Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs after someone has witnessed or experienced an event that caused them some sort of trauma, be it physical, mental, or emotional. This mental health disorder usually requires professional treatment in order for the person to begin to heal.
Dr. Cassidy Blair of Blair Wellness Group offers therapies for PTSD in the Beverly Hills area. Her expertise has helped hundreds get the help they need so that they can lead their best life possible. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the therapies available to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Get in touch with us today.
THERAPIES FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
According to the The American Psychological Association, the most effective therapies for those suffering from PTSD include:
- Prolonged exposure therapy (PE)
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
These therapies fall under cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT), which is a type of talk therapy. CBT is a widely-practiced therapy that many psychologists employ that helps to change behavior as well as the way people view things in their life. This therapy offers many coping strategies that people can employ in their personal life. It is used to help treat all types of conditions, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, marital problems, and PTSD. Let’s take a look at the four types of CBT therapies above.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Designed to treat PTSD, this form of cognitive behavioral therapy involves two types of procedures: imaginal and in vivo. In sum, you are taught to gradually approach the memories that are traumatic for you, as well as the feelings and situations surrounding them. Once these feelings and memories are brought back up, your therapist will work through them with you to help you decrease your PTSD symptoms. If you suffer from flashbacks and nightmares, this type of PTSD therapy can be extremely beneficial.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Another great therapy for reducing PTSD symptoms is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Developed in the late 1980s, this type of therapy works well for those who have experienced trauma related to child abuse, combat, rape, and natural disasters. This type of therapy has even been endorsed for use by the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, as well as the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) is a psychotherapy that helps alleviate symptoms for people who are dealing with emotional distress, such as PTSD. It focuses on helping the patient process the memories in order to move on and have their best life possible. It works not only for PTSD, but also is used to treat anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. This therapy has been recognized by many organizations for its effectiveness, including but not limited to U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs/Dept. of Defense and the World Health Organization.
Medications
In addition to the therapies mentioned above, there are several types of medications that you can try in order to help. These include:
- Antidepressants. Antidepressants have been used for years and are highly effective for those with PTSD. They help with sleep and concentration.
- Anti-anxiety medications. If you suffer from anxiety related to PTSD, these medications can be helpful. However, they are only recommended for short-term use since they can be addictive.
- Prazosin. This medication can help with nightmares in those with PTSD. However, the jury is still out on its effectiveness.
As with any medication, you should always use it only under the guidance of a trained and licensed professional. There can be side effects, and these medications may not have the desired results in some patients. A professional can help you evaluate its effectiveness and use.
WHICH TYPE OF THERAPY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
In reality, this is a very challenging question to answer as each individual is different and may respond better to one form of therapy than another. The above therapies are just a few of the many that can help those who suffer from PTSD. However, rest assured that when you work with a top-rated psychologist, such as Dr. Cassidy Blair of Blair Wellness Group, she will help you decide which method works best for you.
The beauty of having different therapies available is that your therapist can choose which method is right for you that will help improve your symptoms and lead your life to the fullest. Do be aware that it may take some time and some trial and error to see which PTSD therapy will work for you. PTSD is very complex and can be very challenging to treat. But, don’t give up! You are worth the work!
Many worry that they will not be able to tolerate trauma therapy. After all, many involve reliving those moments so that you can work through the pain and get past it, which can be very scary for patients. However, a skilled therapist can help you every step of the way — even if those are just baby steps! You can start PTSD therapy at a very slow pace if need be. It really is up to you. For example, EMDR emphasizes a slow and natural pace. By engaging in eye movements, sounds, or touches during your therapy session, you are distracted, so the memories are much easier to process.
CHOOSE DR. CASSIDY BLAIR FOR YOUR PTSD TREATMENT TODAY
It can be hard to admit that you need help, especially when it comes to the trauma you’ve experienced. However, if you’ve reached the point where you are out of options, let us help. Our experienced therapists can help you get to the other side and put the past behind you. We can offer you tools to help you move past these traumatic events in your life so that you can move forward in living. We serve clients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Brentwood, West Hollywood, and the surrounding areas. Schedule your appointment with a therapist today.
