People who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be interested to learn that here in Malaga at Sierra Recovery, we use world-class evidence-based approaches in our treatment for this condition.

We are dedicated to helping you regain control of your life, find your inner peace and help you build up resilience to continue with your future.

We have several therapy treatments to help you on your path to recovery.

What Are The Statistics Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In Spain?

There are no current or precise figures that indicate the number of people suffering from PTSD but in 2022, the cases registered in Spain were around 73,000. According to the Spanish primary health care services, this figure has increased significantly since 2011 when around 3,500 patients were attended to and treated for symptoms of PTSD.

This sharp increase seems to be a pattern occurring in Spain and many other countries worldwide. Whether it is because people are coming forward and opening up about their condition more than they did in the past or if other causes are responsible for such an elevated account remains to be seen. Current figures may reveal even more alarming statistics. In the meantime, people suffering from this condition should receive the necessary treatment for recovery.

What Is PTSD And What Does It Mean?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD as commonly known, is a severe condition that develops following an event or incident that has been extremely frightening or emotionally upsetting for an individual.

The feelings associated with PTSD are much deeper than being stressed. Emotions can be exceptionally damaged and can lead to serious breakdowns in a person’s life.

These feelings can be incredibly intense and persistent, never going away and are generally accompanied by nightmares or flashbacks of the event making it seem real again as though reliving the incident as it unfolds.

Emotions like sadness, anger and fear are most common and often push individuals into becoming detached or less connected to other people as they consider they may be different. Struggling with these adverse emotions consistently can make someone feel nervous, on edge or forever on guard, which can become exhausting and stressful.

Even when a person knows they are in a safe place or surrounded by people they trust, because they are always on alert, they find it extremely difficult to relax and let go of these anxieties.

When an individual understands these feelings are typical signs of PTSD and recognises triggers, they can take the first step to getting treatment. Healing from this condition is possible, it starts by being brave and having the willingness to seek help.

At Sierra Recovery, we want to help. If you or someone you know is experiencing PTSD, you can reach out to us for compassion and support and take the steps together towards feeling better.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of PTSD?

Anyone suffering from PTSD will be affected by their overall sense of well-being, their daily routine, friendships and relationships.

Struggling with PTSD symptoms can be tiring and stressful and sometimes frightening. At Sierra Recovery, we apply evidence-based talk therapy and other resources to alleviate these symptoms and reduce emotional distress.

Re-experiencing Symptoms

Individuals may experience vivid flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive, disturbing thoughts related to the trauma they have been exposed to. Therapies like Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, (EMDR) and trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, (CBT) can help clients to process these thoughts safely and lessen their impact.

Avoidance Symptoms

Avoiding reminders of the traumatic incident can cause social withdrawal and isolation. Using a holistic approach in our treatment options, we include exposure therapy and mindfulness techniques, both of these modalities encourage gradual engagement with the situations that previously have been avoided as well as disturbed thoughts through a supportive and controlled environment.

Negative Changes In Mood And Thinking Patterns

A loss of interest in activities that once were enjoyed together with a feeling of detachment and constant negativity are normal symptoms of PTSD. Through the different therapies used, we help reshape negative thinking patterns and adopt more positive ways of thought that help to mend the connections that may have broken and rekindle interests and enjoy activities without experiencing persistent adverse feelings.

Alterations In Physical And Emotional Reactions

Some symptoms such as irritability, being on alert and finding it hard to sleep can be tiring and distressing.

To combat these feelings, stress reduction techniques and medication management if required and other relaxation therapies such as yoga or meditation play a major role in managing the emotional and physical reactions caused by PTSD.

PTSD Treatment In Malaga

At our treatment centre in Malaga, we apply a wide spectrum of modalities and psychotherapy approaches to treat the complex symptoms of PTSD.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the main therapies used in treating PTSD and its purpose is to identify negative thought patterns and behaviours linked to trauma. These negative thoughts can be challenged and healthier cognitive strategies can then be adopted for more positive thinking.

This therapy is useful for combating anxiety and depression or other symptoms related to PTSD such as hyperarousal or avoidance and arms individuals with effective and practical techniques to cope and reduce symptoms in everyday routines and activities.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation And Reprocessing)

EMDR therapy is a technique used to help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories in a way that can reduce their lingering emotional impact and alleviate negative feelings.

Through bilateral stimulation that typically involves eye movements, EMDR focuses on facilitating the brain’s natural healing processes. This approach can significantly reduce the intensity of intense memories, helping the individual to conquer their trauma without the sensation of feeling overwhelmed by emotional distress.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT plays another vital component in treating PTSD. It is beneficial for those who experience intense emotional responses and find it difficult to cope with these reactions.

