Online PTSD Treatment: Breaking Barriers to Healing
Many of us have heard PTSD, which stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. You might know that it's caused by something traumatic happening. Otherwise, you are unsure what it is or how to get help if it happens to you. Are you aware of the symptoms of PTSD? Did you know that sometimes, trauma symptoms go away on their own, but sometimes, they stick around? In this blog, we will answer all of these questions! We will also discuss how online PTSD treatment helps you access therapy more easily, especially if it's hard to go to a trauma therapist in person!
Hidden Trauma Symptoms
There are common trauma symptoms that you might be aware of. A lot of people talk about flashbacks, nightmares and feeling easily startled. You might have heard that it's common to avoid people, places or things that remind you of the trauma. It's common to experience feelings of shame or guilt. As a result, you might stop spending time with your friends or family. There are also physical symptoms that come with trauma like headaches and stomachaches.
In addition to these more well known symptoms of trauma, there are lesser known ones. Did you known that addiction and eating disorders can be a sign of trauma? Thoughts of suicide or self-harm can also be a symptom. Other people experience physical pain, intense anger and lack of trust in the world or others. Dissociating by scrolling for hours on TikTok might be a sign of PTSD. There are many signs of trauma and PTSD. If you are curious if you are experiencing symptoms, it can be helpful to reach out out to a trauma therapist.
Why Online PTSD Treatment is Helpful
Going to a therapist in person can be great, but it's not always easy. Online PTSD treatment helps with many problems people face with traditional therapy. The convenience, accessibility, and flexibility offered by online platforms are very helpful! It's difficult if you live far away or in remote areas with a lack of access such as the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. You no longer need to travel or deal with transportation issues like traffic or the rising gas prices in Detroit. It can also be hard if you are managing a busy schedule with work, kids, exercise and family. It is more convenient because you do it from home. It's also more flexible, so you can fit it into your schedule and don't have to take extra time off of work. If you are not able to leave your house, you can still go to therapy.
Addressing Stigma and Misconceptions
Do you wonder if online therapy is as effective as talking to someone face-to-face? As an online therapist, who has conducted hundreds of sessions since the start of the pandemic, the answer is, “it depends.” It depends on your personal preference not on the intervention. If you believe that you cannot connect with a therapist online, that it will not be as effective. If you don’t have a private space that is confidential, online therapy is not a good fit. Otherwise, there is a lot of evidence that mental health and trauma therapy techniques are equally effective online as in person! Yes, that includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and somatic therapy. It's important to know the facts and not let what others think stop you from trying online therapy.
Online PTSD Treatment Resources & Apps
There are some awesome free or low cost apps to help you cope with trauma and PTSD at home! Check them out and see which one you like. These resources are not trauma therapy. They are great to use in addition to PTSD treatment.
PTSD Coach: This app was developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. PTSD Coach provides information about PTSD, self-assessment tools, and coping strategies. It offers exercises for managing symptoms and connects users to support resources.
Headspace: Headspace is a meditation and mindfulness app. It can be beneficial for individuals with PTSD. It provides meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep aids.
MindShift CBT: MindShift CBT is an app designed to help you manage anxiety with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It provides tools for challenging anxious thoughts, as well as relaxation exercises.
Breathe2Relax: Breathe2Relax is a stress management app that focuses on diaphragmatic breathing techniques. It guides you through exercises to promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Youper: Youper is an AI mental health assistant that utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It provides a conversational interface to help you identify and manage your emotions.
Daylio: Daylio is a mood tracking app that allows you to log their daily activities and emotions. If you have PTSD, tracking your mood can provide insight into triggers. It can help you identify trends over time.
Start Online PTSD Treatment in Detroit, Ann Arbor and Michigan
Are you located in Detroit, Ann Arbor, or somewhere else in Michigan and want to start meeting with a trauma therapist online? At Embodied Wellness, PLLC, online trauma and PTSD treatment is our speciality! We can provide you with specialized online counseling at a time and place that works best for you. In order to get started follow these easy steps:
Reach out for a free consultation with one of our online trauma therapists
Start online PTSD therapy
Invest in your healing from the comfort of your home
Specialties We Offer Through Online Therapy in Detroit & Throughout Michigan
Embodied Wellness, PLLC provides online therapy in Michigan to adults and teens. We help those who are ready to heal from trauma, anxiety, and depression. We also provide support for empaths and those with OCD. Some of the techniques we use include somatic therapy, EMDR therapy, DBT, and Internal Family Systems. If you have questions about online counseling in Michigan, schedule a free 15-minute consultation today!
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About the Author:
Sarah Rollins, LMSW, SEP is the founder of Embodied Wellness, PLLC, a group therapy practice providing online therapy in Michigan. She is passionate about expanding awareness of somatic therapy as way to treat and heal trauma. She incorporates other holistic treatments into her practice including EMDR and IFS.