Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Raleigh, NC

Common approaches to trauma and PTSD therapy include cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and EMDR. These approaches can be helpful in reducing the emotional responses associated with the trauma, challenging negative beliefs about oneself related to the traumatic event, and increasing positive skills to manage symptoms associated with the trauma.

Common tools that are taught in trauma and PTSD therapy include:

• Cognitive restructuring: This skill can help individuals identify thought patterns that are negatively impacting their emotional state and challenge them with positive reality-based alternatives. These skills can also help individuals to identify and challenge negative beliefs about themselves or the world around them that may have resulted from the trauma.
• Mindfulness skills: These skills help individuals identify what emotions and thoughts they are experiencing in a nonjudgmental way. Additionally, these skills help individuals respond to these thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a positive manner.

A client is considered to be making meaningful progress in trauma and PTSD therapy when they express a decrease in the intensity and frequency of symptoms, an increase in confidence in using positive coping skills to manage symptoms when they occur, and a return to participation in their desired daily activities.

Clients can supplement their time in trauma and PTSD therapy by setting aside time for practicing the skills discussed and reflection between sessions. Oftentimes, these approaches to therapy include worksheets and exercises for you to practice in between sessions.

The primary thing that a person can do to prepare for trauma and PTSD therapy is to come prepared to share their experiences, emotions, and symptoms with their therapist. Therapy is a safe place for them to share their experiences and begin their journey of working through their symptoms toward their life goals.