Christian Counseling for PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, widely known as PTSD, affects around 8 million people in the US each year. That’s approximately 3.5% of the population. Yet, people can sometimes live with the symptoms of PTSD for months or years before eventually asking for help. Many times, this is because they are unaware that even civilians can develop a mental health disorder after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Extreme PTSD reactions can occur with a mild reminder of the event. These reactions can take the form of:

• Unsettling memories, nightmares, night terrors, insomnia, or other sleep problems
• Intrusive thoughts
• Avoidance of people or places that serve as reminders of the event
• Detachment from people and hobbies they once loved
• Negative mindset, mood, and apathy
• Memory loss
• Self-harm or self-destructive behaviors
• Substance and alcohol abuse as coping mechanisms
• Aggressive behavior or angry outbursts
• Being easily startled or scared
• Pervasive feelings of danger

At Westlake Christian Counseling in California, we work with those suffering from PTSD in each of the three main trauma categories: uncomplicated, comorbid, and complex. Uncomplicated PTSD demonstrates the symptoms from the mental health condition without the presence of other mental disorders. Comorbid PTSD requires the treatment of trauma plus any other mental health disorders that may be present.

Complex PTSD develops after the person has experienced a long period of trauma or abuse. This type of trauma is often seen in adults with years of childhood abuse or prisoners of war. Other mental health conditions can result from Complex PTSD.

At Westlake Christian Counseling, we personalize your therapy. We offer individual and group therapy sessions and use scientific methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. By using a faith-based counseling center, not only can we help you get started on the road to healing, but we can also help you grow stronger in your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.