Idaho First Responders Get Cutting Edge Treatment for PTSD

A new law in Idaho recognizes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a work-related condition in first responders, and there's a new ground-breaking therapy in the works to help with recovery.  Veterans will benefit from the new therapy too.

ART International announced plans recently to train more Idaho therapists to use the revolutionary treatment for first responders called Accelerated Resolution Therapy.  After reading up on it, I've learned that recovery time can be quick since it's a rapid treatment for PTSD, and some who thought they were going to have to live the rest of their lives with symptoms saw them disappear in a matter of weeks.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy has a growing national following, and sets a goal to "resolve traumatic memories through a combination of relaxation and visualizations."  ART-trained clinicians use hand motions that patients track with their eyes, and it helps them rewrite bad memories with a positive ending. There's no need to share details of the traumatic experiences during therapy and no need to relive it.  The therapy doesn't come from talking, but from visualization in the patient's mind, and it can make a big difference in about four sessions, according to ART.

John Mayer just announced he's launching a foundation to help veterans with PTSD too, and it's focusing on improving the health of veterans through scientific research.  The Heart and Armor Foundation is working on an exercise-based intervention for PTSD, and it's developing screenings for early detection in women.

If you want to learn more on Accelerated Resolution Therapy or to find a therapist, click HERE.  There are several therapists around Idaho being trained now to help veterans through ART, including Charity Potter and Pamela Davies in Pocatello, Holly Christensen in Rexburg, and Katie Mullaley in Chubbuck.

There are lots of resources to help our Idaho veterans with PTSD, with new programs coming every day.