When you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), everything seems difficult to cope with. No matter how hard you attempt to avoid reminders of the trauma, they are everywhere. It might be a song you hear, something you smell, or even being in a type of room or setting that causes the flood of memories. Intrusive memories come to mind unbidden at any moment without warning. You may find you avoid sleep to avoid the all-consuming, terrifying nightmares of the event. Sometimes, your mind can become so addled that you actually feel as though you are back in the situation, re-experiencing the traumatic event. Occasionally when you’re triggered by a horrifying memory, you may act out in anger toward people you care for the most, driving them away from you.
At Abilene we understand how difficult it is for you to talk about your trauma. You may feel that no one else can possibly understand your experiences as they were not living through the same trauma. It can be hard to put your current problems and fears into words, feeling that others don’t want to – or can’t handle - hearing your troubles. We know that the pain of keeping your struggles bottled up inside only makes things harder. Our compassionate, skilled caring staff can help you process your experiences with trauma and the symptoms you struggle with. We will be there to support you as you begin to open up about your experiences and process the trauma. We will always be there when you need us most.
Why You Should Consider Inpatient Treatment at Abilene
At Abilene we are committed to providing the best, most appropriate care for each person who comes to us for help. We know the only way to do this is get to know you as completely as possible. While this means conducting a full evaluation of your struggles, symptoms and history, it also means getting to know you as a person.
We pride ourselves on conducting the most comprehensive assessments of our residents, which include a psychiatric evaluation, a clinical interview and intensive diagnostic work-up, as well as clinical evaluations that expands upon the clinical interview to provide a more complete profile of your struggles with PTSD.
Most importantly we want to know what you need from us to help your recovery so we can best match the steps in your treatment plan to your personality and preferences. We do not believe in using a cookie-cutter approach to treatment. We ensure each plan of care is individualized to each person’s specific needs and unique pattern of symptoms, responses and thought processes.
Program Philosophy and Benefits
At Abilene we employ skilled and knowledgeable staff who truly want to help others recover from their suffering. That is our main strength - our people. We have experienced, well-trained staff that provide compassionate care focused on the entire family, not just our patient. We know how important positive relationships are in the recovery process.
Our staff is committed to seeing our patients improve and heal, once again able to lead positive, satisfying, and healthy lives. We focus on continuous care across the lifetime and are there when you need us most. At Abilene, we know you are not defined by your PTSD.
Types of Therapy Used to Treat PTSD at Abilene
At Abilene we use a number of therapeutic approaches to help you address the various symptoms and issues related to your PTSD. We recognize that the symptoms related to the trauma are not the only ones you are likely experiencing and include a variety of approaches in your treatment plan. Most successful recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder involves a combination of medication and therapies.
Medication for control of symptoms and management of any other co-occurring disorders to allow you to best focus on your recovery. Some people are able to only use medication management for a short while as they learn more effective coping mechanisms. Others may find that they benefit from long-term medication usage to allow for continued symptom management.
Individual therapy allows you to work directly with a therapist about the challenges in your life. You’ll have the opportunity to explore how PTSD has affected your life, work to process the traumatic event, and develop new coping skills to help you deal with the symptoms you experience.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works to teach you how to think differently about the trauma and period afterwards. Often individuals with PTSD feel they are to blame for the trauma even though it was not their fault. Through CBT, individuals are helped to see the cause of the trauma more accurately.
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a type of therapy that balances restructuring or replacing irrational thoughts with rational ones. REBT seeks to teach you that the trauma is in the past and has no power over you now. You’re not expected to forget the trauma but to stop focusing on the event and be present for current events. This will allow you to regain control over your life.
A small group therapy approach is used to process the trauma in the presence of other people who can help support you as you share your story. Groups are also used to teach new skills such as relaxation training or provide education about specific topics such as relapse prevention.
Family therapy is a key part of care for individuals struggling with PTSD as many of the symptoms of the disorder may drive a wedge between you and your loved ones. Family sessions will focus upon repairing strained relationships, educating your loved ones about post-traumatic stress disorder and the treatments you’re engaging in. We will also allow your loved ones the opportunity to discuss how your disorder has affected them.
In addition to traditional therapies, we also offer a number of experiential therapies, including:
- Yoga therapy
- Music therapy
- Recreational programs
- A.A. and N.A.
- Anger management
Continuing Care – What Comes Next?
After you and your treatment team have decided that you are ready to step down into another program, you will work together to create a detailed aftercare plan. At Abilene, we offer a number of step-down programs to allow for continuity of care. Many people opt to join our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Others choose to continue their therapy in our outpatient clinic to ensure that your treatment goals are being met.
If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the symptoms that resemble the types of symptoms listed here, please call Abilene to make an appointment for a free evaluation. We can help you determine the next steps.