According to Psychiatry.org, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) “is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or serious injury.” Although there can be long-term side effects from an event such as those mentioned above, not everyone will need the services of a trauma counselor.
Types of Therapy for PTSD
Some victims suffering with PTSD find that support groups and/or sharing their feelings and experience with others is helpful. They are able to process their trauma to a degree that their PTSD symptoms subside or disappear all together. For some, however, the side effects are too severe to manage individually and require crisis and trauma counseling.
There are several types of PTSD therapy that your counselor may employ. The ones we are discussing today provide a brief overview. Keep in mind that the clinicians who utilize any of the following treatments with their clients have gone through extensive training and education to become proficient and qualified to render these treatments.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – Targeting the problem and honing in on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that are responsible for difficulty with daily functioning
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) – Creating a new perspective on the trauma which decreases the negative effects
- Prolonged exposure – Gradually facing the trauma and understanding the memories are not a threat
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) – Combining visual stimulation with memories which reduces the effects of the trauma.
- Medication – Sometimes a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the most effective treatment. Your medical professionals can determine what is best.
Compassionate and Effective Trauma Counselors at Garrett Counseling
Garrett Counseling has three convenient locations each with at least one experienced trauma counselor to serve the needs of Alabama clients. We also offer online video appointments to accommodate any schedule. To make an appointment, you can send a request here, or call (256) 239-5662. Call us today and see how Garrett can help you!