Trauma can have a powerful and long-lasting effect on a person's quality of life. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can arise when the effects of trauma don't go away. Fortunately, there are a variety of therapies available to help people with PTSD manage their symptoms and lead healthier lives. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common treatments for PTSD.
This type of therapy works by helping people with PTSD understand and change their thoughts and behaviors. CBT is based on a series of sessions in which a therapist will talk to the person with PTSD to help them identify and overcome their emotions. Exposure therapy is another commonly used treatment for PTSD. This type of therapy aims to help people with PTSD deal with their trauma-related memories in a controlled environment.
Exposure therapy is effective for those who frequently face traumatic memories or feel that their lives are never free of triggers. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is another common treatment for PTSD that is effective for many. EMDR therapy involves the therapist helping the patient to imagine a traumatic event while using different stimuli, such as eye movements or sounds. Meditation can also be an effective treatment for those who don't want to talk about their trauma or who want to try to control their PTSD on their own.
In fact, some research has shown that combining writing with other therapies can help shorten treatment time. For people with PTSD who also have problems with substance abuse, dual diagnostic treatment can be an effective way to address both problems. This type of treatment usually takes place over a period of approximately three months with individual weekly sessions, usually lasting between sixty and 120 minutes. When looking for a therapist, it's important to find one who will empower you and welcome you as a collaborator in your therapy, not try to impose control on you. It's also important to familiarize yourself with each of the different interventions available so you can determine which might be consistent with your practice and make informed decisions about your treatment. Currently, only the SSRIs sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) are approved by the FDA for the treatment of PTSD.
However, there are many other therapies available that can be effective in restoring function and reducing symptoms. In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to treating trauma. It's important to find the right therapy and therapist for you in order to get the best results.
