WEBVTT

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[Narrator:] The ripples from a traumatic event,
like a severe flood,

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can reach every corner of life.

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[dramatic music]

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Whether it’s feeling overwhelmed
with daily tasks ...

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Avoiding time with loved ones and friends ...

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Or feeling more irritable ...

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These reactions are common in
the aftermath of a traumatic experience,

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like a natural disaster, combat,

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or an act of violence.

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But when these reactions last longer
than a month, or when they affect

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how you live your life months or years
later, it’s important to get help.

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If you’ve been diagnosed
with posttraumatic stress disorder,

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or PTSD, remember:
You have treatment options.

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One option focuses
on your current, day-to-day challenges.

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This treatment option is called
Present-Centered Therapy.

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It’s a talk therapy that can help
you understand

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the connection between trauma
and your everyday challenges.

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Here’s how it works.

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Typically, you attend 10-12 meetings
with your therapist

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that last about an hour each.

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Present-Centered Therapy helps
you understand

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and recognize PTSD symptoms
and common reactions to trauma.

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You’re encouraged to use a daily log

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to note challenges
that concern you between sessions.

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Then you spend time talking
with your therapist about topics

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that are important to you, such
as concerns that you had during the week.

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You don’t talk in detail about the
traumatic event, but your therapist helps

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you understand how the trauma is affecting
your feelings and actions today.

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For example,

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you might find that
since the traumatic event,

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you feel more disconnected
from your loved ones.

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Through Present-Centered Therapy,
you can learn why

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traumatic stress might lead you
to withdraw from friends and family.

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You learn new ways to interact with others
more comfortably,

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drawing on your strengths.

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This approach can help
you feel more in control and confident

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in your ability to face and solve
problems in your daily life.

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[hopeful music]

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With Present-Centered Therapy,

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the focus stays on what’s
happening in your life now.

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Remember: There are a variety of treatment

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options that have been proven effective
for helping people with PTSD.

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If you think Present-Centered
Therapy may be right for you,

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start by talking with
your health care provider.

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You can find additional information

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and resources at ptsd.va.gov.

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This video was brought to you

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by the Department of Veterans
Affairs’ National Center for PTSD.