Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

1017-Using Your Strengths for PTSD Recovery

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IntroductionUnderstanding PTSD and CPTSD
  • Definition of PTSD:
  • PTSD is a reaction to exposure to a traumatic event that induces extreme horror or trauma.
  • Commonly seen in military personnel, crime victims, and law enforcement.
  • Definition of CPTSD:
  • CPTSD results from repeated exposure to traumatic events where escape is difficult or impossible, causing a sense of helplessness.
  • Often seen in situations like ongoing abuse, neglect, or professions with repeated trauma exposure (e.g., law enforcement).
    • Symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD
    • Re-Experiencing:
    • Intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and intense distress when reminded of the trauma.
    • These symptoms are survival mechanisms, helping the brain stay alert to future threats.
    • Hypervigilance:
    • Constantly being on high alert, scanning the environment for threats, leading to physical exhaustion.
    • Common in those who have experienced trauma, especially if caught unawares in the past.
    • Physical Symptoms:
    • Difficulty sleeping, irritability, anger outbursts, feeling jumpy, easily startled, and chronic fatigue.
    • These symptoms are tied to the body's stress response, which remains on high alert, even in safe situations.
    • Somatic Complaints:
    • Physical pain, gastrointestinal issues, and other bodily complaints often tied to chronic stress and hypervigilance.
    • Interpersonal and Emotional Symptoms:
    • Persistent difficulties in sustaining relationships, mistrust, betrayal, emotional numbness, and a loss of interest in activities.
    • Trauma can disrupt the ability to connect with others and maintain healthy relationships.
    • Cognitive Symptoms:
    • Difficulty concentrating, dissociative symptoms (feeling detached or losing time), and persistent negative beliefs about oneself.
    • Trauma affects the ability to focus and may lead to cognitive distortions, such as overgeneralization and catastrophizing.
      • Interventions and Strategies
      • Physical Interventions:
      • Establishing a sleep routine, stress management techniques (e.g., journaling, exercise), and considering medication for sleep if necessary.
      • Addressing physical symptoms like fatigue by creating a sense of safety and empowerment.
      • Interpersonal Interventions:
      • Encouraging connections with non-judgmental, empathetic people, and finding supportive communities, especially those with shared experiences.
      • Helping individuals communicate their needs and seek out relationships that contribute to their sense of safety and well-being.
      • Emotional and Cognitive Interventions:
      • Developing emotional intelligence, understanding the function of emotions, and learning to downregulate stress responses.
      • Cognitive processing therapy to challenge cognitive distortions and replace them with more balanced thinking.
      • Environmental Interventions:
      • Modifying the environment to reduce triggers (e.g., removing reminders of trauma, adding comforting elements).
      • Creating a safe physical space with tools like safety items, proper lighting, and mirrors to reduce stress.
        • Conclusion



        Chapters:

        00:00:00 - Strength-based approach to understanding post-traumatic stress disorder

        00:06:45 - Re-experiencing Traumatic Events and Symptoms

        00:13:16 - Hyper-sensitivity and extreme stress response

        00:20:14 - Effects of Trauma on Trust and Relationships

        00:27:06 - Managing Concentration and Memory Issues

        00:33:48 - Traumatic Triggers and PTSD Risk Factors

        00:40:37 - Seeking Support and Validation

        00:46:55 - Strategies for Emotional Recovery and Trauma Processing

        00:53:32 - Coping with Trauma

        00:59:58 - Changing Beliefs and Desensitizing Symptoms

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        Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipesBy Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
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