PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was first described during the First World War. Soldiers returning from the trenches, profoundly affected by unrelenting artillery and the constant proximity of death, were described as having “shell shock”.

Our understanding of trauma has evolved considerably. Now, we understand that trauma can be acute or chronic, based on single events or multiple experiences, spread over time. We understand that it’s not just soldiers who experience PTSD, but children and adults. That trauma is individual and subjective, but profound in its impact.

Symptoms of PTSD can be both psychological and physical, ranging from difficulties with mood, sleep and attention, to issues with digestion and blood pressure. Chronic trauma has a significant and lasting effect on every part of our nervous system.

People suffering from PTSD and cPTSD are uniquely vulnerable. They require a skilled and experienced approach that understands the benefits of different therapies, and their limitations. Gray Matters takes a careful and thoughtful approach to these issues. collaborating with other clinicians to make sure you have all the support you need.

There are various effective approaches to PTSD, all of which have their strengths and weaknesses. Neurofeedback is unique among these treatments, calming the over-aroused brain without the need to remember or to re-live trauma. Sometimes this allows other therapies to be more effective later on, sometimes other therapies no-longer seem necessary.

Many of our patients have tried talk therapy, which is limited in its ability to create change, and EMDR, which requires recalling trauma in order to “reprocess” it. Neurofeedback, when done correctly, identifies the brain areas stuck in a state of “fight or flight”, and rewards them for gradually letting go.