PTSD & Trauma Treatment in Chicagoland
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s characterized by a range of symptoms that can interfere with daily life and functioning.
Signs & Symptoms of PTSD & Trauma
1. Intrusive Thoughts:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Reliving the traumatic event
- Distressing memories of the event
2. Avoidance:
- Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind one of the trauma
- Avoiding talking about the event or having feelings related to it
3. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood:
- Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
- Hopelessness about the future
- Memory problems, especially about the traumatic event
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships
- Feeling disconnected from family and friends
- Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions:
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Always being on guard for danger
- Self-destructive behavior
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
- Overwhelming guilt or shame
Treatment Options
Psychotherapy:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Memory Reconsolidation Therapy (MRT)
Medications:
- Antidepressants
- Anti-anxiety Medications
- Sleep Aid Medications
Diagnosis
A PTSD diagnosis requires the presence of specific symptoms from four categories: intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions, lasting for more than one month and causing significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. A certified clinician may use validated screening tools and questionnaires to aid in the diagnosis. Additionally, the assessment includes ruling out other potential causes for the symptoms. Neuropsychological testing provides the most in-depth diagnosis methods, allowing patients to gain a better understanding of their mental health status.
Help Manage Your PTSD
With support from our expert providers you can go…
1. From hypervigilance to a sense of safety:
With trauma-focused therapy and relaxation techniques, an individual can move from constant hypervigilance and feeling on edge to experiencing a greater sense of safety and security in their surroundings.
2. From intrusive memories to emotional regulation:
Through therapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), someone can transition from being overwhelmed by intrusive memories and flashbacks to developing better emotional regulation and coping skills.
3. From avoidance to engagement in life:
With exposure therapy and gradual desensitization, a person can go from avoiding triggers and reminders of their trauma to actively engaging in life activities and pursuing meaningful goals.
4. From nightmares to restful sleep:
By incorporating techniques such as imagery rehearsal therapy and sleep hygiene practices, an individual can move from experiencing distressing nightmares and insomnia to enjoying more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
5. From isolation to connectedness:
Through group therapy, support networks, and rebuilding relationships, someone can transform from isolating themselves due to the symptoms of PTSD to feeling connected to others and supported in their journey of healing.
How To Get Started
1. Fill in the new patient form
2. Receive your personalized evaluation & treatment plan
3. Experience mental wellness