PTSD can occur when people have experienced or witnessed a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist incident, sudden death of a loved one, war, violent personal assault such as rape, or other life-threatening events.  Some of the symptoms of PTSD include remembering, or "reliving" what occurred, avoidance, inability to remember, psychological sensitivity and hyper-arousal, sleep disturbances, irritability or anger outbursts, difficulty concentrating and hyper-vigilance.  Childhood trauma, chronic adversity, and familial stressors may increase the risk for PTSD.  Reducing the symptoms of PTSD is of the upmost importance, and finding the best approach to treatment involves an honest and trusting relationship between client and therapist. 

 

Standard treatment protocols for Post-traumatic Stress include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing.  Using mind-body techniques such as Somatic Experiencing and Integrative Restoration have proved to be highly effective for individuals experiencing the symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress.  The overall goal of treatment is developing a sense of trust, learning how to establish and maintain personal relationships, and restoring/creating a more harmonious lifestyle and peaceful existence. Treatment typically includes identifying and treating the physiological reaction to the triggers or stressors, cognitive restructuring, and changing maladaptive coping behaviors.