The Benefits Of Online PTSD Counseling

By Mayra Pierce


After a traumatic experience, having reactions such as trouble sleeping, flashbacks and increased jumpiness is quite common. If these symptoms persist or get worse, it is quite likely that the individual is suffering from Post Traumatic Shock Disorder. It is important for these individuals to receive help and this is where online PTSD counseling can prove really helpful.

Combat exposure is one of the most frequent causes of this disorder. However, any other traumatic experience such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, a serious accident, assault, terrorist attack or experiencing natural disasters like earthquakes or floods can have the same effect. Those who develop PTSD as a result must receive treatment as they become stuck and are unable to move on.

There are four main types of symptoms that indicate the person may have this disorder. One of these is that the event is relived again and again. Bad memories and nightmares are common. Avoidance is another symptom. Sufferers do not want to talk or think about the experience and even keep away from people or situations that could bring back traumatic memories. The person experiences negative feelings and beliefs such as fear, guilt and shame and often become disinterested in doing anything that was enjoyed in the past. Feeling jittery and always on the alert is another symptom.

When symptoms are not dealt with, they can result in individuals becoming less and less able to function normally. They may start drinking or taking drugs to help cope with symptoms. All aspects of their lives, including relationships and work suffer as a result.

A counselor must have the right credentials and experience to deal with a problem of this nature. Many individuals have practical difficulties when it comes to going to therapy such as living some distance away from any treatment center, being unable to drive and even having a problem with having to sit in a waiting room and end up face-to-face with a therapist. This is where an online treatment center may be the answer.

Cognitive behavior therapy is often used. Sufferers are given skills and tools to help them deal with their symptoms. Another method used is to get the sufferer to talk about the traumatic memories they experienced. This is often very painful but when guided by a good therapist it can be therapeutic. Reviews written on particular sites are worth reading as they can give an indication of how effective a particular program was.

Many courses offer a period of daily communication with a therapist. There is no waiting for a week for another session as is often the case with traditional therapy. Communication takes place via chat and worksheets. Information is usually structured in such a way as to be easy to follow, progress is closely monitored and the person also has access to forums and blogs. The flexibility time-wise is another advantage and programs also offer complete confidentiality and anonymity.

Many practical and emotional problems can prevent people with this disorder from getting the help that they seriously need. They may be disabled and unable to drive, have no transport or even not want to have to face sitting in a waiting room or speaking face-to-face with a therapist. This is when online treatment can be most effective. Once the person has checked out all the different options and decided on a particular program, registration is simple. Once payment has been received, there is no further delay and therapy can begin immediately.




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