Doing it "On Our Own"

 

When it comes to treatment for PTSD, time and again the phrase I hear is, "I want to do it on my own." 

Add to this: I don't want therapy, I don't want to talk to anyone, and I'm going to do it on my terms, my way.

I get that. No one relishes the idea of discussing our trauma, especially with a stranger.

I understand that we want to do this on our own terms, but I need to ask this: is what you're doing working?

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, and for us to recover successfully, we need to do something radically different. Treatment for PTSD doesn't tickle, but it's also not forever. Evidence-based treatments, like prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy, and EMDR, work in 10 to 12 sessions. That's only 2 to 3 months if we are working with a therapist on a weekly basis.

One thing we know about PTSD is that it alters our belief system; this is part of the criterion D of PTSD diagnosis. So I know that many of us reading this right now believe that everyone else can recover from their PTSD, but not us. 

And so, I would ask you this: Is it possible that you're wrong? 

Have you ever done anything in your life that you thought was impossible? Is it possible that you are stronger than you think?

I encourage you to learn more about your PTSD symptoms and available treatments. We've created a Free Workbook to help you identify your symptoms so that you can make an informed decision to reclaim your life from PTSD and Moral Injury.

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“If you believe change is possible, you want to change, and you are willing to do the work, you absolutely CAN get your life back.”

Get your copy of The Soldier's Guide to PTSD, The Soldier's Workbook, 

or Acknowledge & Heal, A Women's-Focused Guide to PTSD