1017-Using Your Strengths for PTSD Recovery

Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

Introduction

Understanding PTSD and CPTSD

• Definition of PTSD:
• PTSD is a reaction to exposure to a traumatic event that induces extreme horror or trauma.
• Commonly seen in military personnel, crime victims, and law enforcement.
• Definition of CPTSD:
• CPTSD results from repeated exposure to traumatic events where escape is difficult or impossible, causing a sense of helplessness.
• Often seen in situations like ongoing abuse, neglect, or professions with repeated trauma exposure (e.g., law enforcement).

Symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD

• Re-Experiencing:
• Intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and intense distress when reminded of the trauma.
• These symptoms are survival mechanisms, helping the brain stay alert to future threats.
• Hypervigilance:
• Constantly being on high alert, scanning the environment for threats, leading to physical exhaustion.
• Common in those who have experienced trauma, especially if caught unawares in the past.
• Physical Symptoms:
• Difficulty sleeping, irritability, anger outbursts, feeling jumpy, easily startled, and chronic fatigue.
• These symptoms are tied to the body's stress response, which remains on high alert, even in safe situations.
• Somatic Complaints:
• Physical pain, gastrointestinal issues, and other bodily complaints often tied to chronic stress and hypervigilance.
• Interpersonal and Emotional Symptoms:
• Persistent difficulties in sustaining relationships, mistrust, betrayal, emotional numbness, and a loss of interest in activities.
• Trauma can disrupt the ability to connect with others and maintain healthy relationships.
• Cognitive Symptoms:
• Difficulty concentrating, dissociative symptoms (feeling detached or losing time), and persistent negative beliefs about oneself.
• Trauma affects the ability to focus and may lead to cognitive distortions, such as overgeneralization and catastrophizing.

Interventions and Strategies

• Physical Interventions:
• Establishing a sleep routine, stress management techniques (e.g., journaling, exercise), and considering medication for sleep if necessary.
• Addressing physical symptoms like fatigue by creating a sense of safety and empowerment.
• Interpersonal Interventions:
• Encouraging connections with non-judgmental, empathetic people, and finding supportive communities, especially those with shared experiences.
• Helping individuals communicate their needs and seek out relationships that contribute to their sense of safety and well-being.
• Emotional and Cognitive Interventions:
• Developing emotional intelligence, understanding the function of emotions, and learning to downregulate stress responses.
• Cognitive processing therapy to challenge cognitive distortions and replace them with more balanced thinking.
• Environmental Interventions:
• Modifying the environment to reduce triggers (e.g., removing reminders of trauma, adding comforting elements).
• Creating a safe physical space with tools like safety items, proper lighting, and mirrors to reduce stress.

Conclusion

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Strength-based approach to understanding post-traumatic stress disorder

00:06:45 - Re-experiencing Traumatic Events and Symptoms

00:13:16 - Hyper-sensitivity and extreme stress response

00:20:14 - Effects of Trauma on Trust and Relationships

00:27:06 - Managing Concentration and Memory Issues

00:33:48 - Traumatic Triggers and PTSD Risk Factors

00:40:37 - Seeking Support and Validation

00:46:55 - Strategies for Emotional Recovery and Trauma Processing

00:53:32 - Coping with Trauma

00:59:58 - Changing Beliefs and Desensitizing Symptoms

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