Weekly Gratitude Log PTSD Worksheet

What are Trauma and PTSD?

Trauma pertains to any experience that has a detrimental impact on an individual, leaving them unable to cope effectively. Traumatic events can range from accidents and violence to natural disasters. Even witnessing such events happen to others can be considered traumatic.

When an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, they may develop PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Symptoms of this disorder can include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoidance of trauma-related situations, heightened vigilance, and negative changes in mood and thinking. Said symptoms can persistently disrupt daily life long after the traumatic event has occurred.

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

Treating PTSD typically involves a range of interventions, including medication and therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These interventions aim to assist clients in managing their symptoms, effectively process traumatic experiences, and develop coping strategies.

How to use the Weekly Gratitude Log PTSD Worksheet:

Step One. Access and Download the Template

Provide a digital and printable version of the “Weekly Gratitude Log PTSD Worksheet” to your client by doing either of the template accessing and downloading steps below:

• Clicking the “Download Template” or “Use Template” button
• Searching for “Weekly Gratitude Log PTSD Worksheet” in Carepatron’s template library’s search bar on the website or app

Step Two. Complete the Worksheet

After you’ve given them a copy, you can go over the sections to explain any sections they may have questions or clarifications about. Feel free to use the sample template below to help you as a guide or visual aid when explaining.

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Have them bring the worksheet home to answer over a certain period and assure them they may answer it in any way they deem comfortable.

Step Three. Discuss the Answers

When they return for their next session, it’s best to discuss what they wrote on the worksheet so you know if they could do the exercise consistently and identify any challenges they encountered that prevented them. At this point, you may also decide the next steps in their program.

Step Four. Store the Template Securely

After the session, don’t forget to store the template securely. For physical copies, you may store them within the facility. Digital copies can be stored on a HIPAA-compliant EHR like Carepatron, which can provide security and allow you to limit access to relevant parties only.

When would you use this Weekly Gratitude Log PTSD Worksheet?

Mental health practitioners like psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and therapists who are licensed and experienced in caring for clients with PTSD can use the worksheet. More specifically, they can use the worksheet:

• As part of a treatment plan alongside other CBT and EMDR worksheets
• As part of the client’s routine to promote positive thinking and gratitude
• During or after processing trauma as a counterbalance to the distressing experience
• As a coping strategy when faced with triggers, distressing thoughts, or heightened stress and emotions
• To teach emotional resilience that will help the patient deal with their disorder
• To encourage the development of the positive habit of gratitude and having a more positive and hopeful outlook in life
• To teach self-care and compassion towards oneself, especially if asked to enumerate one's strengths and acknowledge the positive things in one's life.

Ultimately, however, we will leave it up to you when you give your client a copy of the Weekly Gratitude Log PTSD Worksheet since you know their condition best and have the means and tools to evaluate at what point in their healing journey the worksheet will be effective.

What are the benefits of using this Weekly Gratitude Log PTSD Worksheet?

Better Management of Symptoms

Patients can manage their symptoms better with the Weekly Gratitude Log PSTD worksheet. They can regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and cope with their triggers more effectively by learning to focus on things they are thankful for rather than the distressing thoughts or flashbacks they may have. Furthermore, they can also use the worksheet as a tracker of sorts that can empower them to adjust how they deal with their symptoms over time.

Positive Habit Forming and Skill Building

Practicing gratitude, a positive habit, can also help one build emotional resilience, self-compassion, and self-care skills. With the worksheet, they are encouraged to practice the habit as often as needed and develop the skills that come with being more grateful. 

Encouraging and Empowering

When provided with a document and visual reminders of what one can be grateful for, particular clients can feel empowered to be more proactive with self-care, particularly focusing on their healing, well-being, and nurturing their mental and emotional health. All of these are important when managing the symptoms and living a life with PTSD. 

Digitally Accessible

Completing the free Weekly Gratitude PTSD Worksheet is easier when it’s digitally accessible. When it’s time, clients can quickly fill out the box on the Carepatron app or any PDF editor available on their gadgets. Furthermore, the referring physician can easily pull the client’s record out when needed and store it as a digital file on Carepatron. You can also adopting this PTSD worksheet template to boost your practice and client results.