A Journey Through PTSD: Therapies That Made a Difference

One of the hardest steps in healing is recognizing the need for it. For me, that realization came after a year and a half of physical and emotional exhaustion. The symptoms were relentless: anxiety attacks, tremors, depression—an unending cycle that left me feeling defeated. It took everything I had to reach out for help, but seeking therapy turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.

When my therapist named what I was going through—post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—suddenly everything made sense. I understood the significance of my experiences, but the physical symptoms were still there, making me feel like I was stuck in a never-ending fight-or-flight response. I couldn't accept that this was my new reality, and I knew I had to dig deeper.

Therapy helped me gain clarity and process my emotions, but it wasn't enough on its own. While talking through trauma was valuable, I needed to address how it was physically affecting my body. It was then that I started my own research, reading every book I could find on PTSD and trying out various methods to see what would help me feel whole again.

PTSD isn’t just a mental struggle; it impacts your entire being—your body, your energy, your mind. To support my healing, I explored these practices that work in conjunction with traditional therapy:

• Reiki

• Bodywork

• Acupuncture

• Breathwork

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

• Yoga

• Somatic experience

Tips for Your Healing Journey
There’s no universal path to healing—what works for one person might not work for another. As you explore different methods, remember to be patient with yourself. Healing isn’t linear, and it's okay if one approach doesn’t fully work for you. The key is consistency and openness. Track how you feel with each new practice and give yourself permission to change direction when something isn’t serving you.

My advice? Start small, experiment, and don’t rush the process. Trust that you’ll find the combination of therapies that resonates with you.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Healing from PTSD can feel isolating, but you’re not alone in your journey. Every step forward—no matter how small—is progress. If you’ve tried any of these practices or have discovered other healing methods that work for you, I’d love to hear your story. Share your experiences or reach out to others who are walking the same path. Your journey is unique, and there is hope beyond PTSD.