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PTSD Counseling Online; Its Main 5 Perks that Provide Convenient Choice and Hopeful Outcome for PTSD

PTSD Counseling Online
PTSD Counseling Online

PSTD Counseling Online; Understanding its Benefits

Imagine a woman named Sarah, who has been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing domestic violence. She often feels overwhelmed by emotions, experiencing flashbacks that transport her back to those painful moments. She felt many of the common symptoms of PTSD for victims of abuse include not feeling safe when there are no threats present, being on guard, severe anxiety, nightmares, and emotional numbness. Sarah finds herself avoiding situations that remind her of the trauma, feeling detached from loved ones, and struggling with a sense of hopelessness.

For Sarah, reaching out for PTSD counseling online was a natural choice, reflecting her courage and determination to seek help. It takes immense bravery to confront one’s trauma, and by choosing online counseling, Sarah is taking significant steps to improve her mental health. This decision demonstrates her strength and commitment to healing, despite the challenges she has faced.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a life threatening traumatic event. According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic criteria for PTSD include:

  • Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence
  • Presence of intrusive symptoms such as memories, dreams, or flashbacks
  • Avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma
  • Negative alterations in cognition and mood
  • Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity

The Benefits of PTSD Counseling Online

PTSD counseling online offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance the therapy experience:

  1. No need to drive to an appointment
  2. Access to high-quality therapists from other cities
  3. Availability of therapy in remote locations
  4. Flexibility in scheduling sessions
  5. Greater privacy and comfort

In addition to the benefits of online therapy, one of the main benefits of PTSD counseling is the improvement of one’s window of tolerance, a concept defined by Dr. Dan Siegel. The window of tolerance refers to the optimal arousal zone where a person can function effectively, despite experiencing stress. Counseling helps in recognizing triggers and using coping skills to ground oneself, processing trauma memories to distinguish past from present, and coming to terms with negative events. It provides a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, fostering healing and recovery.

Types of Trauma Therapy Modalities Used in PTSD Counseling Online

There are various therapy modalities to address trauma, each offering unique approaches to healing:

  • Art Therapy: Art therapy utilizes creative expression to help individuals process emotions and trauma. Through drawing, painting, or sculpting, clients can explore their inner worlds and find symbolic representations of their experiences. Creating art engages different areas of the brain than those used for verbal language, which is significant because trauma memories are often stored in non-verbal parts of the brain. Many scientists have found that people cannot solely talk their way out of PTSD due to these distinct brain regions. Art helps to build a bridge between verbal language and these stored memories, facilitating access to them and enabling processing and healing.
  • Brainspotting Therapy: Brainspotting therapy focuses on identifying and processing trauma through specific eye positions in relation to certain stuck points or traumatic memories. These areas of the brain are called brain spots, and reflexes are seen in the eyes when people are processing information. David Grand, the founder of brainspotting therapy, says, “Where you look determines how you feel.” This technique helps people process, understand, and release stored trauma from the brain and body, promoting deep healing.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a structured approach that helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns and behaviors. It encourages clients to challenge and change distorted beliefs, leading to healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS): Internal Family Systems Therapy explores the various ‘parts’ of the self, recognizing that each part has its own role and function. In trauma, people often develop parts that attempt to protect oneself from being vulnerable again. Sometimes these protective parts can be helpful, but other times they can be detrimental as they keep us stuck and limit our experiences in life. IFS aims to harmonize these parts, fostering self-compassion and becoming more aware of regaining a sense of self through the examination of these different parts.
  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction combines mindfulness practices with stress reduction techniques. It helps clients cultivate awareness of the present moment, reducing anxiety and promoting emotional regulation.
  • Somatic Relaxation Techniques: Somatic relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, can be incredibly beneficial for individuals with PTSD. These techniques involve systematically tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in the body, which helps reduce physical tension and promotes a sense of calm. One body based tool for example is progressive muscle relaxation can be used at any time, making it a valuable tool for managing stress and anxiety in daily life.

Seeking Support with PTSD Counseling Online

Seeking the support one needs through PTSD counseling online can be profoundly beneficial. It offers a convenient and effective way to address mental health challenges, allowing individuals to regain control over their lives. By engaging in therapy, we can become masters of ourselves, rather than letting our past traumas dictate our present and future.

About

Heather Caruso is a compassionate, skilled, and intuitive trauma therapist offering PTSD counseling online. She is a registered Canadian art therapist, registered psychotherapist, trauma counselor and narcissistic abuse treatment clinician. She offers a unique blend of therapeutic approaches to help her clients navigate their healing journeys. Heather’s deep empathy and expertise create a safe and nurturing environment for those dealing with a mental health issue. Her areas of expertise are trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, self esteem, stress management, grief, and navigating big life changes. Heather offers in-person sessions in Guelph ON and online sessions for people from Ontario.

To support individuals in finding the right therapeutic path for their unique needs, she offers a free Zoom chat where people can ask questions and determine if her therapy services are a good fit for their needs. To book an appointment, click the button below.