Doctor Kantor as Associates
Associated Specialists in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

3949 Evans Ave #203
Fort Myers, Florida

(239) 936-3202

Dr. Jerry S. Kantor, M.D. Rose Thorn, Psy.D. David Peer, L.C.S.W., B.C.D. Dr. Jitka Vasek, M.D.

Our Fort Myers office serves clients across SW Florida and extends services to patients outside the area, offering both in-person consultations and telehealth options.

Please click on the condition or disorder below for more information:
Anxiety Bipolar Disorder Depression Eating Disorders Grief Counseling Managing Stress
Marriage and Couples Counseling Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Panic Attacks Post Traumatic Stress
Phobias Seasonal Affective Disorder Sexual Trauma Teenager and Family Issues Women's Issues

Fort Myers PTSD Therapy

Healing from PTSD: Hope and Support for Trauma Survivors

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can deeply impact your life, whether you've experienced a terrifying event firsthand or witnessed it. Symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts can make it feel like the trauma is ever-present. But healing is possible, and you don't have to navigate this journey alone.

Many trauma survivors may feel broken or believe that PTSD is untreatable, but this is far from the truth. In reality, most people who seek treatment for PTSD are able to recover and lead fulfilling lives. This includes survivors of war, childhood abuse, sexual trauma, and other devastating experiences. Our team of compassionate psychiatrists and psychotherapists is here to help you take the first steps toward recovery with evidence-based, trauma-focused care.

Effective Therapies for PTSD

Trauma-focused psychotherapies are the gold standard for treating PTSD. These therapies have been proven effective, with most individuals seeing significant improvement after just 10-12 weeks. We offer several treatment options, including:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

Talking about trauma can feel overwhelming, but working through it with a skilled therapist can help you process your experience, reduce emotional reactivity, and regain control of your life. Psychotherapy doesn't just improve how you feel–it has been shown to change the brain, restoring areas that have been impacted by trauma.

Medication and Self-Help Tools

While therapy is the cornerstone of PTSD treatment, certain medications can also be helpful. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs are often prescribed to manage symptoms like anxiety and depression. Additionally, prazosin may be used to reduce nightmares and improve sleep quality. However, some medications, like benzodiazepines and stimulants, can make PTSD worse and are generally avoided.

Combining therapy with medication can provide more comprehensive relief for many people, but in PTSD, psychotherapy remains the primary mode of treatment. Medications can support the process, but they are not typically enough on their own.

There are also self-help tools available to help you manage symptoms between sessions. The PTSD Coach app, developed by the National Center for PTSD, offers practical support for managing anxiety, stress, and other challenges. It provides relaxation techniques, problem-solving strategies, and tools for changing negative thought patterns.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

You don't have to live in the shadow of trauma. Recovery from PTSD is possible, and with the right support, you can reclaim your life. Our team is here to walk with you every step of the way, offering personalized care and proven therapeutic approaches. Whether you are just beginning to seek help or have been struggling with PTSD for years, we are here to help you heal.

Reach out today to start your journey toward recovery and find hope in the healing process.

Additional Resources:

  Home | Jerry S. Kantor | Rose Thorn, Psy.D. | Pamela Lee, MSW | Jitka Vasek, M.D. | Anxiety | Biopolar Disorder | Depression
Eating Disorders | Grief Counseling | Managing Stress | Marriage & Couples Counseling | Obsessive Compulsive Disorder | Panic Attacks
Post Traumatic Stress | Phobias | Seasonal Affective Disorder | Sexual Trauma | Teenager & Family Issues | Women's Issues