WEBVTT

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[MUSIC PLAYS THROUGHOUT]

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Posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD
is a heavy weight to carry on your own.

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For some, PTSD makes it hard to form
close connections.

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[VETERAN WITH PTSD BACKPACK WALKS BEHIND FAMILY]

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For others, it may be negative
thoughts or anxiety about activities

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they used to enjoy

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because of sounds or smells
that trigger memories of the past trauma.

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[BALLOON POPS AND STARTLES MALE AND FEMALE VETERAN]

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No matter how heavy the burden,
there are PTSD treatments that work.

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You have options.

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Written Exposure Therapy or W-E-T is one of
several effective talk therapies for PTSD.

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This cognitive behavioral treatment
focuses on decreasing

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symptoms of PTSD
through writing about your trauma.

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And briefly reviewing the experience
of writing your trauma with a therapist.

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[FEMALE
THERAPIST AND MALE VETERAN IN OFFICE]

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This is more than just journaling.

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Research shows that writing
and talking about traumatic events

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with a trained therapist
helps people process trauma.

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[MALE VETERAN, THOUGHT BUBBLE OF COMBAT SITUATION]

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[FEMALE VETERAN JOURNALING]

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No one will critique your style,
grammar or spelling.

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You just need to be willing to write
about your experience.

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[FEMALE VETERAN, THOUGHT BUBBLE OF COMBAT SITUATION DURING WRITING SESSION]

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Conversations with your therapist
will guide you through the process.

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In the office or over a video session
using telehealth.

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[THERAPIST ON COMPUTER VIDEO}

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When you leave each session,
there's no homework.

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You'll reflect on the session,
but only write during your appointments.

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[END OF MEETING NOTIFICATION]

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Most people meet with their therapist
for about five sessions,

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and then they receive
a certificate of completion.

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Written Exposure Therapy

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clients usually continue
to see improvements

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in their symptoms and functioning

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and get back to enjoying life
even after these sessions end.

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[VETERAN HOLDING HANDS WITH FAMILY]

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In time, you'll reconnect with others

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and get back to doing things
you enjoy, like fishing with friends.

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If PTSD is weighing you down,

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Ask your provider if Written Exposure
Therapy is right for you.

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[VETERAN FISHING WITH FRIENDS, WATER SPLASH SOUND]

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Learn more at the National Center for
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder website.

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at WWW dot PTSD dot VA dot GOV