How to Find a Therapist for PTSD Treatment
Tuesday, 22 Mar 2011 03:58 PM
Article Font Size 
Post traumatic stress disorder, more commonly known as PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that results from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event(s) where physical harm occurred or was threatened.
Known as shell shock and battle fatigue syndrome in the past, in modern day, PTSD was first noticed among Civil War soldiers, and later among WWI soldiers. In fact, PTSD was brought to the attention of the medical community by veterans who were suffering from it, although anyone who has experienced or witnessed trauma can develop it. PTSD is very common among soldiers who have been in active duty, as well as among abuse victims and emergency and rescue workers.
Thanks to years of research, today psychologists and medical professionals know more about what causes PTSD than they did in the past, as well as how it is best treated. Depending on the person and the details of the trauma they witnessed or suffered, PTSD treatment involves psychotherapy, PTSD medication, or in some cases, both. PTSD Medication is used to treat anxiety and depression associated with PTSD, while the goal of therapy is to help the PTSD sufferer learn skills to manage their symptoms. A secondary goal of therapy is to help patients develop healthy ways to cope with the trauma they suffered.
Because of the unique nature of PTSD, it's important to choose a therapist who is trained in and experienced with treating PTSD. This means talking with multiple therapists, and finding one who is not only experienced in PTSD treatment, but who you feel comfortable working with. A good starting place is to talk with your family doctor or a local mental health agency, to get a list of recommendations. If you have insurance, you can also call your insurance provider and get a list of mental health service providers in their PPO.
Things to look for in a therapist include:
Known as shell shock and battle fatigue syndrome in the past, in modern day, PTSD was first noticed among Civil War soldiers, and later among WWI soldiers. In fact, PTSD was brought to the attention of the medical community by veterans who were suffering from it, although anyone who has experienced or witnessed trauma can develop it. PTSD is very common among soldiers who have been in active duty, as well as among abuse victims and emergency and rescue workers.
Thanks to years of research, today psychologists and medical professionals know more about what causes PTSD than they did in the past, as well as how it is best treated. Depending on the person and the details of the trauma they witnessed or suffered, PTSD treatment involves psychotherapy, PTSD medication, or in some cases, both. PTSD Medication is used to treat anxiety and depression associated with PTSD, while the goal of therapy is to help the PTSD sufferer learn skills to manage their symptoms. A secondary goal of therapy is to help patients develop healthy ways to cope with the trauma they suffered.
Because of the unique nature of PTSD, it's important to choose a therapist who is trained in and experienced with treating PTSD. This means talking with multiple therapists, and finding one who is not only experienced in PTSD treatment, but who you feel comfortable working with. A good starting place is to talk with your family doctor or a local mental health agency, to get a list of recommendations. If you have insurance, you can also call your insurance provider and get a list of mental health service providers in their PPO.
Things to look for in a therapist include:
- One you feel comfortable with
- One who respects you, including your opinions, feelings, individuality, and right to disagree
- One who acts as a doctor, and is not interested in being your friend or partner
- One who is willing to share his or her experiences with you when relevant, but who doesn't spend time talking about his or her own problems
- One who is not going to force you to talk about things you aren't ready for
© Newsmax. All rights reserved.
The Japan Quake: Resources for Reporters
The Japan Quake: Resources for Reporters
As shock waves resonate in the 9.0-magnitude earthquake, tsunami and unfolding threats from damaged nuclear power plants that have devastated Japan, the Dart Center offers these resources for journalists:
A Japanese version of the Dart Centre' Europe' s "Trauma and Journalism," by Mark Brayne:
Earthquake and tsunami resources assembled by Google, including Google's person-finder.
Dart Center resources on covering earthquakes.
"Tragedies and Journalists," the Dart Center's comprehensive guide for reporters, editors, photographers and managers on every aspect of reporting tragedy.
"Working with Victims and Survivors," Advice from journalists, researchers and mental health professionals on how to deal with people caught up in tragic events.
Guidance on mental health issues and how they evolve in regions devastated by natural disasters, from psychiatrist Alexander McFarlane.
Guidance on working with emergency services from Dr. Anne Eyre, specialist in trauma and disaster management.
Quick tips, in-depth resources and links to other organizations on "Covering Disasters."
Caring for Kids After Trauma, Disaster and Death:
http://www.aboutourkids.org/files/articles/crisis_guide02.pdf
After the Crisis: Healing from Trauma after Disaster
http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/atc/pdfs/atc_concept_paper.pdf
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)