IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS IN ST. PETERSBURG & VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, combat, or sexual violence. It is characterized by intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the event that last long after the trauma has ended. These symptoms cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.
Symptoms are grouped into four categories:
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Intrusion/Re-experiencing: Unwanted, upsetting memories, flashbacks (feeling as if the event is happening again), or nightmares.
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Avoidance: Actively avoiding reminders of the traumatic event, including people, places, thoughts, or feelings.
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Negative Alterations in Cognition and Mood: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world (e.g., "I am bad," "The world is dangerous"), feelings of guilt or shame, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
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Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity: Being easily startled, feeling "on edge" or hypervigilant, having angry outbursts, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Medication Management
Medication can help manage the intense symptoms of hyper-arousal, depression, and intrusion, making it easier to engage in therapy.
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SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): These are considered first-line medications for reducing the core symptoms of PTSD, including sadness, worry, and anger.
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Prazosin: This medication is often used specifically to reduce the frequency and intensity of trauma-related nightmares.
Non-Pharmacological Strategies
Therapy is a cornerstone of PTSD treatment, as it directly addresses the traumatic memory and its effects.
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Trauma-Focused Psychotherapies:
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): A specialized form of CBT that focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful or distorted beliefs related to the trauma.
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Prolonged Exposure (PE): A therapy that helps you gradually approach and confront trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations in a safe way to reduce avoidance and distress.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements) to help the brain process and resolve traumatic memories.
Our Approach: Your Partner in Your Mental Wellness Journey
As a PMHNP-BC, my practice is built on a foundation of respect and collaboration.
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Shared Decision-Making: You are the expert on your own life and experiences. My role is to provide the expert knowledge on diagnoses and treatments. Together, we will review all the options—medication, therapy, lifestyle changes—and decide on a path forward that feels right for you.
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Medication as a Tool, Not a Crutch: Medication can be an incredibly effective tool to "turn down the volume" on your symptoms, allowing you to engage more fully in therapy and daily life. My goal is always to find the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time.
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A Holistic View: My focus is not only on pills. We may also discuss sleep, nutrition, exercise, and other stress-reduction techniques. These non-pharmacological strategies can be essential for long-term, sustainable wellness.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don't have to manage your symptoms alone. If you're ready to explore a comprehensive, collaborative approach to mental wellness, I invite you to schedule online below.
