PTSD treatment

PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder believed to affect around one in three people after a traumatic experience. The term 'PTSD' was originally used to describe symptoms of trauma arising primarily from combat exposure. People in the military are particularly susceptible to this condition due the frequency of their traumatic experiences. However, this has since been extended to encompass any group of people exposed to traumatic events. This includes:

• Victims of violent crime (for example, physical and sexual assaults, sexual abuse, bombings, riots)
• Emergency services personnel
• Victims of war, torture, state sanctioned violence, terrorism and refugees
• Survivors of industrial or road traffic accidents and disasters
• Women following traumatic childbirth
• People diagnosed with a life-threatening illness

Can PTSD be treated?

Yes – PTSD is treatable, even if you’ve been living with symptoms for many years. The right support can help you work through distressing memories, reduce anxiety and rebuild a sense of safety and confidence in daily life.

Some people find their symptoms are constant, while others have periods of relief followed by flare-ups. Whatever your experience, effective treatment is available, and with professional help, recovery is achievable.

How PTSD is treated at Priory

At Priory, we understand how overwhelming and isolating PTSD can feel. You don’t have to face it on your own, our compassionate teams are here to support you every step of the way.

We follow the latest National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines and provide therapies and medication where appropriate. Every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you receive the right support for your situation.

With the right help, recovery from PTSD isn’t just possible, it’s within reach.

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Trauma-focused CBT helps you understand and reframe unhelpful thought patterns related to your trauma. It may also include exposure therapy, which allows you to revisit difficult memories in a safe, controlled environment. Over time, this can help to reduce fear, avoidance and anxiety, allowing you to regain a sense of peace and control.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR uses guided eye movements or similar techniques to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories. This can make past experiences feel less distressing and reduce the strong emotions attached to them.

Group therapy

Group therapy provides a safe space to share experiences with others who understand what you’re going through. These sessions can help reduce isolation, build trust and offer practical coping strategies.

Brief psychodynamic psychotherapy

This therapy explores unresolved emotions or experiences linked to trauma. Understanding these patterns can help you gain insight, find new perspectives and build healthier coping mechanisms.

Watchful waiting

If your symptoms are mild or recent, your specialist may recommend ‘watchful waiting’. This involves regular check-ins to monitor your wellbeing and decide whether treatment is needed later on.

Medication

For some people, medication can be helpful, particularly antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These can ease symptoms like anxiety, depression or poor sleep and are often used alongside therapy for additional support.

Complex PTSD (CPTSD) treatment

CPTSD can develop after long-term or repeated trauma, such as ongoing childhood abuse, domestic violence or captivity. While it shares many symptoms with PTSD, CPTSD often brings additional challenges, including:

• Difficulty managing emotions
• Struggles with self-esteem or identity
• Challenges maintaining relationships

Because CPTSD often stems from long-term trauma, treatment may take longer and require a more gradual approach. Therapies can include:

• Trauma-focused CBT
• EMDR
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
• Schema therapy

These approaches help you regulate emotions, build stronger relationships and develop a more positive sense of identity and safety.

Why choose Priory for PTSD treatment?

• Expert-led care: Delivered by consultant psychiatrists and accredited therapists
• Evidence-based therapies: All treatments follow NICE guidance
• Nationwide network: Access treatment at hospitals and wellbeing centres across the UK
• Personalised support: Programmes tailored to your needs and goals
• Safe, compassionate environments: Confidential settings where you can feel supported and understood

Take the first step towards treatment

You don’t have to live with the effects of trauma alone. With professional support, it’s possible to heal, rebuild trust and rediscover a sense of safety in your life.

If you’re ready to take the next step, get in touch with Priory today for a private mental health assessment and a confidential discussion with one of our specialists.