Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, impacting an individual’s emotional, physical, and psychological health. But healing is possible through therapy. At Mancos Valley Center for Trauma and Attachment in Durango, Colorado, we are here to explain different therapeutic approaches for addressing PTSD symptoms.
What Are the Causes and Symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD affects each person differently and can result from various traumatic experiences. However, some of the most common causes include:
Abuse
Accidents
Combat
Witnessing violence
Natural disasters
Loss and grief
Distressing experiences activate the nervous system. With PTSD, the nervous system stays activated after the event has passed, essentially putting the individual in a state of fight-or-flight, causing long-term symptoms. While symptoms differ between individuals, many experience the following:
Anxiety or feeling tense
Flashbacks of the traumatic event
Nightmares or intrusive thoughts
Emotional numbness or withdrawal
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Depression
These reactions are the mind’s way of coping with emotional overwhelm—but with trauma-informed therapy, individuals can learn how to manage these symptoms and move toward peace. Below are some common therapeutic techniques for PTSD.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help clients process trauma. EMDR involves the person focusing on a distressing memory while a therapist implements bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, audible tapping, or pulsing light. This approach reduces the emotional charge of traumatic memories over time, providing symptom relief and encouraging growth.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS therapy and ego-state therapy help individuals practice self-compassion and reconnect with themselves. By exploring the internal “parts” affected by trauma and understanding their emotions within a nonjudgmental framework, clients discover ways to heal these parts and achieve inner balance.
Somatic and Movement-Based Therapies
Trauma affects the body just as much as the mind. Somatic therapies, brainspotting, and movement-based approaches allow individuals to express themselves and release core neurophysiological sources of emotional and physical pain.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
This journey is not about ignoring the past but addressing your inner world and working toward a brighter future. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment for PTSD therapy, Mancos Valley Center for Trauma and Attachment in Durango, CO, can gently guide you with care and compassion. Please reach out to request a consultation.