Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Trauma is not limited to a single, catastrophic event. It can also be the ongoing result of constant stress, money worries, violence in the community, or generational losses. These experiences can profoundly impact your nervous system and sense of security. If you find yourself reliving past events, avoiding certain situations, or feeling constantly on edge, you may be experiencing PTSD. 

At Steel Wellness, our therapies are designed to help you safely work through past experiences, manage triggers, and regain a sense of safety and hopefulness about your future.

Understanding the Complex Nature of Trauma and PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a terrifying event. While many people experience stress and anxiety after a traumatic event, PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than a month and significantly interfere with daily life. 

It’s not a sign of weakness, but a natural human response to overwhelming stress that has become “stuck.”

The concept of trauma extends beyond traditional understandings of combat or major accidents. It can also be the cumulative result of living in an environment of chronic stress, economic uncertainty, community violence, or generational loss. These factors contribute to what some call “social depression,” profoundly impacting the nervous system and overall well-being. 

In Allegheny County, our community has faced various forms of collective and individual trauma, and we recognize how these experiences can contribute to the development of PTSD. We offer a deeply empathetic approach that acknowledges the broad spectrum of traumatic experiences.

Common Types of Traumatic Experiences That Can Lead to PTSD:

PTSD can arise from a wide range of experiences, and its impact is unique to each individual.

• Combat exposure or military sexual trauma.
• Physical or sexual assault.
• Natural disasters (e.g., floods, fires).
• Serious accidents (e.g., car crashes).
• Terrorist attacks.
• Child abuse or neglect.
• Witnessing violence or death.
• Sudden, unexpected death of a loved one.
• Chronic exposure to community violence or poverty.
• Systemic discrimination or injustice.

Regardless of the source, the impact of trauma is real, and healing is possible with the right support.

Recognizing the Signs of PTSD

PTSD symptoms are typically grouped into four main categories. These symptoms can vary in intensity and may fluctuate over time, but their persistence and impact on daily life are key indicators that professional help is needed.

Key Indicators of PTSD:

• Intrusive Thoughts: Unwanted, recurring memories, flashbacks, or nightmares of the traumatic event. You might feel like you’re reliving the event, or have very strong reactions to reminders of it.
• Avoidance: Actively trying to avoid thoughts, feelings, conversations, places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event. This can lead to significant social withdrawal.
• Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: This can include negative beliefs about yourself or the world, distorted thoughts about the cause or consequences of the event, persistent negative emotions (fear, horror, anger, guilt, shame), diminished interest in activities, or feeling detached from others.
• Changes in Arousal and Reactivity: Being easily startled, feeling constantly on guard, having difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, irritability, angry outbursts, or engaging in reckless or self-destructive behavior.
• Dissociation: Some individuals may experience derealization (feeling detached from their surroundings) or depersonalization (feeling detached from themselves), especially during highly stressful moments or flashbacks.

If you experience several of these symptoms consistently for more than a month after a traumatic event, especially if they interfere with your daily life, reaching out for professional support can make a significant difference.

Our Comprehensive Approach to PTSD Treatment

At Steel Wellness, we offer a compassionate and evidence-based approach to treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. We understand that living with the aftermath of trauma can feel overwhelming and isolating, but PTSD is a highly treatable condition. Our comprehensive and personalized treatment plans focus on helping you safely process past experiences, manage triggers, and equip you with practical tools to regain a sense of safety, control, and hope for the future.

We specialize in treating co-occurring disorders, meaning if your PTSD is intertwined with other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or a substance use disorder (often used as a way to cope with trauma symptoms), we will address both simultaneously. This integrated care is crucial for achieving stable and sustainable recovery, as treating one without the other often leads to incomplete healing. We combine proven therapies with a focus on building lasting coping skills and a strong support network, helping you to live a healthier, more peaceful life.

Key Components of Our PTSD Treatment:

Your personalized treatment plan at Steel Wellness will draw from a range of effective therapies and support services, tailored to your specific needs.

