The Shadows of Trauma: Understanding Avoidance in DBT

Key Points

  1. Adriana’s extensive trauma history has led to a complex PTSD presentation, characterized by various avoidance strategies and emotional suppression.
  2. The therapist’s personal experiences with exposure therapy demonstrate its efficacy in addressing avoidance behaviors in PTSD.
  3. Adriana employs a range of coping mechanisms, such as dissociation, medication use, and behavioral changes, highlighting the multifaceted nature of avoidance in PTSD.
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Patient Background and Trauma History

Adriana's traumatic experiences are extensive and varied. From a young age, she suffered sexual abuse at the hands of an older cousin, which continued for several years. Her trauma was compounded in her twenties when she experienced rape by an acquaintance.

Following her college graduation, Adriana endured a car accident and the sudden death of a close friend, both occurring in close succession. In her more recent history, Adriana discovered her spouse's infidelity, an event she found deeply traumatic.

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