Trauma therapy is highly effective in helping individuals with PTSD to live full and happy lives.
Description: Trauma can cause a number of symptoms and conditions if left-untreated. The trauma-informed therapists at CT Addiction Medicine use a number of approaches for trauma and PTSD treatment.
Clients often arrive at CT Addiction Medicine without even realizing the full scope trauma has had, and continues to have, on their lives. When an individual experiences a terrible event such as abuse, violence, or bullying, or has lived through military service or a natural disaster, the psyche creates layers of protection and consequently buries emotions related to such experiences. The common thread in most traumas is a sense of betrayal of the patient’s previous belief systems, causing the patient to become insecure, angry, and anxious. When such experiences are not dealt with, the patient begins to exhibit a number of symptoms, up to and including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Our clinical experts work closely with each patient to identify the type of treatment that will prove most effective for an individual’s history and circumstances.
If you have experienced trauma, see how we can help you enjoy life again.
Symptoms for PTSD Treatment
Every individual responds to trauma differently and some symptoms may not be immediately evident but instead emerge over time. Even when it initially appears that a patient is coping well, there are tell-tale signs that further PTSD treatment is needed. Some patients will relive a traumatic event over and over again, sometimes in so much detail that the memories are almost as real as the initial occurrence. These people may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep and may even avoid sleeping altogether for fear of experiencing realistic nightmares. They may become easily agitated and on edge, living in fear of a recurrence long after the actual threat has passed. The patient may even blame themselves and turn to self-harm or substance abuse in order to punish themselves and/or mask the pain they feel. This combination of overwhelming stress and a lack of self-care can often lead to physical illnesses as well, such as headaches, memory loss, and chronic pain. Social connections are disrupted as the patient withdraws from hobbies and activities, further isolating them at a time when they most need support.
Treatment Modalities For Trauma-Focused Therapy
Like all forms of therapy, trauma treatment provides a safe space to work through the issues without being judged or ridiculed. In PTSD treatment, the therapist must specifically consider the symptoms through the lens of the trauma itself. Individual responses to different treatment modalities vary widely based on the patient’s experiences, psychosocial development, and the specific type of trauma, but there are several common trauma therapy approaches that are most widely used:
- Anger Management: handling feelings of rage is important in gaining control of one’s life
- Anxiety Management: stress management and emotional regulation techniques are taught to help patients maintain a realistic view of their current situation instead of letting their negative thoughts take over
- CBT: helps patients unlearn negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones
- EMDR
- DBT: helps with impulse control and emotional dysregulation
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Support groups for specific coexisting conditions such as eating disorders, substance abuse, grief support, etc.
How to Know If A Therapist is Qualified for Trauma-Informed Therapy and PTSD Treatment
Patients must put their trust not merely in the process, but in their selected clinician, so it is important to choose practitioners who are qualified to provide the selected therapies, and that they are educated and informed on how best to apply these techniques to put you or your loved one on the path to a healthy mind. A qualified trauma treatment professional is one who has specifically studied trauma and a wide variety of treatment modalities so that they are ready and able to shift gears if needed for the success of the individual patient. Remarkable strides have been made in patients participating in trauma-focused therapy, but success requires active participation in the process by the patient and a commitment to follow the advice of their chosen clinician. Don’t be afraid to ask any potential providers about their education, experience, and preferred approaches to PTSD treatment.
Contact CT Addiction Medicine today to discover your unique Way To Recovery.
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