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Hypnotherapy for PTSD

Every day I turn on the news and see reports of violence somewhere. A numerous armed conflicts, child or domestic abuse, an accident, an act of terror, etc. This leads to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSDT).

PSDT is a type of anxiety disorder, which typically develops after being involved or witnessed traumatic events. Trauma imprints upon the brain and body in such a way that the body continues to stay in fight or flight mode. The mind-body connection is very strong and the way that some people process events could be very different from the next person based on their personality and how suggestible they are. What the mind can’t process, is put in the body.

Symptoms of PTSD

In most cases, symptoms of PTSD will develop during the first month after the event. Though in some cases, there can be a delay of months or years before symptoms appear. Symptoms will vary for individuals. Some people will experience long periods of less noticeable symptoms, while others will have constant severe symptoms, affecting their day-to-day lives. While specific symptoms of PTSD will vary between individuals, there are common symptoms associated with PTSD which generally fall under the following categories.

Re- experiencing

The most common type of PTSD. Re-experiencing means that person re-lives the triggering event. Re-experiencing typically occurs in the form of vivid- flashbacks, nightmares, repetitive and distressing images or sensations, and physical such as pain, sweating, and nausea.

Some people will constantly experience negative thoughts about the event, asking themselves questions over and over again. ‘’Why would this happen to me? Should I have stopped it?’’

This repeated questioning may prevent them from coming to terms and coping with the event, often leading to feelings of guilt or shame.

Avoidance and emotional numbing

Another key symptom of PTSD actively trying to avoid any reminders of the trauma. This may mean avoiding certain people or places that are reminders of the event or talking to anyone about the experience.

It’s common for people with PTSD to ignore memories, ‘pushing them out of their mind’ by distracting themselves through other things, like work.

Hyperarousal

PTSD can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and difficulty relaxing. This symptom of more of a state of mind; people may be constantly aware of danger and threat and be easily startled. This is known as hyperarousal (or feeling ‘on edge’).

Hyperarousal can lead to increased irritability, sleeping problems, anger, and difficulty concentrating.

Besides the above symptoms, people with PSDT are likely to have other symptoms such as:

  • Other mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, or phobias.
  • Physical symptoms, including headaches, chest pains, stomach aches, and dizziness.
  • Self-harming or destructive behavior, including drug or alcohol misuse.

How can hypnotherapy help with PSDT?

One of the primary goals of hypnotherapy is the restoration of the self: for the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual parts of the client to be unified, balanced, and whole.

Hypnotherapy gives a voice to the lost parts of the self, the parts that were hidden away in negativity as a means to survive. Trauma changes us...it changes relationships, families, and systems. Several types of regression can be successfully used to help the client process all manner of traumatic memory.

As hypnotherapists, we use creativity and imagination to help the client work through the past event, but this time, with resources they did not have at the time of the original event(s). When this work is done in trance, it changes the way the memory is stored, and how it functions in the body and mind. Clients are no longer held hostage by the past.

Hypnotherapy for PTSD helps to remind you of your own strength and virtues. This is incredibly healing.

Rhondda Stewart
Rhondda has a long and distinguished career spanning decades, including winning the Educator of the Year Award 2004 from the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association (USA). To find out more about Rhondda and her achievements, please click bellow.
About Rhondda
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Mon - Thur 10:00 - 18:00
0419 698 650
189 Ramsay Street, Haberfield NSW
ABN: 27629335020
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