to handle your problems and not judge you.
(415) 967-7209 View (415) 967-7209
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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.