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
Pietro (Pete) Martucci, LPCC
Ref 37848
Calm guidance for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAngela Neary, BACP
Ref 109659
Experienced person-centred counsellor with practical support
Works with: Addictions, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingRoseanne Jackson, LCSW, LCSW-R
Ref 54688
Compassionate, practical help for big life stressors
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingApril Lacey, LCPC
Ref 94106
Helping people find steady change and clearer paths
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingSiyue Zhang, AASW
Ref 243585
Calm, practical therapy focused on real-life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Mandarin
View listingTiffany Whittington, LMFT
Ref 243569
Compassionate therapist offering practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMary Smith Tyler, LCSW, CSW
Ref 170206
Supportive Georgia licensed social worker
Works with: Relationship, Family, Parenting Languages: English
View listingRose Walsh, LPC
Ref 325810
Practical, empathetic support for emotional recovery
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAnastasia Seale, BACP
Ref 173105
Compassionate integrative counsellor for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Russian
View listingJennifer Hughes, NCPS
Ref 187476
Warm, practical therapy for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMalak Alsaidi, LCSW
Ref 203999
Supportive New York LCSW focused on healing
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingYumi Lemaster, LCSW
Ref 2633
Skilled, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingSorinthia Varnell, LPC
Ref 314722
Practical support for life changes and identity
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Grief Languages: English
View listingSydney Fisher, LPC
Ref 187550
Compassionate counselor guiding practical growth
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief Languages: English
View listingJonathan Wilkes, BACP
Ref 123145
Calm listening with practical skills
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Grief Languages: English
View listingTeshane Wilson, LCSW
Ref 307908
Support for stress anxiety and family concerns
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJonetta Wakely, LPC
Ref 124539
Practical, listening-focused counseling for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingCynthia Rumford-Jones, LCSW
Ref 101833
Calm practical therapist focused on progress
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Anger, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingWendy Mayfield, BACP
Ref 100144
Practical, steady support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingChris Sergeant, BACP
Ref 104855
Practical support for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingBrittany Elledge, LPCC, LMHC
Ref 11729
Practical, client-centered support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingWendi Makus, LPC
Ref 48129
Practical therapy for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingEmma Skoglund, LCSW
Ref 342061
Evidence-based guidance for relationships and trauma
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingLiisa Hiltunen, PACFA
Ref 317033
Calm practical therapy with coaching focus
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingBrandi Kelly, LA Psychologist
Ref 201932
Experienced Louisiana psychologist focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Depression Languages: English
View listingDominique Johnson, LMFT
Ref 318490
Restoring connection and healthier relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingDebbie Griffin, NCPS
Ref 183398
Calm guidance for stress and life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingShannon Mott, LCSW
Ref 108724
Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJessica Sullivan, BACP
Ref 94142
Compassionate counsellor focused on practical change
Works with: Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJames Hagins, LPC
Ref 233524
Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions
Works with: Grief, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingShawn Alyea, LPC
Ref 14872
Compassionate counselor guiding practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingJennifer Blaney-Sutton, BACP
Ref 225637
Collaborative psychotherapist for adult challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression Languages: English
View listingKeith Evans, LPC
Ref 312237
Faith-informed counselor focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingCory Nelson, LPC
Ref 77586
A steady, practical counselor focused on goals
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingDarwin Allen, LCPC
Ref 125869
Direct, practical counseling for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDr. Cassandra April, LCPC
Ref 44666
Compassionate, practical therapy for life's hard moments
Works with: Family, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingAnnie Taylor, NCPS
Ref 153305
Experienced client-centred counsellor
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingLisa McCormack, BACP
Ref 256148
Practical, compassionate therapy for anxiety and life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingEthel-Caroline Miman, AASW
Ref 259803
Gentle, practical therapy for life’s big challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingAnna Gilmore, BACP
Ref 109642
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Grief, Eating Languages: English
View listingKeith Chilton, LMFT
Ref 106189
Experienced marriage and family therapist
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMarilee Frazier, LPC
Ref 257654
Compassionate counselor for adults seeking practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJennifer Mcpherson (Norman), BACP
Ref 161239
Experienced relationship and trauma counsellor
Works with: Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDawn Redwood, NCPS
Ref 137085
Client-centred counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, ADHD Languages: English
View listingLouis Blea, LPC
Ref 277410
Practical, strengths-focused counseling for common struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDale Thompson, LCSW, CSW
Ref 341301
Practical, experienced help for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingKatherine Afuola, LMHC
Ref 188375
Therapist focused on mood, trauma, and purpose
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDarla McAdams, LPC
Ref 58935
Practical, person-focused counseling in Missouri
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT 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.