What is the theory behind this PTSD worksheet for veterans?
The DSM-recognized mental health illness known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is brought on by experiencing or witnessing a distressing incident. According to current estimates, PTSD and depression are the two mental health issues that veteran service personnel are most commonly encountered. The cognitive processing therapy (CPT) that is a form of Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is used to treat PTSD.
How will the worksheet help?
Veterans who have survived terrible events like being attacked or witnessing others being injured or murdered frequently experience waves of emotions upon their return from combat. PTSD is a disorder that many veterans suffer following traumatic experiences.
This worksheet will help clients in understanding their trauma and give them insight into how the trauma is affecting their lives.
How to use the worksheet?
The worksheet can be used by therapists during sessions to make clients understand their trauma. Therapists can use this worksheet in session along with relaxation techniques. Make sure this worksheet should be used in the presence of a therapist not given as homework to the client.
PTSD worksheet for veterans
Answer the following questions. Make sure to use this worksheet during a session with your therapist.
Were you exposed to the trauma directly? Or witnessed it? Or told by a significant other?
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Have you experienced the trauma repeatedly?
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What was the nature of the traumatic event that you experienced?
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How this traumatic event affects your social, emotional, interpersonal and occupational life.
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What changes are you experiencing in your behaviour after the traumatic event?
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References
Mandic, T. (2019). The PTSD workbook: A journey to resilience and beyond. Between Sessions Resources.
You can download this worksheet here.