Intro  [0:00]
Hello my dears! My name is Johanna, and I welcome you to the Johanna Draconis - The Deconstruction Of C-PTSD podcast.
In this episode we will talk about 9 methods to counter PTSD - as in which methods help us go up against PTSD and fight it.
The heat really isn’t helping - especially with brain work - so more than ever - if you have any question or something is unclear or the like please let me know. Knowing how to turn the table changes almost everything.
So let us talk about it

Prelude [0:43]
Before we get into the methods, we have to do the preparations first - and the main part of it is stabilization. The other methods we learned in the last 2 episodes will help you with that. You shouldn’t fight when the ground you are standing on is wobbly at best.
Stabilization has several benefits: The symptoms are less, you are more rested, have more energy, are not as vulnerable, can react better and so on. The core aspect of it is routine.
The less your brain has to think when what has to be done - the more it can focus on other things. Additionally it gives stability by providing a frame work. Brains love that.
Now it doesn’t have to be very timed routine with exact times, but something like “I get up, brush my teeth, eat breakfast, be productive and so on”. This leads usually to the second most important aspect that is taking care of yourself. As least as much as you can.
Getting rest and good food is energy which leads to being better able to counter PTSD. As much as you can - and it will have to do. This time we will separate the methods into two blocks.
First we talk about methods for finding the enemy and then about methods how to best fight them.

Finding the enemy [2:17]
Now that we did what we could to stabilize ourselves, we are looking for the enemy to fight him on our own turf and rules instead of his. Doesn’t really matter if its a trigger or the trauma core itself you are looking for. Once again, adjust and see what works.
1. Listen to the symptoms. The nightmares, the voices or thoughts in our head, we daydream about and so on. They all usually have a theme or the like. Which is usually where the best next target is located. So listen and see if you can see a pattern.
2. Tap to find something. You ask yourself section questions and then narrow it more and more down. Like “I have no issues with violence”. If you feel a negative feedback, especially in the chest, keep digging until you find it.
3. Ask why questions. Which is my favorite and most reliable method. Keep asking why. Don’t stop at excuses, but until you find what is truly bothering you. A strong emotional reaction is usually a good hint you found it.
Generally speaking when your brain is well enough it will seek out or be drawn towards the problematic places. It wants to repair itself. Just doesn’t really know how. Sometimes therefor it is wise to go with the flow

To fight them [4:05]
Which leads us to what we do once we found what we are looking for. Now to truly resolve and remove a core, a trigger and the like - you truly must understand and empathize with it. Which seem a bit counter intuitive. Adjust as usual to fit your need.
1. Flare down the flare ups. Once you engage with your enemy you likely meet resistance. An important skill to learn is to regain control after such a flare up. It is possible, but everyone is different and it is learned by trying, failing and eventually succeeding.
2. Ask why questions. Yes again - though this time slightly different. We are looking to truly understand why. I usually know I have the goal when I starting to feel the realization, the need to cry and a bit of relief.
3. Give an interview. Usually to yourself - or others if you want to. We often skip over things, which we don’t notice until we have to explain it to someone. A very good way to find the hidden troublemakers that are able to evade the why questions.
4. Seek council. Now I prefer doing that in my head with fictional characters like Gandalf, but you can also ask real people. You are usually drawn to the kind of person you need. It is about getting a new perspective or new angle to approach the enemy.
5. Go with the flow. Usually our brain knows roughly where the issue is and tries to point us towards it. That usually comes in form of us having the urge to listen to a song, watch a movie, etc. or being drawn to issues. Try following the flow - carefully.

Do nothing [6:24]
And lastly we get to the final, a bit special point: 6. Do nothing. You did not misheard - I said nothing. The worst thing you can do is burn yourself out while fighting the good fight. It makes you have an open wound, an active PTSD and high vulnerability.
If you feel like you can’t really do anything and any task is too much - that is a strong indicator your brain is heavily engaged with the enemy and can’t really focus on anything else. Then the best thing you can do is let the brain take charge and just relax.
At least as much or as far as you can. I spend hours watching a wall sometimes. Time just flew by and I sort of woke up hours later of staring. This topic is so important and crucial, so please if you have any questions let me know.

Outro [7:32]
That was it for todays episode, I hope you found it helpful. Hope you are safe and well. And as always, if you have any questions or feedback and the like, please let me know at contactme@johannadraconis.com. 
More information and transcript you can find as usually under johannadraconis.com/podcast/ and links are in the description. 
I hope to see you next time. Watch yourselves and have a wonderful time.