Personal Stories of Healing from PTSD with guest Tracy Stecker, Ph.D.
November 21, 2011
Hosted by Mary Woods
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
Our guest today will speak about Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This is an anxiety disorder characterized by symptoms or re-experiencing events through nightmares and flashbacks; avoidance such as substance use and numbness in relationships; extreme edginess and irritability. PTSD has been associated with military veterans for decades. In more recent years, researchers have started to use the PTSD diagnosis for civilians who have experienced trauma from abuse, rape, natural disasters, and other events. The healthcare profession has been ill equipped to handle PTSD in part because it is not so easy to assess and can manifest itself in many forms. Many people who have turned to drugs and alcohol, or who have fallen into isolating depressions should be classified as having PTSD, but the symptoms themselves mask what may be the core problem.
One Hour AT A Time
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
Recovery, whether it is from substance abuse or a mental illness, or both requires a treatment plan, which in many cases is as effective as treatments for other chronic illnesses. “One Hour AT A Time” will increase awareness about recovery and decrease the discrimination against individuals in the recovery process. Host Mary Woods, will help people understand the recovery of adults and families living with co-occurring substance use disorders and psychotic and/or affective illness over the course of a lifetime. Helping individuals develop the skills and knowledge they need to take personal responsibility for their health and supporting individuals in their efforts to get on with life beyond illness has been Mary’s mission and she now brings that mission to the airwaves.
Mary Woods
Mary is the CEO of WestBridge Community Services. She is also a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor with more than 25 years experience in substance abuse services and community mental health programs. Mary has conducted extensive workshops and trainings with a primary focus in Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change Theory and Integrated Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders. She is also a contributor to the development of the Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment Practitioners and Clinical Supervisors Workbook and Practice Demonstration Video. Mary was the Chairperson of the NH State Board of Licensing for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professionals. She has been a member of the NH Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor’s Association since 1984, and has served as the Northeast Regional Vice President for the NAADAC, the Association of Addiction Professionals, President of NAADAC and is currently past president of NAADAC.
