Some people who experience a traumatic event, such as abuse, a natural disaster, assault, or war, may suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). People who have PTSD can feel acute fear, shock, and stress even when not in any danger. Although most people who have experienced a traumatic situation will feel scared or shocked, but people who suffer from PTSD experience the following for at least one month:
- Flashbacks, bad dreams, and scary thoughts;
- Avoidance of people, places, and thoughts that may trigger memories of the traumatic event;
- Being easily rattled, ongoing tension, fear, irritability, anger, and sleep disturbances; and
- Memory issues around the event, negative thoughts about oneself, unresolvable guilt, or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
The good news is that therapy can be very effective when it comes to treating PTSD. A therapist with experience working with trauma can help you process your difficult memories, manage the fear that you may associate with them, and eventually find a way of understanding the trauma in a way that helps you effectively move forward in life. Psychotherapy Associate of Chicago has several clinicians with extensive experience with trauma on staff.
One effective treatment of PTSD, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), can help you process your trauma and overcome the immediate symptoms of distress. EMDR is practiced by PAC Co-Founder Michael Vernon, LCSW, who has had much success working with clients who have experience painful memories, whether or not they have PTSD.
When you are ready, call 773-414-4577 or click here to book an appointment online.