HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP WITH PTSD?

Counselling can help individuals with PTSD. It provides them with a safe and supportive environment to process and come to terms with their traumatic experiences. Trauma-focused therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), specifically tailored for PTSD, prolonged exposure (PE) therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) are considered effective for treating PTSD. 

During therapy, the individual works with their therapist to process their traumatic memories, thoughts and feelings associated with the trauma and develop coping strategies. 

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps individuals to identify and alter negative thought patterns and behaviours which have developed as a result of the traumatic event. 

Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy helps the individual to gradually confront and process their traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment.

EMDR therapy uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the individual process traumatic memories, thus reducing any associated distress. 

Counselling can also help individuals with PTSD to develop better coping mechanisms to deal with their symptoms.

These could include symptoms such as anxiety, depression or perhaps anger.

It can also help individuals to improve other relationships within their life, helping to regain a sense of control in life, leading to an overall improvement in mental well-being. Additionally, counselling can provide support for individuals who may be struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event, helping them to regain a sense of hope for the future.