Can therapists stop PTSD

Answer 1

Therapists don't "stop" PTSD in the sense of making symptoms and intrusive thoughts disappear permanently and completely. However, treatment of PTSD has a several major goals. Part of them depend on what the client wants.

First, it's important to work on safety and grounding. Then we work on identifying the psychological triggers and work on removing the severe and negative responses. Once some of the symptoms reduce, we work on decreasing the unhealthy coping mechanisms. Finally we work on trust and positive relationships.

As things improve, some clients want to work on piecing together their identity and inner strengths. This can be a lengthy process since in PTSD pieces of identity can be fractured and buried under years or decades of survival skills. Some of the processes that get clients through these issues include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Stress Inoculation Training, Imagery Rehearsal Technique, and overall trauma-focused CBT.

Ultimately we will help clients learn to cope with the trauma and find new strengths. But the events don't disappear.