Trauma Therapy For Veterans: Benefits, Goals, And More

PTSD is short for posttraumatic stress disorder, a condition that can develop in response to traumatic experiences. Veterans, especially those who have seen combat, may be at a higher risk of PTSD than civilians. 

Several forms of therapy can treat PTSD and improve well-being and mental health. If you’re a veteran living with trauma, understanding these treatment options, their objectives, and their potential benefits may be the first step toward healing.

PTSD in veterans

“Fight-or-flight” is a state your body may enter when you have a frightening or life-threatening experience. The fight-or-flight response is usually your body’s way of keeping you safe. In dangerous situations, you may experience changes in your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. Symptoms like these tend to fade with time, but sometimes they don’t. When this happens, you may experience lasting changes in your mood and behavior, which may meet the diagnostic criteria for a condition known as PTSD. 

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can develop as a result of trauma. Traumatic experiences can look different for different people, but some of the most common types include the following:

• War
• Near-death experiences
• A serious injury or illness
• Sexual assault
• Natural disasters
• Acts of terrorism
• Witnessing other people’s trauma

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), approximately 7% of veterans will have PTSD at some point in their life, compared to 6% of non-veterans. This increased risk may be because soldiers tend to be more likely to experience or witness death or violence. 

Veterans of both genders may also be at risk for PTSD due to sexual abuse or harassment during their military service, also known as military sexual trauma. 

Common PTSD symptoms veterans may experience include those listed below:

• Being easily startled
• Struggling to concentrate
• Avoiding reminders of the trauma
• Reliving the trauma through flashbacks, nightmares, or memories
• Developing negative beliefs about oneself or the world
• Losing interest in relationships or hobbies
• Blaming oneself for the trauma
• Struggling to sleep
• Having ongoing feelings of anger, fear, or shame

Types of trauma therapy for veterans

Living with PTSD as a veteran can be challenging. However, with the right support, it may be possible to improve your well-being and mental health. According to the National Center for PTSD, proper treatment may even lead to complete recovery from symptoms. 

Therapy is often the first-line treatment for PTSD, and several types of therapy may be especially helpful for veterans.

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): Cognitive processing therapy is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. The idea behind CPT is generally to help individuals change unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma they’ve experienced. This strategy may be helpful for recovering from self-blame, anger, and other PTSD-related emotions. 

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a form of therapy that usually takes place over six to 12 sessions. During EMDR, individuals usually practice guided eye movements while thinking about their experiences. This process can change the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain, providing relief from symptoms. 

Prolonged exposure therapy: In prolonged exposure therapy, or PE, individuals may gradually confront memories and reminders of the trauma. This process may help people with PTSD overcome the fear and distress they might be experiencing. PE tends to take place over eight to 15 sessions. 

Narrative exposure therapy: Also known as NET, narrative exposure therapy typically aims to help people reframe the role trauma plays in their lives. NET is often performed in group therapy sessions, where participants may reflect on their life stories over four to 10 sessions. NET may help people with PTSD process traumatic memories in a healthier way. 

Brief eclectic psychotherapy: Also known as BEP, brief eclectic psychotherapy often combines techniques from multiple types of therapy. In BEP, a person may be asked to think about traumatic events while reflecting on their emotions. They may also explore how trauma has affected the ways they view themselves and the world. 

These therapies may all aid in PTSD recovery. However, they aren’t necessarily the only options. Other forms of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), may also be effective. 

Other PTSD management options

While talk therapy may remain one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, other resources may be helpful supplements to traditional therapy. Some examples include the following:

• Emotional support animals
• Support groups and self-help groups
• Stress management practices, such as exercise, meditation, and creative hobbies
• Antidepressant medication
• Antipsychotic medication (although research is mixed on the effectiveness of antipsychotics for PTSD)

Medications should always be prescribed and monitored by a licensed medical professional.

Other forms of treatment, such as psychedelic-assisted therapies, are also being explored in PTSD research. However, these treatments are still being studied, and more research may be needed to determine whether they are effective. 

Getting help for PTSD as a veteran

If you’re a veteran experiencing symptoms of PTSD, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor may be able to recommend specific treatment options based on your situation. They may also be able to prescribe medication to improve your symptoms. 

However, getting professional help for PTSD can sometimes be a challenge. Veterans seeking PTSD treatments from the VA often face long wait times and limited scheduling options. 

For those who lack easy access to PTSD treatment, online therapy may be a useful alternative. With BetterHelp, you can usually be matched with a therapist in about 48 hours, and you can attend therapy sessions from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. 

Research has found that online therapy may be helpful for veterans with PTSD. In a 2021 analysis, researchers looked at six studies of internet-based PTSD interventions for veterans, including online therapy. They found that online treatments typically improved symptoms and had a positive effect on veterans with PTSD.