Understanding PTSD

Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. While it’s a common human experience, the effects of trauma can be profound and long-lasting, sometimes leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying or life-threatening event. These events can include:

• Combat exposure: War, terrorism, or witnessing violence.
• Physical or sexual assault: Rape, childhood abuse, or domestic violence.
• Accidents: Serious car accidents, natural disasters, or near-death experiences.
• Sudden loss: Unexpected death of a loved one or witnessing a death.

If you’re struggling with PTSD, you’re not alone. Effective treatments are available to help you heal, manage your symptoms, and reach your goals.

Recognizing the Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD can manifest in various ways, and symptoms may not appear immediately after the traumatic event. Common symptoms include:

1. Re-experiencing the Trauma:

• Intrusive memories: Distressing and involuntary memories of the traumatic event that pop into your mind unexpectedly.
• Flashbacks: Vivid and intense experiences where you feel like you’re reliving the trauma.
• Nightmares: Disturbing dreams related to the traumatic event.
• Emotional distress: Intense psychological or physiological reactions when reminded of the trauma.

2. Avoidance:

• Avoiding thoughts and feelings: Trying to suppress thoughts, memories, or feelings related to the trauma.
• Avoiding external reminders: Staying away from places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma.

3. Negative Thoughts and Mood:

• Negative beliefs about yourself or the world: Feeling worthless, guilty, or blaming yourself for the trauma.
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions: Feeling numb, detached, or unable to experience joy or love.
• Distorted thoughts about the trauma: Believing that you’re in danger or that the world is unsafe.

4. Hyperarousal:

• Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on edge, scanning for threats, or being easily startled.
• Irritability or anger outbursts: Experiencing increased anger, frustration, or aggression.
• Difficulty sleeping: Insomnia, nightmares, or difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Concentration problems: Difficulty focusing, paying attention, or remembering things.

These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life, relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Evidence-Based Treatments for PTSD

Fortunately, effective treatments are available to help you heal from trauma and manage PTSD symptoms. I utilize the following evidence-based therapies, including:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors related to the trauma (Foa et al., 2007). It often involves:

• Psychoeducation: Learning about PTSD and its effects.
• Cognitive restructuring: Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs about the trauma and its impact.
• Exposure therapy: Gradually confronting trauma-related memories and situations in a safe and controlled environment. This can involve imaginal exposure (recalling the trauma in your mind) or in vivo exposure (confronting real-life situations that trigger anxiety).
• Stress management techniques: Developing coping skills to manage anxiety and emotional distress. This may include relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and healthy lifestyle habits.

2. Written Exposure Therapy (WET)

WET is a specific type of therapy that focuses on written narratives about the traumatic experience. It involves writing about the trauma in detail, helping you confront and process difficult memories, reduce their emotional intensity, and gain a sense of control over your narrative (Sloan & Marx, 2019).

3. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT is a comprehensive approach designed specifically for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. It incorporates elements of CBT and family therapy to address the unique needs of young people (Cohen, Mannarino, & Deblinger, 2017). It includes components such as:

• Psychoeducation: Teaching children and their caregivers about trauma and its effects.
• Stress management: Developing coping skills to manage anxiety, fear, and other emotional responses.
• Affect regulation: Learning to identify and regulate emotions.
• Cognitive coping: Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma.
• Trauma narrative: Creating a narrative of the traumatic experience to process and integrate the trauma.
• Parent-child sessions: Strengthening the parent-child relationship and improving communication.

4. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT focuses on identifying and modifying unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma. It helps you challenge these “stuck points” and develop a more balanced and adaptive understanding of the traumatic event (Resick et al., 2008). It typically involves:

• Identifying and challenging stuck points: Exploring how the trauma has impacted your beliefs about yourself, others, and the world.
• Writing about the trauma: Writing a detailed account of the traumatic event to help process and understand it.
• Challenging unhelpful thoughts: Identifying and modifying cognitive distortions that maintain PTSD symptoms.
• Developing coping strategies: Learning skills to manage anxiety, improve mood, and enhance daily functioning.

Benefits of Online Therapy for PTSD

Online therapy offers a convenient and accessible way to receive support for PTSD. It provides:

• Accessibility: Access treatment from the comfort and privacy of your own home, eliminating the need to travel to appointments.
• Convenience: Schedule sessions that fit your lifestyle, making it easier to integrate therapy into your routine.
• Control: Online therapy can provide a sense of control and safety, allowing you to process trauma at your own pace and in a comfortable environment.

Reclaiming Your Life After Trauma

Healing from PTSD is possible. With specialized online therapy, you can learn to manage PTSD symptoms, process your experiences, and work toward meeting your goals.

Why Online Therapy?

Online therapy offers several benefits:

Convenience: Access therapy from the comfort of your own home.
Flexibility: Schedule sessions that fit your busy lifestyle.
Accessibility: Reach a therapist regardless of your location in Oklahoma.
Privacy: Enjoy a greater sense of privacy and confidentiality.

Ready to Connect? If you’re curious about online therapy and how it might benefit you, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We can discuss your needs, explore whether we’re a good fit, and answer any questions you may have.

Derek Minor, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor

Licensed to provide online therapy in Oklahoma

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical or mental health advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.²

Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2017). Treating trauma and traumatic grief in children and adolescents (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford³ Press.

Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2007). Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD: Emotional processing of traumatic experiences:⁴ Therapist guide. New York: Oxford University Press.

Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2008). Cognitive processing therapy⁵ for PTSD: A comprehensive manual. New York: Guilford Press.

Sloan, D. M., & Marx, B. P. (2019). Written exposure therapy for PTSD: A treatment manual. New York: Guilford Press.