Trauma can severely impact the remainder of a male’s life. The symptoms can feel as if one is living a continuous nightmare that they cannot wake from. This may feel torturous and keep one from healing. Going through a prolonged period with improper management while in recovery may eventually lead to worsened post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When left unmanaged, unwanted triggers, sleepless nights, and broken hearts can negatively interfere with an individual’s ability to function daily. Fortunately, participating in accelerated resolution therapy (ART) at Renaissance Ranch can help men better manage their mental health.
What Is PTSD?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), if an individual is still facing challenges long after experiencing or witnessing a tragic incident, they may be at an increased risk of developing PTSD. Sometimes even learning a loved one has been in danger can also lead to PTSD. The past event may have been frightening, utterly shocking, or even life-threatening. It is only natural for one to feel a strong sense of fear during or after a traumatic event.
Sensing danger is a normal part of an individual’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response. This response helps one steer away from danger or effectively respond to it for safety. A majority of individuals do recover from trauma after a protracted period. Those who experience persistent symptoms may later be diagnosed with PTSD.
Female vs. Male PTSD
If an individual was directly injured or exposed to trauma, they may be more likely to develop PTSD. Yet, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) found that women and men feel different symptoms in response to PTSD. Likewise, they are likely to experience different types of tragic events. Females commonly come forward about sexual assault whereas males commonly experience physical assault, tragic accidents, military combat, or witness an unwanted death or severe injury.
Although men are less likely to develop PTSD than women, they still experience complications with uncomfortable symptoms. No single case represents everyone who has PTSD. Still, some studies with X amount of participants have calculated that approximately eight out of every hundred women and four out of every hundred men develop PTSD at one point in their lifetime. It is common for both men and women to present some reaction to trauma and recover with time, but those who do not may benefit from aftercare services.
The Importance of Attending Therapy in Recovery for Severe PTSD
Research indicates that approximately six out of every hundred individuals may experience PTSD at one point in their life. It can be difficult to move forward from a shocking, stressful, or life-threatening event. Even after one learns effective strategies to cope with the effects of their condition, unwanted trauma triggers may still be problematic.
Therefore, it is especially crucial for one to seek outpatient therapy to learn new tools for better management. A therapist may provide a safe place for one to open up about their lingering symptoms. It can be helpful for one to develop new goals and stay dedicated to working on them for ongoing mental stability. A therapist can provide both emotional and professional support to help one stay strong in their darkest moments.
What Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
A peer-reviewed journal by Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience states that ART is a newfound therapy. This is an exceptionally promising type of therapy for those facing ongoing challenges with PTSD. ART is much easier to learn. The techniques involved are quicker and also more efficient in comparison to traditional talk therapies.
ART was derived from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) by Laney Rosenzweig. Other forms of talk therapy may require one to speak, write, or role-play their feelings. This is a unique approach to therapy that does not require an individual to speak in detail about their past trauma. An individual’s main goal is to move forward from the trauma. Talking about it may flair up toxic memories. Not everyone responds to the same treatment the same way. Fortunately, ART can be advantageous for those who struggle to open up about their past. ART uses a special form of eye movement different from EMDR to help one safely overcome PTSD with positive progress.
The Benefits of Participating in Outpatient Accelerated Resolution Therapy for Severe PTSD at Renaissance Ranch
ART therapy can rapidly relieve PTSD symptoms after just a few sessions. An individual may be less likely to feel worsened feelings of distress, as they are also not required to write about their tragic event. This type of therapy may also treat co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, grief, and substance use disorder (SUD). Based on the aforementioned NIMH study, further benefits of ART for PTSD include:
- Increased relaxation
- Improved memory
- Reduced feelings of hopelessness
- Improved relationships
- Decreased vulnerability
- More cost-effective
- The individual is more in control of what they share
- Directive and interactive
- Abstinence from drugs and alcohol
- Promotes positive change
Here at Renaissance Ranch, we believe in providing the best quality care to all those who participate in our programs. We understand that the journey to recovery can be intimidating and the technicalities of different stages of treatment can dishearten individuals and their families. Depending on the specific needs of our clients, we create an individualized treatment program that includes medications, a series of therapies, and discussions on Gospel principles. Although the core of our treatment philosophy lies in Christ-centered solutions, we utilize advanced clinical treatment modalities to confront addiction according to the most up-to-date scientific principles, utilizing cutting-edge methodologies like ART, EMDR trauma therapy, and CBT. Call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898 to learn more.