Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Grand Prairie, TX

My go-to approach for helping people in PTSD/trauma therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I prefer CBT because it is perhaps one of the most preferred therapeutic treatment choices for PTSD.

I teach the following tools in PTSD/trauma therapy:

• Assessment of symptoms - The first step is to assess the client through interviews to gather information on their trauma, triggers, and symptoms. This will provide the best treatment plan for them.
• Rationale for treatment - Give the client an in-depth analytical overview of their PTSD symptoms and easy-to-follow analogies to allow them to understand their trauma.
• Eliminate thought suppression - Tell the client not to suppress their thoughts but to allow them to arise automatically. This will eliminate avoidance of distressing thoughts and allow them to address their fears.
• Psychoeducation - Help clients understand more about PTSD, how the brain reacts to trauma and exposure, and why their traumatic memories have not been processed.
• Relaxation methods - Relaxation methods to help clients reduce stress; include breathing exercises, guided imagery, and muscle relaxation.
• Identifying triggers - Help clients identify harmful triggers that have resurfaced as intrusive memories of negative thoughts.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy when their symptoms are measured as decreasing, when they self-report progress, and when their lives are becoming more meaningful through the management of their symptoms.

Clients can supplement their time in PTSD/trauma therapy with journaling, completing homework assigned by the therapist, and practicing coping mechanisms.

To prepare for their first PTSD/trauma therapy session, someone can identify and list traumatic events throughout their lives, identify the most distressing traumatic events, list symptoms and triggers associated with traumatic events, and mentally acknowledge therapy for PTSD is not easy and requires engagement.