
Welcome to the course and thank you for your purchase. In this lecture you are introduced to the course and its content. There is also an excellent resource by the UK based mental health charity MIND.
In this lecture we begin to look at the history of PTSD from its recognition, assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
We move on to looking at some of the classic symptoms to suggest that somebody may be experiencing PTSD, such as dreams, flashbacks and hyper-vigilance.
Hyper-vigilance is one of the main symptoms of PTSD, where the individual is on high alert,s canning his/her environment for signs that another traumatizing event may happen. here we look at this symptom in a bit more depth.
Avoidance of places, people and situations that remind the individual of the trauma is a classic symptoms of PTSD as is the numbing of one's emotions etc. Here we look at these 2 symptoms.
This video features a discussion between two mental health professionals exploring the important topic of how avoidance behaviours can gradually shrink a person’s world and impact emotional wellbeing over time.
Avoidance often feels helpful in the short term. We avoid situations, places, conversations, memories, or activities because they feel uncomfortable, overwhelming, or emotionally difficult. For a moment, avoidance can reduce anxiety and create relief. However, over time, avoidance can quietly begin to reduce confidence, independence, enjoyment, and quality of life.
Through a professional discussion format, this session explores how avoidance patterns develop, why they become so powerful, and how they can affect many aspects of mental health and wellbeing. The principles discussed are relevant across a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, trauma, stress, depression, panic, health anxiety, low self-esteem, grief, adjustment difficulties, and emotional recovery following challenging life experiences.
The discussion also highlights an important balance: recognising genuine risks while learning to distinguish them from fear-driven avoidance. Rather than encouraging people to ignore danger, the focus is on developing awareness, building confidence gradually, and supporting healthy, informed choices.
This conversation is relevant not only for mental health professionals and students, but also for anyone interested in understanding human behaviour, emotional resilience, and psychological wellbeing. The concepts explored can help deepen understanding of how small avoidance patterns can grow over time — and how meaningful change can begin through gradual, manageable steps forward.
There are a range of additional problems that are likely to affect the client with PTSD, in this lecture we explore those additional problems.
Here we look at additional co-occurring problems in PTSD.
Here we begin to look at exactly what kinds of experiences are likely to cause PTSD.
Sometimes traumatic experiences don't always lead to a diagnosis of PTSD, here we explore why.
This is a task for you to complete and will aid the learning process, it is about the link between PTSD and substance abuse.
Ongoing Professional Development: This course provides the knowledge and skills to improve performance in this area, offering 10 hours of valuable learning and professional development, as evidenced on the certificate issued upon completion.
Live Streamed Availability: This course and a range of other related courses can be delivered to groups of between 6 and 25 people via Live Streaming with Zoom. Contact Kevin O’Doherty for more details on pricing and availability etc.
This IAOTH (International Association of Therapists) accredited course offers a comprehensive overview of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), covering a wide range of important topics, including its causes, treatments, and effective support strategies for professionals. Upon completing the course, students will receive a certificate acknowledging their in-depth understanding of PTSD.
Key Areas of Focus:
What is PTSD?: Understand the nature of PTSD, including its symptoms and how it impacts individuals on a psychological, emotional, and physical level. Learn to recognize the signs of PTSD and differentiate it from other mental health conditions.
Causes of PTSD: Explore the various factors that contribute to the development of PTSD. We will delve into the psychological, biological, and environmental influences that can make someone more vulnerable to developing PTSD following a traumatic experience.
Treatments for PTSD: Learn about the different therapeutic approaches used to treat PTSD, including psychotherapy and pharmaceutical interventions. We will cover Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), along with the medications often prescribed to help manage symptoms.
Supporting Clients with PTSD: This course will provide practical tools and strategies for supporting clients with PTSD in a professional and effective manner. We will explore how to create a safe environment for the client and implement therapeutic interventions that help them cope with their trauma.
Prognosis of PTSD: Examine the likely prognosis for individuals suffering from PTSD, including the long-term effects of untreated PTSD. Learn about the importance of early intervention and the potential for recovery with appropriate treatment.
Who is Likely to Get PTSD and Why?: We will explore the risk factors for PTSD, including the role of prior trauma, genetics, and certain personality traits. The course will also examine groups that are more likely to be exposed to trauma and thus at higher risk for developing PTSD, such as military personnel, first responders, and survivors of violence or abuse.
Teaching Style:
The course is largely lecture-based, with narrated PowerPoint slides designed to make complex concepts easier to understand. It is delivered in a relaxed, informal, and professional manner, making the material both accessible and engaging. Students are encouraged to reflect on the course content, discuss their thoughts with peers, and share experiences to deepen their understanding.
Instructor:
The course is taught by Kevin O'Doherty, a Psychologist, Forensic Mental Health Expert Witness, and CBT Therapist with over 20 years of experience in mental health. Kevin brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insight into PTSD, offering real-world examples and evidence-based practices. He is passionate about supporting students and encourages open communication, answering any questions or concerns within 24 hours.
Additional Resources:
Alongside the lectures, students will have access to resources and materials designed to reinforce learning. These include handouts, research articles, and practical exercises to apply the knowledge gained in the course.
Ideal for:
This course is suitable for anyone interested in understanding PTSD, whether from a professional or personal perspective. It is especially valuable for professionals working in mental health, healthcare, social services, law enforcement, and military settings, as well as individuals seeking to better understand PTSD and how to provide support to those affected.
Additional Learning Options:
The course is also available via live streaming and face-to-face sessions upon request, providing flexible learning options for individuals or organizations seeking a more personalized experience.
By completing this course, students will gain a deep and thorough understanding of PTSD and the tools needed to help those affected by this challenging condition. Get in touch with Kevin O'Doherty for any further inquiries or to request live streaming or face-to-face sessions.