PTSD THERAPY
Empowering Change:
Your PTSD Recovery
The meaning we give the trauma we've faced is crucial to our healing process.
Effective therapy rewrites the meaning of trauma from one of victim to one of survivor.
Your trauma, though difficult, presents an opportunity for profound transformation.
At Authentic-Life Counseling, we're here to support you in discovering the strongest version of yourself.
How Do PTSD and Trauma Differ?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) results from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event in which one’s sense of safety was threatened, or perceived as threatened.
PTSD is diagnosed by a mental health professional when a specific cluster of symptoms are experienced such as flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, negative thinking, and negative emotions.
Trauma on the other hand does not have a formal diagnosis. Yet most people have experienced some level of trauma in their lives. The results of trauma to one’s well-being might show up as difficulty connecting with and trusting others, an inability to know what you want and need, not being able to ask for help, poor self-control, as well as anxiety and depression.
Can A Therapist Help With PTSD?
Therapists play a crucial role in alleviating symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) guiding individuals through safe and structured processing of traumatic events.
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Therapists help those grappling with PTSD cultivate more effective coping strategies, guiding them away from instinctive responses like Fight/Flight/Freeze.
Techniques include teaching self-soothing and improved self-care practices. Additionally, therapists play a pivotal role in identifying and replacing irrational thoughts or fears with realistic ones as a crucial aspect of treatment.
How Do You Know If You Had A Traumatic Experience?
Responses to traumatic experiences can vary greatly from person to person, but there are some common signs that it might be time to seek help from a therapist:
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Intense and prolonged feelings of fear and helplessness following the difficult event.
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Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the event.
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Avoidance of people, places, or activities that remind you of the event.
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Negative changes in thoughts or mood, such as persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, feelings of detachment or estrangement from others, or persistent negative emotional states.
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Increased reactivity, such as being easily startled, feeling on edge, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and angry outbursts. Changes in arousal, including intensified scanning with an expectation of something bad happening, are also common.
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It's important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD or experience these symptoms. However, if you're struggling with distressing symptoms after a challenging experience, seeking support from a mental health professional who can offer guidance and assistance may be helpful.