According to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 6 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. [1]. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition resulting from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms often include:
- Intrusive memories
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Severe anxiety
- Emotional numbness
- Avoidance of trauma reminders
- Heightened arousal or hypervigilance
The symptoms of PTSD can interfere with everyday life and relationships. Psychotherapy is the recommended first-line treatment. There are different types of therapy, such as trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) or Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy. [2]. Medication may also be used to help alleviate the symptoms of PTSD.
A common question asked is whether talk therapy can trigger a patient with PTSD. The answer is yes, it can sometimes bring up distressing memories, but this reaction is a normal and expected part of the therapeutic process. It does not indicate harm or retraumatization. Read on to learn more about why this is so.
What Are Triggers in PTSD?
Triggers are anything that reminds a person of their traumatic experience. Triggers can evoke memories and sensations associated with past experiences, leading to heightened emotional distress and re-experiencing of trauma-related symptoms. Examples of triggers include:
- Sounds
- Smells
- Thoughts
- Feelings
- People
- Places
When someone with PTSD is exposed to a trigger, they may feel as if they are reliving the traumatic event. This may cause them to experience physical and psychological symptoms. During therapy, discussing traumatic memories can be distressing and may temporarily worsen symptoms for some patients.
The Role of Exposure in Treatment
Treatments for PTSD, including TF-CBT and PE therapy incorporate exposure techniques. In these approaches, the patient is gradually and safely guided to confront trauma-related memories and situations in a controlled manner.
The purpose is to help the individual overcome not only their fears, but also to address a broad range of emotions such as guilt, shame, anger, humiliation, betrayal, disgust, helplessness, hopelessness, and horror. In fact, research shows that fear isn’t the only emotion involved with exposure therapy, as it represents only about half of the range of emotions listed [3].
Exposure therapy can be very helpful in reducing flashbacks and nightmares. In some cases, virtual reality tools are used to allow the individual to re-enter the setting in which they experienced trauma. Despite the temporary discomfort it might cause, this approach is considered one of the most effective elements of PTSD treatment.
Research shows that [3]:
- Engaging with traumatic memories through talking or writing is highly effective
- Patients frequently report that the process is “worth the pain” despite initial distress
- More patients experience deterioration of their symptoms while waiting for treatment compared to those receiving trauma-focused treatments
Misconceptions About Retraumatization
Practitioners of trauma-informed therapy may be concerned about the risk of retraumatizing patients during therapy. However, leading clinician researchers clarify this misconception as follows [3]:
- True retraumatization refers to experiencing a new traumatic event, not discussing past traumas
- Few patients (1.2% or less) show actual deterioration over duringTF-CBT.
- Temporary distress during therapy should not be mistaken for harm or worsening of the condition.
- Since people with PTSD already re-experience past traumatic events through flashbacks and nightmares, therapy simply provides a structured and supported way to process these memories..
Professional Guidance and Safety
Trauma-focused therapy should be conducted by professionals who are specifically trained to manage triggers and provide a safe environment for processing traumatic experiences [2]. The therapist’s role is to guide the patient through exposure in a controlled, gradual manner, helping them develop coping skills and new perspectives on their trauma [4] [5].
While talk therapy can trigger some PTSD symptoms temporarily, it is a necessary and beneficial part of the healing process. The temporary discomfort is outweighed by the long-term benefits of processing and overcoming trauma.
Trauma-Informed Therapies at Maple Mountain Mental Health and Wellness
Trauma can feel isolating and overwhelming, but healing is possible with the right support. Whether through therapy, medication, or holistic practices, recovery is within reach. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Maple Mountain Mental Health & Wellness Center has a compassionate team of trauma-informed therapists who are here to provide comprehensive support.
We understand the complex nature of trauma and offer individualized treatment options. Healing starts with taking the first step. Reach out to our Admissions team today.
Sources
[A] National Institute of Mental Health. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
[B] Guina J. Expert Q&A: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). American Psychiatric Association.
[C] Murray H, Grey N, Warnock-Parkes E, Kerr A, Wild J, Clark DM, Ehlers A. 2022. Ten misconceptions about trauma-focused CBT for PTSD. Cogn Behav Therap. 2022 Jul 22;15
[D] Mayo Clinic. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)..
[E] Cleveland Clinic. 2023. CPTSD (Complex PTSD).
