PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. These events may include combat, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, serious accidents, abuse, or the sudden loss of a loved one.

PTSD is more than just fear or anxiety—it involves a lasting psychological response that disrupts a person’s ability to feel safe, process memories, and function normally in daily life.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms generally fall into four categories:

Intrusion (Re-experiencing)

         - Flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted thoughts of the             traumatic event

         - Feeling as though the trauma is happening again

Avoidance

         - Avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger             memories

         - Avoiding thoughts or conversations about the trauma

Negative Thoughts and Mood Changes

         - Persistent guilt, shame, or sadness

         - Feeling numb, hopeless, or detached from others

         - Loss of interest in activities

Hyperarousal and Reactivity

         - Irritability or angry outbursts

         - Being easily startled or constantly “on edge”

         - Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

To be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms must persist for more than one month and cause significant distress or impairment.

How PTSD Is Treated with a Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors use a variety of evidence-based therapies to help individuals safely process trauma, reduce symptoms, and reclaim control of their lives.

1. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

         - Helps clients identify and challenge negative beliefs caused by the trauma (e.g., “I’m not safe,” “It was my fault”).

         - Teaches coping skills to manage distress and regulate emotions.

         - Gradual exposure to trauma memories helps reduce fear.

2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

         - A structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements) to help the brain process and             heal from trauma.

         - Helps reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories without needing to talk about them in detail.

3. Prolonged Exposure Therapy

         - Helps individuals confront trauma-related thoughts, memories, and situations in a safe, controlled way.

         - Over time, this reduces fear and avoidance.

4. Narrative Therapy or Trauma Processing

         - Involves telling and reshaping the story of the traumatic experience.

         - Helps integrate the trauma into the person’s life story without being dominated by it.

5. Grounding and Mindfulness Techniques

         - Used to reduce dissociation and stay present during emotional distress.

         - Techniques include deep breathing, body awareness, and sensory grounding.

6. Psychoeducation

         - Counselors help clients understand how trauma affects the brain and body.

         - Reduces confusion, shame, and fear about symptoms.

7. Somatic Therapies

         - Focus on how trauma is stored in the body.

         - Techniques may include body scans, movement, breath-work, or somatic experiencing.

8. Group Therapy or Support Groups

         - Sharing experiences with others can reduce isolation and build a sense of connection and hope.

         - Often led by trauma-informed counselors.

Goals of PTSD Counseling

         - Help clients process and integrate traumatic experiences

         - Reduce symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hyper-vigilance

         - Rebuild a sense of safety, trust, and identity

         - Restore emotional and physical well-being

         - Support clients in living a full, meaningful life beyond trauma

PTSD is treatable, and healing is possible. A mental health counselor provides a safe and compassionate space for clients to reclaim their power and peace after trauma.