INTERVENTION KIT

FOR
PTSD DISORDER

Iqra Gulzar 022

Ifra Nawaz 003
Tayyba Sadaf 017
 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Definition
“PTSD is a mental health condition anxiety disorder that can develops after a deeply
threatening or scary event or in reaction to physical injury or severe mental or emotional distress,
such as military combat, violent assault, natural disaster, or other life-threatening events.”

Diagnostic Criteria
Therapy
PTSD therapy has three main goals:
 Improve your symptoms
 Teach you skills to deal with it
 Restore your self-esteem

Short Term Goals

1. Psychoeducation
For many individuals, PTSD is a complex condition, which may be difficult to come to
terms with. It's important to assume that not everyone comes from a psychological background,
and many clients may simply not understand PTSD, how it presents, and ways to deal with it.
Increasing awareness is the most important thing to help individuals recognize that what they are
facing is a result of the condition, and is able to be treated effectively.
This might involve identifying their symptoms, and linking them to PTSD dimensions and
specific triggers. This helps the individual come to terms with the fact that PTSD is the cause of
their issues which can help with alleviating harmful behaviors.
 2. Symptoms Management
The symptom management techniques for PTSD focus on helping individuals cope with
and alleviate the distressing symptoms associated with the disorder. It also helps in managing daily
life with PTSD and improve overall well-being.
 3. Coping Skills Development
Coping skills development is a crucial aspect of addressing and managing Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD). Individuals grappling with PTSD often face a range of challenging
symptoms that can significantly impact their daily lives. Coping skills empower individuals to
navigate and cope with these symptoms effectively, fostering resilience and promoting overall
well-being.

4. Positive Therapeutic Environment

The creation of a positive therapeutic environment is paramount to the healing journey of
the individual. The journey towards recovery from trauma necessitates a space where individuals
feel safe, heard, and supported. At the core of this environment lies the delicate yet crucial elements
of rapport and trust building.
These components form the bridge between the individual's lived experiences and the
therapeutic intervention, fostering a collaborative relationship that is fundamental to the success
of any therapeutic approach. In this context, we explore the key elements of a positive therapeutic
environment, emphasizing the significance of building rapport and trust as foundational pillars for
the healing process in the context of PTSD.
 5. Diversional therapy
Diversional therapy, also known as recreational therapy or activity therapy, can be a
valuable component in the comprehensive treatment of individuals with PTSD. Engaging in
meaningful and enjoyable activities can provide a positive outlet for emotions, enhance coping
skills, and contribute to overall well-being.
It's crucial to tailor diversional therapy activities to each individual's preferences, comfort levels,
and therapeutic goals. Additionally, it's recommended to integrate these activities into a broader
treatment plan, working collaboratively to ensure their effectiveness and appropriateness for the
specific needs of each PTSD patient.
 6. Deep Breathing
Deep breathing, also known as diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing, is a simple and
effective technique to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It involves consciously taking slow,
deep breaths to activate the diaphragm and engage the body's relaxation response
It activates the body's parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of relaxation and
reducing the physiological and psychological effects of stress. Regular practice can contribute to
a greater sense of calm, improved concentration, and better stress management over time.
Long term Goals
1. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a long-term therapeutic approach that focuses on
exploring unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts that may contribute to a person's current
thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, often rooted in past experiences, to gain insight into current
behaviors and emotions. Psychodynamic therapy aims to facilitate emotional processing and
resolution of unresolved conflicts.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used and evidence-based therapeutic
approach for individuals with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). CBT for PTSD typically
involves several core components aimed at addressing distorted thought patterns, maladaptive
behaviors, and emotional responses associated with trauma.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can profoundly impact an individual's life, leading
to persistent distress and disruption. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has emerged as a highly
effective and structured therapeutic approach for those grappling with the aftermath of traumatic
experiences. Grounded in the premise that our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors,
CBT seeks to identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with PTSD.
This collaborative and goal-oriented therapy empowers individuals to confront and reframe
their traumatic memories, manage overwhelming emotions, and develop healthier coping
strategies. By addressing the cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors that contribute to
PTSD symptoms, CBT provides a roadmap for individuals to regain a sense of control, resilience,
and overall well-being.
CBT Techniques for PTSD
 Cognitive restructuring
Cognitive restructuring is a technique that
helps someone make sense of a traumatic
experience or memory. It’s normal (and
actually very common) to recall a trauma
slightly to significantly different than how it
actually happened. For example, some people
will remember a traumatic experience in a
disjointed way. Or they may completely
block out certain parts of what happened to
them. They also may have feelings of shame
or a sense of guilt associated with their
trauma, despite it not being their fault.

