PTSD Treatment
I use Empirically Supported Treatments (treatments that have been proven to work through rigorous scientific research) when working with individuals with PTSD. During my Residency and Postdoctoral Fellowship, I completed extensive training at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals under the direct supervision of PTSD experts. Over the course of two years I was trained in the following PTSD treatments: Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (CBCT), Implosive Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), as well as cognitive and cognitive behavioral therapies. When treating individuals with PTSD, I typically use either PE or CPT as they are Empirically Supported Treatments and are strongly recommended by the American Psychological Association (APA). PE usually lasts for 10 sessions that are 75 minutes each while CPT usually lasts for 12 sessions that are 45 minutes each.
Individuals with PTSD usually have difficulty establishing or maintaining relationships due to PTSD symptoms. Due to these difficulties, many patients with PTSD seek psychotherapy with their partners. CBCT for PTSD was developed as a conjoint (couples) therapy that targets PTSD symptoms as well as enhancing communication in order to increase emotional intimacy and counteract symptoms of PTSD. I have found that CBCT is particularly helpful as the individual with PTSD and his/her partner learn about PTSD together as well as develop coping strategies to help alleviate PTSD symptoms. Partners typically report increased empathy and understanding with their partner. CBCT incorporates many aspects of PE and CPT and usually lasts for 15 sessions that are 75 minutes each. Sessions are attended by both the individual experiencing PTSD and his/her partner. Each session concludes with out-of-session assignments that help the couple practice the skills taught in CBCT in their everyday lives.
Due to the severity and pervasiveness of PTSD symptoms, I highly recommend seeking psychotherapy with a psychologist with expertise in treating PTSD. Clinicians with expertise in the treatment of PTSD should offer treatments strongly recommended by the APA.