Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Healing After Trauma

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Common symptoms include intrusive memories, avoidance, negative thoughts and emotions, and heightened arousal. Effective treatment helps individuals process trauma, challenge distorted beliefs, and regain control of their lives, often combining evidence-based therapies, support, and sometimes medication.

Common PTSD Symptoms

PTSD symptoms generally fall into four main categories:

1. Intrusion: Flashbacks, nightmares, and unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event

2. Avoidance: Steering clear of reminders, such as places, people, or activities related to the trauma

3. Negative Thoughts & Feelings: Guilt, shame, fear, loss of interest, emotional numbness, difficulty feeling positive emotions

4. Arousal & Reactivity: Hypervigilance, irritability, angry outbursts, difficulty sleeping, being easily startled

Effective Therapies for PTSD

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Helps individuals reframe negative thoughts about trauma and gradually face avoided situations

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Challenges unhelpful beliefs, such as self-blame, related to the trauma

• Prolonged Exposure (PE): Safely engages with trauma memories (imagined or real) to reduce fear and avoidance

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses guided eye movements while recalling trauma to process memories and reduce emotional impact

• Psychotherapy & Support: Individual, group, and family therapy provide emotional support and practical coping skills

Other Helpful Approaches & Medications

• Medication: SSRIs (e.g., Sertraline) or SNRIs can reduce anxiety and depression; other medications may target nightmares or sleep issues

• Mind-Body Techniques: Yoga, deep breathing, and mindfulness help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress

• Lifestyle Support: Avoiding alcohol or drugs, maintaining healthy nutrition and sleep, and cultivating social support are important for recovery

Key Takeaway

Trauma-focused psychotherapy, especially EMDR and TF-CBT, is highly effective for PTSD and can significantly reduce symptoms. A personalized combination of therapy, support, and medication is often the best approach, helping individuals reclaim their lives after trauma. Book an Appointment

To schedule a psychological assessment or therapy session, please contact us. Our team will assist you in arranging a suitable time with the right professional.

📞 Appointment Hotline: 011-36762478

We offer:

• Psychotherapy (in-person / home visit / online)

• Psychological assessments (ADHD, Autism, Learning Difficulties, emotional concerns)

• Child, adolescent, and family counselling

• Corporate and school mental health training

Call us today to book your appointment. We are here to help.