 Exposure Therapy
Those experiencing PTSD may engage frequently in avoidance of people, places, sounds,
and other things that remind them of their previous trauma. Exposure therapy introduces
individuals to increasing levels of the stress-related stimulus. They will begin to learn how to cope
with these until their anxiety levels lower and, ideally, become non-existent when confronted with
the stimuli.
  Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
PE relies more on behavioral therapy techniques to help people approach specific
memories, situations, and emotions that bring out the worst of their symptom severity. Exposure
can be done through imagination, virtual reality, or real-life scenarios.

 Stress Inoculation Training

Stress inoculation training for PTSD can be provided independently or with other
treatments. It focuses on teaching coping techniques to help lower anxiety when experiencing
stress-related stimuli in PTSD. Healthier coping techniques, such as breathing sessions,
progressive muscle relaxation skills, and communication skills are used to increase clients’ ability
to cope during times of stress or triggers. This can help someone react differently to scenarios that
increased their stress and anxiety at one time due to their PTSD.
  Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a newer treatment in the CBT
world that focuses on talking about the traumatic event or memories, processing this information,
and giving attention to a back and forth movement with the eyes. The purpose is to match the way
you mentally process memories unconsciously to help reduce the amount of stress and anxiety
related to the memories.

 Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and commitment therapy is a newer model of CBT. It focuses on
acknowledging and accepting one’s thoughts and emotions surrounding the stress-related stimuli
and memories of the traumas instead of necessarily controlling or challenging one’s thoughts.
While it does involve CBT techniques, ACT reduces the power that the trauma event has on the
individual. ACT is an offshoot of mindfulness-based and CBT-based specific treatments that
continues to be developed. Mindfulness techniques help to provide coping skills to reduce anxiety
related to PTSD.
 3. SMART Goals Setting
SMART goals are
used to help guide one in
setting goals. SMART is
short for specific,
measurable, achievable,
realistic, and timely. SMART
goals incorporate all these
criteria. One needs to remain
focused on their efforts and
raise the chance of
successfully moving ahead.
Having a SMART goal to
shoot for helps them focus on
moving ahead instead of
remaining stuck.
 4. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) offers a holistic and contemplative approach to
address the challenges faced by individuals navigating the complexities of Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD). Rooted in mindfulness meditation and yoga practices, MBSR emphasizes
cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance. For individuals grappling
with the aftermath of trauma, MBSR serves as a gentle yet powerful tool to reconnect with the self
and navigate the emotional terrain.
By fostering an intentional focus on the present moment, MBSR equips PTSD patients
with skills to observe and detach from distressing thoughts and sensations. This evidence-based
approach has shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms of PTSD, enhancing emotional
regulation, and promoting a sense of empowerment and resilience in the face of traumatic
experiences.
 5. Group therapy
Group therapy is a therapeutic approach
where a small group of individuals with similar
concerns or issues meet regularly with one or
more trained therapists to explore and address
their challenges. Group therapy can be an
effective intervention for individuals with PTSD,
offering a supportive environment where
members can share their experiences, provide
mutual support, and learn coping strategies.
Group therapy provides a supportive community
where individuals with PTSD can connect with
others who have faced similar challenges. This
sense of shared experience can reduce feelings of
isolation and provide a valuable support network.

6. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited, evidence-based psychotherapeutic
approach that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing specific
interpersonal issues that contribute to psychological distress. While IPT was initially developed
for depression, its principles can be applied to individuals with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder) who may be struggling with the interpersonal impact of trauma.