The NHS defines post-traumatic stress disorder, more commonly known as PTSD, as “an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events”.

Armed forces veterans who have experienced font-line combat situations, victims of sexual or child abuse, or people who have been involved in major accidents, can all experience PTSD in some form or other after the event.

PTSD can have a devastating impact on both the sufferer as well as their families and friends, but hypnotherapy sessions at my Cambridge practice can help them get their lives back on track.

PTSD and forces veterans

Serving members of the armed forces are often placed in dangerous and extreme situations that even the most rigorous military training can’t prepare their minds for.

During World War I, PTSD was referred to as ‘shell shock’, but the medical establishment now understands it is a much more complex and sophisticated condition that can have far-reaching effects.

Flashbacks and ‘fight or flight’

Veterans suffering PTSD can experience flashbacks of traumatic events they witnessed or endured on the front line, often triggered by similar sounds, smells or environments.

This is due to the memories stored in a part of the brain called the amygdala, responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ reaction to dangerous events or situations.

When that response is triggered, the PTSD sufferer recalls the original trauma and it can feel as though everything is happening all over again, which can be confusing and frightening for the sufferer’s family.

Who is affected by PTSD?

Of course, you don’t have to be a military veteran to suffer from PTSD. Industrial injuries, rape, being physically attacked, witnessing an unexpected event, such as a train crash, or terrorist bombing – all can lead to PTSD.

Any incident or event that creates a strong response can lead to someone having PTSD. The uncontrolled, persistent and irrational fears behind common phobias are the same as in PTSD sufferers. That’s where a therapist like myself comes in to help uncover these responses, and put a plan together so you can move forward.

The effects of PTSD

The result of PTSD means those who have it, whether they are armed forces veterans or people from ordinary walks of life, can experience both physical and mental effects.

They include panic attacks, vivid nightmares, sudden, irrational outbursts of anger, depression and intrusive memories.

Eroding a ‘normal’ life

In some cases, the flashbacks are so intense, sufferers actually relive the traumatic event through hallucinations, making normal work and life almost impossible.

All of these can have a crushing impact on the sufferer’s mental health, and their ability to cope can be quickly eroded.

The impact of PTSD on family life

Not all PTSD sufferers live alone with their condition. Many have families who, despite their loved ones’ best intentions, bear the brunt of what they’re going through, whether that’s the aftermath of military trauma or the fall out from a major car accident.

Unfortunately, it can lead to family life being shattered by domestic violence, alongside other mental health issues for both spouses and any children, making the original tragedy even worse.

What support is available?

Some families struggling to deal with these often emotional, complex situations don’t always know where to turn for help and support. It can leave some feeling as if they’re trapped in an endless, negative cycle.

There are several UK charities and organisations that can help families deal with the mental health impacts of military and other trauma symptoms, but many PTSD sufferers find hypnotheray is an effective therapy for them.

How hypnotherapy can help PTSD sufferers

As a fully qualified solution-focused clinical hypnotherapist and psychotherapist, I can help PTSD sufferers face their subconscious mind during each therapy session.

I aim to bring about meaningful change, with long-lasting effects that will ultimately free them from any debilitating, traumatic events, and allow them to get on with their lives.

My treatment begins with a free initial Zoom consultation to determine your needs and ultimate goals, before using each in-person session of hypnosis and positive suggestion, always focusing on solutions, to embed those aims within your subconscious mind.

How many sessions will I need?

It’s a good question and the answer will depend on the severity of your condition. Hypnotherapy can be a very effective treatment and has many benefits for those looking to improve their mental health, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

As a trained therapist, I work with lots of clients who present with PTSD symptoms, caused by a wide range of events.

Sevarin do you have a PTSD testimonial you would like to use?

Book your free initial consultation

You can phone 07359 188625 or email: sevarin@lifeflowhypnotherapy.co.uk to book a free initial consultation, or use the contact form here and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Let me help you take your first step towards living the life you want, and deserve.