Healing PTSD is possible yet you may feel:
That your future is out of your control and healing might be impossible?
That it's hard to even picture the future existing, much less imagine what it will be like?
Many people with PTSD allow past trauma to create their future life.
The reason I'm writing this blog is to help you learn new ways to take your power back and be the author of your life now and in the future. The truth is, we cannot change what happened in the past, but it is possible to learn how to start living in the now. If PTSD or thoughts of a traumatic event are keeping you from having the healthy life and relationships you deserve, please keep reading. If you are tired of just reacting to life situations out of fear, and are ready to start creating the life and future you want, this is written for you. You might be skeptical that anything can really help. Here is the thing: healing PTSD is not easy. It is hard work, but it is possible, and few things can match the rewards.
This is what I've learned as a PTSD therapist:
I work with clients who struggle everyday with intense emotions, overwhelming body sensations and images associated with their trauma. For these clients, just managing day-to-day life situations is a difficult goal, never mind planning and creating a future. Below are the 5 tips that I share with my clients who are working towards healing PTSD
5 basic tips for finding acceptance and healing from PTSD
1 Establish a safe environment. Safety is the #1 priority.
If you are still engaging in risky behavior, are in an unsafe relationship, or are in an unsafe work environment, etc., find ways to reach out and get support.
2. Bring self-awareness and management to your triggers and arousal states.
Know yourself. The more you know what your triggers are, and how to manage your arousal states,the better equipped you will be. If you struggle to see this yourself, seek a therapist who can give you feedback from a non-biased, outside perspective.
3. Find meaning in what happened.
Spend some time asking yourself questions, such as:
How did the trauma make me a stronger/wiser person?
How can I help others going through something similar?
How can I bring more love and compassion to myself?
4. Acknowledge any grief of past behaviors and missed opportunities.
Trauma is a thief. Many people can get stuck in a self-perpetuating trauma vortex, which includes the internalized feelings of shame or guilt created by the trauma.
5. Prepare and plan for pitfalls and relapse while healing PTSD.
Even as your brain builds new brain neural pathways, the old pathways still exist – and in times of stress, are easy to fall back on.Take your power back and start creating the life you want moving forward.
If you would like some extra support healing from PTSD and are looking for a psychotherapist, please contact me for a free 30-minute consultation to learn about how I can be of service.
For your other needs, you can count on April Lyons Psychotherapy Group, to help you heal and grow through EMDR therapy, somatic therapy, PTSD Treatment, and trauma therapy – because we believe in your strength and potential for recovery.
