PTSD

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that typically develops in people who experience or witness a traumatic event. It’s more than your body’s “fight-or-flight” response to avoid danger. People with PTSD often experience persistent reactions for months or years after the event. 

Treating this complex mental health disorder is a specialty at Front Line Therapy of Texas, LLC. With extensive experience treating trauma in frontline workers, the team leverages trauma-informed techniques to better serve individuals struggling with PTSD. 

What are the signs of PTSD?

PTSD symptoms typically break down into a few different categories:

Intrusive memories

These typically include recurrent, distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares about the traumatic event.

Avoidance

Avoiding places, people, activities, or situations that prompt distressing memories or emotions about the traumatic event is a telltale warning sign of PTSD.

Negative mood and thinking patterns 

PTSD can change how you think about yourself, others, or the world. It typically causes feelings of guilt, shame, or detachment and difficulty experiencing joy.

Hyperarousal

Hyperarousal can make sleeping difficult and cause irritability, angry outbursts, and hypervigilance.

Reactivity

Individuals with PTSD often engage in reckless or self-destructive behaviors, have difficulty concentrating, and experience physical symptoms like muscle tension or headaches.

Emotional numbing

Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others can make forming or maintaining relationships difficult.

What causes PTSD?

Many traumatic experiences can trigger PTSD. Some of the most common events include:

• Physical or sexual assault
• Medical trauma
• Loss of a loved one
• Military combat
• Natural disasters
• Serious accidents

While not everyone who witnesses or experiences a traumatic event develops PTSD, taking precautionary steps to seek support and process the trauma can help reduce your risk.

What are the treatments for PTSD?

Front Line Therapy LLC takes an individualized approach to PTSD treatment that may include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT for PTSD involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors related to the traumatic event. Throughout these sessions, you can learn management skills to manage symptoms, such as cognitive restructuring to challenge distorted beliefs. 

Over time, CBT can help you develop healthier ways of thinking and coping with trauma-related distress.

Critical incident stress management (CISM)

CISM provides immediate support after a traumatic incident. It includes interventions like debriefings, defusings, and crisis management briefings to help you process your experiences, reduce stress, and facilitate emotional recovery.

Call Front Line Therapy of Texas, LLC today or schedule an appointment online to seek effective treatment for PTSD.