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TAKE THE PTSD SELF TEST:
1. Have you lived through a scary and dangerous event?
You could be either the victim or simply witness it happen to someone else. For example, being (or witnessing someone else
being) hit, harmed (by a close person), sexually abused, or violence, war, a plane or car crash, natural disaster (hurricane,
fire), or an event where you thought you or someone would be killed.
2. Sometimes, all of a sudden, I feel like
the event is happening over again. I never know when this will occur.
3. I have nightmares and bad memories of
the terrifying event.
4. I stay away from places that remind me of the event.
5. I jump and feel very
upset when something happens without warning.
6. I have a hard time trusting or feeling close to other people.
7. I get mad very easily.
8. I feel guilty because others died and I lived.
9. I have
trouble sleeping and my muscles are tense.
If you answered yes to some of these problems, you may have Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a real illness faced by millions of people, but there is very effective treatment. With the
right therapy, you can be hopeful of overcoming PTSD, having peace of mind, and living a normal happy life.
WHAT
IS THE TREATMENT FOR PTSD?
The good news is that PTSD is very treatable, and you might not need medication indefinitely,
if at all. Hundreds of studies support that the most effective treatment for PTSD is a special type of behavior therapy, known
as "Gradual Exposure Therapy." Gradual exposure enables sufferers to very gradually overcome their fears and avoidant behavior
at a pace THEY choose and are comfortable with, so they are never overwhelmed. Results are achieved in a matter of months
not years. Gradual exposure is more effective than medication or any other kind of therapy. Medication provides only temporary
or partial relief and has side effects; symptoms just come back when you end the medication. Gradual exposure provides permanent
relief, essentially eliminating excessive anxiety and other symptoms forever and restoring a normal life in which clients
are more relaxed and less avoidant. Most of my clients benefit from exposure therapy with no medication at all. Many people's
lives are transformed, getting the jobs and relationships they deserve but never thought possible until completing treatment.
HOW
DO I FIND A THERAPIST TO TREAT PTSD?
I practice in Manhattan (34th St. & 5th Ave., near the Empire State Bldg. and
Macy's), as well as Rockland County, and New Jersey, and would be happy to arrange an appointment for you or I can offer you
a free phone consultation at 212-726-2390. If you live outside of the New York metropolitan area, you can find a local therapist
by contacting the Association for the Advancement Of Behavior Therapy (www.aabt.org) in Manhattan, New York City. Ask them
for a PTSD specialist in your area. If they don't have someone in your area, ask them if they know of a similar organization
in your region that could make a referral to you. Such organizations would have words such as "Anxiety," "Fear," "Cognitive
Therapy," or "Behavior Therapy" in their titles. Once they give you the names, you have to call and interview the therapists
by phone. There are 2 TEST QUESTIONS YOU MUSH ASK THEM: (1) Is gradual exposure therapy the main technique they use? If they
don't, forget about using them. They might say they "talk" about it and help clients "see things more rationally," which is
helpful, but that is no substitute for gradual exposure. And (2) How many people have they SUCCESSFULLY treated FOR PTSD?
They should have treated at least several people, the people should no longer have severe anxiety and avoidance, and should
not be taking medication any more by the end of therapy. They should NOT say they just helped people "live with" PTSD better.
If you can't find anyone in your area, I do offer phone sessions for those outside of the New York-NJ Metropolitan area. It's
not ideal, but it's a lot better than going to someone who is not an expert on PTSD and gradual exposure. I can be reached
at 212-726-2390.
BUT THE FIRST STEP IS TO EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS
about medication-free PTSD treatment to Dr. Brodsky now or call 212-726-2390 and get a free, prompt answer within 24 hours!
Dr. Brodsky's 3 offices are convenient to the entire New York Metropolitan area, including midtown Manhattan (on 34th St.,
close to every subway, bus, and train line), Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, and New Jersey.
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