PTSD: Reclaiming Control By: Robert ‘Bob’ Cuyler, PhD Psychologist and Trauma Expert
Navigating PTSD Treatment: A Guide to Effective Therapies As the next step in this series, we are starting a tour of available treatments for PTSD. First, we’ll begin with individual psychotherapy, which is often termed talk therapy or counseling. Traditionally done face-to-face in an office setting, therapy is now widely available by telemedicine as well. This new option widens choices for consumers, especially for individuals who do not live in major urban areas. Since distance and travel are not obstacles with ‘tele’, prospective patients may be able to find clinicians with specialty training in treating PTSD. Notably, the Veterans Affairs (VA) has pioneered in offering these options, demonstrating a commitment to (Part 2 of 2) accessible mental health care for veterans. When exploring PTSD treatment options, it’s important to understand what to do as well as what to look out for. A first piece of advice, learn about the background and training of a prospective therapist before you begin.
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Don’t be shy about seeking information or asking questions. The therapist’s website or a phone call can be sources of information. This is important to determine if the therapist has specialized training in treating PTSD. For veterans using the VA, chances are good their personnel specialize in service-related PTSD, but it’s still important to ask. Many civilian therapists offer ‘generic’ talk therapy without substantial experience or training with trauma or PTSD. Others may push to dive into memories of traumatic events without sufficient preparation or establishment of a trusting relationship. We’ve learned that feeling pushed into retrieving traumatic memories or reminders and expressing the resulting emotions can be overwhelming and traumatizing. Remember, a well-matched therapist is key to a successful recovery, so take the time to make an informed choice. With time and repetition,