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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the name for something that can happen to someone after they experience a traumatic event outside of the range of normal human experience. These events could include abuse, combat, rape, natural disasters, as well as many other difficult circumstances.

People dealing with PTSD often exhibit a characteristic set of symptoms which include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Difficulty with Relationships
• Hyper-vigilance
• Over-reactivity

These symptoms can interfere with functioning in any area of life.

When I work with people dealing with PTSD, I work with them to explore and understand how the traumatic event and the symptoms following have impacted their life. I find that this exploration and understanding often helps to reduce the intensity of their symptoms and return them to a level of functioning and interpersonal interaction that is more desirable.

War Stress - Combat Trauma

War Stress and Combat Trauma are words used to define a specific kind of PTSD.

I've worked with many Vietnam and Gulf War veterans dealing with their combat trauma. After working together to gain an increased understanding of the events and the feelings they have associated with the events they experienced, we move on to examine the impact the various traumas have had on their present day lives.

These clients have reported to me that after therapy they are more even-keeled emotionally, they have more patience and tolerance, their interpersonal relationships have improved, and they are better able to live in the present and enjoy their lives.

I have counseled abuse survivors and combat veterans since 1983. From 1995 to 2007, prior to moving to Austin, Texas, I was the primary outpatient counseling service provider recommended by the Veterans Administration for combat veterans in the county in which I practiced.