Common trauma therapies & supports for PTSD & C-PTSD

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There are various therapeutic interventions for helping individuals recover from traumatic experiences. Trauma therapies are designed to address the physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms that can result from exposure to trauma. These therapies aim to help individuals process and integrate traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Some common trauma therapies include:

Trauma-focused therapy: This therapy is aimed at helping you tackle the root causes of complex PTSD, control symptoms, and establish positive relationships

Pharmaceutical Treatment: Medications may be prescribed by healthcare providers to treat PTSD and C-PTSD, including antidepressants like, Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Effexor (venlafaxine), and Zoloft (sertraline) as well as other agents.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on transforming negative thought patterns and behaviors, which can aid in managing symptoms and fostering healthy relationships.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): A type of CBT, CPT is a 12-session treatment for PTSD. This therapy model helps you to identify the thoughts you experienced during and as a result of the trauma and incorporates aspects of exposure therapy (via writing about the trauma) in order to help you re-evaluate and change the distressing thoughts you’ve had after your trauma.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT for trauma is a specialized form of talk therapy adapted to meet the specific needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. This therapy aims to help you manage intense emotions, regulate emotions, and develop healthy communication skills. This type of therapy combines mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other techniques to help you cope with complex PTSD and other related conditions. The goal is to enable you to build a fulfilling life, despite ongoing trauma and its consequences.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This treatment works by combining psychotherapy with eye movements to help the trauma survivor process traumatic memories until they no longer cause distress. Treatment begins with building trust and teaching eye movement techniques.

Brainspotting: Brainspotting came out of EMDR as a treatment that is instead focused on fixed eye positions to help you engage in even deeper processing and healing work. The therapist will help you find eye positions that help you tap into your emotions and somatic experiences to help relieve distress on a cellular level.

 

Self-care for People with PTSD and Complex PTSD

Some strategies that can be helpful for individuals with complex PTSD in building healthy relationships include:

  1. Developing self-awareness: Understanding your triggers, emotional reactions, and attachment style can help build healthy relationships.
  2. Building healthy communication skills: Developing effective communication skills can help individuals express their feelings and need effectively, leading to healthier, more beneficial relationships.
  3. Practicing self-care: Self-care activities like exercise, healthy eating, and meditation can help manage symptoms of C-PTSD and build resilience.
  4. Seeking support when needed: Reaching out to a therapist or support group can give you the support and guidance to overcome challenges and build healthy relationships.

Hotlines and Crisis Centers for Immediate Support for PTSD Survivors in the United States:

If you are battling childhood trauma, PTSD, or complex PTSD, there are hotlines available in the United States for immediate support and assistance. These hotlines offer various services, such as crisis intervention, emotional support, information and referrals, and counseling. Some of the available hotlines include:

 

National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

The hotline offers round-the-clock assistance to minors who have suffered from disregard, mistreatment, or desertion, as well as to apprehensive grown-ups who believe that a youngster might be at risk.

 

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)

Domestic violence victims and their families can call this hotline for help in a crisis, to plan for their safety, or to find local resources.

 

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)

This hotline helps people who have been sexually assaulted and their families. They can get help in a crisis, get emotional support, and find local resources.

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

This hotline helps people in a crisis or thinking about killing themselves and their worried friends and family. It offers confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals to local resources.

 

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264)

This hotline helps people and families with mental illnesses like PTSD and complex PTSD by giving them information, referrals, and support.

 

SAMHSA’s (National) Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357)

This hotline gives people and families with substance abuse and mental health problems, like PTSD and complex PTSD, information and referrals.

Remember that these hotlines are both confidential and free to access. They are staffed by trained professionals available 24/7 to support and assist those in need. Don’t hesitate to contact these resources for support if you (or maybe someone close to you) are grappling with childhood trauma, PTSD, or complex PTSD.

 

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