PTSD
PTSD Therapy and Treatment Options in Thailand
When exploring PTSD therapy and treatment options in Thailand, it is important to understand what types of support are available and which approach best meets your needs.
At Counselling Thailand, we provide sensitive, confidential, and trauma-informed care for individuals experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Our approach is grounded in compassion, cultural understanding, and evidence-based therapeutic methods that help clients feel safe, supported and understood.
Whether you are currently living in Thailand or based overseas, our team of experienced therapists can help you make sense of your symptoms, rebuild emotional safety, and begin the process of recovery at a pace that feels right for you.
Free Initial Consultation
Before making any commitment we offer the following:
- Free 15 minute Zoom video consultation for individuals
- Free 30 minute Zoom video consultation for couples and families.
This gives the opportunity to discuss things further, answer any questions you have and if you are happy to proceed, arrange a mutually convenient time for the first full counselling session.
For more information please contact us or click the link to complete our client enquiry form. This will give a little extra information to help us select whom we believe the most suitable therapist would be and then we can email you a list of available appointment times for the free initial consultation.
You can view our current fees by visiting our Fees and Appointments page.
PTSD: Diagnosis, Causes & Symptoms
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a recognised and diagnosable psychological disorder and mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Not everyone who goes through trauma will develop PTSD, but for those who do, the effects can be long-lasting and may impact daily functioning, relationships, emotional wellbeing and the ability to feel safe.
What is PTSD?
PTSD can develop when a person struggles to recover after a deeply distressing event. Those affected may experience vivid flashbacks or nightmares, avoid situations that trigger reminders of the trauma, and feel persistent anxiety, sadness, irritability or anger. These symptoms can significantly interfere with daily life and overall functioning.
Diagnosis of PTSD
In Thailand, PTSD can only be formally diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or medical doctor. It is different from normal stress reactions that many people experience after frightening or overwhelming events.
A diagnosis generally includes symptoms such as:
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoidance of reminders connected to the event
- Persistent fear, guilt, sadness or emotional detachment
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- Heightened alertness or irritability
- Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected from others
Symptoms typically last longer than one month and significantly disrupt daily life. The positive news is that effective therapeutic support exists, and many people recover with the right guidance.
Causes of PTSD
PTSD often develops after exposure to a traumatic experience. Situations that may lead to PTSD include:
· Natural disasters
· Accidents
· Sexual violence
· Combat or war
· Abuse (physical, emotional or sexual)
· Torture
· Terminal illness
· Traumatic childbirth experiences
PTSD does not affect everyone in the same way. Factors that may influence who develops PTSD include:
- Intensity and duration of the traumatic event
- A history of previous trauma, such as childhood abuse or domestic violence
- Family history of mental health conditions
- Individual personality traits and temperament
- How the brain regulates stress-related hormones and chemicals
- Current or past mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression
- Substance misuse
- Limited social or emotional support
It is important to remember that PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is a medical condition that can be treated, and many people improve significantly with the right therapeutic support. Our multilingual therapists can help guide you through the healing process.
PTSD Symptoms
It is normal to experience distressing memories after trauma. However, when these symptoms become frequent, intense, and interfere with daily life, they may indicate PTSD.
Common symptoms include:
- Recurrent, unwanted memories of the trauma
· Nightmares
· Vivid flashbacks that feel as though the event is happening again
· Intense emotional or physical distress when reminded of the event
· Increased heart rate, sweating or panic when triggered
· Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the trauma
· Avoiding people, places or situations that act as reminders
· Being easily startled or constantly on alert
· Difficulty falling or staying asleep
· Feeling overly aware of surroundings or anticipating danger
· Irritability or frequent anger outbursts
· Struggling to recall key parts of the traumatic event
· Persistent feelings of fear, anxiety, guilt or hopelessness
· Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Many individuals with PTSD also experience co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety or substance misuse. Symptoms may vary in intensity and can worsen over time if left untreated.
Understanding the Difference Between Trauma, PTSD and CPTSD
Trauma refers to any deeply distressing or overwhelming experience that exceeds a person’s ability to cope at the time it occurs. Traumatic events can involve threat, loss, fear, helplessness or intense emotional overwhelm. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop a trauma-related condition, but the experience itself can leave lasting emotional and physical effects.
While PTSD often develops after a single traumatic event, Complex PTSD (CPTSD) usually arises from repeated, prolonged or ongoing trauma, particularly during childhood or within close relationships. Understanding the distinctions between trauma, PTSD and CPTSD helps individuals receive the most appropriate support, and ensures the focus of therapy matches what they have lived through.
Key Differences
Trauma
- A response to a distressing or threatening event
- Can be a single incident or repeated experiences
- People may experience short-term shock, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm
- Does not automatically lead to PTSD or CPTSD
PTSD
- Typically develops after one major traumatic event
- Often involves fear-based symptoms
- Core symptoms include intrusion, avoidance, negative mood changes and hyperarousal
- May disrupt daily functioning and sense of safety
CPTSD
- Develops due to ongoing or repeated trauma, often within relationships
- Includes all PTSD symptoms, plus additional difficulties such as:
- Problems with emotional regulation
- Persistent shame, guilt or low self-worth
- Chronic feelings of mistrust or unsafety
- Difficulties forming or maintaining relationships
- Long-standing negative self-perception
Both PTSD and CPTSD are conditions from which recovery is possible. With medical diagnosis, assessment and guidance when required, together with steady therapeutic support, individuals can reduce symptoms, regain a sense of safety and rebuild confidence in themselves and in their relationships
When Inpatient PTSD Treatment is Recommended
For individuals with severe PTSD symptoms, high levels of distress or significant safety concerns, an inpatient programme may be the most suitable option.
Residential PTSD treatment programmes typically last 4, 8 or 12 weeks, and provide:
- A safe and structured environment.
- Daily therapeutic activities
- Intensive trauma focused treatment utlising modalities such as EMDR, NARM Therapy, Aquatic Tuning, TRE – Trauma Release, Hyper Oxygen Therapy and and Polyvagal Treatment.
- Support from a full clinical team.
- Round the clock monitoring and emotional support.
- A protected space away from triggering environments
We can advise on reputable inpatient centres within Thailand and overseas, and assist with referrals when appropriate.
How to Support Someone with PTSD
When someone you love and care about suffers from PTSD, it can be intense and overwhelming. PTSD is a tough condition to live with and can eventually take a serious toll on relationships, family and work life. The frequency and intensity of the PTSD itself can even lead to loss of jobs, substance and alcohol abuse and other problems which affect the individual, but also those around them.
There are several steps that can be taken to help someone suffering from PTSD, these include:
· Educate yourself thoroughly about the disorder so you can relate further to what your loved one is experiencing and what to expect.
· Encourage reaching out for help as this is paramount for their individual healing and recovery.
· Be supportive and patient.
· Encourage them to spend time with other friends and family members.
· Provide social support.
· Accept and expect mixed feelings.
· Rebuild trust and safety.
· Minimize external stress.
· Anticipate and manage triggers.
· Encourage them to join a support group.
If you feel you or anyone around you is suffering from the many symptoms associated with PTSD, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly through our website.
