Abstract
PTSD occurs due to direct or indirect exposure to traumatic events, leading to prolonged psychological distress. Its symptomatology ranges from the experience of intrusive thoughts to continued avoidance of stimuli. A few physiological symptoms include heightened arousal and reactivity, which can be observed as rage outbursts, restlessness, reckless behaviour without regard for consequences, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, and difficulties concentrating. Relaxation techniques have demonstrated considerable amelioration of physiological symptoms of trauma. According to van der Kolk (2002), PTSD treatment must address sensory reminders and help the individual gain bodily control over the triggers evoking traumatic reactions. The use of relaxation techniques may help manage an over- reactive stress response if the individual is cognizant of their triggers and can be ready to react to them. As hypervigilance lessens and focus improves, these strategies may be utilized as a stepping stone to get individuals with PTSD prepared to engage in other evidence-based treatment modalities. In the present review, we aim to explore the efficacy of therapeutic techniques for treating PTSD. We underscore three adjunct therapeutic interventions that techniques (guided imagery, mindfulness-based interventions and cognitive restructuring) two of which are mental relaxation techniques and one a psychotherapeutic intervention that address distressing symptoms of PTSD. The empirical evidence on the efficacy of such techniques is meagre. Still, a growing body of research indicates they are effective approaches for treating PTSD, especially for those individuals who have not been successful
with traditional therapies.
Author Information
Arushi Srivastava, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India
Torsa Chattoraj, Banaras Hindu University, India
Paper Information
Conference: ACP2023
Stream: Mental Health
This paper is part of the ACP2023 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Srivastava A., & Chattoraj T. (2023) Exploring Guided Imagery, Mindfulness Meditation and Cognitive Restructuring As Therapeutic Techniques for Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder ISSN: 2187-4743 – The Asian Conference on Psychology & the Behavioral Sciences 2023 Official Conference Proceedings https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4743.2023.9
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2187-4743.2023.9
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