10 Types of Therapy for PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It can be a range of “simple” trauma to more “complex” trauma. It can cause a range of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of anxiety and depression. Due to the range of symptoms, it can be confused with other mental health disorders. Fortunately, there are several different types of therapy that have been shown to be effective in treating PTSD. Here are the top 10 types of therapy for PTSD:
1. Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is a type of therapy that is specifically designed to help people who have experienced trauma, including PTSD. TF-CBT typically involves a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and exposure therapy. It is a short-term, evidence-based therapy that has been proven to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD. It focuses on teaching individuals how to cope with their trauma in a healthy way and helps them develop coping skills to manage their symptoms.
(The owner and therapist of Thriving Minds Therapy specialize in this type of therapy for PTSD.)
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2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a type of therapy that involves recalling traumatic experiences while also experiencing bilateral sensory input, such as eye movements or tapping. This therapy is thought to work by reprocessing traumatic memories, making them less intense and less distressing. EMDR has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD.
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3. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
PE is a type of exposure therapy that involves repeatedly confronting the trauma that caused PTSD. The goal of PE is to help the individual process the traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment, which can help reduce symptoms of PTSD over time. PE is often conducted over a period of 8-15 sessions and is a highly effective treatment for PTSD.
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4. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts related to their traumatic experiences. By changing these negative thoughts, individuals can change their emotional responses to the traumatic event and reduce symptoms of PTSD. CPT is typically conducted over 12 sessions and has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD.
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5. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
Narrative therapy involves exploring the stories and meanings that individuals attach to their experiences of trauma. By unpacking and reframing the way individuals tell their stories, narrative therapy can help individuals make sense of their experiences, build a sense of agency, and develop more helpful narratives. Studies have found narrative therapy to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms (Tamás et al., 2021).
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6. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR involves guided eye movements that are believed to help individuals process traumatic experiences. The therapist leads the individual through a series of eye movements while they recall traumatic memories. EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating PTSD (Bisson et al., 2019).
7. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that involves identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma. Through the process of cognitive restructuring, individuals can replace unhelpful thoughts and beliefs with more adaptive ones. Studies have found CPT to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms (Forbes et al., 2021).
8. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a type of therapy that emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. While DBT was originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder, it has been adapted for use in treating PTSD. Studies have found DBT to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms (Galovski et al., 2019).
9. Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine-Assisted Therapy is a type of therapy that involves interacting with horses to help patients with PTSD. In this therapy, the patient participates in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading the horse. The patient is encouraged to observe the horse's behavior and to reflect on their own emotions and behaviors.
Research has shown that Equine-Assisted Therapy is an effective treatment for PTSD. A randomized clinical trial of veterans found that Equine-Assisted Therapy was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms (Kemp Et al., 2018).
10. Art Therapy
Art therapy involves the use of creative techniques, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting, to help individuals express and process their traumatic experiences. It can be particularly helpful for those who struggle to put their thoughts and feelings into words, as art provides an alternative means of communication. Through the creative process, individuals can gain insights into their emotions and develop coping skills.
Studies have shown that art therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks and anxiety. A randomized controlled trial found that veterans who participated in art therapy had significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, depression, and quality of life compared to those who received standard care (Cook et al., 2020).
Conclusion
While PTSD can be a debilitating condition, there are many evidence-based therapies that can help individuals recover. It’s very important for individuals who think they may have PTSD to seek treatment. It can be extremely hard to overcome trauma on your own. Trauma-focused therapies such as CBT, EMDR, and TFCBT are widely considered to be the gold standard of treatment for PTSD. However, other therapies such as art therapy, equine therapy, and narrative therapy can also be effective for some individuals. It's important to work with a trained therapist to find the right type of therapy for your individual needs. With the right support, it's possible to overcome the effects of trauma and move toward a brighter future.
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