When an event continues to work
How do I recognize
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
?
Some events leave deep traces. An accident, violence, loss, or other shocking experience can be so overwhelming that the body and mind remain in a constant state of alert.
In post-traumatic stress disorder, the nervous system continues to react as if the danger is still present. Memories of the past keep coming up, making it difficult to experience peace, safety and stability. Many people with PTSD are constantly living in a state of survival mode. At Affect2U, we not only look at the event itself, but especially at what happens inside as a result of that experience. Trauma and PTSD are closely linked: PTSD is one of the ways psychological trauma becomes visible. It can follow a single shocking event, but just as often it goes back to childhood trauma or years of feeling unsafe, and only starts to weigh later on.
Do you recognise yourself?
Possible signals of PTSD
PTSD can manifest itself in various ways. Common signs include:
- re-experiences or flashbacks
- intense anxiety or panic reactions
- nightmares or trouble sleeping
- avoidance behaviour
- emotional numbing or distance
- irritability or outbursts of anger
- concentration problems
- a constant sense of feeling unsafe
Some people mainly experience tension and hyper-alertness, while others feel more emotionally closed off.
Learning to recognise trauma triggers is often the first step. A smell, a place or the tone of someone's voice can put your body on alert before you understand why. In counselling we help you read those signals, so you can respond to them differently.
How does Affect2U help with
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
?
Without support, these patterns can persist for years. At Affect2U, we work with an integrative trauma treatment that involves both the mind and the body. Our approach combines, among other things: cognitive therapy, body-oriented therapy, trauma processing, individual therapy, group sessions and family counselling. Because PTSD settles in the body as well as the mind, body-oriented therapy sits alongside the talking sessions. That combination is the heart of our trauma therapy.
This combination allows clients to process trauma step by step and experience safety again. The goal is not only to reduce symptoms, but also to restore confidence in yourself and life. When symptoms are severe, a residential trauma admission can bring calm: a programme of at least 28 days, away from daily pressure. For others, outpatient guidance is enough. We look at what fits during the intake, and aftercare continues once the programme ends.
Ready to take the next step?
Time to look at your situation
honestly.
Dealing with trauma requires time and guidance. Nevertheless, recovery often starts with one conversation.
During an intake interview, we listen to your story and together we will see which approach suits you best.
