Choosing the Right Therapy For PTSD

Choosing the Right Therapy For PTSD

Psychosocial therapy (PTSD therapy) has proven beneficial for many individuals, helping you reduce symptoms. However, it may take some time before you feel better and some individuals require different approaches than others.

Your initial step in finding a therapist is to identify what kind of trauma you have experienced. Ask family and friends who have gone through similar experiences, seek recommendations from mental health professionals, and search for a licensed therapist in your state who specializes in treating PTSD.

Talk therapy – This form of psychotherapy assists you in altering the way you think about and process your traumatic event, which can reduce symptoms and make everyday living easier. Additionally, it teaches coping techniques for managing PTSD symptoms such as anxiety and flashbacks.

Cognitive processing therapy – This form of therapy, often combined with exposure therapy, is considered the gold standard for treating PTSD. It pinpoints maladaptive thoughts that perpetuate the PTSD response and works to alter them to reduce feelings of fear or apprehension and boost confidence levels.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy – This therapy involves gradually exposing patients to situations, places and people they had avoided due to the traumatic event until distress diminishes. It utilizes two types of exposure: in vivo exposure and imaginal exposure.

Other Therapy Options – Conclusion: Studies have indicated that stress inoculation training, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and interpersonal therapy can be effective treatments for some people with PTSD. Unfortunately, these approaches may not be available to everyone so working with a mental health professional who can assess your needs and recommend the most suitable course of action is essential.