Introduction

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can substantially impact individual lives, especially adults and elderly adults. According to studies, this condition is mainly contributed by traumatic conditions such as military conflict, sexual abuse, and childhood traumas. In most instances, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can present itself through signs and symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, negative cognitive and emotional changes, and heightened arousal. Client-Centered Therapy (CCT) is a therapeutic technique pioneered by Carl Rogers. This treatment approach assumes people are naturally motivated to improve their mental health. This form of psychotherapy provides a sympathetic and understanding setting for those suffering from PTSD to facilitate their healing and recovery.

Understanding PTSD in adults and older adults

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect individuals across the lifespan, but adults and older adults may experience significant obstacles. Stressful events such as assault and witnessing violence are perfect examples of factors that significantly contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adults. Alternatively, elderly individuals may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of childhood abuse, war-related incidents, or terrible events that occurred later in life (Purgato et al., 2018).  Symptoms such as recurring memories and disconnection from emotions can significantly impede one’s ability to carry out daily activities and negatively impact their overall well-being. Traditional therapies for PTSD, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, have shown efficacy, although they may not be universally applicable. Certain people may have difficulty in directly addressing their painful experiences or may face challenges with the organized nature of these therapies.

Fundamental principles of client-centered therapy in the treatment of PTSD

1. Unconditional positive regard: The psychiatrist creates a warm environment that gives the patient the feeling of being wanted unconditionally. Throughout the process, the therapist avoids any kind of judgement, approval or disapproval on the patient, despite how radical the patient’s views may be (Yao & Kabir, 2023). This plays a critical role in allowing patients to drop their natural defenses making them freely express themselves on how they feel.
2. Empathy: The therapist pays close attention to the feelings and thoughts of the patient. Through this, the therapist can show their understanding of their patient’s private world throughout the therapy session as if it were their own (Purgato et al., 2018).

• Genuineness: The therapist’s genuine and forthright demeanor encourages patients to open up and share their experiences.

These concepts promote a therapeutic alliance in which clients feel acknowledged, comprehended, and empowered to delve into their experiences at their own pace.

Application of CCT to adults with PTSD

Working with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder patients, CCT may be tailored to meet their specific needs. The therapist may establish a safe space for patients to discuss traumatic experiences (Yao & Kabir, 2023). A retired war veteran case study shows CCT’s effectiveness. The therapist helped the veteran reveal his wartime horrors by empathically listening and accepting him. Over time, they learned to regulate their emotions and change their self-image, helping them heal and grow.

Application of CCT to older adults with PTSD

PTSD in older adults demands special consideration. Cognitive changes, physical constraints, and generational differences may significantly affect therapy. CCT’s non-directive approach lets older adults explore their experiences without feeling pressured (Purgato et al., 2018).

Active listening and asking open-ended questions may help older adults process their feelings and share their memories. An older adult who is a victim of childhood abuse shows how CCT’s empathic environment helped her reveal long-suppressed memories and build self-compassion (Yao & Kabir, 2023).

Studies on CCT’s effectiveness in the treatment of PTSD

Studies show that CCT plays a significant role in the treatment of PTSD. This approach improves emotional processing and self-esteem according to the survey. For instance, 2012, Stanford School of Medicine clinicians began using Client-Centered Therapy (CCT) (Purgato et al., 2018). From its debut, researchers have conducted randomized controlled trials of CCT to assess its efficacy. This study shows that CCT reduces child and caregiver posttraumatic stress and improves child functioning. This study has limitations. Thus, further research is required, primarily on PTSD in adults and older individuals. Long-term CCT effects and comparisons to other evidence-based therapies would be helpful.

Conclusion

Client-centered therapy is effective in the treatment of PTSD in adults and older adults. In a secure, non-judgmental setting created by the therapist, patients can process their trauma at their own pace and gain self-awareness and acceptance. CCT has shown promise, but further studies are required, especially for adults and older adults. Client-centered therapy may help people living with PTSD recover and thrive.

References

Purgato, M., Gastaldon, C., Papola, D., Van Ommeren, M., Barbui, C., & Tol, W. A. (2018). Psychological therapies for the treatment of mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries affected by humanitarian crises. Cochrane Library, 2018(7). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd011849.pub2

Yao, L., & Kabir, R. (2023, February 9). Person-Centered therapy (Rogerian therapy). StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589708/#:~:text=Unconditional%20Positive%20Regard,-The%20therapist%20creates&text=The%20therapist%20does%20not%20signal,exploration%20as%20they%20see%20fit.

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Client- Centred Therapy for Adults and Older Adults with PTSD