What form of therapy is most beneficial for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress and why? what are your thoughts on Group Therapy?

I went to a seminar on PTSD and the therapist mentioned repeat retelling of the story that triggered PTSD over and over until the significance is lowered/numbed.

I recently went through the PPH Program at the MSP VA - the best part about it was the Group Sessions with the other vets. Being around other people that actually "get it" is comforting and it is easier to open up.

Having done both individual and group therapy I think both have a place both will not work for everyone nor will one over another. The professional needs to help determine the best action for each client. Group had more benefit to me personally for a long time but have not been in many years now.

There are a lot of different ways to treat PTSD, it all depends on the individual really. Some receive the best help from having a companion by their side such as a dog. I've also seen group therapy, or therapy sessions in general work for people. Many veterans are afraid or ashamed of their Post-Traumatic Stress though, so it may not be the best option. When I was in grade school I lived with my grandmother and grandfather, and he had PTSD. He was one who really didn't want to talk to many others about everything he experienced and suffered. But when he did talk and explain what troubles him, you could definitely tell it relaxed him.

Watching hard core war movies.

There's something out there for everybody. It's hard to pinpoint what's best because everyone is different. I personally like being in group because it reassures me I'm not alone in how I feel. I have also found that drawing what I feel or am having issues with work as well.

Group therapy doesn't work for me. I am of the belief that each individual has their own need to combat PTSD. Just as there are many levels, mild to severe, and types of PTSD, there are numerous ways to handle PTSD. I do believe that every individual needs to seek counseling and advice from a professional to help find that thing that gets them through and cope and heal. For me it is motorcycle riding, hunting, fishing etc being on my farm. For friends of mine it is running marathons. Another friend is an avid weight lifter. I have heard of others that like to read or cook, work on classic cars or motorcycles, or animal therapy. I have heard of folks that do like group therapy because they feel the need for closeness with others that have experienced the same things. I just think that PTSD can't be put in a bottle and that group therapy is the end all. It may be a good start for some to find friends with like interests but each individual has to come to grips with what does them the best to overcome and exploit it.

Eric had some good points. My experience is different things are useful at different times as you climb up out of the hole and build a strong cage for your dragon. Early on, therapies to get you out of "the numb". Following that, therapies that get you away from turning within to turning outwards. You have to be ready to learn and change before you can move forward. Next is reconnecting with external things that bring pleasure and satisfaction. Hobbies, sports, trigger time, whatever. While doing all those things, you'll notice other things to appreciate. Next is having a good strategy and skill to live with it. For me, some ongoing dragon cage maintenance is a good thing. Someone mentioned AA. Like other programs like NA, they pose an ongoing effort not to relapse by paying attention to the benefits of other things and acknowledging that doing nothing means your relapsing.

I've had the chance to work with some Vets with my therapy dog, Beckham. Not too frequently, but in a non stress casual environment. Becks is good at getting people out of their shells. Now that we've moved, we have to start over making connections. Becks is now 8 but we now have Abby and Marley who will only weigh about 150 who we'll start training and then get into work mode with them. Part of my cage maintenance is working with others or rather have paws on the ground.

Airsoft for me. Though that is just for me.

Being honest, for some time I was seeing my therapist (bartender) and was very honest with him/her, I was medicated to point that my demons were under control, of course my meds were what I could afford, but had my medication monitored.