Symptomatology
Critical life events, traumatic experiences or chronic psychological strain can be the cause or trigger of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The clinical picture is shaped by intrusive, distressing thoughts and memories of the trauma (intrusions) or memory gaps (images, nightmares, flashbacks, partial amnesia), hyperarousal symptoms (sleep disorders, hypervigilance, increased irritability, affect intolerance, concentration problems), avoidance behaviour, and emotional numbing (general withdrawal, loss of interest, inner detachment).
Therapeutic approach
In the first phase of therapy, alongside thorough diagnostics, the stabilisation of the affected person comes first. Once sufficient stability is reached, trauma-focused confrontation follows by means of different methods (for example EMDR, screen technique, guided re-experiencing).
Frequently asked questions
- What is a post-traumatic stress disorder?
- PTSD is a reaction to one or more strongly distressing events. Typical features include intrusive memories, nightmares, heightened arousal, avoidance of triggers and emotional numbing. It is a clearly defined and treatable diagnosis.
- How long after a trauma can PTSD still develop?
- Symptoms can appear immediately after the event, but often begin weeks or months later. Even with delayed onset, treatment is effective and worthwhile.
- What does stabilisation mean in therapy?
- Before working with the traumatic memory, we strengthen your ability to handle distressing feelings. This includes psychoeducation about trauma reactions, breathing and distancing exercises, resource work and a safe therapeutic frame.
- Which methods do you use for trauma confrontation?
- Depending on indication, we draw on EMDR, the screen technique and guided re-experiencing. The method is chosen together, based on the type and number of traumatic events and your stability.
- Can a trauma actually be processed?
- What happened does not disappear, but its emotional weight and impact on everyday life can be markedly reduced. After completed therapy, many people experience that the memory remains, but no longer dominates.