DBT promotes skills in mindfulness while enforcing emotion regulation. It also helps with distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness.

Introducing these skills can help people suffering from PTSD to navigate their way through emotional peaks without resorting to self-destructive behaviours. All these skills can enhance emotional stability and improve relationships.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing is a technique used in counselling through open-ended dialogue, reflective listening and affirmation to enhance motivation for change.

Combining traditional therapies with other innovative techniques including motivational interviewing promotes a more engaged and committed way to enhance healing from the complexities of PTSD.

Our Trauma Therapies In Malaga

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a one-on-one session with a qualified therapist that is designed to suit each individual’s needs and requirements.

This approach allows the person to delve further into their traumatic experience, identify negative thought patterns and behaviours and develop coping strategies as a way of effectively treating PTSD.

Group Therapy

Group therapy consists of sessions whereby patients can talk about their traumatic event to other people with PTSD. Sharing experiences can help regulate and normalise them whilst reducing feelings of isolation and it also provides a foundation to build a communal commitment to recovery.

Group sessions offer empathy, trust and mutual support with a real sense of connection making them a valuable approach in helping with PTSD.

Holistic And Integrative Therapies

Holistic and integrative therapies such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness or art therapy are practices that help support a person’s overall well-being. A holistic approach focuses on treating the mind, body, spiritual and emotional aspects of the condition to promote a healthier and more balanced state of mind.

Discovering new pathways to relaxation, self-discovery and emotional balance contributes to the healing process and treatment outcomes.

Inpatient Treatment

For individuals who may require a more structured treatment experience, our inpatient programme offers comprehensive care in a supportive and tranquil environment at our rehab centre in Malaga.

This option is more suited for people looking for an intensive approach to trauma treatment. Inpatient treatment provides around-the-clock support with a wide spectrum of psychotherapy practices to facilitate the recovery process.

Benefits Of PTSD Treatment In Malaga

There are numerous benefits to be gained by finding treatment for PTSD symptoms.

Alleviation Of PTSD Symptoms

Using therapies like EMDR and CBT can address the root causes of symptoms which in turn can alleviate the intensity and frequency of intrusive thoughts, flashbacks or nightmares.

When a person finds relief they can begin to engage more fully allowing them to enjoy a sense of peace which will improve the quality of their daily life.

Improved Coping Strategies

Learning and developing new strategies to manage anxiety, stress and emotional distress contribute to building resilience when confronted with challenges.

Coping mechanisms are powerful tools to help control symptoms and also promote balanced mental health and overall well-being.

Restored Sense Of Control

One of the main benefits gained through PTSD treatment is having a restored sense of control and being able to respond in a positive way to triggers.

This empowerment allows a person to regain autonomy and make informed decisions and choices towards their reactions and interactions creating a renewed and heightened sense of confidence which is important to overcome trauma.

Strengthened Relationships

PTSD like other mental health conditions can often strain relationships making challenges even harder.

At Sierra Recovery we believe family support is crucial to reverse this effect and we conduct family sessions to help improve communication and emotional understanding.

Family therapy sessions can help restore relationships and strengthen connections with others which further enhances healing due to rebuilding support.

Treating PTSD As A Co-Occurring Disorder

At Sierra Recovery, we acknowledge that PTSD commonly co-occurs with other mental health disorders such as substance misuse, depression or anxiety.

By understanding the links of these conditions, a specific programme can be designed to suit the needs and requirements unique to every individual.

PTSD And Substance Misuse

We use our dual diagnosis approach which combines different therapies in the treatment of PTSD while dealing with substance use patterns at the same time. The holistic recovery focuses on the mind and emotional distress whilst addressing the behavioural aspects derived from addiction.

PTSD And Anxiety

Individuals who struggle with PTSD and anxiety will be offered CBT combined with other specialised interventions for anxiety symptoms.

This combination builds up resilience and emotional stability by arming the person with effective tools for stress management.

PTSD And Alcohol Misuse

Medication management is often used for treating alcoholism together with behavioural therapies.

The application of EMDR is beneficial in helping break the cycle of alcohol addiction and as a coping mechanism for the symptoms of trauma.

At Sierra Recovery, we aim to provide comprehensive care for the dual challenges of PTSD and other co-occurring disorders so both conditions can be addressed simultaneously promoting a speedier and long-term recovery.

Contact Sierra Recovery Today

If you or someone you love is struggling with the challenges of PTSD, at Sierra Recovery we are here to help.

Contact us today and take your first step to recovery. Together we can overcome the devastating effects of PTSD and build a resilient and healthier lifestyle.

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