How Long Does Therapy Take for Trauma & PTSD?
"How long does trauma therapy take?" If you're thinking of finding a trauma therapist, this might be one of the most important questions you're asking yourself. Do you have the time and want to make the commitment to really jumping in? In this article, we'll explore what trauma is, how trauma therapy works, how long it usually takes, and whether it might be worth the investment for your mental health.
Trauma refers to the emotional reaction that can come after surviving a terrible experience or event. Trauma can be a one-time event or chronic, and some people may need more support to heal and recover from past traumatic experiences. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can occur after a very traumatic experience or event, and people sometimes experience symptoms right away, while others have a delayed response. Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks or nightmares of the event(s), feeling like you’re reliving the event(s), avoiding reminders of the event(s), and feelings of anxiety or panic.
As a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in New York City, I work closely with individuals seeking therapy for trauma and PTSD. My approach includes Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), modalities widely recognized for their effectiveness in treating trauma and PTSD.
When discussing the duration of trauma and PTSD therapy, it's important to note the variability in timelines. The duration hinges on factors such as the complexity and severity of trauma, your individual coping style, the presence of any other concurrent mental or behavioral health or conditions, and your commitment to the therapeutic process. Working closely with a qualified therapist can help you navigate their healing journey effectively, ensuring a tailored approach that meets your specific needs and promotes lasting recovery.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Trauma therapy can be either short-term or longer-term, depending on your unique situation. Short-term therapy typically involves a limited number of sessions, ranging from a few weeks to a few months. Longer-term therapy may be necessary for individuals who have experienced multiple traumatic events or have severe symptoms.
Based on the specific nature of the traumatic events you experienced, you and your therapist will co-create a treatment plan and timeline that best aligns with your needs and your specific healing process. On average, therapy for trauma can range anywhere from a few months to a few years.
Different therapeutic approaches can also have different treatment durations. Here's a breakdown of different types of trauma therapy approaches and their average lengths of treatment:
| Type of Trauma Therapy | Average Length of Treatment |
|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | CBT is a common treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. Trauma-focused CBT is designed to address and reframe unhelpful behaviors, feelings, and thoughts related to the trauma you experienced. CBT can be shorter-term than some other trauma therapies, with typical treatment times of 6-12 months. |
| Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) | EMDR is a reprocessing therapy that focuses on addressing the way memories of a traumatic event are stored in the brain. For single incident traumas, such as a car accident or experiencing a natural disaster, research has shown that even 8-12 sessions can be effective. For more complex trauma, it can range from several weeks to months, depending on the severity of trauma and individual progress. EMDR sessions range from 60-90 minutes. |
| Prolonged Exposure Therapy | Like EMDR, Prolonged Exposure Therapy typically involves weekly sessions over a period of 8 to 15 sessions, with each session lasting approximately 60-90 minutes. The treatment duration can extend based on individual progress and specific therapeutic goals. |
| Psychodynamic Psychotherapy | Psychodynamic psychotherapy is often a longer-term treatment approach compared to some others, typically spanning several months to years. The duration can vary widely depending on the individual's needs, the complexity of the trauma, and the therapeutic goals. |
What determines how long post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) therapy takes?
While no two people will react exactly the same to trauma therapy treatment, there are several factors that can impact how quickly this type of therapy may improve your mental health and how long your healing process may take. Several of the factors that influence trauma therapy duration can include the following:
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The severity of the trauma can have a significant impact on the duration of therapy. The more severe the trauma, the longer it may take to process and work through the negative emotions, thoughts, and other symptoms related to the trauma. Complex trauma may also take longer to treat than acute, single-event trauma. The same event might be more traumatic for one individual than it is someone else, and the healing process can vary given each individuals unique experiences and conditioning.
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The goals of trauma therapy can also influence the duration of therapy. Shorter-term, such as symptom management and reduction of acute difficulties, may be achieved more quickly than longer-term reprocessing.
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How recent the trauma or traumatic events occurred can impact the healing and recovery process, with some individuals needing more time to unpack and heal their trauma. Even trauma that occurred years ago can be processed and healed, and sometimes more recent events are still very delicate.
What is the success rate of trauma therapy?
Measuring progress in trauma therapy can be challenging, as it varies from person to person and depends on the severity of the trauma. "Success" can vary from person to person, but you and your trauma therapist will check in along the way and tweak the treatment plan as necessary.
Research by the American Psychological Association (APA) indicates that structured trauma-focused therapies can lead to substantial improvements in PTSD symptoms over time.
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Therapy focused on trauma can help individuals develop better emotional regulation skills. This includes learning to identify and manage intense emotions triggered by trauma-related memories or situations. Through techniques like mindfulness practices, cognitive processing therapy and emotion-focused therapy, individuals can gain greater control over their emotional responses, leading to enhanced overall well-being.
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Addressing trauma in therapy often improves interpersonal relationships. By working through trust issues, communication barriers, and emotional distancing caused by trauma, individuals can rebuild and strengthen relationships with others. Therapeutic approaches such as schema therapy and interpersonal therapy facilitate this process, fostering healthier interactions and social connections.
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Effective trauma therapy can boost self-esteem and empower individuals who have experienced trauma. Therapeutic methods that focus on empowerment, such as narrative therapy and strengths-based approaches, help individuals reinterpret their experiences and recognize their resilience. This leads to a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence in navigating life challenges beyond the trauma.
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Trauma therapy often results in a decrease in symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Since trauma can exacerbate these conditions, addressing the root cause through therapies like CBT, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and psychodynamic therapy can alleviate concurrent symptoms. Studies published in journals like the Journal of Traumatic Stress corroborate the effectiveness of trauma-focused interventions in reducing comorbid anxiety and depression.
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Addressing trauma through therapy can have positive effects on physical health and overall well-being. Chronic stress resulting from unresolved childhood trauma can contribute to physical ailments and chronic conditions such as headaches, digestive issues, and cardiovascular problems. As trauma therapy reduces stress and improves emotional health, individuals often experience better physical health outcomes and an overall improved quality of life.
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Trauma therapy equips individuals with effective, coping strategies and skills to manage triggers and stressors associated with their trauma. Skills learned in trauma therapy, such as relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and assertiveness training, empower individuals to cope more adaptively with challenges. This increased resilience supports long-term psychological health and reduces the likelihood of future crises related to the trauma.
In my experience
Trauma therapy can be a slow and gradual process, but it is possible to heal from old wounds and get unstuck from patterns that keep you in a triggered state. It's amazing to witness the transformation in my clients as they work through old trauma of all severities, and ultimately find themselves feeling lighter and able to face everyday life with a positive outlook.
Life after trauma therapy can be a new beginning, and the goal is help you feel more empowered, confident, and in control of your lives. However, it’s essential to remember that recovery is a journey, and ongoing mental health support and self-care go a long way in maintaining progress.
In choosing a therapist for PTSD, be sure to seek out practices and individuals that offer trauma-informed care. If you're ready to start healing from a traumatic event and want to learn more about what trauma therapy might look like for you, reach out to myself or one of our top NYC trauma therapists here at Madison Square Psychotherapy.
