What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Trauma can have a lasting impact, sometimes making it hard to feel safe or move forward. For some, it leads to PTSD, where the brain stays stuck in a state of fear and stress. This can bring overwhelming emotions, intrusive memories, and changes in how you see yourself and the world.

Common Symptoms of PTSD:

• Intrusive memories – Flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts about what happened

• Avoidance – Steering clear of people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma

• Emotional numbness – Feeling detached, disconnected, or unable to experience joy

• Negative changes in thoughts and mood – Self-blame, guilt, or feeling hopeless about the future

• Feeling on edge – Trouble relaxing, being easily startled, or feeling constantly alert for danger

• Sleep difficulties – Struggling to fall or stay asleep, often due to nightmares or racing thoughts

• Irritability or anger – Feeling more impatient, frustrated, or having sudden outbursts

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, know that you’re not alone, and healing is possible with the right support and treatment.

How is PTSD treated?

PTSD is treated with evidence-based therapies that help you process the trauma, reduce distressing symptoms, and regain a sense of control. Treatment focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns, safely confronting painful memories, and building healthy coping skills.

Dr. Sentell is certified in these Evidence-Based Therapies:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – Helps you identify and shift unhelpful beliefs about the trauma.

• Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) – Gradually reduces fear by safely revisiting traumatic memories and situations you’ve been avoiding.

• Written Exposure Therapy (WET) – Uses structured writing exercises to help process and make sense of the trauma.

These therapies are structured, goal-oriented, and used to help reduce PTSD symptoms. With the right support, healing is possible, and you can regain a sense of safety and well-being.