About PTSD and How We Help

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from major life events like abuse, accidents, or military combat, but it can also develop from smaller, ongoing traumas, such as growing up in an unstable or unsafe environment. Even seemingly minor, repeated negative experiences can leave lasting emotional scars. Often working through past trauma is key to experience alleviation of other symptoms like anxiety and depression, even if the trauma occurred a long time ago.

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Why Work on Past Trauma?

Working through past trauma—whether it happened recently or many years ago—can help you break free from negative patterns that often arise as a result of PTSD. These patterns might include emotional and physical symptoms such as flashbacks, avoidance, hyper-alertness, or negative changes in your mood and beliefs.

PTSD can leave lasting effects, such as:

  • Negative Beliefs: Feelings of guilt, shame, or anger, and negative self-perceptions can affect how you view yourself and others. Working through trauma allows you to challenge these harmful beliefs and develop a healthier, more balanced self-image.
  • Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Avoiding reminders of the trauma or becoming overly reactive to perceived threats may lead to unhealthy behaviors like isolation, substance use, or emotional numbness. By processing your trauma, you can adopt healthier coping strategies and regain control over your life.
  • Relationship Challenges: Trauma can influence how you interact with others, making it hard to trust or connect. Whether pushing people away or withdrawing emotionally, working on the trauma can help you heal these patterns, allowing you to rebuild trust and form healthier relationships.

Healing from past trauma is a powerful way to transform these negative patterns, opening the door to greater growth, emotional balance, and personal empowerment.

Is PTSD Treatable?

Yes, PTSD is treatable with a comprehensive approach. Treatment options include:

  • EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been proven effective in reprocessing traumatic memories and reducing their emotional impact. This therapy helps you process past events in a way that promotes healing.
  • Talk Therapies: Alongside EMDR, therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focus on changing negative thought patterns, beliefs, and behaviors. This combination encourages long-term healing and personal growth.
  • Medication: Many patients benefit from medication in combination with therapy. Our psychiatry specialists will help you determine the right medication for your specific needs.
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS is a newer, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity, showing excellent results in helping those with PTSD.

At Northwest Psychiatry & Counseling, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs, ensuring a holistic approach to healing.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Whether your trauma occurred recently or years ago, it’s never too late to begin your journey of healing. Call our Bentonville, Arkansas office or reach out online today.