Therapy for PTSD
Trauma can occur in many forms, at any time, and does not necessarily have to happen directly to us to cause post-traumatic stress. Most people will experience some form of trauma in their lifetime, and most will heal and process their experiences naturally with minimal complications. For others, depending on how their world, both inside and out, has shifted as a result of the trauma, symptoms of post-traumatic stress may develop in the weeks, months, or even years afterward.
Common symptoms people develop in response to trauma include:
-Re-experiencing in the form of intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, or psychological or physical cues or sensations that resemble the traumatic event(s)
-Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, memories, people, places, situations, etc., which are associated with the trauma.
-Changes in mood or cognition. For example, feelings of detachment, inability to feel positive emotions, overwhelming anger, fear, shame, or guilt. Distressing beliefs or generalizations about yourself, others, or the world.
-Changes in arousal or reactivity. For example, irritable or reckless behavior, hyper vigilance, being easily startled, or having problems with sleep.
Many individuals live with some or all of these symptoms for years before even realizing what is happening, or that help is available. Whether it happened last week or a lifetime ago, it is important to know that you are not alone, and your story and experiences matter.
Effective, evidence-based treatments are available to help you experience the insight, healing, and empowerment you deserve.
Dr. Kelemen is a VA-trained psychologist who has helped many veterans and non-veterans reclaim their lives after years of PTSD symptoms.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that addresses the way trauma has shifted how we think about our experiences, the world we live in, and the trauma itself. When we go through a traumatic event, it often changes how we view ourselves, the people around us, and the world.
Your brain is wired to keep you alive, and after a traumatic event, it does everything it can to make sense of what happened, and how to move forward. You may find yourself in a thought-loop thinking of scenarios in which the trauma may have been prevented, or perhaps telling yourself things like "nowhere is safe", or feeling intense guilt, blame, or shame. In an attempt to keep us safe and make sense of our trauma, the mind can overcompensate, and thats where we get stuck.
In CPT, we work together to identify the "stuck points"—those trauma-related thoughts that keep you from healing, and keep you from feeling relief from your symptoms. By addressing these thoughts, you can reduce intense feelings such as fear, shame, and guilt, and move toward a balanced, compassionate perspective. This evidence-based approach empowers you to regain your sense of safety, and control over your life and your future, while deeply honoring your story and what it has been like for you to walk through life after all you've been through.
Written Exposure Therapy (WET)
Written Exposure Therapy (WET) is a type of exposure therapy for PTSD, and it is structured, brief, and involves recounting the details of your experiences through writing. By engaging in repeated writing about trauma-related memories in a supportive framework, you can reduce the distress and avoidance associated with those memories. WET is an excellent fit for individuals who prefer a direct, brief approach to trauma recovery, allowing for meaningful progress in a concise timeframe.
From the greater Boston area to remote regions of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, we've got you covered.
All trauma treatments are offered online via telehealth for your convenience.
Take the First Step Toward Your Healing
If you recognize your experience in these descriptions, please know you don’t have to navigate this alone. Let's get you feeling like yourself again, at your own pace.
Providing specialized online PTSD treatment for adults in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.