In the landscape of mental health, one condition stands out for its profound impact on individuals: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As we observe PTSD National Awareness Day on 27^th June, 2024, it’s essential to shed light on innovative approaches to healing. Among these, Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a unique pathway to recovery.

So many clients that I encounter, from all walks of life have been told that PTSD (irrespective if mild, moderate or severe) which has been diagnosed by a trained professional is an ‘infliction’ for life, incurable and can only ever be ‘managed’… The question is…how true is this?

Left untreated PTSD can have debilitating consequences.

Be reassured that in many cases PTSD can be a treatable condition.

Often, the clients that I see have tried a variety of other treatment approaches over a number of years and, rather than feeling inspired that change could happen, they reach out from a place of desperation, feeling helpless, unsupported and alone.

I want you to know that it is possible to heal from unresolved trauma, to recover just like we may from any other ‘injury’ and not just have to manage the symptoms.

The term ‘disorder’ may discourage some from revealing their condition and seeking help. Along with others, I believe that when we reframe PTSD to post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) we have the potential to reduce the stigma associated with PTSD and improve the likelihood of people seeking help. The word ‘injury’ reinforces that we can heal if the right therapeutic intervention is used.

Each person’s experience of PTSD is unique to them. Despite encountering a similar type of traumatic event to someone else, each of us may be affected in different ways and at different times in our lives. Symptoms can vary in intensity.

We know PTSD is often triggered by harrowing experiences, for example – exposure to life-threatening events, serious injuries, natural disasters, domestic and child abuse, acts of terrorism and so on.  C-PTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) can be caused by multiple, long lasting or pervasive traumatic events. It is often seen after someone experiences traumatic events during an early stage of development or from emotionally unavailable parent figures.

It is also known that members of certain professions are more likely to be vulnerable to PTSD due to the work and environments to which they are exposed.

Symptoms can be complex and varying, ranging from intrusive memories, nightmares, physical sensations, nervous system dysregulation to hyper-vigilance and emotional numbness, all of which can profoundly disrupt daily life, relationships and overall well-being.

Traditional talking therapies, while effective for some, may not resonate with everyone.

Enter Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy – a very different modality compared to traditional hypnotherapy. This dynamic therapeutic model integrates Neuroscience, Cognitive-Behavioural techniques, NLP, Gestalt, Ericksonian Hypnosis & Positive Psychology. Developed by Trevor Silvester, this approach empowers individuals to explore and repair their traumatic experiences and responses, unlocking the door to profound healing using an integrated mind and body approach.

At the core of Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy lies the belief that each person possesses the innate resources needed for healing. Through a collaborative therapeutic relationship between therapist and client, individuals embark on a journey to uncover these inner resources, learning how to use them to navigate and transcend their trauma.

Unlike conventional therapies that solely address surface-level symptoms, Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy delves deeper, exploring the root causes and effects of PTSD. By accessing the subconscious mind through hypnosis, clients can confront suppressed emotions, negative beliefs, and maladaptive patterns of thinking that fuel their distress and keep them stuck in protective yet emotionally painful behaviour patterns. Clients learn to be able to alter and regulate their physiology.

During therapy sessions, clients may be guided into a relaxed state where the conscious mind takes a backseat, allowing the subconscious to come to the forefront. In this receptive state, Quest therapists employ a range of flexible techniques, including visualisation, metaphorical storytelling, and suggestion to facilitate profound shifts in perception and behaviours.

Harnessing and using the client’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual resources, there is an emphasis on trust and the development of rapport between client and therapist, ensuring a safe and supportive environment within which to heal.

Through this process, individuals gain new insights into their trauma, repairing it from a place of empowerment rather than victimhood. They learn to rewrite the narrative of their experiences, reclaiming agency over their lives and identities.

Moreover, by cultivating resilience and new adaptive strategies, clients develop the tools needed to navigate future challenges with confidence and resilience and move into a place of Post Traumatic Growth.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy is its versatility and inclusivity. Tailored to suit the unique needs and preferences of each client, this approach transcends one-size-fits-all solutions, honouring the individuality of every client’s journey towards healing.

As we promote PTSD National Awareness Day, it’s crucial to recognise the transformative potential of Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy in the landscape of trauma recovery. By embracing both innovation and holistic approaches to healing, we can pave the way for a future where PTSD no longer holds dominance over the lives of those affected.

By being more proactive in shining a light on the path towards healing and by offering choice and comfort to those embarking on their own search for repair and restoration, let us continue to raise awareness, foster understanding, and advocate for accessible, effective treatments for PTSD.

Supporting clients globally, Sharon is the founder of a busy therapy and coaching practice in Cambridgeshire. She specialises in working with individuals with symptoms of trauma, anxiety, panic attacks and stress. She has a special interest in supporting the emergency services and those who have experienced childhood trauma.

Over the years she has known how painful and amazing life’s journey can be. Having experienced significant emotional events and trauma, juggling a career spanning three decades in Policing alongside raising a family and the pressure to succeed across all areas of life, Sharon has a unique understanding of the struggles so many of her clients experience.

It has always been part of her own ‘why’ to make therapy and coaching accessible, especially through group work and workshops. She wants you to know that it is possible to heal from PTSD – it doesn’t have to be a lifelong affliction that you merely have to learn to manage.

You can read more here and find out how to work with Sharon:

https://sharonherbert.com/

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