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Comprehensive PTSD Treatment Approaches at FHCTS
Restoring Balance and Empowerment

What is PTSD?

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These events may include physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, accidents, combat, or any other life-threatening or highly distressing situations. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, but those who do often face long-lasting psychological effects.

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PTSD is characterized by four primary clusters of symptoms:

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  1. Intrusive Symptoms: These include recurrent, involuntary, and distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the trauma. Flashbacks can make a person feel as though they are reliving the traumatic event.

  2. Avoidance: People with PTSD may avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma, such as specific places, activities, conversations, or even thoughts. This avoidance can interfere with daily life and relationships.

  3. Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition: PTSD can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness. It can also cause difficulty remembering key aspects of the traumatic event or lead to a persistent negative outlook about oneself or the world.

  4. Hyperarousal and Reactivity: This includes being easily startled, feeling on edge, experiencing difficulty sleeping, or having angry outbursts. People with PTSD often feel as though they must remain vigilant to avoid danger.

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How Does PTSD Make a Person Feel?

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PTSD affects emotional, psychological, and even physical well-being, often leaving individuals feeling:

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  1. Overwhelmed: The recurring memories, flashbacks, and nightmares can feel inescapable, making it hard for individuals to focus on anything else.

  2. Fearful and Unsafe: People with PTSD often feel a heightened sense of danger, even in objectively safe environments, leading to hypervigilance.

  3. Disconnected: Emotional numbness and avoidance behaviors can cause feelings of isolation, making it challenging to maintain meaningful relationships.

  4. Guilty or Ashamed: Survivors may irrationally blame themselves for what happened, particularly in cases of abuse or assault.

  5. Hopeless and Depressed: The unrelenting nature of PTSD symptoms can make life feel overwhelming, fostering despair and hopelessness.

  6. Exhausted: Poor sleep and constant vigilance can leave individuals feeling physically and emotionally drained.

  7. Out of Control: Triggers and emotional responses may seem unpredictable, leaving individuals feeling powerless.

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Overview Of Therapies We Use In Treating PTSD

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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

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Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a proven psychotherapy approach for treating PTSD, designed to address and transform the negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with the condition. One effective method within CBT is exposure therapy, which involves safely and gradually confronting trauma-related memories in a controlled environment. This process helps individuals manage their memories and lessen the intensity of their emotional reactions. Another CBT approach, cognitive processing therapy (CPT), guides individuals in examining and reshaping their thoughts and beliefs about the traumatic event. By fostering a more balanced and realistic perspective, CPT reduces the emotional impact of the trauma and supports recovery.

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

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ACT helps individuals accept their traumatic experiences and commit to actions that enhance their quality of life. This therapy encourages mindfulness and value-based living, helping clients cultivate purpose and meaning. For many, ACT fosters resilience by shifting focus from avoiding pain to building a fulfilling life despite the trauma.

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Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)

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EFT emphasizes the exploration and expression of emotions associated with trauma. This therapy helps individuals identify, process, and regulate their emotions in a healthy way. Additionally, EFT strengthens interpersonal relationships, which can be a vital source of healing and support during recovery.

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Somatic Experiencing Therapy (SET)

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Trauma often manifests in the body, leading to physical symptoms like tension, hyperarousal, and disconnection. SET focuses on increasing bodily awareness to help individuals regulate their nervous system and reduce the physiological impact of trauma. Clients develop a greater sense of safety, control, and harmony within their bodies through this gentle and empowering approach.

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Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI)

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Mindfulness practices are integral to healing from trauma. These interventions train individuals to focus on the present moment with curiosity and non-judgment. Participants often experience improved bodily awareness, emotional regulation, and attentional control. By practicing mindfulness, clients can better manage arousal and develop greater acceptance of their experiences.

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Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

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IFS is a unique approach that explores the "parts" or subpersonalities within an individual's psyche. Many trauma survivors experience internal conflicts between parts of themselves, such as a wounded inner child and a protective, defensive part. IFS fosters healing by helping individuals recognize, understand, and harmonize these internal parts, promoting self-compassion and integration. This therapy is particularly effective for those with complex trauma histories.

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​​By combining therapies such as CBT, ACT, EFT, SET, MBI, and IFS, our Calgary trauma therapists address the multifaceted nature of PTSD, empowering clients to rebuild their lives. Each therapy complements the others, providing a comprehensive and holistic approach to recovery.

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Start Your Healing Journey with FHCTS

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If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, FHCTS is here to help. Our specialized PTSD therapy in Calgary offers a safe and welcoming environment where healing and growth can thrive. Contact FHCTS today to take the first step toward reclaiming your life.

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