In crisis? Call or text 988 · Text HOME to 741741 · Emergency 911
(734) 412-7300
Best Fit Counseling & PsychiatryAnn Arbor, Michigan
Are We the Right Fit?
HomeConditionsPTSD
Is your body still reacting as if the danger never ended?

What happened to you does not have to keep defining your days.

Trauma-focused care can help you process what happened and rebuild a sense of safety, choice, and connection.

Are We the Right Fit?

Common Symptoms of PTSD

  • Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
  • Avoiding people, places, or reminders of what happened
  • Feeling constantly on guard or easily startled
  • Negative changes in mood or thinking
  • Sleep disruption

Trauma changes learning. Trauma-focused therapy helps the brain build new, safer patterns.

Understanding trauma responses

The Four Symptom Clusters of PTSD

PTSD symptoms generally fall into four groups. Most people have some symptoms right after a frightening event; PTSD is diagnosed when they persist beyond about a month and get in the way of daily life.

Re-Experiencing

Unwanted memories, flashbacks, or nightmares that make it feel like the event is happening again.

Avoidance

Steering clear of people, places, or conversations that are reminders of what happened.

Negative Mood & Thinking

Persistent guilt, shame, or negative beliefs, emotional numbness, or feeling detached from others.

Hyperarousal

Being easily startled, feeling constantly on guard, irritability, or trouble sleeping.

Understanding PTSD

Watch: What Is PTSD?

A short explainer from the American Psychiatric Association on how trauma affects the brain and body.

How we treat PTSD

Trauma-Focused Therapy, With Psychiatric Support When Needed

Counseling

Trauma-focused therapy, including approaches like trauma-focused CBT and EMDR, to process difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable and rebuild a sense of safety.

Learn more

Psychiatry

Medication management for co-occurring symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, or depression that often accompany PTSD.

Learn more
Frequently asked questions

PTSD, Explained

Yes. Fear and distress right after a dangerous or shocking event are a natural response, and most people experience some symptoms initially. It becomes PTSD when symptoms persist beyond about a month and significantly interfere with daily life, and symptoms can sometimes appear later, even months or years afterward.
Both are evidence-based, first-line therapies for PTSD with similar effectiveness. Trauma-focused CBT helps you process and reframe trauma-related thoughts through structured conversation and gradual exposure. EMDR uses guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while you process the traumatic memory. Which one we recommend depends on what fits you best.
Not necessarily. Trauma-focused therapy is the core treatment for PTSD itself. Medication, most often an SSRI, is sometimes added to help manage co-occurring symptoms like depression, anxiety, or sleep disruption, and is decided collaboratively based on your situation.
Related

You Might Also Want to Read About

Anxiety & stress Insomnia Depression

Ready to Talk With Someone?

Request an appointment and let's talk through what's going on.

Are We the Right Fit?