Not All PTSD Is the Same! Common Forms of Trauma and What to Do About Them
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often thought of as a single condition, but it varies according to the nature of the trauma and how the brain processes it. Why is this worth mentioning? Just like you might treat food poisoning differently from the flu, the different types of PTSD require a tailored approach to get you on the mend. Recognizing the differences in PTSD types can help you better understand your symptoms and seek the right kind of trauma therapy.
Types of PTSD You Should Know
Any case of PTSD can cause nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, etc., but the root cause could be anything from child abuse to active combat to a car accident. Thus, PTSD is generally categorized by symptom onset and duration. You might be dealing with:
Acute PTSD – Symptoms last less than three months, often following a single traumatic event.
Chronic PTSD – Symptoms persist beyond three months, typically from prolonged exposure to trauma.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) – Results from repeated trauma over time, often during childhood or in abusive relationships.
Dissociative PTSD – Involves symptoms like depersonalization and memory gaps.
Delayed-Onset PTSD – Symptoms emerge six months or more after the trauma.
Once you’ve been diagnosed, you can work toward developing strategies for safety and emotional regulation. Trauma-informed therapists use tools like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), cognitive processing therapy, and somatic work in PTSD treatment to address both the emotional and physical sides of trauma.
Your Trauma Won’t Be Dealt With Alone
If you're struggling with trauma-related symptoms and want to put the past behind you with PTSD treatment that’s tailored to your needs, you’re in the right place. Schedule a session today to begin trauma therapy designed for real healing. We can’t wait to meet you!
About the Author
Amanda Landry, LMHC, CAP, NCCFounder & CEO, Caring Therapists - Florida Group Practice
Amanda Landry is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Certified Addictions Professional (CAP), and National Certified Counselor (NCC), with over 18 years of experience helping teens, young adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and relational challenges. Her holistic approach blends evidence‑based therapies-such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy-with yoga, meditation, and vegetarian wellness practices.
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Caring Therapists, Amanda leads a thriving group practice with multiple locations across South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Wellington, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Sunrise, Hollywood, and Palm Beach Gardens. Her leadership emphasizes clinical quality, community connection, and accessibility, with an emphasis on serving local South Florida communities.
Amanda is also a published author of "Guided Journal for Women with Anxiety" (2022) and has created My Private Practice Collective, an online community and resource hub for therapists establishing or expanding their practices. As a Qualified Supervisor, she mentors and supervises new clinicians seeking licensure and growth in their therapeutic careers.