• Comprehensive Assessment: Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation to understand your specific PTSD symptoms, the nature of your traumatic experiences, any co-occurring conditions, and your personal goals. This helps us create a personalized and safe treatment plan tailored just for you.
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This is a highly effective, evidence-based approach for PTSD. CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs related to the trauma. TF-CBT specifically guides you through processing traumatic memories and developing healthy coping responses in a safe, structured way.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills: DBT skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation are incredibly powerful for managing the intense emotional pain, flashbacks, and impulsive behaviors often associated with PTSD. You’ll learn techniques to stay present and cope with overwhelming feelings without being consumed by them.
• Individual Therapy: You’ll have regular one-on-one sessions with a dedicated therapist in a confidential setting. Individual Therapy allows for deep exploration of your unique traumatic experiences, personal triggers, and the development of tailored strategies for managing your symptoms and building resilience.
• Group Therapy: Participating in group therapy provides a powerful sense of community. You’ll connect with peers who understand your struggles, share experiences, and learn from others’ coping strategies. This helps reduce feelings of isolation and builds a vital support network, reminding you that you are not alone in your healing journey.
• Family Therapy: When appropriate and with your consent, we may involve your loved ones in family therapy sessions. Trauma can impact entire family systems, and this approach helps heal relational dynamics, improve communication, and build a supportive home environment that is crucial for your recovery.
• Holistic Approaches: We may incorporate holistic therapies such as mindfulness practices, yoga, art therapy, or somatic experiencing techniques. These approaches help restore the mind-body connection, reduce physical tension, process non-verbal trauma, and promote inner calm, offering different pathways to healing and self-expression.
• Medication Management (as appropriate): For some individuals, medication can be a helpful tool in managing severe PTSD symptoms like anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances. Our psychiatric team will assess if medication is appropriate for your personalized treatment plan and provide careful monitoring and adjustments as needed.
• Relapse Prevention Planning: A key focus is on equipping you with strategies to identify potential triggers for PTSD symptoms and develop robust plans to manage future challenges, ensuring long-term well-being and resilience.

Why Choose Steel Wellness for PTSD Treatment?

Choosing the right treatment center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a deeply personal and often life-changing decision. At Steel Wellness, we are committed to providing care that is not only clinically excellent but also deeply empathetic and tailored to the unique needs of our community here in Allegheny County.

Expert, Compassionate Team Specializing in Trauma

Our team of experienced professionals includes therapists, psychiatrists, and support staff who are dedicated to your well-being. They bring a wealth of knowledge in evidence-based PTSD treatment, particularly in trauma-informed care and therapies like TF-CBT and DBT, and a genuine understanding of the intense challenges you face. We are here to partner with you, offering guidance and support every step of the way, ensuring you feel heard, respected, and understood in a safe environment.

Personalized and Integrated Care for Complex Needs

We recognize that every individual’s experience with trauma and PTSD is unique. That’s why we conduct thorough assessments to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms, traumatic experiences, goals, and circumstances. Our integrated approach means that if your PTSD is connected to other mental health issues or substance use (often a coping mechanism for trauma), we’ll treat both simultaneously, providing comprehensive care under one roof. 

Whether you need the intensive structure of our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or the flexibility of our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), your plan will be designed for you. These programs provide the intensive therapeutic environment crucial for processing trauma and building stability.

Focus on Processing Trauma and Building Resilience

Our programs heavily emphasize equipping you with practical skills to process traumatic memories safely and build lasting resilience. This means a strong focus on understanding your nervous system’s response to trauma, challenging negative beliefs, and developing healthy coping mechanisms for triggers and flashbacks. You will gain tangible tools and strategies to manage acute symptoms and reclaim a sense of safety and control over your life, empowering you with lasting confidence.

A Supportive and Validating Environment

Dealing with PTSD can often feel incredibly isolating, as individuals may withdraw to avoid potential triggers or feel misunderstood. Our programs, particularly through group therapy, create a supportive and validating community of peers who truly understand your experiences. 

This connection reduces feelings of loneliness, builds accountability, and provides invaluable encouragement as you heal alongside others on a similar path. You’ll find a sense of belonging and mutual support that is crucial for recovery, reminding you that you are not alone.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing and Safety

If you or a loved one are struggling with PTSD and are ready to seek specialized help, Steel Wellness offers a beacon of hope and a clear path forward. Our comprehensive, empathetic, and evidence-based approach ensures you receive the most effective and caring support possible. We are committed to partnering with you to navigate this journey and empower you to build a healthier, more fulfilling future.

Connect With Our Admissions Team

You can also explore our full range of services to find the level of care that best suits your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Treatment