PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a deeply traumatic event. It manifests through a range of symptoms that can significantly impact everyday life. Key signs include:

  • Intrusive Memories: Recurring flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts about the traumatic event.

  • Avoidance: Steering clear of places, activities, or conversations that remind you of the trauma.

  • Negative Shifts in Mood and Beliefs: Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness; difficulty experiencing positive emotions.

  • Hyperarousal: Heightened anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and an exaggerated startle response.

Identifying these symptoms is crucial in recognizing PTSD and taking the first steps toward professional support and recovery.

EMDR

EMDR Therapy is a structured psychotherapy developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s to reduce distress from traumatic memories, especially in PTSD. It follows an eight-phase process where clients recall traumatic events while undergoing bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or audio tones). This helps the brain reprocess trauma, reducing its emotional impact. EMDR is particularly effective for trauma that hasn’t responded to traditional talk therapy.