PTSD & Trauma Disorders
Understanding and treating post traumatic stress disorders.
Treating PTSD
Most of the treatments used to treat PTSD are condition-specific psychotherapies administered over a short-term period. Everyone’s experiences are different; therefore, a one size fits all approach to PTSD is not our approach. When one begins the road to recovery, it may be necessary to explore a combination of therapies to find what works best for the individual. Regardless of the path, it is essential to choose healthcare professionals who have experience with PTSD.
When it comes to treating and managing PTSD, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. SeeingU physicians specialize in treating PTSD through exploring combinations of psychotherapies to find what works best for the individual.
8 MILLION+ AMERICANS AGED 18+ HAVE PTSD
- More than 8 million Americans between the age of 18 and older have PTSD.
- 3.6% of the US Adult population experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the past year.* (National Institute of Mental Health)
- 67% of people exposed to mass violence have been shown to develop PTSD, a higher rate than those exposed to natural disasters or other types of traumatic events.
- People who have experienced previous traumatic events run a higher risk of developing PTSD.
- PTSD can also affect children and members of the military.
Statistics Provided by the ADAA – https://adaa.org
PTSD Treatment Options
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
CBT is in the family of psychotherapies and has consistently been one of the most effective treatments for PTSD. The traumatic events which lead to PTSD are at the center of CBT treatment. Trauma-focused therapies are designed to identify, understand, and alter thinking and behavioral patterns. This methodology is designed to give the patient skills needed to practice healthy rehabilitation methods outside of therapy sessions, so short-term and long-term success is achievable.The Main Components of CBT
Different CBT treatment plans utilize a diverse mix of the primary components to maximize the benefits based on the individual’s particular needs.Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy gradually introduces the triggers and events that caused the onset of PTSD. A combination of imagery, video, writing, and, if available, Virtual Reality helps the person face their issues head-on while also learning valuable coping skills that can be practice in real-time with the therapy.Cognitive Restructuring
A necessary companion modality to exposure therapy, Cognitive Restructuring helps the person make sense of the memories that cause PTSD episodes. It is common for people to remember events differently than the actual occurrence, and this is ok since the mind is all about self-preservation. The goal with CR is to form a realistic perspective of the traumatic event, so the rational mind reclaims the power.
Other companion therapies
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
- Group Therapy & Peer Support Groups
- Art Therapy
- Adjunct medications shown to improve effectiveness of therapies (such as antidepressants)
If you or a loved one is suffering from PTSD, SeeingU will always provide a highly credentialed healthcare professional, skilled in treating PTSD, so you can be your best self.
