About post-traumatic stress
This page features therapists who work with post-traumatic stress, including clinicians who list EMDR among their approaches. Browse the listings below to review profiles, approaches, credentials, languages and clinical focus.
Use the filters to narrow results and read therapist profiles to find a professional whose style and experience fit your needs.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether post-traumatic stress is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page has post-traumatic stress among the areas they told the platform they work with. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for post-traumatic stress
Savithri (Savi) Jayaweera, NCPS
Ref 151058
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Hindi, Sinhala
View listingAngela Teasdale, NCPS
Ref 119622
Supportive counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingCarmen Chaney, LIMHP
Ref 48397
Therapist blending practical skills and compassion
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJoy Nussen, LMFT
Ref 13668
Practical, compassionate therapy for adults
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingHeidi-Christa Adams, LPC
Ref 355066
Compassionate counselor guiding practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingDallas Bentley, ACA
Ref 345691
Practical support for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSheira Byrne, BACP, NCPS
Ref 182668
Practical, compassionate support for overwhelming problems
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingJoanne Maddison, BACP
Ref 276861
Compassionate counsellor blending insight and practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Parenting Languages: English
View listingJames French, BACP
Ref 203032
Practical support for anxiety and life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDr. Paula Alvarez, LCSW
Ref 29756
Compassionate clinical social worker with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingTomasz Konieczny, BACP, NCPS
Ref 199992
Practical, compassionate online counselling
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English, Polish
View listingMargaret Johnston, LMHC
Ref 62092
Calm listening that helps you move forward
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingClement West, BACP
Ref 167549
Gentle, practical support for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDavid Potts, LCSW
Ref 23255
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingNicola Claydon, NCPS
Ref 183763
Calm, practical support for complex life issues
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingPamela Benoit, NCPS, BACP
Ref 180577
Compassionate practical psychotherapy
Works with: Relationship, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingAnnette OBryant, LPC
Ref 77726
Compassionate counselor focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingCaroline Woodford, BACP
Ref 203033
Person-centred counselling with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Eating Languages: English
View listingVictoria Postles, BACP
Ref 164179
Practical, person-led counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDanielle Horn, LMSW
Ref 272733
Focused therapy that digs to the root
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJemma Heath, NCPS
Ref 197911
Support for stress, relationships and confidence
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingWellington Cesar Assis Bueno, BACP
Ref 226813
Healing emotions, building clearer choices
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingAllysia Steward, LCSW
Ref 331970
Compassionate skills-based therapy for daily life
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJennifer Blundell, PACFA
Ref 233210
Respectful, practical therapy for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingJoanne Rothery, NCPS
Ref 179003
Compassionate counsellor for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDr. Heather Clark, LPC
Ref 126027
Calm-focused therapy with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJennifer Lee Sylvester, LCSW
Ref 116075
Experienced LCSW offering respectful, practical care
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJessica Hobart, LCSW
Ref 201728
Practical support for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSara Lowe, LPC
Ref 104527
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression Languages: English
View listingFrank Centonze, LPC
Ref 297421
Direct, practical counseling for emotional recovery
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingLauren Anzelone, LCSW
Ref 70436
Supportive LCSW guiding practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJudith Ramsay, BACP
Ref 135275
Counselling that focuses on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingAlexandra Matustik, LMFT
Ref 350108
Compassionate therapist for life transitions
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingFaryal Choudry, LCSW
Ref 266995
Compassionate guidance for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSherry Ramsey Hansen, LPC
Ref 352558
Collaborative counselor focused on practical progress
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJade Round, BACP
Ref 180505
Practical, person-focused therapy for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingGayden Mcfarlin Fite, LPC-MHSP
Ref 273754
Calm, experienced guide for anxiety and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAdrian Jackson, BACP
Ref 271038
Compassionate counsellor using practical, person-focused methods
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDestiny York, LPC
Ref 340789
Compassionate, practical counseling for life changes
Works with: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMichele Ellis, LCSW
Ref 355791
Compassionate support for overwhelming life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingCecile Terrelonge, BACP
Ref 134582
Person-centred counsellor offering practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Family Languages: English
View listingAnjanette Morton, LMHC
Ref 207471
Calm, practical support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMichael Witham, LPC
Ref 56161
Practical, person-focused counseling for daily struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingRev. Catherine Bogue, LCSW
Ref 168255
Compassionate guidance for life’s hard changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingCallie Roberts, LPC
Ref 261180
Calm practical support for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Anger Languages: English
View listingDianna Wheeler, LPC
Ref 354614
Practical support for healing and stronger coping skills
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingStacey Tenbrink, LMHC, LPC
Ref 326268
Compassionate, practical therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJohn Swearengin, LPC
Ref 93490
Practical support for stress, addiction, and mood
Works with: Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingMore about post-traumatic stress
Understanding post-traumatic stress and how it affects you
What post-traumatic stress looks like
Post-traumatic stress can follow a single life-threatening event, repeated exposure to stressful experiences, or ongoing situations that exceed your ability to cope. For some people it emerges after combat, natural disaster, serious accidents, interpersonal violence, or other events that felt overwhelming. You may notice that memories of the event return in ways that feel intrusive or that certain reminders bring a sudden rush of emotions or physical sensations. Your day-to-day routine might be affected by sleep problems, heightened startle responses, difficulty concentrating, or a persistent sense of being on guard.
