EMDR or hypnotherapy for PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event. People with PTSD often experience intense fears, nightmares, and flashbacks that can disrupt their daily lives. Fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help them process trauma and regain a sense of safety and control.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic experience. This can be a single event, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster, but also long-term exposure to stressful situations, such as child abuse, war, or domestic violence.

While not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, its impact can be significant. The disorder not only affects a person's mental well-being but can also cause physical symptoms and social problems.

Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms of PTSD can vary widely, but are generally divided into four categories:

• Flashbacks
• Flashbacks: Re-experiencing the traumatic experience as if it were happening again.
• Nightmares: Recurring dreams about the trauma.
• Intense emotional or physical reactions when reminded of the event.

• Avoidance
• Avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of the trauma.
• Repression of memories or emotions related to the trauma.

• Negative changes in mood and thoughts
• Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or anger.
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
• Negative beliefs about oneself or the world (e.g., "I am powerless" or "the world is dangerous").



• Hyperactivation
• Hypervigilance and an increased startle response.
• Sleep problems and irritability.
• Concentration problems and restlessness.

These symptoms can have a significant impact on a person's daily life, relationships, and work. Without treatment, PTSD can become chronic, but with the right support, recovery is possible.

How PTSD Works in the Brain

In PTSD, the body's stress system becomes disrupted. The amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for processing emotions and threats, remains overactive. This keeps the body in a constant state of vigilance, and every reminder of the trauma is perceived as dangerous.

At the same time, the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for organizing memories, functions less well. As a result, the trauma remains "unprocessed" in the brain and can be unexpectedly recalled, often with the same intense emotional charge as at the time of the event.

Through therapy, the brain can relearn to process these memories and store them in a less threatening way.

Treatment methods for PTSD

As a psychologist and trauma therapist, I offer various methods to help people with PTSD. Each client is unique, and therefore a personalized approach is essential in the treatment of trauma.

1. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR is one of the most effective treatments for PTSD. During a session, the client focuses on the traumatic memory while simultaneously receiving bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or hand taps. This helps the brain reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional charge.

2. Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis can help you access and process deeply rooted traumatic experiences in a less overwhelming way. The subconscious mind is given the space to release trapped emotions and develop new, positive beliefs.

3. Havening Touch

This method, developed by American neurologists, uses gentle touch on the arms, hands, and face to calm the body's stress system. Havening helps the brain detach negative memories from the emotional charge, reducing the impact of trauma.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns stemming from the trauma. By becoming aware of destructive thoughts and transforming them into more realistic and positive beliefs, someone can regain control over their emotions and reactions.

5. Breathing techniques and mindfulness

With PTSD, the body is often in a constant state of stress. Through breathing exercises and mindfulness, clients learn to calm their nervous system and regulate their stress response. This helps them better manage triggers and anxious feelings.

The road to recovery

Recovering from PTSD is a process that takes time and patience, but with the right support, it's possible to process the trauma and regain a sense of security. It's important to know that you're not alone and that effective treatments exist that can truly help.

If you or someone you know is experiencing PTSD symptoms, know that there is hope. Feel free to contact me so we can work together to develop a treatment plan that's right for you. You deserve to feel safe and free in your own life again.