How to Treat PTSD: EMDR Therapy & Effective Post-Traumatic Stress Treatments

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has the ability to affect your life in virtually every area: mental health, relationships, day-to-day tasks. This disorder can stem from numerous traumatic events including natural disasters, accidents, or acts of violence. The aftermath of these events can be emotionally and psychologically overwhelming. The positive side is, PTSD is treatable. In this blog, I will explain the most practical methods that are effective in treating PTSD, focusing on EMDR therapy, and answer questions like, “How to treat PTSD?”, “How to manage PTSD?” and many others.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD, also referred to as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition associated with anxiety and occurs after undergoing a traumatic event. Usually triggering PTSD are combat, sexual violence, physical assaults and other life-threatening experiences. PTSD disrupts both emotional and physical wellbeing, causing symptoms such as hallucinations, sleep disturbances, increased aggression, amnesia, and unintended avoidance of anything associated with the trauma.

Knowing what PTSD is and how it impacts you is essential for seeking appropriate treatment. Essential to the restoration process is therapy and support, thus the earlier you seek help the faster you can undergo the healing process.How Do You Treat PTSD?

Addressing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has a multitude of approaches based on the specifics critical to the patient. Even though a patient is unlike another, several factors can be addressed through proven methods, including offering assistance to a large number of individuals suffering from PTSD; these methods include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive therapy centers on modifying behaviors which stem from irrational thoughts that emerged due to negative experiences. CBT aids in overcoming trauma through reframing the traumatized thoughts using less painful perspectives. The purpose of this therapy is to assist people in developing healthy coping mechanisms and their lost control over emotions and thoughts.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

Processing therapy using eye movements or EMDR is one of the best tools for PTSD. The technique involves remembering a trauma while the therapist guides the patient through alternating bilateral stimulations like eye movements. These movements aid in the desensitization of the trauma which allows for the brain carrying out cognitive functions to process memories in a positive way. Many studies indicate that EMDR for PTSD leads to faster recovery compared to other, more traditional techniques. This therapy drastically reduces psychological emotional pain as well as enhances mental health overall.

How Do You Treat PTSD?

Recovery from Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD) is not instant. But treatment methods such as support networks, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-specialized counseling offer help to those suffering from PTSD. With the appropriate care, many patients find relief.

Consistency of treatment plays a pivotal role in the patient’s willingness to actively participate within the treatment plan. Recovery can require a long duration. However, with therapy, self-care, and support systems, it becomes easier for patients to manage PTSD and live a near-ordinary life.

How Do You Cope With PTSD?

Coping with Post Trauma Stress Disorder (PTSD) relies heavily on professionally supported self-care techniques. Below are methods aimed to ease symptoms:

Consult A Certified Professional: One of the main requirements is long-term counseling sessions with a certified PTSD counselor.
Support Networks: Joining trauma support groups fosters a community. This helps patients realize they are not alone in their journey.
Mindfulness Along With Calming Exercises: Focused breathing, meditation, and mindfulness techniques can bring relief from anxiety and aid in stress management.
Physical Activity: Adopting a routine centered around physical fitness can reduce anxiety and improve a person’s mental health.
Avoid Stressors: Learning which scenarios lead to emotional discomfort is imperative. Through therapy, patients need to develop strategies to cope and bypass these triggers.

How to Get a PTSD Diagnosis?

Receiving a diagnosis is one of the essential starting points when healing. The very first step is seeking a therapist if you think you have PTSD. The following steps usually take place:

Thorough Interviews: They will inquire regarding your trauma and current symptoms.
Assessment PTSD: Questionnaires and diagnostic tools may be administered to assess the level of PTSD symptoms.
Psych Evaluation: Such evaluations may assist in quantifying the level of trauma concerning emotional and psychological effects.

Seeking professional help, whether for diagnosis or treatment, is necessary if you find yourself constantly having intrusive memories, trying to actively avoid anything that triggers recollection of the traumatic experience, difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

What is Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress?

Treated symptoms of PTSD and the effects on the patient’s life are the central focus of post traumatic stress treatment. Effective methods include but are not limited to the following:

CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. A systematic approach towards helping a person suffering from trauma through adjusting unproductive self-talk.
EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. A form of trauma-specific therapy that reduces distress associated with trauma through means such as eye movements.
Exposure Therapy: Clients are gradually and systematically exposed to the painful memories of trauma for the purpose of these memories being faced and the experiences processed.
Psychotherapy: Continously helps one deal with emotionally complex issues related to trauma.

The Use of EMDR Therapy for PTSD

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the more modern treatments available for those with PTSD. It involves:

Recalling Traumatic Memories

You work with a trained therapist to retrieve distressing memories and concentrate on a specific stimulus at the same time.

Bilateral Stimulation

The therapist will guide your eyes or use other forms of stimulation such as tapping or sound to aid in the reprocessing of those memories.

Desensitization

While you process the traumatic memory, your brain is attempting to “reprocess” it, therefore lowering its emotional damage

EMDR Therapy stands out as one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, as it significantly alleviates the disabling symptoms for numerous individuals within just a few sessions.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is often the best solution for those dealing with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unlike traditional talk therapy, which utilizes busywork and encourages patients to idle their time, talk therapy uses bilateral stimulation to help desensitize traumatic memories. The prime objective of EMDR treatment for PTSD is to enable individuals to safely cope with and process their trauma, alleviating the burden of distressing memories.

The body’s natural healing processes are engaged during EMDR for PTSD, which can result in modifying the brain’s trauma processing structure for easier healing.

PTSD can be quite a difficult condition to deal with, however, it is vital to note that it can be managed effectively. Whether the question is, “How do you treat PTSD?”, or it ranges from considering EMDR therapy for PTSD, there is always a proven treatment. A combination of therapy, social support, and self-care is required to cope with the emotions that stem from trauma.

In the event that you or a loved one is diagnosed with PTSD, get in contact with a skilled trauma therapist. With suitable care, it is easier to recover and be in control of one’s life.

We provide assistance for individuals battling with PTSD. Get in touch with us today to understand how EMDR therapy for PTSD can be beneficial for your healing journey. Our therapists are compassionate and will equip you with the right support you need throughout the recovery process.

Treating PTSD Through Effective Methods Restorative EMDR Therapy