Trauma is a deeply personal experience that can profoundly impact an individual’s life. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but the two disorders are associated. Understanding the distinction between trauma and PTSD helps patients and providers find the right medications and treatments options. We are ready to help patients experiencing trauma and suffering from PTSD, as well as other associated mental health conditions.
Are Trauma and PTSD the Same?
Trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that one experienced. Circumstances that cause the response of trauma may be single or repetitive incidents over an extended period of time. A single traumatic experience may be a tragic car accident. A repetitive traumatic experience may be abuse or rape. Trauma often results in anxiety and other stressors, which are normal reactions to experiencing or witnessing a life-changing event or activity.
PTSD is a specific mental health condition that can develop after exposure to such an event. Untreated trauma may develop into post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD does not exist without trauma. The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD and explains the traumatic response associated as:
“Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances. An individual may experience this as emotionally or physically harmful or life-threatening and may affect mental, physical, social, and/or spiritual well-being. Examples include natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, war/combat, rape/sexual assault, historical trauma, intimate partner violence and bullying.”
Treatment Options for Trauma and PTSD Therapy
A variety of treatment options are available for trauma and PTSD, each with its own strengths and limitations. Psychotherapy is the first line of mental and behavioral health treatment. Psychotherapy involves talking about your experiences with a trained trauma or PTSD therapist. This process can help you understand your emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and challenge negative thought patterns. Beyond psychotherapy, Inspire Behavioral Health offers advanced, cutting-edge trauma therapy treatments, like TMS and EMDR.
EMDR for Trauma Therapy Near Me
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that has gained significant attention for its effectiveness in treating trauma. By guiding your focus through rapid eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps the brain process traumatic memories in a new way. While EMDR has shown promising results, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone, and individual responses can vary.
TMS for PTSD Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has been explored as a treatment for PTSD. TMS has proven successful in helping individuals regain control of their lives by targeting the areas of the brain affected by PTSD using magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. Inspire Behavioral Health offers a leading TMS therapy program specifically designed to address the complexities of PTSD. Our highly trained specialists utilize this cutting-edge treatment to provide effective relief for patients struggling with the debilitating symptoms of trauma.
Finding a Trauma Therapist Near Me
If you’re grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, professional help is crucial. At Inspire Behavioral Health, we offer specialized care to guide you through the healing process. Our team of mental health professionals can help you identify the specific challenges you’re facing and develop a tailored treatment plan. Our treatment plans often combine psychotherapy with other evidence-based modalities to address the unique needs of each individual. Whether you’re exploring EMDR, TMS, or other therapeutic interventions, our goal is to empower you to overcome the challenges of trauma and PTSD and build a fulfilling life.