Dr. Arthur is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – Level 2 (CCTP – II) with the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP). CCTP – II is the highest certification in trauma obtainable by the IATP. Furthermore, Dr. Arthur oversees the Trauma Clinical Pathway at a residential treatment center in South Florida. He is also intensively trained in the Prolonged Exposure therapy for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A number of research studies has established Prolong Exposure Therapy as the gold standard for the treatment of PTSD.
Moreover, Dr. Arthur has extensive experience in working with “co-diagnoses,” also referred to as “dual-diagnosis.” A co/dual diagnosis is when PTSD occurs with another mental health illness such as Bipolar I & II, Eating Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder. Dr. Arthur has also written about PTSD in the following web articles, PTSD Awareness: Why should we care? and Trauma and the Pandemic: More than just a physical infection. His expertise in both the diagnoses and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD has made him a sought-after professional.
Clinically, Dr. Arthur has worked with survivors of child sexual abuse, adult sexual traumas, victims of acts of violence, and first responders. If you have any questions about Dr. Arthur’s treatment approach to PTSD, feel free to reach out with an email or call.
While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed. In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma. The lasting effects of emotional and physical trauma can also serve to be the underlying reasons for substance abuse or self-harm.
Trauma Symptoms
According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding places, things, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders
- Pushing away emotions or thoughts
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptom
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks
Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behavior since the trauma
Research has demonstrated that psychotherapy can be an effective form of treatment for trauma. Most commonly, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other expressive therapies are used in treating trauma. If you or someone you know match the trauma symptoms listed above, contact Dr. Arthur Chen, Psy.D, CCTP for a free consultation.