ASD, PTSD & Trauma Informed Approach
Acute Stress Disorder is something that can occur immediately or soon after a traumatic
event. Symptoms of acute stress disorder include dissociative states, avoidance, anxiety,
heightened arousal, and a re-experiencing of the event. Post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) shares much of acute stress disorder’s symptomatology but can only be
diagnosed after time has elapsed between the event and the symptoms. Thus, PTSD can,
and often does, follow acute stress disorder, but not always. Unlike acute stress disorder,
the symptoms of PTSD may appear months or even years after the original trauma took
place.
These distinctions are important. They indicate that early attention and treatment of
acute stress disorder, through therapy and other healing actions, could help prevent the
onset of PTSD. A therapist can help the client to develop coping mechanisms before the
trauma takes hold. Indeed, the sooner a person receives treatment, the closer they are to
the source of the trauma; and as a result, it is usually easier to treat.
People heal through relationships. In particular, clients with a history of trauma are in a
position to utilize their relationship with their therapist as an important path to healing.
The intense feelings that accompany trauma can make clients feel unsafe and so early in
treatment there is a focus on helping the client gain more control over trauma
symptoms (including being able to understand them as symptoms). As well as by
developing new coping mechanisms. A trauma informed approach focuses on
collaboration between therapist and client, making sure sessions a safe container to
address coping with triggers and avoid setting off a trauma response.
If you are having trouble functioning at work or at home. Suffering from fear, anxiety, or
depression, you may be dealing with acute stress disorder or PTSD. Seeking help is often
the first step towards healing.
event. Symptoms of acute stress disorder include dissociative states, avoidance, anxiety,
heightened arousal, and a re-experiencing of the event. Post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) shares much of acute stress disorder’s symptomatology but can only be
diagnosed after time has elapsed between the event and the symptoms. Thus, PTSD can,
and often does, follow acute stress disorder, but not always. Unlike acute stress disorder,
the symptoms of PTSD may appear months or even years after the original trauma took
place.
These distinctions are important. They indicate that early attention and treatment of
acute stress disorder, through therapy and other healing actions, could help prevent the
onset of PTSD. A therapist can help the client to develop coping mechanisms before the
trauma takes hold. Indeed, the sooner a person receives treatment, the closer they are to
the source of the trauma; and as a result, it is usually easier to treat.
People heal through relationships. In particular, clients with a history of trauma are in a
position to utilize their relationship with their therapist as an important path to healing.
The intense feelings that accompany trauma can make clients feel unsafe and so early in
treatment there is a focus on helping the client gain more control over trauma
symptoms (including being able to understand them as symptoms). As well as by
developing new coping mechanisms. A trauma informed approach focuses on
collaboration between therapist and client, making sure sessions a safe container to
address coping with triggers and avoid setting off a trauma response.
If you are having trouble functioning at work or at home. Suffering from fear, anxiety, or
depression, you may be dealing with acute stress disorder or PTSD. Seeking help is often
the first step towards healing.