ELISABETH CALBARI Psychologist Psychotherapist (EMDR-CBT)

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

It is an anxiety disorder that was first introduced for combat veterans in Vietnam War and then was spread to other life threatening situations disease and illness.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder --PTSDRE-EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS: mirror the persistence of thoughts, feelings and behavior related to the event. 2. AVOIDANCE NUMBING: Include all the Emotional-Behavioral and Cognitive Strategies that a person uses so as the person not to re-experience symptoms. 3. HYPERAROUSAL: physiological reactions to memories
1.

What are the emotional symptoms?

Flashback episodes Memories Nightmares Frightening (and intrusive) thoughts, especially when they are exposed to events or objects reminiscent of the trauma. Anniversaries of the event can also trigger symptoms.

What are the physical symptoms?

Headaches Dizziness Chest pain Gastro-intestinal distress Immune systems problems Discomforts in other parts of the body are also common in people with PTSD Bodily stress and tension Jumpiness Lack of concentration

Physical and emotional problems caused by PTSD.

FEARS ANXIETY PANIC DEPRESSION RAGE IRRITABILITY INABILITY TO RELAX

SHAME GUILT ISOLATION EMOTIONLESS ALEINATION OVERCONTROLLING ADDICTION TIME MANAGEMENT

Psychotherapeutic Interventions
COGNITIONS FEELINGS BEHAVIOR IRRATIONAL THOUGHTS ANXIETY FEAR DENIAL INABILITY TO COMFRONT

The Patient and the Hospital Environment

From 19th c. Florence Nightingale introduced the importance of aesthetic sensory impressions during hospitalizations The HOSPITAL ENVIRONMENT for a cancer patient seems symbolically to express messages of existential matters such as DEATH-DANGER-STIGMAPAIN AND HUMILIATION

Psychotherapeutic interventions

Stress Management techniques Time Management Techniques Control Management Systematic desensitization In-vitro exposure Visual imagery (scene presentation) Safe place Pain Management Anger Management

Guided Imagery A Mind/Body Experience

We use our minds eyes to visualize positive changes taking place in our body, thoughts and feelings.

Daydreaming, Happy memories Power of the mind, words help paint a picture, visualize images, light, color and energy moving throughout and then out of the body.