What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These events can include natural disasters, serious accidents, acts of violence, or personal assaults. PTSD causes intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic experience long after the event has ended.

Key symptoms of PTSD:

Intrusive Memories:

• Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event.

• Flashbacks, reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again.

• Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event.

• Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to reminders of the trauma.

Avoidance:

• Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event.

• Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event.

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood:

• Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world.

• Hopelessness about the future.

• Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event.

• Difficulty maintaining close relationships.

• Feeling detached from family and friends.

• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions.

• Feeling emotionally numb.

Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions:

• Being easily startled or frightened.

• Always being on guard for danger.

• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast.

• Trouble sleeping.

• Trouble concentrating.

• Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior.

• Overwhelming guilt or shame.

Recognizing these symptoms is the first step towards seeking help.

What does PTSD Therapy look like?

In Delray Beach, and virtually throughout the state of Florida, I provide tailored therapy sessions designed to address the unique challenges of PTSD. Therapy will always start with a thorough assessment so we can understand your trauma and its symptoms. We will create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. 

We will explore and develop tailored skills that work for you so that you feel safe as you process the effects of traumatic experiences. Different combinations of grounding techniques and mindfulness approaches work for different people, so we will make sure we find your unique way of re-establishing safety in the present when you’re feeling triggered.

Based on our assessment of your needs, and after building confidence using your skills, we will use evidenced-based techniques to process your traumatic experiences. You will stay in the driver’s seat - while I am there to guide you, processing takes place according to your own needs.

Once the events of the past have lost their power, we will process any residual triggers before moving on to your future goals. An essential part of comprehensive treatment is translating your treatment gains into your life moving forward. This is where you get to use your newfound sense of freedom to make choices for your life.

Your Path to Recovery

Healing from PTSD is a courageous journey requiring patience and commitment. My therapy sessions aim to help you understand what happened, as well as your responses; learn strategies to manage stress; develop a felt sense of safety; and learn how to achieve and maintain freedom from PTSD.

Why Choose Therapy for PTSD?

Therapy offers a confidential, judgment-free space to explore your trauma. It provides a structured approach to understanding and managing PTSD, helping you achieve long-term relief. Whether dealing with single-event trauma or multiple traumas, I’m here to help. The therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective treatment, and I strive to create a trusting, empathetic, and collaborative environment.

Benefits of PTSD Therapy:

Therapy will always be personalized, tailored to your specific needs and goals. No two people are the same, which means there is no cookie-cutter approach to therapy. Seeking therapy can help you learn specific, proven techniques to manage and reduce symptoms of PTSD. You will find tools to enhance your well-being, improve daily functioning, and manage big emotions. 

Taking the First Step

Ready to take control of your PTSD? Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for your therapy needs. During this call, we can discuss your concerns, answer questions, and outline a treatment plan. Begin your journey towards healing and reclaim your peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EMDR Therapy? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. It is particularly effective for treating PTSD.

How Can Therapy Help with PTSD? Therapy provides a structured environment to explore your feelings, identify the root causes of PTSD, and develop coping strategies. It offers personalized treatment tailored to your needs.

Is Therapy Right for Me? If PTSD interferes with your daily life, relationships, or well-being, therapy can be an effective way to address these challenges and improve your quality of life. A consultation can help determine if therapy is the right choice for you.