The Horsforth Centre has a strong relationship with several providers, offering post-trauma work and treatment for PTSD. This includes brief report-writing.
One of therapists has recently been using CBT to provide therapy to a client who experienced trauma in their work setting.
The first three to six months after a traumatic event we would probably provide “watchful waiting” – supporting a client in a relational way to see if symptoms reduce and the client is more able to integrate their experience.
For some though difficult symptoms persist. We are normally looking out for:
Intrusion – re-experiencing the traumatic event through flashbacks or intrusive thoughts.
Avoidance – of reminders, places, travelling in cars, talking about the situation etc.
Hyper-arousal – symptom of physiological anxiety such as panic and agitation.
Some people when they are managing trauma might suffer with other difficulties such as those below:
Drinking or drug problems
Feelings of hopelessness, shame, or despair
Employment problems
Relationships problems including divorce and violence
Physical symptoms
“It is really exciting to support a client as they walk out of fear and trauma, and return to a normal and rewarding life”