What Is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after an accident, injury or traumatic event. Victims, witnesses and close loved ones may experience emotional reactions that interfere with daily life, work, sleep and relationships. PTSD symptoms can be difficult to navigate, making professional counseling essential for long-term recovery.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD can present in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:
- Intrusive flashbacks of the accident
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat
- Persistent negative thoughts about oneself or the world
- Heightened anxiety or hypervigilance
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Emotional numbness or withdrawal
- Irritability, anger or sudden outbursts
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering details
Coping After a Traumatic Event
After a traumatic event, individuals may develop coping strategies that provide short-term relief but worsen symptoms over time. Known as negative coping skills, common behaviors can include substance abuse, withdrawal from relationships, overworking or aggressive outbursts.
Left untreated, these negative coping skills can interfere with healing and intensify anxiety or depression. Trauma Counseling Associates (TCA) specializes in helping personal injury victims address these challenges through compassionate, evidence-based counseling.
Evidence-Based Treatment: Cognitive Processing Therapy
TCA uses cognitive processing therapy (CPT), a trauma-focused form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help patients address the negative thoughts and behaviors caused by PTSD or other stress-related disorders. Used in almost all VA Medical Centers, CPT is a highly effective behavioral health model that has been used for decades to improve patient’s outcomes. For younger patients, TCA clinicians use trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) to help them process trauma in a safe and supportive way.
Who Can Benefit From Counseling
TCA supports personal injury victims, witnesses and close loved ones who are experiencing trauma-related symptoms. Early intervention can improve long-term recovery and strengthen healthy coping skills.
Because TCA specializes in personal injury trauma, all patients begin care through a referral. Begin the referral process here.