Can Exomind Treat PTSD and C-PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) are mental health conditions that develop after a traumatic experience. Whether the trauma comes from combat, sexual assault, abuse, a natural disaster, or another traumatic event, the symptoms of PTSD can make everyday life difficult. Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and changes in mood or behavior often affect not only you, but also your loved ones and family members.
At Journey to Wellness, led by Jacqueline Materi, APRN, CRNA, PMHNP-BC, we provide integrative psychiatric care that combines advanced treatments like Exomind TMS therapy with psychotherapy and supportive interventions. Our goal is to help you find relief, regain well-being, and move forward with resilience.
Book your consultation today to begin your path toward healing.
Understanding PTSD & C-PTSD
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a recognized mental health condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It develops after exposure to a traumatic event such as combat, sexual assault, accidents, or witnessing violence. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but risk factors include prior mental health problems, substance use, lack of social support, and repeated exposure to stress.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
Flashbacks or reliving the traumatic event
Nightmares and disrupted sleep
Intense anxiety, fear, or panic responses
Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
Emotional numbness or detachment from loved ones
Irritability, anger, or hypervigilance
What Is C-PTSD?
Complex PTSD arises from repeated or long-lasting trauma, often beginning in childhood or occurring in abusive relationships. Symptoms overlap with PTSD but may also include:
Difficulty trusting others
Persistent feelings of shame or guilt
Negative self-image
Ongoing emotional dysregulation
Challenges with relationships and intimacy
Both PTSD and C-PTSD are serious but treatable conditions. With the right care, healing is possible.
What Causes PTSD & C-PTSD?
PTSD is caused by exposure to a traumatic experience that overwhelms the brain’s ability to process and recover. Examples include:
Combat or military service (service members and veterans are at increased risk, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Center for PTSD)
Sexual assault or abuse
Natural disasters and accidents
Violence, neglect, or repeated exposure to trauma
C-PTSD typically develops when trauma is prolonged, repeated, or occurs without support from a health care provider or loved one. Adolescents and children exposed to ongoing abuse may be particularly vulnerable.
How Exomind Helps with PTSD & C-PTSD
Exomind is an advanced form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS therapy). It is FDA-cleared for major depressive disorder and recognized as an evidence-based treatment for mental health problems. Research and international clinical trials also suggest that TMS may reduce symptoms of PTSD, including intrusive memories and hyperarousal.
Exomind delivers gentle magnetic pulses to targeted brain regions involved in mood, memory, and fear responses. By improving communication between brain cells, it helps the brain process traumatic memories more effectively and regain balance.
Benefits of Exomind
Reduction in flashbacks and intrusive thoughts
Improved mood and decreased anxiety symptoms
Better sleep quality and reduced nightmares
Enhanced ability to participate in psychotherapy
Safe, noninvasive sessions with no downtime
Effective treatment option for patients who have not improved with antidepressants like sertraline, paroxetine, or venlafaxine
For many patients, Exomind works best alongside psychotherapy and other treatment options, creating a comprehensive path to healing.
Why Choose Journey to Wellness?
At Journey to Wellness, your care is guided by Jacqueline Materi, APRN, CRNA, PMHNP-BC, an experienced mental health professional who understands the complexities of trauma recovery. Patients trust us because we provide:
Whole-person care: Addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of trauma.
Advanced treatments: Including Exomind TMS and evidence-based interventions.
Compassionate providers: Experienced clinicians who listen and create personalized plans.
Community trust: Serving Bismarck and surrounding areas with high-quality mental health care.
Other Treatment Options for PTSD & C-PTSD
For many people, Exomind may serve as one tool in a toolkit for healing their PTSD symptoms. Complementary treatments to explore include:
Psychotherapy: Evidence-based talk therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and prolonged exposure therapy help patients reframe and process traumatic memories.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): A specialized therapy using guided eye movements to reduce distress from traumatic memories.
Medication management: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline and paroxetine, and other antidepressants such as venlafaxine, are often prescribed. Prazosin may help with nightmares. As with all medications, side effects vary.
Group therapy and support groups: Connecting with others who have shared similar experiences can reduce isolation and provide encouragement.
Apps and digital tools: Mental health care apps can supplement therapy and provide daily coping strategies.
Lifestyle and wellness interventions: Exercise, mindfulness, reducing substance use, and improving sleep can all support recovery.
Every treatment plan is tailored to your needs and can involve collaboration between your health care providers, clinicians, and support system.
Take the Next Step
PTSD and C-PTSD do not have to define your life. With the right support, you can heal, build resilience, and reclaim your well-being. At Journey to Wellness in Bismarck, we are here to walk alongside you with compassion, evidence-based treatments, and advanced solutions like Exomind therapy.
Book your consultation today to begin your recovery journey.
