PTSD Treatment Therapy

Understanding PTSD

We usually want to put our negative experiences behind us. We try to go on with our work, taking care of things at home, and doing things we enjoy, but sometimes the memories haunt us. Loud noises can cause you to go into a state of shock, flashbacks can occur at random times of the day, or nightmares can manifest when you try to get restful sleep.

Oftentimes, the effects of trauma can be insidious. After experiencing a traumatic event you may begin to notice feelings of shame, anger, or low self-esteem creeping in. Your relationships may deteriorate and a small disagreement may trigger feelings of anxiety and fear.

The counselors at the Trauma Therapy Center understand PTSD. Trauma therapy provides a structured way to process and heal your trauma symptoms and regain your self-esteem. 

Trauma therapy empowers you to maintain agency and gratitude throughout life and provides you with the coping skills you need to prevent future harm and re-traumatization.

What Are the PTSD Causes and Risk Factors?

PTSD can be caused by experiencing a disturbing or distressful event. Often, when people hear of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) they think of military trauma or a natural disaster. While these experiences can lead to PTSD symptoms, there is a wide range of events that can cause PTSD. 

Some causes of PTSD include:

• Threatened or actual physical assault
• Threatened or actual sexual violence
• Kidnapping
• Childhood abuse
• Terrorist attack
• Car accidents
• Life-threatening illness
• Observing threatened or serious injury
• Domestic violence
• Learning about traumatic events of close people

These are just some examples of situations that can lead to PTSD symptoms. Any event that is perceived as traumatic or distressful can lead to similar symptoms.

Living With PTSD

It is estimated that up to 8% of the population will experience PTSD symptoms at some time in their life. People who have been in the military, have experienced sexual violence, or have been through multiple traumatic events are at a higher risk of experiencing PTSD. 

Impacts of PTSD on your daily life include:

• Feeling intense and overwhelming emotions such as anxiety, anger, and shame
• Intrusive thoughts such as flashbacks or nightmares
• Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event
• Hypervigilance, irritability, or difficulty concentrating
• Relationship issues
• Issues with work and productivity
• Physical health problems, such as gastrointestinal issues, headaches, or fatigue

Trauma can have wide-reaching negative impacts on your life. However, with the right professional support you can learn coping skills and move forward with your life without the negative impacts of trauma.  

Treatment Options

Importance of Seeking Professional Help

Dealing with trauma alone can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. Left untreated, symptoms will begin to worsen and can lead to major depressive disorder as well as physical health issues. 

At the Trauma Therapy Center, you are guaranteed access to evidenced-based treatments with supportive counselors who will support and guide you every step of the way. 

Your therapist may diagnose PTSD using different methods including:

• Diagostic and Statistical Manual (DMS-5)
• Standardized assessment tools
• Interview about your symptoms 

Your therapist will discuss PTSD symptoms with you and possible therapy options. It is important to see a licensed mental health professional to receive an appropriate diagnosis.

Different Therapy Approaches

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first line of treatment for PTSD. 

Other popular and effective evidence-based interventions for PTSD include:

• Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT): Albert Ellis developed REBT as an action-oriented type of CBT. REBT helps the individual develop a new way of thinking based on disputing irrational beliefs.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR involves eye movements or other bilateral stimulation which helps desensitize the emotional impacts of trauma. 
• Narrative exposure therapy (NET): NET helps individuals create a coherent narrative of a traumatic event. 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT teaches you skills to change negative thoughts and deal with stressful situations.
• Prolonged exposure (PE): PE involves slowly and gradually confronting the traumatic experience in a safe environment to prevent avoidance that can cause PTSD symptoms.
• Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): CPT assists you with challenging and changing negative beliefs about yourself, others, and the world.
• Somatic therapy: This type of therapy focuses on the connection between the body and emotions to release stored emotions in the body.

You can choose a type of therapy based on your needs and personal preferences. Your therapist can give you more information about each type of therapy to help you choose. 

The Role of Oral Medication on PTSD

Treatment of PTSD often includes both oral medication along with psychotherapy. Oral medication can help manage the symptoms, but they do not treat the root cause of PTSD. Medication is a great way to help you get to a place where you can begin processing your trauma and healing.

Types of medications used for treating PTSD include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that work on serotonin levels. They can help with feelings of depression and negative thoughts related to trauma. Some examples of SSRIs are Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), and Lexapro (escitalopram).
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs but they also work on norepinephrine, as well as serotonin. Some examples of SNRIs are Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine).
• Prazosin: This medication was intended to treat high blood pressure but has been found to reduce nightmares associated with PTSD. Prazosin is also known by its brand name: Minipress. 
• Beta blockers: Beta blockers are used in extreme cases to deal with the physical effects of PTSD such as a racing heart or shaking. Some examples of beta blockers include Inderal (propranolol) and Tenormin (atenolol).

