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Types of Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Oct 29, 2021 | PTSD, Trauma, Uncategorized

counseling PTSD

Trauma occurs in countless ways. A military veteran, victim of an abusive relationship, unexpected loss of a loved one, victim of sexual assault or abuse are only a handful of scenarios where an individual has been traumatized. Everyone’s trauma experience is not the same. For that reason, PTSD counseling services include multiple types of therapy for PTSD.

types of therapy for ptsd

Four Common Types of Therapy

As mentioned, there are many types of therapy for PTSD. Today we are going to look at four different approaches.

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Using a combination of talking about the event and writing about the event to help with processing what happened and how you deal with it.
  2. Prolonged Exposure – This approach focuses on what you have been avoiding about the traumatic event. Through various methodical techniques, the therapist will help you face these unpleasant details and learn how to control your anxious thoughts about them.
  3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) – While you think about the event, your therapist will guide you through other stimuli. These are likely related to your trauma. Perhaps making a sound, flashing a light, or moving their hands rapidly. The goal is to first to desensitize the trauma. Next they hope to teach you to reroute your thoughts to something positive. Surprisingly to many, this can be done even while the traumatic event is in the background of your mind.
  4. Medication – Sometimes medication used in combination with therapy is the most effective method to treat PTSD. Be sure to speak to your doctor about your symptoms and see if medication is the right choice for you.

No matter which therapy type your counselor deems best for you, the goal for all approaches is the ultimately the same. Your counselor wants to help lessen your symptoms and give you the tools to manage them when they occur.

PTSD Counseling Services at Garrett

To learn more about PTSD counseling services, contact us today. You can reach us by clicking this link or calling (256) 239-5662. We offer services online or at any of our three convenient locations in Huntsville, Jacksonville, and Albertville / Boaz.