PTSD Treatment

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can significantly impact the quality of life for those affected. At Legacy Healing Center, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with PTSD. Our holistic approach to PTSD treatment is designed to address the unique needs of each individual, offering a range of evidence-based therapies and support systems. From cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to group counseling and alternative therapies, our comprehensive programs are tailored to promote healing and recovery. At Legacy Healing Center, we are committed to providing compassionate care and effective solutions to help individuals overcome PTSD and regain control of their lives.

 

Causes and Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These events can range from combat exposure, natural disasters, and serious accidents to personal assaults, abuse, or any situation that causes intense fear, helplessness, or horror. While not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, certain factors can increase the likelihood, such as the severity and duration of the trauma, pre-existing mental health conditions, lack of social support, and genetic predisposition.

 

Causes of PTSD

• Combat Exposure: Military personnel and veterans are at high risk due to the life-threatening and distressing nature of combat.
• Accidents: Serious accidents, including car crashes, can be deeply traumatizing.
• Assaults: Physical or sexual assault can leave lasting psychological scars.
• Abuse: Prolonged abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, especially in childhood, is a significant risk factor.
• Natural Disasters: Experiencing events like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods can trigger PTSD.
• Sudden Loss: The unexpected death of a loved one can be profoundly traumatic.
• Witnessing Trauma: Observing traumatic events, even if not directly involved, can cause PTSD.

 

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms are generally categorized into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.

Intrusive Memories:

• Flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again
• Distressing dreams or nightmares about the trauma
• Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to reminders of the event

Avoidance:

• Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind them of the traumatic event
• Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the trauma

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood:

• Negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world
• Hopelessness about the future
• Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships
• Feeling detached from family and friends
• Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
• Feeling emotionally numb

Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions:

• Being easily startled or frightened
• Always being on guard for danger
• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
• Overwhelming guilt or shame

Understanding the causes and symptoms of PTSD is the first step toward seeking effective treatment. At Legacy Healing Center, we offer a compassionate and comprehensive approach to help individuals navigate their journey to recovery, providing the necessary tools and support to reclaim their lives.

 

PTSD Rehabilitation with Legacy Healing Center

If you or a loved one are struggling with overcoming past trauma and are working through PTSD, don’t worry, there are several treatment options. There are four main approaches to tackling PTSD:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD is a widely used, evidence-based psychological treatment designed to help individuals understand and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions. By identifying and challenging distorted or unhelpful thinking, CBT aims to alter maladaptive behaviors and improve emotional regulation.
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT focuses on the impact of trauma on one’s thoughts and beliefs, helping individuals identify and challenge distorted or maladaptive thoughts that arise from their traumatic experiences. Through structured sessions, individuals learn to reframe and process these thoughts, reducing their emotional distress and improving their ability to function.
• Cognitive Therapy: This type of psychological treatment focuses on identifying and modifying negative and distorted thought patterns. By challenging and changing these dysfunctional thoughts, individuals can achieve a more balanced and realistic perspective, leading to improved emotional well-being and more adaptive behaviors.
• Prolonged Exposure: It involves helping individuals gradually confront and process traumatic memories and situations they have been avoiding. By repeatedly revisiting these memories and engaging in activities that they have been avoiding due to fear or distress, individuals can reduce their PTSD symptoms over time.

When you go to Legacy Healing Center for treatment they will help you come up with a treatment plan for PTSD. Coming in with treatment goals for PTSD is also nice because you will be able to track your progress. For those who have served in our nation’s armed forces, our Legacy Healing Center in Ohio offers Veteran PTSD Treatment.

 

Heal with Our Behavioral Health Treatment Facilities

Overcoming trauma is never easy and it is hard work, but if you are ready, contact one of our PTSD treatment centers. Legacy Healing Center is located in four states, New Jersey, California, Florida, and Ohio. Our national rehabilitation centers will greet you with open arms and guide you on your journey toward recovery. If you would like to read more about what we have accomplished and what we do at Legacy, feel free to read our treatment articles. Just remember you are not alone on this journey and our professionals would like to help guide you as you walk this path.

 

Related Readings: 

Guide to Trauma and Addiction

How to Get Off Anti-Anxiety Medication