It is important to remember that medication can complement therapy. Ask your psychiatrist or medical provider about the effects and symptoms of any medication you take.

What Is SGB Treatment for PTSD?

Stellate Ganglion Block, or SGB, is a procedure that involves an injection of a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion. The injection inhibits nerve impulses sent to the brain and reduces the fight or flight response. 

SGB is only used when all other treatment forms have been exhausted. It acts as a “reset” to the sympathetic nervous system.

SGB has shown positive results but is still a relatively new procedure with risks including hoarseness, a droopy eyelid, and changes in facial appearance due to muscle relaxation.

How Effective Are PTSD Treatments?

According to a Review of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions, up to 82.4% of participants treated with CBT lost their PTSD diagnosis. According to the study, researchers recommend PE, CPT, and trauma-focused CBT for the treatment of PTSD.

Can PTSD Come Back After Treatment? 

PTSD is a complex disorder. Normally symptoms of PTSD greatly improve or completely discontinue with treatment. However, it is possible in some cases for symptoms to come back after remission. 

Some factors that can contribute to PTSD symptoms resurfacing include:

• Triggers: Exposure to triggers that remind you of the traumatic event can reactivate PTSD symptoms.
• Stress: Stressful life situations can temporarily cause PTSD symptoms to resurface. 
• Discontinuing treatment: Sometimes people stop therapy when their symptoms go away. However, with PTSD long-term coping skills and maintenance are needed.

It’s important to maintain healthy habits to maintain PTSD remission. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and getting some physical exercise daily.

Our goal at the Trauma Therapy Center is to reduce your PTSD symptoms and empower you with the tools and thinking styles to prevent traumatization from future stressful or distressing experiences. 

How Long Does PTSD Treatment Last?

The duration of PTSD treatment depends on your personal experiences, your therapist’s assessment, and the treatment plan you devise with your counselor. 

Several factors that determine the length of treatment include:

• Severity of your symptoms
• Response to treatment
• Support system

Although the duration of treatment is your choice, Liz Chelak, MSW, CCTSI, CRPS recommends a minimum of 6 months to complete the somatic regulation, processing, and integration steps of trauma therapy. 

Finding a Therapist

Getting PTSD treatment means finding the right therapist for you.

Some ways you can find a therapist include:

• Asking for a referral: You can ask your medical provider for a referral to a therapist they recommend.
• Friends or family: If your loved ones found a therapist they like you can try working with that person.
• Preferences: It is important to decide what you are looking for in a therapist. Things that may be important to you can include the therapist’s specialty, education, experience, location, and even gender. 

Consider things that are important to you such as specific qualities of the counselor, location, and in-person or virtual therapy options. 

Qualities to Look for in a Therapist

Finding the right therapist is a crucial part of your healing. According to renowned psychiatrist Irvin Yalom, “it’s the relationship that heals” over any specific intervention.

Important qualities to look for in a therapist include:

• Empathy: An empathetic therapist will listen nonjudgmentally and validate your experiences. 
• Trustworthiness: Your therapist should value your confidentiality, respect professional boundaries, and maintain consistency.
• Cultural competence: A culturally competent therapist will be able to recognize the differences in different cultures and backgrounds.
• Communication skills: A therapist should be able to effectively communicate therapeutic concepts and be open to client feedback. 
• Authenticity: An effective therapist should be genuine and authentic in all interactions in their lives to effectively teach their clients to accept and express themselves.

Make sure to invest in a therapist whom you can trust and feel comfortable with. Prioritize a counselor who has the education and credentials to provide the right level of support while being open and flexible to work with your individual needs and preferences.

Finding a Therapist Specializing in EMDR

EMDR therapy is an effective trauma therapy for PTSD. EMDR therapists participate in post-graduate EMDR training and consultation. You can find an EMDR therapist at the Trauma Therapy Center in West Palm Beach or virtually, or search online on the EMDRIA website. 

How Much Does PTSD Treatment Cost?

The cost of PTSD treatment at the Trauma Therapy Center is $250 for a one-hour session. 

In addressing the multifaceted nature of PTSD, personalized treatments like CBT and EMDR offer promising avenues. Effective therapy, coupled with maintaining healthy habits and recognizing triggers, is crucial for positive outcomes. If you’re seeking tailored PTSD treatment in West Palm Beach, take the first step toward healing by booking a therapy appointment with us today.