Help for people who are suffering trauma or PTSD

Do you need help to recover from trauma – emotional, psychological or sexual/physical trauma (which may have been with you for a very long time)? If so, I can help you. Please read further, to find out how I can help you, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and psychotherapy (talking therapy)..

Most people will go through some traumatic events in their lifetime. It can be hard to adjust and cope with the experience, but, as time passes and we take care of ourselves, it can improve. This is not the case with PTSD. Symptoms actually worsen over time and will last for months or years if not treated.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition and a type of anxiety disorder that is based on (and caused by) a past event or series of events. The person will have experienced or witnessed something very traumatic. When something traumatic occurs, the person will experience triggers in the present that place them back to the event. There are symptoms of flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety that incapacitate a person.

The symptoms are often so powerful that a person is unable to function effectively in the world any longer. This is why it is so essential that they seek out treatment. Sadly, many people with PTSD will self-medicate to numb the pain and emotional discomfort they feel. Research has found that there is a connection of suicidal behaviours and trauma. Getting treatment specifically for PTSD allows the victim to understand their feelings and work to cope with their experience

With the help of post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, it is possible for people to get back control of their lives. The main treatment that I offer is psychotherapy (also known as ‘talking therapy’) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I also use psychoeducation and the teaching of deep breathing techniques to cope with whatever anxiety arises.

By using these therapies, I can teach my client the necessary skills to address the symptoms they have. They also learn to think more positively about other people, the world, and themselves. They gain coping skills to manage any symptoms that may occur.

Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours; targets current problems and symptoms; and focuses on changing those patterns of behaviours, thoughts, and feelings that lead to difficulties in functioning. During this therapy, a person’s negative thoughts can be altered, leading to better behaviour and emotional regulation. CBT will target the problems in a client’s life, as well as the symptoms.

CBT is said to be the most effective treatment for PTSD. The emotional processing theory believes that how one associates with the world after a traumatic experience can be changed. Social cognitive theory is based on how someone experiencing trauma has beliefs about themselves, others and the world that make it challenging to overcome trauma.

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy has been found to be very effective when geared towards physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological trauma.

Causes of PTSD
There are many traumatic events that can lead to PTSD. The traumatic event often causes people to feel as though they are totally powerless and out of control. Due to the sheer terror of the traumatic situation, it can permanently change how a person physically and psychologically responds to any stress in their day to day life.

Examples of traumatic events include:

• The sudden death of a loved one.
• Rape.
• A plane or car crash.
• A violent assault.
• Sex or physical abuse from someone you know.
• Childhood neglect.
• Any natural disaster such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes.
• War times.
• Either yourself or someone you love being kidnapped.
• Terrorist attacks.

Post-traumatic stress disorder will usually develop about a month after the event occurred. The symptoms can last for years and cause outward problems in a person’s life. As the symptoms can be intense and have the potential to last for a long time, a person can lose everything, including family relationships, their work and social life.

Types of PTSD Symptoms
There are four types of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. They include:

• Intrusive memories.
• Avoidance.
• Negative feeling and thinking.
• Physical and emotional reactions when triggers occur.

The Most Common Symptoms of PTSD

Re-experiencing
This can involve: flashbacks, nightmares, constantly experiencing distressing images and stressful sensations. Physical sensations can occur like sweating, nausea and shaking.

Avoidance and Emotional Numbing
A person with PTSD may try to avoid reminders of the event. They may avoid people or places that remind them of what happened. They will have a hard time talking about their experience and try to push the memories out of their mind. This is why many people with PTSD will have co-occurring disorders where they become addicted to substances. Someone with PTSD may emotionally numb themselves by working on not feeling anything.

Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal is when someone will constantly feel the need to be on guard. They will feel on edge and unable to really relax. They can become easily startled and will experience symptoms that include:

• Violent outbursts.
• Challenges concentrating.
• Insomnia.
• Irritability.
• Negative Thoughts and Beliefs

Someone who has post-traumatic stress disorder will often adopt negative thoughts about life and the world around them. As they are unable to cope with their emotions but continue to get sucked back into their negative experience, they have little ability to experience any happiness. This becomes a downward spiral and suicidal thoughts can often occur. Substance abuse and PTSD are closely related also.

Mental Health Problems
Often, there will be co-occurring disorders that occur with PTSD. Depression and anxiety are very common. There may be phobias that occur as well, especially something that is related to the traumatic event.

Self-Harming
Some people may form disorders where they intentionally harm themselves. This can include self-destructive patterns like heavy drinking or drug abuse. Substance abuse can make things much worse for someone with post-traumatic stress disorder. They now have to deal with two disorders that occur alongside each other. Some might also purposely injure themselves or partake in risky sexual behaviour.

Please contact me if you would like my help in overcoming trauma or PTSD.

I am happy to have an initial discussion with you (free initial discussion limited to 30 minutes). Please call me now, either on my landline (01422 321412) or on my mobile (07913 979561).

Read a testimonial from a client suffering from trauma who I helped with CBT and Hypnotherapy