PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA
AND PTSD
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA
AND PTSD
Experienced Clinicians in Post Traumatic Symptoms
Our team at Lighthouse Psychology have many years experience in treating individuals who are experiencing post traumatic symptoms. We are able to provide comprehensive assessments and treatment for psychological trauma.
Dr Chrissie Tizzard and her team have worked extensively with victims of trauma for over 20 years. Their experience has included working with individuals who have experienced a range of critical incidents including 9/11 and the London bombings.
In civilian life symptoms of trauma may follow events such as an armed robbery, car accident, sudden loss of life, rape, accidents at work, witnessing a suicide etc.
What is psychological trauma?
Traumatic events are shocking and emotionally overwhelming situations that may involve actual or threaten death, serious injury, or threat to physical integrity. Reactions to traumatic events vary considerably, ranging from relatively mild creating minor disruptions in the person’s life to severe and debilitating. Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder are mental health diagnoses associated with traumatic stress reactions. A small number of individuals who experience trauma may develop these conditions.
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
Should I feel like this?
It is normal to experience a range of sometimes very unpleasant symptoms such as the following in the two weeks following the incident. Often these symptoms reduce and then go away on their own. Occasionally, these symptoms can remain or get worse. This can be very frightening.
If symptoms do not reduce or resolve after a month – it is possible you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
It is important that you are able to gain access to a speedy psychological assessment and treatment to resolve the condition. Even if your symptoms have been present for many months or even years, treatment is available.
In our experience many people put off seeking professional help because they feel silly or weak. This is not the case. PTSD develops as a result of neuropsychological and hormonal assaults on the system. These symptoms are caused by the trauma. PTSD is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed as another mental health condition.
Common Symptoms Following a Trauma
Treatment
The recommended treatment for PTSD, hyperarousal and associated symptoms is either Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Eye Movement Desensitisation Routine. These are evidenced based treatments proven to treat the condition.
Depending on the type of trauma and the actual diagnosis, the average treatment duration is approximately 20 sessions.