PTSD
Living with PTSD: Understanding Trauma Focused Care
Open Arms Clinical Team, LCSW, LCPC, PMHNPJuly 5, 20261 min read
PTSD develops after exposure to trauma, and it is treatable. The nervous system learned to protect you; therapy helps it learn something new.
Core symptoms
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares
- Avoidance of trauma reminders
- Persistent negative mood or beliefs
- Hyperarousal (startle, sleep problems, hypervigilance)
Treatments with the strongest evidence
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Prolonged Exposure (PE)
- EMDR
These are structured, time limited therapies. Most clients see meaningful change within 8 to 16 sessions.
Common questions
Do I have to relive the trauma to heal?
You will process it, guided by a trained clinician, at a pace that keeps you safe. Avoidance keeps PTSD in place; skilled treatment does not.