Michal Cohen, LCSW

After spending 13 years in the Army with 27 months in a combat zone, I thought I had been to hell and back. But when my career ended, is when the real terrors of combat began. This is my testimony of how I bounced back with the help of a great and dedicated therapist.

Day after day, I thought that I could fix myself on my own, but I realized I was getting nowhere, and things were getting worse. When I started to lose friends and battle buddies to suicide, the thought of it happening to me was terrifying. I knew I needed to seek professional help. This led me to find Michal Cohen. A great and dedicated therapist. Thanks to her unwavering support and guidance, I've emerged from the darkest depths of PTSD into the light of hope and healing.

As a soldier, I thought I was invincible. I faced combat, witnessed things no one should ever have to see, and carried the weight of those experiences long after leaving the battlefield. The transition to civilian life was anything but smooth. Nightmares haunted my sleep, flashbacks hijacked my thoughts, and the simplest of sounds triggered overwhelming panic. I was drowning in a sea of memories, struggling to stay afloat.

It was during one of my lowest points that I found my lifeline – my therapist. With empathy in her voice and compassion in her words, she offered me a safe harbor where I could finally confront the demons that had been tormenting me for so long. She listened without judgment as I poured out my heart, validating my pain and reassuring me that I wasn't alone in this battle.

Through a combination of therapy techniques tailored to my needs, Michal helped me unravel the tangled web of emotions that had ensnared me. Together, we explored the depths of my trauma, dissecting each memory until its grip on me began to loosen. She taught me coping strategies to manage my symptoms and breathing techniques to lessen my anxiety, empowering me to regain control over my life.

But the most profound aspect of my therapist's impact was her unwavering belief in my ability to heal. At times when I felt utterly defeated, she saw strength within me that I didn't know existed. With her guidance, I learned to cultivate resilience in the face of adversity, transforming my scars into badges of honor.

Today, I stand before you not as a broken soldier, but as a testament to the power of healing. While the journey to recovery was far from easy, Michal illuminated the path ahead, guiding me toward a brighter tomorrow. She didn't just treat an individual with PTSD. She restored my faith in myself and showed me that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.

To anyone out there struggling with PTSD, know that you are not alone, and there is help available. Take that first step towards healing, and trust in the guidance of a compassionate therapist who will walk beside you every step of the way. It may not be an easy road, but I can promise you this…it is a journey worth taking.

~ Privately Disclosed