“Why do I have to talk about it?”

Most people who experience trauma do not get Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) but those who do get it benefit from therapy.  Sometimes people in therapy for PTSD ask why the therapist wants them to talk about the traumatic experience.  It is usually painful or at least unpleasant so why do it? 

There are several ways to answer that question but brain researchers have recently identified some new reasons.  Psychologist Chris Brewin identified two areas of the brain that can reduce the upsetting effects of remembering a traumatic event.  But, in order to work effectively, these areas need practice.  One of the ways this practice occurs is by finding a way of explaining why the trauma happened – gaining understanding.  Putting it into words is very important in developing the ability to manage the trauma response.  Part of that explanation, or story about the trauma, involves describing how you got from the traumatic experience to the much safer present time.  Skilled therapists who have kept up with the progress in trauma therapy have a growing number of ways to help people through this process.  

If you have read some of the previous posts, you know that the process of treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is often difficult.  As we continue to study and learn, our ability to effectively help people with this condition improves.  New research techniques should provide us with much more information about how a traumatized brain operates and how to help people get better. 

Bill Bonacker