Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) and Crisis Counseling
Along with combat, natural disasters, and terrorism, major life changes like job loss, divorce, and loss of loved ones can also cause PTSD symptoms. I received Advanced Certification from the International Critical Incident Foundation in 1998 and have responded to over 450 critical incidents around the United States. With over 25 years of trauma experience, my approach to crisis counseling focuses on recovery and returning to normalcy without reliving the traumatic event.
PTSD symptoms
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek help. Ideally, you should start this process within the first 72 hours after the traumatic event, but it is never too late. With the right support, you can work through your trauma and return to a sense of normalcy. It is important to understand that Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) does not become a ‘disorder’ (PTSD) until these symptoms have persisted for more than 3 months.
Cognitive Symptoms
- Flashbacks (recurring invasive images)
- Repeatedly thinking about the traumatic event
- Being very wary of typically non-threatening people, places, or situations
- Being easily distracted or confused
- Racing thoughts that may be distracting throughout the day, or lead to insomnia
Behavioral Symptoms
- Avoiding the location of the trauma
- Avoiding people or things that remind you of the trauma
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Lashing out in anger at people
- Difficulty performing well at school or work
- Social and/or romantic isolation
Emotional Symptoms
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty connecting with loved ones and friends
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors. This may sometimes look like “high-risk” behaviors like driving too fast and not wearing a seatbelt, or otherwise taking unusual risks
- Feeling emotionally numb
Crisis and PTSD Resources
PTSD information from the Veterans Administration – Videos, articles and resources relating to PTSD
National Institute on Health – Coping with Traumatic Events
National Institute on Mental Health – Information on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms and treatment
Helping Children and Teens with Trauma – How to help kids cope with traumatic events
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) – Jonathan is recognized by the ICISF as an Advanced CISD/CISM professional
Wounded Warrior Project – Information for veterans on healing the emotional wounds of traumatic stress
National Suicide Prevention LifeLine Live Chat – 1-800-273-8255 is the 24/7 hotline
(512) 472-HELP – 24/7 Texas Crisis Line
Learn about dealing with trauma and PTSD: Trauma and PTSD Articles
Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-s has worked in the helping profession since he started college in 1990. After completing his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas, Austin in 1994, he attended the highly-regarded University of Minnesota to earn his Master’s degree in 1997. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is recognized as a Board Approved Supervisor by the State of Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Jonathan has completed Level-2 of the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling, and in 1998 received training by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in Advanced Critical Incident Stress Management & Debriefing. To learn more about Jonathan’s practice, click here: Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-s.