What Types of PTSD Therapy Are Available?
The most common form of PTSD therapy is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of this therapy is to help a person understand the source of the trauma and cope with it. It typically involves eight to twelve sessions, each lasting about 60 minutes. It has been shown to be effective in treating PTSD in people of all ages and different subtypes.
People with PTSD may find it helpful to write about their traumatic experiences. Writing about a traumatic event helps them examine it and try to find new ways to cope with it. Their therapists can also help them understand that sometimes they cannot control certain events and may have to accept them as a part of life.
The most effective PTSD therapy is a combination of different techniques. The first form is known as exposure therapy. This involves exposing the patient to traumatic memories in a gradual manner. The patient is encouraged to breathe deeply and identify their coping mechanisms. This form of therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety in sufferers.
Besides talking to a professional therapist, you can also try antidepressants. These drugs will help restore the balance of certain chemicals in the brain that control how you feel. Some of the best antidepressants for PTSD include Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and Effexor. However, you should note that these medicines are not ideal for all people with PTSD. They can have harmful side effects.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is another option for treating PTSD. This therapy focuses on the relationship between thoughts and behaviors. Using positive thinking techniques, patients can combat the negative thoughts that are associated with PTSD. Typically, cognitive behavioral therapy requires a twelve-week treatment course, with sessions lasting from 60 to 90 minutes. In addition, it is important that the patient be willing to commit to the program.
A person suffering from PTSD may be unable to face the painful memories of their experiences. However, they must understand that ignoring them will not solve the problem. In fact, the more they try to avoid the memories, the more likely they will manifest other symptoms. A therapist can help a person manage the symptoms of PTSD by prescribing the right medication and facilitating psychotherapy. During therapy, the person is able to explore the traumatic memories in a safe environment with a trained therapist. This enables the person to understand their feelings and accept them.
People with PTSD may experience physical symptoms. Their ability to trust others can also be affected. Survivors often describe feeling far apart from their loved ones, making communication and intimacy more difficult. The effects of PTSD can be the most severe for those who suffer from sexual assault. This condition can also be particularly difficult on survivors of war and major car accidents. It is important to remember that the symptoms of PTSD can be severe and life-threatening, but they can be treated.
In addition to traditional talk therapy, some patients may benefit from cognitive-based therapies. Cognitive-based therapies use challenging techniques to modify the patient’s thoughts and beliefs about the trauma. These techniques are effective for individuals who experience PTSD. They also help patients cope with common co-occurring disorders.