Theoretical Conceptualization
There
has been evidence that the way in which a person behaves cognitively or
emotionally heavily processes a certain kind of trauma that leads to the
development as well maintenance of PTSD. It is important to note that
persistent PTSD will occur when a person processes a traumatic event in a
manner that might lead to a person recalling the traumatizing experience in
almost the exact sense of danger or seriousness felt during the time of trauma.
This is the same thing that happens to Carl. At some point during the interview
he poses and stares at the interview, with that same look he would give an
enemy. Basing on this argument, we can make a conclusion that it is the way an
individual interprets the trauma as well as the ensuing trauma that contributes
to the persistence of the trauma (Najavits, Shaw and Muentz, 2007). The
cognitive theory in this regard teaches people how to be able to identify, make
an evaluation, as well as reframe the dysfunctional cognitions, which are
related to a specific trauma, and its sequelae, which plays a role in
contributing to the intense negative behavioral reactions and emotions. Based
on cognitive conceptualization of PTSD, I can make a conclusion that people
with this condition acknowledge the presence of an overly danger schemas.
PTSD Theoretical View
Traditionally,
there are two CBT approaches to PTSD treatment that have tried to explain the
reason as to why fear is developed. The conditions are learning theory and the
emotional processing theory. Learning theory is associated with the approaches
to behavior that focus on the modification in which a subject behaves due to
the manipulating environment. They provide a further explanation on how the
fear or avoidance of some traumatic memory which is associated with PTSD is
conditioned, activated and ultimately reinforced. Considering the case of Carl,
he developed PTSD due to the traumatic episode he had or because of the series
of unpleasant events in Vietnam (Truax, 2002). When it comes to emotional processing theory,
it provides a framework on how to analyze as well as explain the onset of
maintenance of PTSD. This theory makes use of the combination of cognitive,
behavioral as well as learning theories to come up with a conclusion that it is
not unusual for a person’s emotional experiences to continue affecting
someone’s behavior long after the situation that is affected by the condition
has already passed. The emotional re-experiencing can engender a certain kind
of pattern of avoidance of the trauma memory as well as sustain the presence of
PTSD.
Therapeutic Model
There
have been many therapeutic techniques and approaches that have been used on
patients with trauma. Many practitioners make use of a combination of
approaches depending on their background as well as training. However, it is
important to indicate that the needs of the patients need to be paramount
(McCann, Sakheim and Abrahamsom, 2008). It is important for the therapists to
consider the social as well as cultural background of a patient when
administering the therapy. Having this knowledge will play a vital role in
ensuring that he is aware of the progress of the treatment. In the event that
they will not have adequate information regarding their patient, they should
make efforts to have an understanding of them. Most practitioners also use
brief psydonamic psychotherapy where the client retells the story, and in the
event, a therapist who is calm, compassionate and not judgmental, as well as
empathetic stands a high chance of developing self esteem, effective thinking
strategies, and also manages any intense situations quite effectively.
According to reports, it has been identified that many clients reenact their
trauma. Due to this the client is able to gain mastery over the traumatic
situations that had once taken over them, giving them a better chance to
control themselves under any circumstances.
References
McCann, I. L., Sakheim, D. K., & Abrahamsom, D.
J. (2008). Trauma and victimization: A model of psychological adaptation. Counseling
Psychologist, 16,531–594
Najavits, L. M., Weiss, R. D., Shaw, S. R., &
Muentz, L. R. (2007). “Seeking safety”: Outcome of a new cognitive-behavioral
psychotherapy for women with posttraumatic stress disorder and substance
dependence. Journal of Traumati Stress, 11, 437–456.
Truax,
P. (2002). Behavioral case conceptualization for adults. In M. Hersen
(Ed.), Clinical behavior therapy: Adults and children. New
York: Wiley
author/Kevin Ashema
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