Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have a strong track record for the treatment of PTSD and other behavioral disorders. Behavioral therapies like CBT can lead to a decrease in PTSD symptoms. Learning about how cognitive-behavioral therapy can help PTSD symptoms is the first step in learning how to manage symptoms and triggers.
Outreach Recovery is a full-service mental health treatment center with locations up and down the East Coast to aid people who struggle with PTSD, addiction, and other mental health conditions. We use a combination of CBT and other types of behavioral therapies, along with holistic therapies and medication, for a well-rounded treatment experience.
For more information about the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy, call 888.897.9284 today to schedule a tour and begin experiencing better mental health.
What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most recognized forms of therapy for treating behavioral and mental health disorders. It was originally developed in the 1960s by Aaron Beck to treat depression.
After some time, it soon became apparent that CBT could be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), along with treating:
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD)
- Specific phobias
- Substance use disorders
- Panic disorders
- Eating disorders
CBT has also been shown to reduce high-stress levels and can improve patient’s overall physical and mental health.
How CBT Works
During a typical cognitive-behavioral therapy session, therapists will walk patients through recalling past traumas or disturbing thoughts that trigger their PTSD symptoms. They do this to teach them how to recognize what triggers their symptoms and begin finding more positive thoughts and behaviors to prevent their symptoms from spiking.
Instead of reaching for drugs or alcohol to cope or acting aggressively or violently toward others, patients learn to manage their symptoms through mindfulness and meditation, and other positive behaviors.
Outreach Recovery is a full-service mental health treatment center with several locations along the East Coast. We are well aware of the CBT benefits for PTSD and use this method and others to support patients who struggle with this treatable disorder.
How Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Can Help PTSD Symptoms
Treating PTSD is possible with time and effort. It will take time to practice new coping and communication skills and become comfortable using them in real-world situations.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help with PTSD in a few crucial ways.
Identifying the Trauma
The first step in recovery is identifying the original trauma and beginning to process those feelings instead of hiding from them. Trauma can be caused by:
- Combat experience
- Natural disasters
- Online or in-person bullying
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- The sudden loss of a loved one
- Current affairs
Each trauma is unique, and each person experiences it uniquely. A therapist will help a patient identify the event or series of events that lead to their PTSD symptoms.
Changing Negative Thinking
Patients learn to replace these thoughts with more positive ones. This can take time, but with the help of a therapist, patients learn to recognize when their thoughts are negative and replace them with healthier thoughts.
Learning Coping Strategies
Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients how to cope with PTSD symptoms as they arise. They learn to identify their triggers and use healthy coping mechanisms like deep breathing, mindfulness techniques, or seeking support from loved ones. This allows them to manage their symptoms and prevent them from escalating.
New Outlook on Life
With the help of CBT, patients can develop a new outlook on life. They learn to build healthy boundaries and cope with stressful situations more positively. Patients also learn to communicate their needs effectively and build strong support networks.
There are many more CBT benefits for PTSD that patients can experience while participating in a PTSD treatment program. Those who do not seek help are more likely to develop a substance use disorder, which will worsen their symptoms and require more extensive treatment.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for PTSD at Outreach Recovery
How can cognitive-behavioral therapy help PTSD symptoms? At Outreach Recovery, we will go over the types of therapies we use and how they can benefit the recovery experience. Some of the behavioral therapies used to treat PTSD and other mental health disorders include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
To discover the benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD, contact us today.
Call Outreach Recovery Now
Contact Outreach Recovery online or call 888.897.9284 today to speak with our dedicated team. We are here to help you with any questions about CBT benefits, our treatment process, and what we hope to achieve for a better mental health experience. Remember, you are not alone; help is just a phone call away.