Understanding PTSD and the Role of Trauma Counsellors

PTSD and the Role of Trauma Counsellors

Trauma counsellors play an important role in helping those suffering form PTSD to regain their emotional well-being.  In today’s post, we’ll review the common symptoms of PTSD and discuss the impact it can have on a person’s day to day life, explore how counsellors and psychotherapists help their clients heal and finally, we’ll look at building a path to well-being.  By understanding PTSD, we can ensure that those who suffer from this debilitating condition can receive the support they need to overcome their trauma and resume living a balanced and healthy life.  

1.  Common Symptoms of PTSD:
PTSD can be characterized by intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.  People who suffer from PTSD often experience negative memories during the daytime or nightmares during sleep time that impacts their ability to function and develop or maintain successful relationships.  

Sufferers can experience intense negative emotions relating to their trauma such as fear, anger and sadness along with physical sensations such as sweating, heart palpitations or constricted breathing especially when reminded of the event.

In addition, those suffering from PTSD may become hypervigilant due to their anxiety and have trouble sleeping, be very jumpy or have a short temper.  They may also avoid certain situations that remind them of their trauma and triggers a negative emotional or physical response.   Moreover, they may also indulge in substances to numb their feelings including drugs and alcohol.  

2.  The Role of Trauma Counselling:
Trauma counsellors are trained to provide a safe environment for PTSD sufferers so that they can feel heard and validated.  By offering and empathetic ear to their clients, counsellors can encourage them to discuss their trauma one step at a time so that they can begin to heal.

Trauma counsellors help their clients by coaching them on coping strategies and techniques that promote emotional regulation.  Clients are then able to manage any overwhelming emotions that arise and gain control of their reactions.  

The therapy process includes examining and reframing any negative beliefs or thoughts that might have developed for an individual as a result of their trauma.  This process assists clients in being able to rebuild their self-perception to one that is more positive and supportive.

Trauma counsellors utilize highly effective treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support their clients in processing their traumatic memories.  CBT  lessens the emotional and physical impact or the traumatic memories so that clients can function more effectively in their personal and professional lives.  

3.  Building a Path to Well-Being:
Because counsellors offer a safe and empathetic space for their clients to explore and heal from their trauma, sufferers slowly begin to trust themselves and others through the therapy process.  

Once clients have learned to identify their triggers and have adopted coping skills with the help of their therapist, they feel empowered to face other challenges with courage and confidence.  

And, trauma counsellors encourage the adoption of daily self-care practices that support well-being.  This often includes regular exercise and a daily meditation practice as well as spending time nurturing relationships and enjoying hobbies or other interests.  

In summary:
Working with an experienced trauma counsellor is essential for helping PTSD sufferers to recover from its devastating effects.   Being able to process the traumatic memories in a safe and empathetic environment, learning about triggers and coping strategies for managing negative symptoms and adopting self-care practices allows individuals to heal and recover so that they can again lead balanced and healthy lives.  

If you or a loved one is suffering the effects of PTSD, reaching out for support from a trauma counsellor can be a crucial step in healing.  It is possible to recover from trauma and lead a fulfilling and successful life with professional support.  Reach out to Sabrina Martelli for a complimentary 15 minute consultation.  And click here if you want to review her trauma counselling services.

Book Your FREE 15 Minute Consultation

#traumacounsellors #traumacounsellor #ptsd #psychotherapy #traumacounselling #traumatherapy #traumatherapist