In all its forms, therapy can cover several disciplines and forums for the patient, including group therapy, couples therapy, and family-based therapies. Still, sometimes it is the condition that will determine the efficacy of the forum, especially when referring to PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

There is a clear advantage of one-on-one therapy for people experiencing symptoms of PTSD.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can arise from a terrifying event, and individuals can experience symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

One-on-one therapy and talking therapies benefit people with PTSD for the following reasons.

Provides the Opportunity for Self-Exploration

PTSD can cause an individual to question their perception of events. In uncovering certain beliefs and values and understanding the support system in their life, one-on-one therapy can provide a forum for thoughtful reflection.

This doesn’t necessarily occur within group settings for numerous reasons because the individual may feel unable to be open and honest or discuss the finite details of the situation.

Helps Identify Boundaries

One-on-one therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Working with a counsellor one-to-one helps people to understand boundaries and explore situations where these boundaries can be broken.

PTSD symptoms commonly arise after a trigger, and talking through the boundaries and triggers that preempt the symptoms can help an individual develop appropriate coping skills or avoid those triggers altogether.

Promotes Healthy Coping Skills

Counsellors will use several techniques, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), which can focus on techniques to reduce anxiety symptoms.

Both approaches identify triggers or unhealthy thoughts and can teach methods of reframing the situation or considering alternative perspectives, which can benefit the individual by arming them with a “toolbox of techniques” to carry into the real world.

Promotes Better Communication Skills

Individuals experiencing symptoms of PTSD may find themselves ill-equipped to communicate. Still, one-on-one therapy can be a safe and nurturing environment allowing individuals to express their emotions.

It doesn’t just help them to process thoughts and feelings arising from PTSD but also can help them to verbalize and assert themselves in these environments.

Increases Self Awareness

PTSD can be an overwhelming disorder that has a major impact on people’s lives and can force people to avoid certain situations so they can stay away from triggers. Counselling on a one-to-one level, like CBT or DBT, can help individuals focus on reflection and mindfulness to consider thoughts, feelings, or sensations that arise within a one-to-one therapy session.

Counsellors can provide additional insight into the individual’s behaviour and the impacts on the desired outcome while highlighting the mismatch between an individual’s thoughts and reality. PTSD demands a dynamic approach on the therapist’s part to deal with the situation while providing appropriate tools. This is where one-on-one therapy can be invaluable because it is a safe, intimate, and supportive environment.