The Value Of Online PTSD Counseling

By Mayra Pierce


It is perfectly normal to experience anxious, fearful and disconnected after going through a traumatic experience. Most people recover after a period of time but others do not and they may even find that the symptoms get worse. If this is the case, it is highly likely that they have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. When suffering from this disorder, the sooner help is received the better and some sufferers find online ptsd counseling very effective in this situation.

Combat exposure, physical or sexual abuse, serious accidents, assault and going through natural disasters like floods or earthquakes can all cause the disorder. Many people experience negative emotions and other reactions after going through events like this. However, only some develop this disorder and no-one really knows why.

There are four main types of symptoms that indicate the person may have this disorder. One of these is that the event is relived again and again. Bad memories and nightmares are common. Avoidance is another symptom. Sufferers do not want to talk or think about the experience and even keep away from people or situations that could bring back traumatic memories. The person experiences negative feelings and beliefs such as fear, guilt and shame and often become disinterested in doing anything that was enjoyed in the past. Feeling jittery and always on the alert is another symptom.

When living constantly with these symptoms, people may resort to drink or drugs to cope. They feel increasingly hopeless, anxious and depressed. This has an effect on their relationships and they often have difficulties with employment too. When people are stuck and cannot move on, help is needed and the sooner the better.

When trying to find a counselor, it is very important to choose someone who is qualified and has experience. Different treatment methods and used and sometimes therapy and medication are used together. Cognitive behavior therapy offers sufferers all kinds of skills to help them cope. Another method of treatment is for the counselor to get the sufferer to talk through the events again and again until the memories become less upsetting.

Cognitive behavior therapy is often used. Sufferers are given skills and tools to help them deal with their symptoms. Another method used is to get the sufferer to talk about the traumatic memories they experienced. This is often very painful but when guided by a good therapist it can be therapeutic. Reviews written on particular sites are worth reading as they can give an indication of how effective a particular program was.

A program that offers daily contact with a counselor over a period of weeks is invaluable. This is far better than having to wait a week for an appointment. Online chats with the therapist, completing worksheets and receiving feedback to check on progress is usually the type of structure of such a program. Access to forums and blogs is another positive aspect, exposing sufferers to others going through the same things.

Practical problems such as lack of transport and mental problems such as fear of face-to-face contact may stand in the way of such sufferers getting the help they need. The internet can provide a solution in cases like this and offers an easy way to get a sense of what is being offered, costs involved and other such details. Registration is usually simple and once payment is made, treatment can begin.




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