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Trauma and PTSD Treatment Approaches for Effective Recovery
At the Mental Health Center of San Diego, we provide treatment for those that have gone through traumatizing events and can’t seem to get their life back. We offer a specially tailored treatment center for psychological trauma to help with the physical, emotional, and mental symptoms you’re experiencing.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD can have a profound impact on a person’s life, making it difficult to work, maintain relationships, and even conduct everyday activities.
Emotional trauma can often be very devastating to a person’s psychological health. Trauma has the power to disrupt a person’s daily life and force them down a spiral of fear.
PTSD can result from:
- Verbal, physical, or sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Serious illness
- Medical procedures
- Witnessing violent acts
- Unstable or unsafe environments
What are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD can be divided into four main categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.
Intrusive Memories
People with PTSD may relive their trauma through intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares.
Avoidance
People may try to avoid situations that remind them of the trauma, and may feel numb or detached from others.
Changes in Thoughts & Feelings
People may also have negative changes in their thoughts and feelings, such as feeling hopelessness, guilt, or shame.
Changes in Reactions
People may experience changes in their physical and emotional reactions, such as being easily startled or always on guard.
Find Out More About
Mental Health Center of San Diego.
What to Expect for PTSD Treatment at the Mental Health Center of San Diego
Unfortunately, many people with PTSD do not receive the treatment they need. This can be due to a lack of awareness or understanding of the condition, stigma, or financial barriers. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, there are a number of options we use that can be effective in managing symptoms and helping people to live productive, fulfilling lives, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping people identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD. During CBT sessions, a therapist will work with the patient to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive ones. The therapist may also help the patient expose themselves to situations that trigger their PTSD symptoms in a controlled setting so that they can learn to cope with those triggers in a healthy way.
Medication
There are several types of medication that can be used to treat PTSD. Anti-depressants are often prescribed to help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. Antipsychotics may also be prescribed to help with intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a type of therapy that uses eye movements to help the brain process and heal from trauma. EMDR has been shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD. During EMDR sessions, the therapist will have the patient move their eyes back and forth while thinking about or recalling their traumatic experience. The therapist will also guide the patient in identifying any negative beliefs they have about themselves as a result of the trauma.
Why Choose the Mental Health Center of San Diego?
Your safety is always at the top of our minds at the Mental Health Center of San Diego. We keep in mind that psychological trauma can cause problems that can leave you feeling exposed and vulnerable. Time means everything when it comes to psychological trauma treatment. Our friendly and supportive team will keep you informed and updated throughout your treatment process. You’ll receive a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs. We understand that your life might be busy and might make it tough for treatment. That’s why we offer treatment to work around any obstacles you’re facing.
