Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel all-consuming and like life will never be the same after trauma, but help is available. In Fairfax, VA, Columbia Associates offers specialized PTSD counseling to guide you toward a more enjoyable, fulfilling life. Conveniently located near Old Town Fairfax, we offer high-quality mental health care for local residents seeking support. Professional help can make a meaningful difference in managing PTSD symptoms and helping you regain control of your life.
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Common causes include combat exposure, natural disasters, accidents, and personal assaults. For those seeking to heal, counseling is the best option and can significantly improve your quality of life by teaching coping strategies and providing a safe space to process traumatic experiences. It’s important to understand that you’re not alone. In Northern Virginia, 21% of adults aged 30-39 reported mental health treatment needs in 2021.1
For more on how Columbia Associates can help, and what to expect in PTSD treatment in Fairfax, VA, call 703.682.8208.
What to Expect in PTSD Counseling
At Columbia Associates, PTSD counseling is personalized for your needs. Our expert team will get to know your story and your needs and develop a plan that works for you. A basic structure for PTSD treatment includes:
- Initial intake – During the first session, clients can expect an initial intake where the therapist gathers information about symptoms, history, and treatment goals. This intake will help them to create a customized treatment plan.
- Counseling techniques – Common approaches used in PTSD counseling include cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). These evidence-based methods are highly effective for addressing trauma. Our services include a variety of treatment modalities. Our therapists will utilize what works best to address your unique situation.
- Session structure – At Columbia Associates, our sessions are structured to offer a collaborative approach. Therapists work closely with clients to create a comfortable environment where clients feel empowered to share and progress at their own pace.
For PTSD counseling in Fairfax, VA, call 703.682.8208 to set up a consultation at Columbia Associates.
Common Myths About PTSD Counseling
Many people have misconceptions about PTSD counseling. Some believe that once they start therapy, they’ll be attending sessions forever. Or they’ve heard that it takes too long to see progress. They may have even heard that talking about trauma makes it worse. These myths can be dangerous, as they keep individuals from getting the help they need in order to live better lives. A closer look at these myths can help you take needed steps toward healing:
1. Therapy Takes Too Long to See Results
While the timeline for progress varies from person to person, many clients start noticing improvements in their coping abilities, stress management, and emotional processing within the first few sessions. PTSD counseling is designed to provide gradual, measurable progress.
2. Talking About Trauma Will Make Things Worse
It’s understandable to feel hesitant about revisiting painful memories. However, in counseling, discussing trauma happens in a controlled, supportive environment where you can process experiences safely and constructively. The goal isn’t to relive the trauma but to understand and reshape its impact.
3. Once You Start Therapy, You’ll Need to Go Forever
PTSD counseling is not a lifelong commitment unless you want it to be. Therapists typically work with clients to establish goals and determine a timeline that works for them. For some, short-term therapy may be sufficient, while others may opt for ongoing support to maintain their progress.
4. Therapy Is Only for Severe Cases of PTSD
PTSD affects people in different ways, and counseling can benefit anyone experiencing symptoms, regardless of severity. Whether you have mild, moderate, or severe PTSD, therapy offers tools to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
5. You Can Just Get Over PTSD on Your Own
While resilience and self-care are important, PTSD is a complex condition that often requires professional support. Counseling provides strategies and a structured approach that can significantly enhance your ability to manage symptoms and heal over time.
PTSD counseling has been shown to improve the way people live, helping individuals process traumatic experiences in a healthy, structured way.
Choose Local PTSD Counseling in Fairfax, VA—Call Columbia Associates Today
There are many benefits to seeking local support for PTSD treatment here in Fairfax, including convenience, community connection, and ease of scheduling regular appointments. Located just off I-66 and 30 minutes from the Fairfax County Historic Courthouse, Columbia Associates makes finding professional counseling services accessible, so that you can make mental health a normal part of your routine. In 2021, 39% of adults in Northern Virginia who said they wanted therapy, did not receive it. Columbia Associates wants to change that. Call 703.682.8208 today to learn more about our wide variety of therapeutic offerings.
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