Stretching Out of Your Comfort Zone PTSD Worksheet

What is Trauma and PTSD?

The term trauma refers to experiences that have a negative impact on individuals, rendering them unable to cope effectively. Examples of traumatic events are natural disasters, violence, accidents, and even witnessing such events happen to another person.

Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic experience can cause a person to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD symptoms may include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoiding trauma-related situations, heightened vigilance, and negative changes in thinking and mood. These symptoms can continuously disrupt daily life even long after the traumatic event.

PTSD can have various causes that differ from person to person, even when they have the same traumatic experience. Factors such as previous exposure to trauma, genetics, brain chemistry imbalances, and lack of social support can all contribute to the development of PTSD.

Treating PTSD usually involves various interventions, including medication and therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These interventions aim to help the client manage their symptoms, process the traumatic experience more effectively, and develop coping strategies.

How to use the Stretching Out of Your Comfort Zone PTSD Worksheet:

Step One. Access and Download the Template

Access and download a digital and printable copy of the “Stretching Out of Your Comfort Zone PTSD Worksheet” by doing either of the following:

• Clicking the “Use Template” or “Download Template” button
• Searching “Stretching Out of Your Comfort Zone” in Carepatron’s template library’s search bar on the website or app.

Step Two. Answer the Worksheet

After you give your client a copy, give them the time and space to answer the worksheet independently. If they need assistance, you may explain the sections or give ideas of what to write by using our sample template. Feel free to comfort them if they feel stuck or physically exhibit signs of fear or nervousness.

Step Three. Discuss the Template

Once they’re finished, discuss the template with your client to know more about them. In addition, at this point, it’s best to finalize the goals they’ve written down and formulate possible strategies to help them achieve them within the time frame given.

Step Four. Securely Store the Template

Don’t forget to store the template at a secure physical location or on Carepatron, a HIPAA-compliant EHR where you can store documents for easy access to relevant parties when needed.

When Would you use this Stretching Out of Your Comfort Zone PTSD Worksheet?

Licensed and experienced mental health professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors can use the “Stretching Out of Your Comfort Zone PTSD Worksheet when:

• You have established trust and rapport.
• You and your client have identified clear goals they want to achieve.
• Your client is motivated and ready to step out of their comfort zone.
• You’ve ensured your client knows you respect and support their boundaries.
• You’re assessing their progress during therapy.

Ultimately, we’ll leave it up to you and your client to decide at what point in their healing journey you will ask them to answer the worksheet to help them go beyond their comfort zone.

What are the Benefits of Using this Stretching Out of Your Comfort Zone PTSD Worksheet?

Improved Self-Awareness and Authenticity

To answer the worksheet to the best of the client’s ability requires self-awareness and authenticity. By using these skills as they answer, they are consequently honing them. 

Provides Structure and Guidance

One can only step out of their comfort zone if one can first identify what comprises it and the steps to going beyond it. The worksheet will aid the client in identifying the components of their comfort zone and helping them navigate the unknown and areas in their life where “the magic happens.”

Helps with Goal Setting

In relation to the previous benefit, the worksheet can also help with goal setting. There’s a section provided where the client and the referring physician can plan out the goals the client must accomplish by a certain time. 

Digitally Accessible 

Our free “Stretching Out of Your Comfort Zone PTSD Worksheet” is digitally accessible, which means that you and the client can access the worksheet on any PDF editor or on the Carepatron on any gadget they have on hand. Furthermore, they can customize, edit, and complete the worksheet anytime, anywhere once they get access. 

Using this PTSD worksheet template can improve your practice and client success. It supports better communication and understanding of PTSD symptoms.