How do you overcome a trauma?
The consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder are not only noticeable for the patient, but also for his or her environment. After all, family members and friends are also confronted with the symptoms on a daily basis. It is important to realize that the disorder will not go away on its own. But luckily there are a number of ways to get rid of it and enjoy life again.
The following therapies can help a trauma to process:
1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This treatment focuses on the patient’s cognitions: thoughts, fantasies, memories and beliefs about events. Work is underway to reduce the anxiety symptoms by going back to the relevant reminder.
The memory is relived as vividly as possible by telling it back as if it were happening now in the present tense. The therapist encourages paying attention to sensory information. This information concerns what one feels, hears, sees and smells.
It is essential to address precisely the so-called ‘hotspots’ of the traumatic event. Working through these moments helps to reduce re-experiences such as flashbacks and nightmares.
2) Concise Eclectic Psychotherapy for PTSD (BEPP)
During this treatment, various therapies are brought together – such as cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis and psychotherapy – whereby attention is paid to the complaints and solutions. That is why this treatment is called eclectic psychotherapy.
3) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
This treatment is again based on various therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy. It is important that body and mind are connected during the sessions. For example, eye movements of the patient can provide new insights.
By simultaneously working with the past (memories) and the present (the patient’s moving finger), an attempt is made to remedy the disorder.
More information
For more information about the different treatment methods, visit your GP or contact a psychologist or therapist.
