Exclusive posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment center
At Paracelsus Recovery, we recognize that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a deeply challenging and complex mental health condition. Our treatment programs for PTSD use the latest psychotherapeutic techniques and biochemical restoration practices to heal the whole person – mind, body, and soul.
How do we treat PTSD
Treatment for PTSD is centered on three pillars
Psychotherapy
We use a range of cutting-edge psychotherapeutic techniques, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to improve symptoms and to help you process the traumatic event(s). Alongside these one-on-one sessions, a live-in therapist will stay in a self-contained section of your chosen residence. The live-in therapist will be available for emotional support and therapeutic assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Biochemical restoration
We provide extensive biochemical testing to identify all physical imbalances and chemical deficiencies. Based on the results of the testing, we develop an individualized formulation of micronutrients and amino acids that when combined with lifestyle counseling and a healthy diet, help to restore balance. Often, these lifestyle improvements reduce or eliminate symptoms of PTSD.
The mind-body relationship
Just as stress and trauma can live in the body, they can make a person feel ‘detached’ from their body. Our PTSD treatment programs destress the body on an emotional, physical, and cellular level by incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga and massage into our treatment plans.
We can provide treatment for PTSD in our residential treatment center in Zurich and in London.
360-Degree Treatment Approach - The most extensive and comprehensive treatment worldwide
& Treatments
Counseling
Psychotherapy
and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Therapy
Hyperoxic Treatment
Restoration
& Psychonutrition
Nutritional Counseling
& Bioresonance
& Acupuncture
Symptoms of PTSD are usually categorized into three groups
Reexperiencing symptoms or reliving the traumatic event
- Intrusive, upsetting thoughts and memories.
- Flashbacks or reliving the event.
- Nightmares of the traumatic event or other frightening things.
- Intense distress brought about by reminders of the traumatic event.
- Strong physical reactions to reminders of the trauma such as nausea, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, muscle tension, or sweating.
Avoidance of events that trigger memories of the trauma
- Avoidance of places, activities, feelings, or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event, such as large crowds or frightening movies.
- Forgetting certain aspects of the traumatic event.
- Loss of enjoyment in certain activities and loss of interest in life in general.
- Feelings of emotional numbness or detachment.
- A feeling that the future is hopeless or that life may be short.
Anxiety
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Feelings of anger, resentment, or hostility.
- Lack of attention or concentration.
- Feelings of being constantly aware and on alert (hypervigilance).
- Feeling jumpy or jittery.
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a highly challenging and complex mental health condition, which can severely impact a person’s relationships, state of mind, physical health, and general quality of life. For people struggling with PTSD, it can feel like they will never get their happiness back, but treatment is available and recovery is possible.
Understanding PTSD
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition characterized by traumatic stress that has worsened or remained unchanged over an extended period of time. Traumatic stress occurs when a distressing event overwhelms the nervous system, leaving a person unable to process what they went through. Traumatic stress can be triggered by a single event such as a car accident, sexual and physical assault, or a near-death experience. It can also arise in response to numerous persistently frightening experiences such as domestic abuse. Traumatic stress should ease over time as the mind and body process what happened but if the event was too traumatic to process and symptoms do not lessen, then PTSD can occur.
‘Moderate’ symptoms of traumatic stress will make a person feel irritable, unfocused, exhausted, and have trouble sleeping. Severe symptoms will manifest as intrusive memories, night terrors, flashbacks of the traumatic event, and tremors.
When we think of PTSD, we often think of war or terrible tragedies, but while these events can certainly cause PTSD, they can also be triggered by more subtle difficulties. For example, becoming famous overnight and suddenly having to navigate frenzies of paparazzi and stalkers could trigger symptoms of PTSD.
FAQs
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can develop after a highly distressing and traumatic experience. It is a reaction to psychological trauma which develops in response to actual or threatened extreme danger.
There are three types of PTSD: Uncomplicated PTSD, comorbid PTSD, and complex PTSD. Uncomplicated PTSD is the most commonly diagnosed type and is characterized by persistent reexperiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance of any stimuli related to the event, and emotional difficulties. Comorbid PTSD is diagnosed when someone is suffering from both uncomplicated PTSD and another mental health condition. Complex PTSD occurs when an individual has been exposed to prolonged traumatic events such as ongoing sexual abuse in childhood. At Paracelsus Recovery, we can treat uncomplicated, comorbid, and complex PTSD at our treatment center in Zurich and London.
At Paracelsus Recovery, our PTSD treatment is based upon our core values of empathy and pragmatism. We treat one client at a time to ensure that you can receive maximum care and confidentiality. Upon arrival, we carry out extensive assessments to identify all physical and psychological issues that have contributed to the PTSD and any other problems the PTSD has created for you. Once the assessments are complete, we tailor-make a unique treatment program designed to address your specific set of needs.
Our approach to the treatment of all mental health conditions is focused on holistic medicine, multidisciplinary techniques, and pragmatism. Our psychiatrist can prescribe medication but would only do so if the symptoms of PTSD remain severe and unchanged after biochemical restoration and intense therapeutic interventions.
PTSD is a very common cause of substance abuse with the ‘substance’ often used as a coping mechanism due to the psychological pain PTSD can cause. It is also common for the same trauma to trigger both PTSD and substance abuse issues. At Paracelsus Recovery, we ensure that all co-occurring mental health issues are addressed.
