Narrative Therapy and PTSD

Whether it be the sound of fireworks, the intersection where a car accident occurred, or a scar; many people with PTSD live with reminders of the worst thing that ever happened to them.

Those suffering from PTSD are often tempted to avoid thinking, much less talking about their traumas. This is understandable because even being reminded of the trauma can be triggering. These triggers can cause nightmares, panic attacks and even flashbacks.

But continuing to avoid what happened can also make the situation worse, can make those negative reactions even stronger.

What narrative therapy aims to do is help the person with PTSD take ownership of what happened to them. With a trusted therapist as their guide, they learn to make a space for their story, how to piece together the details so that they aren't suddenly hit with these strong emotions when they're triggered. Over a series of sessions they take the bare bones of what occurred and add in emotions and reactions and what it caused.

Working with the memory of what happened won't make it not have happened, but it can stop the sudden burst of negative energy when reminders occur. And by the end of therapy, they'll also have learned skills to self soothe and to minimize their distress.

If you, or someone you know, are struggling with PTSD, you don't have to live like this.

There is no shame in seeking help and taking back control.