How to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder With Psychotherapy

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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One of the essential ways to treat post-traumatic stress disorder is through the application of intensive psychotherapy. After early intervention, one of three techniques is usually applied: cognitive therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy and exposure therapy.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Prescription medication (may be needed)
Psychotherapist

Use Cognitive Therapy to Overcome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Step 1

Get a referral to a cognitive therapy specialist from a trusted mental health professional.
Step 2

Allow your cognitive therapist to guide your understanding of the events that caused the post-traumatic stress syndrome. Cognitive therapy aims to change the way you perceive the events by fostering an acceptance and understanding of them.
Step 3

Combine cognitive therapy with any medications you're prescribed by the therapist. Always follow directions for proper medicine use, and take your medicine as directed even if you're asymptomatic.

Overcome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder With Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

Step 1

Learn what cognitive-behavior therapy is. It differs from simple cognitive therapy in that the advanced understanding attained through cognitive therapy is then applied to your behavioral patterns.
Step 2

Practice the behavior modification strategies suggested by your therapist in order to regain an emotional and psychological balance.
Step 3

Remain communicative with your therapist throughout the process. Report any successes, failures or difficulties to your psychotherapist. Modify your behavior as directed to continue making progress in your efforts to overcome the post-traumatic stress you're suffering from.

Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder With Exposure Therapy

Step 1

Use exposure-based psychotherapy to confront and defeat the fear and anxiety caused by the traumatic memories.
Step 2

Treat post-traumatic stress disorder using exposure therapy by exploring the actual memories of the traumatic events, with the guidance of your psychotherapist. The idea behind exposure therapy is that confrontation of the traumatic events allows you to demystify the fear they cause. Eventually, it is hoped that you will assimilate the traumatic memories in a healthy manner that allows you to enjoy a good quality of life.
Step 3

Avoid the temptation to self-medicate through the use of drugs or alcohol, no matter which psychotherapy technique your therapist or psychiatrist may favor. Also, recognize that post-traumatic stress disorder may worsen other psychological conditions, particularly anxiety and depression.