The use of CBT for people with trauma
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD helps people understand unhealthy thought processes and emotions brought on by their trauma. By understanding the underlying causes behind their reactions, CBT can lessen the negative effects of panic and make these reactions less severe (Dr. Rousseau, 2024). CBT is a short-term weekly therapy option, with 12-20 sessions lasting about 50 minutes each. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD helps people understand unhealthy thought processes and emotions brought on by their trauma (Skedel, 2024). CBT can decrease the effects of panic and make their reactions less severe.
CBT is a short-term weekly therapy option, typically with 12-20 sessions lasting about 50 minutes each (Skedel, 2024). There is the use of trauma-focused CBT which is designed to address childhood trauma and involves the support from child’s parents or caregivers as part of their treatment (Skedel, 2024). From 1980 to 2005, clinical trial results show CBT was equal to exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy in reducing PTSD symptoms in people (Skedel, 2024). In essence, this is when an individual faces their feelings because they are scared something bad is going to happen again to them.
This practice is something they can get used to and therefore their PTSD symptoms lessen. The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of CBT for PTSD in adults treated in routine clinic care (Najao, et al., 2021). The effectiveness of CBT and moderators of treatment outcome were examined meta-analytically compared with efficacy studies for PTSD. Thirty-three studies which consisted of 6,482 participants, the study showed on average 6 months post treatment, was effective for CBT for PTSD in individuals (Najao, et al., 2021). However, Additional research is needed to examine the accuracy of CBT for randomized-controlled studies (Beck, 2023). There needs to be studies on its potential for treating complex issues like negative symptoms of mental illness and the impact of brain injuries on cognitive processes.
In conclusion, studies have shown the effectiveness of CBT in individuals that have trauma and experience PTSD symptoms (NHC). There are numerous strategies for self-care. This includes deep breathing exercises, relaxation of the muscles, mindfulness practice, journaling and regular physical activity (NHS). These are every day practices that can be useful for not just people with trauma, but anyone.
References
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/cbt-for-ptsd/
Beck, J. S., PhD. (2023, October 10). CBT in 2023: Current Trends in Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Psychiatric Times. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/cbt-in-2023-current-trends-in-cognitive-behavior-therapy
Nakao, M., Shirotsuki, K., & Sugaya, N. (2021). Cognitive–behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent advances in techniques and technologies. BioPsychoSocial Medicine, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-021-00219-w
Skedel, R. (2024, May 30). CBT for PTSD: How It Works, Examples & Effectiveness. Choosing Therapy. Retrieved December 1, 2024, from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/cbt-for-ptsd/
3 comments
Your blog post effectively highlights the significance of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a treatment for PTSD, presenting it as a structured and evidence-based approach to managing trauma-related symptoms. The emphasis on understanding unhealthy thought patterns and emotional responses underscores the therapeutic goal of fostering self-awareness and resilience. Additionally, your inclusion of trauma-focused CBT and its relevance to addressing childhood trauma adds a valuable dimension, showcasing how individualized and inclusive the therapy can be.
The detailed reference to studies, such as the systematic review by Najao et al. (2021), reinforces the empirical backing of CBT, while acknowledging its limitations, such as the need for further research into complex cases and specific populations, such as individuals with brain injuries. This balanced perspective is commendable and illustrates the importance of continuing to refine therapeutic approaches.
The practical self-care strategies you list—like mindfulness, journaling, and physical activity—provide accessible tools for readers, reminding them that healing is a holistic process. This conclusion not only rounds out your discussion of CBT’s benefits but also emphasizes the proactive steps individuals can take alongside therapy.
Hi Madeline,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. I believe the use of CBT is crucial for police officers because it focuses on developing personal coping skills, which is needed in their type of work. Officers put their lives at risk every day which is no surprise that not only their body is stressed, their mind is all flustered as well. I personally do a lot of self care, such as doing my diamond art, taking showers daily, going on walks, eating healthy, etc. I found that all of these techniques have calmed me down and made me more aware of my own decisions that could be negative. I find that officers would find it more beneficial than not to practice self care routines on their own.
This blog post does a great job explaining how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps people with PTSD. It breaks down how CBT works by addressing negative thought patterns and emotions tied to trauma and highlights its success as a proven treatment. The section on trauma-focused CBT for children is especially meaningful because it shows how therapy can be personalized for different needs. I also love the inclusion of self-care strategies like mindfulness, journaling, and relaxation exercises.
If anything, the post could be even stronger by cutting down on some of the repeated points and digging a little deeper into how CBT can help with more complex cases, like severe trauma or traumatic brain injuries. That extra detail would make it even more helpful for people looking to understand all their options. Overall, this is a thoughtful and well-written post that not only explains CBT but also gives practical tips anyone can use to improve their mental health.
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