PTSD Therapy & Counselling
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances. An individual may experience this as emotionally or physically harmful or life-threatening and may affect mental, physical, social, and/or spiritual well-being. Examples include natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, war/combat, rape/sexual assault, historical trauma, intimate partner violence and bullying.
People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people. People with PTSD may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event, and they may have strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as a loud noise or an accidental touch.
It is normal to experience some form of distress after traumatic events. Some people may recover without professional assistance and get back to their normal lives with the support of family and friends. For others, the distressing symptoms do not subside and can intensify to the point that normal functioning at work and in their private lives is severely affected. PTSD is a treatable condition.
Symptoms of PTSD Include:
- Unwanted or intense memories of a trauma
- Nightmares
- Vivid memories or flashbacks that make you feel like you’re reliving the event
- Feeling worried, fearful, anxious, or suspicious
- Strong reactions when you’re reminded of the trauma (or sometimes for no obvious reason at all)
- Feeling disconnected or isolated, as if you’re “not yourself”
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Feeling agitated, tense, on edge, or easily startled
- Bursts of anger or irritation
- Problems concentrating
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
PTSD Treatment
Four interventions are strongly recommended for PTSD, all of which are variations of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However, prolonged Exposure and cognitive processing therapy are the front-line treatments for trauma as they have the most research evidence demonstrating their effectiveness.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on the relationships among thoughts, feelings and behaviours; targets current problems and symptoms; and focuses on changing patterns of behaviours, thoughts and feelings that lead to difficulties in functioning.
Cognitive Therapy
Derived from cognitive behavioural therapy, cognitive therapy entails modifying the pessimistic evaluations and memories of trauma, with the goal of interrupting the disturbing behavioural and/or thought patterns that have been interfering in the person’s daily life.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Cognitive processing therapy is a specific type of cognitive behavioural therapy that helps patients learn how to modify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Prolonged exposure is a specific type of cognitive behavioural therapy that teaches individuals to gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings and situations. By facing what has been avoided, a person presumably learns that the trauma-related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided.
Online PTSD Counselling & Therapy | Adelaide Psychologists & Therapists
Dr Reza Nejad is a Certified Prolonged Exposure Therapist & supervisor/consultant from Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, University of Pennsylvania, the USA He is also CPT provider from Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. You can contact us on (08) 7079 9529 or email admin@sehatpsychology.com.au to book an appointment (telehealth or face to face) with our PTSD psychologist.
PTSD Psychologists & Therapists | Adelaide Psychology Clinic
PTSD therapy services are designed to provide specialised support for those who have experienced trauma. A compassionate and safe environment is offered to provide emotional and psychological support essential for healing. The focus is on assisting individuals in their recovery process from traumatic events, addressing both immediate and long-term impacts.