Online Trauma Therapy for Women: Exploring PTSD Treatment Approaches
- Amy Moulton
- Mar 13
- 5 min read
Women who suffer from trauma are far from alone in their struggles. A recent article about women and trauma from Amy Navotny of the American Psychological Association said that more than 50 percent of women are likely to experience a traumatic event in their lives. Of those, 10 to 12 percent may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). So what can you do if trauma-related symptoms are affecting your quality of life or ability to function?
Trauma or PTSD?
It may be helpful to begin by defining trauma and PTSD. Trauma is an emotional, mental, or physical response to an experience or set of harmful experiences. As mental health awareness grows in American culture, it has become common to hear the word “trauma” used to describe a wide range of difficulties women have faced. All of those experiences are valid and deserve understanding and support. Also, it is important not to compare or downplay your circumstances because someone you know has “been through worse.” Whether you are drowning in a puddle, a lake, or an ocean, you’re still drowning.
PTSD is specific to people who have been exposed to trauma in the forms of sexual violence, a violent or accidental death, or an event that threatened their lives or caused serious injury. This could have happened directly to them, they could have witnessed it happening to someone else, or they heard about it happening to a close family member or friend. After the event or series of events, they may experience recurring intrusive and involuntary memories of what happened or related dreams. A person may have very real-feeling flashbacks of the traumatic event or feel triggered by things that symbolize the event for them. There are often physical reactions or health problems stemming from the trauma.
A mental health professional can evaluate these and other symptoms to determine if you have PTSD or other trauma-related mental health issues so they can develop an individualized plan of treatment for you.
Trauma in Women
“Sexual abuse is the most common form of trauma for women,” said Novotny. Estimates say 20 to 25% of women have experienced rape or attempted rape, most often by an intimate partner. Also, 25% of girls experience childhood sexual abuse. Some of the other traumas common to women include domestic violence, the sudden death of a family member, serious accidents, or a chronic or serious illness.
Women with PTSD may be more likely than men to:
Avoid reminders of the trauma
Startle easily
Feel numb or struggle to feel emotion
Experience depression or anxiety
Women are two to three times more likely to develop PTSD after trauma than men. This is partially because women are exposed to more interpersonal trauma like sexual assault, and people who experience sexual assault are at a higher risk for PTSD. Another reason is that early trauma, which is more common in women, is more impactful, especially when there were multiple traumatic events. Also, women more frequently blame themselves for traumatic events. Neurological development even comes into play as Novotny noted that boys’ and girls’ brains are affected differently at different ages by traumatic stress.
Symptoms & Treatment for Trauma
Fear is a natural response during and after traumatic situations. You might also feel anxiety, sadness, or anger. Sleep is often affected, and it can be hard to think about anything else. Having the support of the people close to you is important during this time and can help decrease the likelihood of developing PTSD symptoms.
However, if the symptoms don’t subside and start interfering with your life, it is time to seek professional help.
Some of the behavioral and physical symptoms to watch for include:
Frequent crying
Having trouble focusing
Flashbacks or recurring fearful thoughts or flashbacks
Persistent worrying
Feeling sad or anxious
Racing heart and sweating
Frequent anger, resentfulness, or irritability
Isolation
Nightmares or sleep issues
Avoidance of places or people that trigger disturbing memories and feelings
Being startled easily
Headaches, stomach pain, or digestive problems
There are many types of trauma and PTSD treatments, so you and your therapist can talk about what might work best for you. For now, let’s take a look at some of the most common evidence-based treatments.
CPT therapists teach people how to challenge and modify ineffective beliefs related to their trauma. The process helps a person to reconceptualize the traumatic event, which can reduce its harmful effects.
With EMDR, the therapist asks the person to briefly focus on a traumatic memory while guiding them in bilateral stimulation through eye movements. EMDR can reduce the emotion and vividness of trauma memories.
Therapists use prolonged exposure to help individuals gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings and triggers. By moving past avoidance, the person can learn that those memories and cues are no longer dangerous and experience relief from PTSD symptoms.
With a therapist's help, a person creates a chronological life story that includes both traumatic experiences and positive moments. In sharing their story, a person adds details to incomplete memories, allowing them to have a better grasp and understanding of traumatic events. It also helps them move away from framing their life story around traumatic experiences, which can relieve persistent trauma and distressing symptoms.
Is Online Trauma Therapy Effective?
Her Time Therapy’s Meagan Clark addresses this question in her post How Does Teletherapy Work?. She writes that several studies confirm teletherapy (also known as online therapy) is just as effective as in-person therapy. “In fact, in some cases teletherapy leads to a higher retention rate,” she says. “[T]he accessibility and convenience created by telehealth allows for more consistent mental health care and, therefore, better outcomes.”
Having therapy in a safe, familiar place is particularly helpful and important when you have some of the trauma symptoms mentioned here that can make going out in public an overwhelming prospect. Safety and a sense of control are two key elements of trauma-informed therapy.
For those who have not yet tried teletherapy, this post also goes over the process so you know what to expect. Note that all of the PTSD treatment methods described above are available through online trauma teletherapy.
Getting Help
Whether you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or other trauma-related issues, counseling can bring hope and healing. Schedule a free consultation call with a trauma-informed therapist at Her Time Therapy, PLLC to begin your safe and supported journey towards mental health wellness.
Amy Moulton (she/her), is a Clinical Mental Health Graduate Student Intern offering affordable counseling services to Her Time Therapy Clients under the supervision of Julie Noyes, MA LPC NCC and Adams State University professors. Amy is passionate about helping women navigate the stress, anxiety, and identity issues that can come with big life transitions like divorce, the search for a new career, or empty nest syndrome.
*Disclaimer: This blog does not provide medical advice and the information contained herein is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed health provider before undertaking a new treatment or health care regimen.
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