Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Essay Example

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stressful event or psychiatric sequel of exceptionally threatening or calamitous nature. An example of PTSD is a person who witnessed the 9/11 incidence first hand or a survivor. A person who has undergone such an ordeal is known to have erroneous fears based on the principle of behavior modification. In order to help such a patient, Systemic desensitization is used to help him cope with this fear and induce relaxation. A 9/11 patient who has undergone Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can help to relax through Cognitive behavioral therapy.

This method has been proven to effective in treating PSTD (Coble 60). In conducting Systemic desensitization for a survivor of 9/11, Cognitive behavioral therapy is highly recommended. This is a common type of mental health planning in which a psychotherapist in a structured way and holds a number of the session with the patient. This process helps to make sense of the overwhelming problem by breaking it down into smaller parts (Coble 64). It will help the patient to see how they are connected and their effect.

A situation, which is the problem this is closely followed by thoughts, emotions, physical feelings then lastly actions. Gradual desensitization closely follows. Virtual reality exposure has proved to more effective than mental imagery (Coble 69).