Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying, either personally experienced or witnessed, event. 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives. That’s 223.4 million people. Among people who are victims of a severe traumatic experience 60 – 80% will develop PTSD.
Many people who experience traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a period of time, but they do not have PTSD. With time and proper self-care, symptoms subside and individuals return to their pre-trauma level of functioning. The diagnosis of PTSD is given when symptoms get worse, persist for months or even years, and interfere with one’s everyday functioning. Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop is imperative in order to reduce symptoms and restore optimal functioning.
Symptoms:
Individuals with PTSD can suffer from a number of symptoms, which typically fall into four groups: intrusions, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, or changes in emotional reactions.
Intrusions often appear as recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, re-experiencing the traumatic event as though it were happening again (flashbacks), as well as upsetting and sometimes terrifying dreams about the traumatic event. These intrusions are often accompanied by severe emotional distress or physical reactions.
People who suffer from PTSD often engage in avoidance that consists of either trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event or avoiding places, activities, or people that remind them of the traumatic event.
Negative changes in thinking and mood consist of a range of symptoms, such as negative feelings about oneself or other people, inability to experience positive emotions, feeling emotionally numb, decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities, a sense of hopelessness about the future, memory problems that include missing important pieces of the traumatic event, and difficulty maintaining close relationships.
Changes in emotional reactions or mood are also referred to as arousal symptoms. These may include irritability, anger outbursts or aggressive behavior, feeling on guard, overwhelming sense of guilt or shame, self-destructive behaviors, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and being easily startled or frightened.
Treatment:
I specialize in the psychotherapy treatment of PTSD and I am a certified provider for Cognitive Processing Therapy. Psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder includes cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive-processing therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. Learning self-management strategies including self-soothing techniques also play a vital role in recovery.
For more information, please visit:
My Personal Theory of Therapy
Mind Balance Psychology Center LLC
5755 North Point Parkway
Suite 249
Alpharetta GA 30022
(678) 682-4950
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy consists of one-on-one meetings between the therapist and client.
Telemental Health
This therapy uses technology to provide mental health services from a distance.
For a brief and complimentary telephone consultation, please call 678-682-4950