Understanding PTSD

PTSD
Written By Annette Perry

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma affects people in deeply personal ways, and PTSD symptoms can linger long after the event has passed, impacting emotional well-being, relationships, sleep, and daily functioning.

If you are searching for PTSD therapy in Tacoma, Washington, or telehealth trauma counseling across Washington State, you are not alone, and healing is possible.

At Ignite Pathways, we provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for individuals navigating trauma and PTSD, helping clients regain a sense of safety, control, and connection.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD can occur after exposure to trauma such as accidents, abuse, violence, medical trauma, combat, or sudden loss. While many people experience stress reactions after trauma, PTSD develops when symptoms persist and interfere with daily life.

Common PTSD symptoms include:

  • Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares

  • Avoidance of reminders related to the trauma

  • Emotional numbness or detachment

  • Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on edge

  • Sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating

PTSD is not a weakness or personal failure. It is a natural nervous-system response to overwhelming experiences.

How Trauma Affects the Brain and Nervous System

Trauma impacts how the brain processes threat and safety. Research shows that PTSD involves heightened activity in fear-related brain regions and reduced regulation from areas responsible for reasoning and emotional control. This can leave the nervous system stuck in survival mode.

As a result, individuals with PTSD may feel unsafe even when no danger is present. Therapy helps retrain the brain and nervous system to recognize safety again.

Evidence-Based PTSD Therapy Works

Extensive research supports psychotherapy as the most effective treatment for PTSD. Trauma-focused therapies are recommended as first-line treatments by major mental health organizations.

Evidence-based PTSD treatments include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Trauma-Focused CBT

  • Exposure-based therapies

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Trauma-informed approaches that prioritize safety and stabilization

Studies show these therapies significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and support long-term recovery.

Telehealth PTSD Therapy in Washington State

PTSD therapy does not have to happen in an office. Research demonstrates that telehealth trauma therapy is as effective as in-person care for many individuals.

Ignite Pathways offers telehealth PTSD counseling across Washington, allowing clients to receive trauma-informed care from the comfort and safety of their own environment, a critical factor for trauma recovery.

What PTSD Therapy Looks Like

PTSD therapy is collaborative, paced, and centered on safety. Therapy may include:

  • Understanding trauma responses and triggers

  • Learning grounding and nervous-system regulation skills

  • Processing traumatic memories at a manageable pace

  • Reducing avoidance and hypervigilance

  • Rebuilding trust, identity, and emotional resilience

You are always in control of the pace and direction of therapy.

When to Consider PTSD Counseling

You may benefit from PTSD therapy if:

  • Trauma symptoms persist months or years later

  • You feel emotionally numb or disconnected

  • You experience panic, nightmares, or flashbacks

  • Avoidance is limiting your life

  • You want support that feels trauma-informed and respectful

Healing does not require reliving trauma alone, support matters.

PTSD Therapy in Tacoma, Washington | Ignite Pathways

If you are seeking PTSD therapy in Tacoma or trauma-informed telehealth counseling in Washington, Ignite Pathways is here to support you.

Ready to Take the First Step?

You can sign up to have our front desk call you or email you to answer questions, discuss availability, and help you find the right therapist and care option for your needs.

👉 Contact Ignite Pathways today to connect with our front desk and begin trauma-informed PTSD therapy.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd

American Psychological Association. (2017). Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of PTSD.
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

VA / Department of Defense. (2023). PTSD treatment decision aid.
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/tx_basics.asp

Lewis, C., Roberts, N. P., Gibson, S., & Dropinski-Matheson, J. (2020). Dropout rates from psychological therapies for PTSD. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 72, 102213.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102213

Annette Perry
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