Types Of Therapy For Ptsd: Exploring Effective Treatment Approaches

By Author: Kiran
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Children, as well as adults, can be equally susceptible to PTSD. However, handling such sensitive conditions can be overwhelming both for the patients and the therapists. While there can be different approaches to healing from such traumas, it might take some time to find the most suitable line of treatment.

When Do You Need Help?

There is no hard and fast rule regarding the 'watchful waiting time before reaching for professional help. However, as many internationally qualified mental health experts put it, there are certain red flags that you should be aware of. If you, or anyone you know find it hard to let go of any traumatic memory for more than 4 weeks, then it might be the time to look for some help.

About talking treatments

TF-CBD or Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy. Specifically curated for PTSD patients, one might need about 8–12 sessions. Each session might linger for about 60–90 minutes. During this time, you would need to see the same counsellor or therapist for at least one ...
... time a week.

The EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a relatively new procedure to treat PTSD. The therapy involves making eye movements in a rhythmic way. While doing so, the therapist would ask his/ her patient to recall the details of the particular traumatic event. With speedy eye movements, you are most likely to re-create a somewhat similar effect. This happens due to the fact that while making these eye movements, your brain can re-process experiences and memories.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

The PET aims to make you re-visit your source of trauma but in the safest way possible. This can make you get talking about the trauma that lives with you. But this time, instead of avoiding the situation, you might be able to confront it, with someone reliable having your back. For PET therapy, your counsellor might utilize tools like writing, mental imageries or a physical visit to the actual spot.
Cognitive Processing Therapy

The CPT might assist you in addressing the untoward thoughts that you might have regarding your trauma. With your counsellor's insights, you might learn to see the traumatic memories in a different light. This is how, you can reduce, and altogether minimize your negative thoughts regarding the event. It can also replace your negative thoughts with some practical ideas. For example, if you disregard anyone just because he/she does not follow conventional rules, then your therapist might help you find an alternative, but acceptable explanation and get out of any biased interpretation.

Stress Inoculation Training

This approach helps to minimize anxiety. This is done by giving your memories a healthy check.

When Medication Helps

Conventionally, therapists seldom prescribe antidepressants or any type of medicine to those suffering from PTSD. However, they might consider medicines moderately if:

•As a patient, you also suffer from conditions, such as depression.
•You are suffering from an unhealthy sleep pattern.
•If talking treatment or any other lines of conventional treatment do not work for you.

Medication can also help the indications of PTSD among older patients.

Other options

Some unconventional ways of treating PTSD include DBT Dialectical Behavior Therapy, group therapy, and art therapies.

Your Rights and Duties

As a Patient, you can:

•Be candid with your therapist if you feel that the treatment is not working for you.
•Ask whether you should switch to a different approach of therapy, or continue with the present line of treatment for some time.
•Double-check if there is anything that you need to know before taking any medicine.
•Refuse drugs altogether.

Hope this helps.