Laurel Shaler, Ph.D.
“My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth.” Psalm 121:2
Though PTSD Awareness Month was in June, it’s important to consider the impact of this mental health challenge on many of our clients…all throughout the year. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is a daily reality for many men and women. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3.5% of adults suffer from PTSD (2013).In order to receive this diagnosis, one must be assessed by a mental health professional and meet certain diagnostic criteria. In a nutshell, those with PTSD had experienced a horrifying event that has resulted in them re-experiencing the trauma, avoiding reminders of the trauma, and experiencing increased arousal (you can learn more HERE).
PTSD can result from many quite difference experiences. I recall counseling a minister who suffered greatly as a result of his experiences in combat. The horrors of war stayed with him decades after he had come home. Another man whose best friend was killed in front of him continued to have nightmares for many years. And one whose son was brutally murdered. A woman who had been sexually abused…and one who had been shot by her own husband.
Suffering. Intense suffering. Despite the fact that all of these individuals were Christians. You see, suffering occurs for Christians and non-Christians alike. These folks, and many, many more, all experienced trauma that had a grave impact on their lives. Thankfully, there is much that can be done to help those with PTSD. Both by professionals like you and by others involved in the life of one suffering with PTSD.
The National Center for PTSD describes a number of evidence-based therapies for the treatment of PTSD. These treatments include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). I will be presenting on CPT at the AACC World Conference in September, and I encourage to attend, but you can learn more starting right NOW.
In addition to becoming trained to treat PTSD, Christian counselors have an important role in educating the family members of those suffering with PTSD. This involves helping them understand PTSD, and helping them support their loved one.
Support. Everyone needs it. I think we know that intuitively but there is research to prove it. Supporting those with PTSD may not come easy. Those who are struggling with the anxiety disorder of PTSD may have a tough time with sleep. They may have a difficult time being in crowds. They may jump at the sound of firecrackers or a car backfiring. Things that most people consider enjoyable may lead to fear in those with PTSD. For example, going to the movie theatre or shopping at a mall…
It can be frustrating to have plans changed or cancelled. Or to deal with someone who is irritable due to insomnia. Or to be awakened in the middle of the night because a loved one has had a nightmare. Again.
When you are working with families of those who have PTSD, there are some basic tips you can give them for supporting their suffering loved one. Here are a few:
1. Let them know you are there for them, but give them space. Don’t hover or constantly ask them to talk about their memories. Allow them to share what and when they want to share.
2. Learn to be flexible. If they are willing to try shopping, for example, be willing to leave when your loved one is ready to or drive separate cars and allow them to leave when they are ready.
3. Participate in their mental health treatment. It may be helpful for you to participate in a support group for those whose loved ones have PTSD (Many Vet Centers offer these. Click here for more information).
Taking the journey with someone who has PTSD is not easy, but support means so much. Christians, praying together and praying for the one suffering is critical. John Bunyan said, “You can do more than pray, after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed.” Perhaps that is the best tip of all.
If you’re interested in learning more about treating PTSD, don’t miss AACC’s brand-new conference track at the 2013 World Conference, focused on The Military, Combat Trauma and Resiliency. Workshops include…
Cognitive Processing Therapy: A Treatment Strategy for PTSD by Laurel Shaler, Ph.D.
Resilient Responses to Trauma by Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bob Dees, M.S.
ReZilient Kidz: Strategies and Resources for Building Resilience into Military Teens and Families by Dave Sanders, D. Min.
Counseling Military Couples by David Mikkelson, M.Div. and Suzanne Mikkelson, M.A.
Secondary PTSD: Helping Military Families Love a Post-Combat Warrior by LuAnn Callaway, Ph.D.
Military and Veteran Suicide: Prevention and Early Intervention Strategies for Churches and Counselors by Glen Bloomstrom, M.Div.
Reintegration: Helping Veterans with PTSD Transition to Civilian Life by Tara Samples, Ph.D.
Click here to view the complete list of workshops. Select your workshops today…seats are filling up fast!
Laurel Shaler is a Licensed Social Worker with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University. She currently teaches in counseling programs for Capella University, Clemson University, and Liberty University. Additionally, she writes and speaks to women in an effort to help them anchor their emotions to God and achieve abundant life in Christ. She and her husband, Nick, make their home in the Upstate of South Carolina where they are active in community and church. They love spending time with friends and family, especially their two rambunctious nephews. Laurel can be found blogging on her website at www.drlaurelshaler.com. You can connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/drlaurelshaler or on Twitter (@DrLaurelShaler).