How it can change how you relate to yourself and others
Beyond immediate symptoms, post-traumatic stress can alter how you see yourself and your relationships. You might find yourself avoiding places, people, or activities that bring up memories. It is common for people to report feeling detached from friends and family, or to experience a narrowing of interests as energy goes toward managing distress. These shifts are not signs of weakness; they are adaptive responses that can become entrenched over time. Therapy aims to help you understand these patterns, regain functions that matter to you, and develop tools to reduce the hold of traumatic memories on daily life.
Signs you might benefit from therapy for post-traumatic stress
When symptoms interfere with daily life
If your reactions to a traumatic event are causing ongoing disruption in your work, relationships, sleep, or emotional well-being, therapy can be a helpful step. You might notice frequent intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks that make it hard to stay focused. You may also find yourself avoiding conversations or situations that trigger distress, or feeling constantly tense and on edge. These experiences can wear on your resilience and make it harder to engage with activities you used to enjoy.
Emotional and behavioral signals to watch for
Emotional numbness, intense anger, persistent guilt, or a sense of foreshortened future are common signals that professional support could help. You might be using alcohol, drugs, or other coping strategies that offer short-term relief but leave you feeling worse over time. If you feel stuck in patterns of avoidance or hypervigilance, a therapist can work with you to develop strategies for managing symptoms and rebuilding a sense of agency. Seeking help is appropriate whether symptoms started recently or have been present for years.
What to expect in therapy sessions focused on post-traumatic stress
Initial conversations and goal-setting
Early sessions typically focus on getting to know you and your reasons for seeking support. You and the therapist will discuss the history of the stressful event or events, current symptoms, and short-term and long-term goals for therapy. Expect questions about how symptoms show up in your body, how they affect relationships and daily routines, and what you hope to change. This assessment period helps the therapist tailor an approach that aligns with your priorities and comfort level.
Therapeutic pacing and safety
Therapy for post-traumatic stress is often paced to match your readiness. You will work on skills to manage intense emotions and physical reactions before engaging with distressing memories if that is part of your plan. Sessions may involve practicing grounding techniques, breathing strategies, and ways to regulate arousal so that when difficult material comes up you have tools to remain present. Many therapists emphasize creating a predictable session structure and a comfortable environment to help you feel more at ease while addressing challenging material.
Common therapeutic approaches used for post-traumatic stress
Evidence-informed approaches and variations
A range of therapeutic approaches is commonly used to address post-traumatic stress, and therapists often combine elements to match each person's needs. Some therapists emphasize cognitive approaches that explore how trauma affects beliefs about safety, trust, and self-worth. Others focus on processing traumatic memories through exposure-based strategies that reduce the emotional intensity attached to reminders over time. Somatic-oriented approaches attend to body sensations and help you learn to track and regulate physiological responses that accompany traumatic memories.
How to interpret therapist descriptions
On their profiles you may see references to specific modalities. For example, some therapists list EMDR among their approaches, while others note narrative, cognitive-behavioral, or somatic methods. These listings indicate the approaches therapists draw on in practice, but they are not evidence of certification or a particular training pathway. When reviewing profiles, pay attention to how therapists describe their work with trauma, the populations they mention, and any specialized experience with types of trauma that feel relevant to you.
How online therapy works for post-traumatic stress and tips for choosing a therapist
What online therapy sessions feel like
Online therapy typically takes place through video or phone sessions that recreate many aspects of in-person work. You can choose a setting where you feel comfortable and able to speak openly, and you will meet with a therapist in scheduled sessions that follow a similar tempo to office visits. For trauma work, many people appreciate the ability to control their environment; being in a familiar location can help you feel more grounded when working with difficult material. Therapists often discuss how to manage emotional reactions between sessions and may suggest strategies for staying regulated after an intense meeting.
Choosing a therapist who fits your needs
When you explore listings, consider several factors that influence fit. Look for clinicians who mention post-traumatic stress or trauma-related work in their profiles and note the specific populations they describe, such as veterans, first responders, survivors of interpersonal violence, or people who experienced accidents. Review the approaches they list - for example, therapists who list EMDR among their approaches, those who reference cognitive-behavioral methods, and those who describe somatic or narrative work. Also pay attention to credentials, years of experience, languages spoken, and whether they mention working with memory-related symptoms, dissociation, or complex trauma. These elements help you gauge whether a therapist’s focus aligns with your needs.
Practical considerations for sessions and continuity of care
Think about session logistics that matter to you. Some therapists note that they offer video sessions only, while others mention phone or blended formats; these details affect how you plan sessions during busy days. Consider whether you prefer a therapist who emphasizes skills training and symptom management, or someone who focuses on processing memories and meaning-making. If you are working with other healthcare providers, you may want to find a therapist who is comfortable coordinating care within professional boundaries. Finally, trust your instincts about rapport - feeling understood and respected in the first few meetings is an important sign of potential fit.
Finding a pathway forward
Taking the next step
Choosing to look for a therapist is a meaningful step toward managing post-traumatic stress. You do not have to navigate symptoms alone, and finding a professional who describes trauma work and lists approaches that resonate with you can help you get started on a plan for relief. Use the profiles below to compare focus areas, approaches, credentials, languages, and experience. When you find therapists whose descriptions match your needs, reach out to learn more about their therapeutic style and how they work with trauma in sessions.
Ongoing care and personal agency
Therapy is a collaborative process that evolves over time. You will work with a therapist to set goals, evaluate progress, and adjust strategies as your needs change. Remember that recovery and symptom management look different for each person - progress may involve learning new coping tools, reducing the intensity of triggers, strengthening relationships, or reclaiming activities that matter to you. With thoughtful selection and continued engagement, therapy can be a pathway to greater stability and a renewed sense of control over your life.