Trauma Therapy
Create the freedom you deserve
What is Trauma?
Trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causing lasting emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical effects. It can result from various events such as accidents, violence, abuse, natural disasters, or other life-threatening situations. Trauma can impact a person’s sense of safety, trust, and self-worth, leading to symptoms like anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating.
What is PTSD?
PTSD (or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a diagnosable mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD can occur in anyone who has gone through a traumatic experience, such as military veterans, survivors of physical or sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, parents with significant poor mental health, or other distressing events.
Symptoms of PTSD can vary but often include:
Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal
Feeling constantly on edge or irritable, being easily startled, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Negative changes in thinking and mood
Negative changes in thinking and mood
Persistent negative emotions, distorted thoughts about oneself or others, feeling of shame or anger, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Avoidance
Avoidance
Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind one of the traumatic event.
Flashbacks
Flashbacks
Reliving the traumatic event through intrusive memories or nightmares.
It’s normal to feel scared, distressed or shaken up after experiencing a traumatic event. However, if these symptoms last more than a few months, you may be experiencing PTSD. If you are finding that your thoughts and emotions about the event are disrupting your day-to-day life, it’s important to seek appropriately skilled help.
What is Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is one of the most effective and respected treatment options for persons living with PTSD. CPT was specifically developed to help individuals who have experienced traumatic event(s) and focuses on helping them understand and change the thoughts and beliefs that are associated with the trauma. CPT generally consists of 12 to 16 structured twice weekly therapy sessions. As a psychological therapy, CPT has been rigorously tested and thus has a strong evidence-based. It aims to empower individuals to regain a sense of control over their lives after a traumatic event.
Bonnie Ingram is an accredited provider of Cognitive Processing Therapy.
