Have you experienced a traumatic event and now feel like you no longer have any control over how you think, feel, and behave? 

Are you suffering from lingering fear and anxiety?

Posttraumatic stress disorder – also known as PTSD – is a mental health challenge that may occur in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a terrorist act, an act of war, a serious accident, rape, or any other violent personal assault.

It is believed that PTSD affects nearly four percent of the U.S. adult population.  PTSD occurs in all people regardless of age, race, nationality, or culture. In fact, women are twice as likely to experience PTSD than men.

What are the Symptoms of PTSD?

People with PTSD often experience intense thoughts and feelings related to their traumatic experiences. These can last for a long time after the initial event. Many people with PTSD also relive the event through flashbacks and nightmares.

People with PTSD can also often feel overwhelming emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, and detachment from friends, family, and community members. It’s common to avoid people and situations that remind them of the traumatic event. Ordinary sounds or incidents such as a door banging or accidental touch in a crowd may cause a strong and uncontrollable reaction.

Sometimes it can feel like you’re buried in a hole so deep you can’t see the light anymore.  Other times you think you’re fine, but then get sucker punched by a memory or trigger.  It can feel confusing and disorienting.

How Can Treatment Help?

There are a variety of treatments that can be used to treat PTSD.  However, I have specific training with Cognitive Processing Therapy as well as training with somatic and relational focus areas.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) focuses on how a person perceives a traumatic event and processes it. A therapist can help their client work through “stuck points,” which are certain thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma that prevents the person from recovering.  CPT is also one of 3 evidence-based approaches that is approved for use through the VA system.

Cognitive Processing Therapy allows you to choose whether you want to share the details of your trauma.  Your outcome is predicted to be the same with or without specifics.  You are more than welcome to give a full account if you wish, but there is no expectation or pressure for you to do so.

As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I have training in several different approaches to trauma.  Your treatment will be individual to you. 

If you or a loved one may be suffering from PTSD and would like to explore treatment options, please contact me. Research shows that recovery and healing are possible.  Reach out to get the help you need to enjoy life again.