Houston Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Therapy

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops as the result of a person’s exposure to a traumatic event or series of events believed to be terrifying or life-threatening, like sexual assault, natural disaster, war combat, domestic violence, and the death of a loved one. PTSD has been called “shell shock” and “combat fatigue” in the past, but PTSD does not just develop in combat veterans. PTSD can manifest in all people following a traumatic event and develops in approximately 9% of people over a lifetime. 

Those with PTSD experience intense, distressing thoughts and feelings related to their traumatic experience that endures long after the event occurred. There are four categories of symptoms associated with PTSD listed below.

1. Intrusion - repeated intrusive thoughts that may include disturbing nightmares and vivid flashbacks that feel like one is reliving the event

2. Avoidance - avoiding the distress associated with reminders of the event, like people, places, activities, and objects.

3. Alterations in cognition and mood

• Distorted, negative cognitions about the self or the event

• Inability to remember important aspects of the event

• Ongoing negative emotions, like anger, fear, guilt, shame, and sadness

• Detachment or estrangement from others

• Lose of interest in previously enjoyed activities

• Inability to experience positive emotions

1. Alterations in arousal and reactivity - irritability and anger outbursts, reckless or self-destructive behavior, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, and difficulty concentrating and sleeping.

It is not unusual for those exposed to a traumatic event to experience some of the above-listed symptoms. PTSD may develop, however, when symptoms persist for months and years following the trauma, cause significant distress, and impact the person’s ability to function. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Some research suggests that temperament, genetic makeup, and predisposing mental health conditions may influence the odds of being diagnosed with PTSD.

Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, and social support. The most common psychotherapy approaches to treat PTSD include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.

At The Resilience Center of Houston, we have therapists that specialize in treating PTSD and are here to help. Take control of your life today and get the care you deserve.