How Does PTSD Counselling Work?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. The event is not prescriptive and can be wide-ranging, depending on personal circumstances. PTSD counselling is a type of therapy that can help people with PTSD manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. In this blog post, we'll explore how PTSD counselling works.
Understanding the root cause
PTSD counselling typically begins with an assessment of the person's symptoms and their history. Sami, will ask questions to understand the root cause of the trauma and how it has impacted the person's life. This will help Sami tailor the treatment plan to the person's specific needs.
Education about PTSD
PTSD counselling involves psychoeducational about PTSD and its symptoms. All this means is that by understanding how their condition affects their thoughts, feelings and, inturn, behaviours, we can reduce the feelings of shame or guilt. Education about PTSD can also help people learn coping skills and understand what to expect during the treatment process.
Identifying triggers
Sami will work with patients to identify triggers that may cause them to re-experience the traumatic event. Triggers can be specific situations, people, or even certain smells or sounds. By identifying triggers, people can learn to expose themselves to small incremental amounts of the triggers to normalise responses and develop strategies to cope with them.
Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy is a common technique used in PTSD counselling. This involves gradually exposing clients to the situations or triggers that cause them anxiety. Exposure therapy aims to help people desensitize to these triggers and reduce their anxiety over time.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of talk therapy that can be effective in treating PTSD. CBT helps patients identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to the traumatic event. Sami will work with the person to develop new, more positive ways of thinking and coping with the trauma.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a relatively new therapy that has been found to be effective in treating PTSD. It involves having patients recall the traumatic event while tracking a moving light or sound. This is thought to help the brain process the trauma in a healthier way.
PTSD counselling is a process that involves a variety of techniques and therapies tailored to the person's specific needs. By working with Sami, people can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, consider making a booking with Sami to take the first step.
