Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can be both a terrifying and isolating experience as fear becomes the dominant feeling. Thankfully, there is hope with the help of professional counselling and therapy you can overcome your fears and move forwards in life.
Counselling and Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was first coined following the Vietnam war as a way to describe the reactions experienced by some veterans on their return from the conflict.
Now, however, PTSD is widely used to describe the symptoms that can be experienced when someone either witnesses, or are involved in a stressful, terrifying or distressing event. It is used in its very literal sense to describe the stress that follows a significant trauma.
Symptoms of trauma can be apparent soon after the event, or in some cases these develop much later in life, even years afterwards. Post-traumatic stress disorder therapy and counselling aims to explore both the emotional and physical reactions to the event, and develop ways of helping you to process what has happened to you.
During therapy sessions, a personalised plan is developed in order for you to find new ways of coping with any reactions that you may have in order that the trauma moves from being a current problem to one which is a mere memory.
What are the Symptoms of PTSD?
No two people will ever react in the same way, even if they have witnessed or experienced the same terrifying or distressing event … we all process our experiences differently and uniquely and so our responses and reactions will be unique too. There are almost unlimited responses both emotionally and physically, when you are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The following are some of the most common experiences people suffering with PTSD have:
- Reliving the experience through nightmares and flashbacks
- Nightmares, that may be related to the event or seemingly completely unrelated
- Intense distress at any real or imagined memory or reminder of the trauma
- Disturbed sleep
- Intrusive thoughts and images
- Anger, irritability, outbursts and general aggressive behaviours
- Extreme alertness, constantly feeling “ready for anything”, being easily startled
- Or the opposite to this, feeling extremely detached and numb
- Avoiding things that remind you of the trauma, tying to keep busy to avoid it, repressing memories
- Using alcohol or drugs excessively
- Self-destructive behaviours
- Physical symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, pain, and headaches
- Depression and / or anxiety
- Have suicidal thoughts and feelings
- Withdrawal from work and social interactions
- Weight loss or gain
The most common reported symptom of PTSD, and probably the most distressing, includes re-experiencing the initial trauma, which can take the the form of flashbacks, nightmares, thoughts and physical sensations, leading to sweating and trembling.
Whichever form involuntarily reliving the traumatic event takes, it is often a period of high intensity which is vivid and closely mimics the initial physical and emotional responses felt when your trauma first took place.
These experiences can be intermixed with more general negative thoughts about the event, where you may internally question why your life has been affected so dramatically and if you could have done anything to avoid it.
Donna Marie Thomas
Hello, my name is Donna, I am a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and Registered Member of BACP based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
I have a passion for helping people to enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life via a person centred approach to therapy tailored to meet each individuals specific needs.
Get in touch to find out more or book an appointment with me today.
What Causes (PTSD)?
It’s crucial on the road to recovery to appreciate how PTSD was formed in the first place. By understanding the root causes, it’s far easier for a therapist to identify specific strategies that can be implemented in order to both heal the trauma and any underlying issues.
While not all people with post traumatic stress disorder have the same experience, the below are some of the most common:
- Combat exposure
- Physical or sexual assault
- Childhood trauma
- Emergency services personnel
- Survivors of industrial or road traffic accidents
- Natural disasters
- Medical trauma
Trauma symptoms are unique to each individual person and it’s important to remember that the debilitating effects of PTSD are not a sign of weakness. Living with post traumatic stress disorder is hard and can be like a lifelong battle, despite that, people can still recover from the wounds of their trauma and no longer come from a place of fear.
Counselling and Therapy Options
There are range of therapies which are specifically designed to help people suffering with PTSD heal from their trauma. The techniques used in therapy and counselling are designed to reduce the symptoms of PTSD. This approach enables you to process memories and emotions relating to the event that are stopping you from functioning in everyday life.
The following are the most common types of therapies:
- Trauma focused CBT
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Brief psychodynamic psychotherapy
- Prolonged exposure therapy
- Stress inoculation training
- Watchful waiting
It is very important to know that:
- Therapy and counselling will never rush you
- You will explore the trauma in your own time
- You will work at a speed that is comfortable for you
- Counselling will not seek to re-traumatise you
- Therapy will ensure you are not left with feelings that you do not know how to manage or cope with
Benefits of PTSD Counselling and Therapy
Talking about trauma in therapy can be an incredibly healing process for any individual suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. It does not only all you to confront your fears, but also enables you to process it in healthy ways, and live life without being dictated by your emotions.
Here are some of the key benefits of psychotherapy for treating PTSD symptoms:
- Reduce fear and avoidance
- Improve coping skills
- Rebuilding trust and connection
- Challenge problematic beliefs
- Offer validation for your experience
- Emotional regulation and symptom management
- Promoting self-compassion and resilience
- Enhancing your quality of life
How Innerworth Counselling Can Help
Counselling and therapy provides you with a safe, soothing and confidential space where you can begin to discuss and understand fully the traumatic experiences you have gone through. It is also a space where you can begin to explore both the physical and emotional reactions that the trauma may be causing you and how it impacts upon your daily living.
If you believe you are suffering from PTSD, counselling and therapy can provide practical help and strategies for managing symptoms such as flashbacks, panic attacks and nightmares and provide you with the tools to manage these reactions and take control of your life.
Take the First Step Now
I offer private therapy, and take a person-centred approach, meaning that I’m non-judgemental, see clients as equals, and collaborate on your healing journey together.
If you feel you could benefit from therapy, please book an initial consultation. You don’t have to prepare for this, just come as you are and we can look into how I might be able to help.
Additional Information
Here are some links that you may find helpful:
Samaritans
The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it’s best to call them on: 116 123.
www.samaritans.org
Shout
This is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope, simply text ‘shout’ to 85258.
www.giveusashout.org
Mind
The team at Mind provide information on a range of mental health problems.
www.mind.org.uk
Contact me today to book a confidential consulation
What My Clients Say
Jason Osborne
I shall be forever bewildered by the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. I had always remained sceptical until my very last session, then the “weight” that suddenly lifted was both physical and emotional and continues to benefit both myself and those around me three years on – thank you Donna.
Jason Osborne
Abigail Johnson
I’ve finally found a solution to my dependency on food. Your weight-loss therapy sessions have seriously transformed my life. Honestly, I could cry, I am so happy and feel like a totally new person, inside and out! Truly amazing Donna.
Abigail Johnson
Charlotte Dickinson
I went to see Donna because my anxiety and depression had spiralled out of control. I now have skills and techniques that I can use for the rest of my life to help me cope with any challenges. Thoroughly recommend psychotherapy from Innerworth Counselling. Donna is warm, professional and clearly passionate about what she does.