Navigating Trauma In Your Relationships: A Conversation with Dr. William Elder

Dr. William Elder is a psychologist at the South Texas VA Hospital. He has served as the hospital’s Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator, Director of the PTSD Clinical Team, and Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Coordinator. He has published research about the psychology of men and masculinities and the treatment of PTSD. He has also been awarded Student of the Year, the Loren Frankel Research Award, and Practitioner of the Year by the American Psychological Association Division 51 (Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinities).

In this episode, Dr. William Elder delves into his motivation to study trauma therapy after experiencing the challenges of supporting a spouse with PTSD. Dr. Elder highlights the common misconceptions about PTSD, emphasizing that traumatic events leading to PTSD are not limited to combat experiences but can include various forms of violence, disasters, and threats to life.

The conversation also explores the signs and symptoms of PTSD, shedding light on the four primary symptoms: re-experiencing, avoidance, hypervigilance, and negative thoughts/emotions. Dr. Willam Elder also emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these symptoms to facilitate healing and improve relationships.

The episode concludes with insights on the fine line between validating emotions and enabling negative behavior, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and supporting emotional experiences without condoning harmful actions. Through personal anecdotes and professional expertise, Dr. William Elder provides valuable insights into navigating relationships, understanding PTSD, and fostering emotional connection.

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