PTSD and Trauma-Related Disorders
After a traumatic event, most people will have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but the symptoms usually resolve on their own with time, support, and good self-care. If the symptoms persist or get worse, you may have PTSD. Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments for PTSD, including Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure, that can reduce symptoms and improve your day to day functioning.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the few psychological disorders that has an identifiable cause – a traumatic or life threatening event. Although not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will go on to develop PTSD, those who do often experience repeated unwanted thoughts, memories, or images of the event; avoidance of memories, places, or conversations of the event; memory or mood-related changes; and hyperarousal (e.g., irritability, easily startled, sleep difficulties).
Wanting or trying to avoid situations, thoughts, and emotions that remind you of upsetting traumatic events is only natural. We often help loved ones feel better by doing things for them to reduce their discomfort after a major stressor. However, avoidance can quickly lead to more fear and keep you stuck. Trauma focused CBT, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE), can help you face your fears in a safe, supportive, and therapeutic way so that you can regain control and freedom in your life.