Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) is a condition that affects countless individuals, myself included, often leaving us feeling trapped in a cycle of fear, anxiety, and emotional pain.

For many, the label of “disorder” attached to PTS can reinforce the belief that their condition is incurable, a lifelong battle they must endure.

But what if there was a different way to look at PTS?

What if, instead of seeing it as a disorder, we viewed it as a condition that can be deprogrammed, restructured, and ultimately overcome? Given my personal experiences – between my 2015 diagnosis until now, I absolutely believe that recovery from PTS is possible.

And while certainly a less-popular opinion, as I’ve come to learn – given some of the pushback I’ve received, this article at least introduces the concept of deprogramming PTS, and offers a fresh perspective on trauma recovery that challenges the conventional approach.

My intent in having published this site will be to continue exploring and sharing, querying and educating, studying and promoting, and to hopefully help anyone reading to find a way forward.

What Does It Mean to Deprogram PTS?

From my perspective (having chosen to put the two together as a working ‘title’), ‘Deprogramming PTS’ suggests or allows viewing the condition not as a permanent disorder but as a series of responses and patterns that can be ‘changed’. Traditional treatments often focus on recognizing the trauma, and managing symptoms, but deprogramming goes deeper—addressing the root causes of these patterns and working to rewire the brain’s responses to the trauma(s).

Rather than accepting PTS as a debilitating, lifelong label, deprogramming offers each of us the possibility in breaking free from its hold. It’s about our taking control of the narrative and believing that change is not only possible but within our reach.

The Science Behind Deprogramming:

At the core of this proposed deprogramming is an understanding and embracing of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections (after-which, old ones essentially fall away). This means that even after trauma, the brain can heal and adapt, thus creating new neural pathways that support healthier responses and behaviours.

Listen, scientific research has shown time and time again that with the right interventions, our brain can change. Techniques I’ve trained and certified in; such as ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’ (CBT) and ‘Acceptance and Commitment Therapy’ (A.C.T.) within, mindfulness, and certainly supportive nutrition and lifestyle changes can help in rewiring the brain.

These things – with the assistance of genomic testing and analysis which we utilize in clinic at ENERGIA VITA | The Trevors Clinic for Functional Health, all form a foundation for deprogramming PTS: Using our brain’s natural ability to adapt and heal to overcome the effects of our trauma(s) or traumatic past.

Holistic Approaches to Deprogramming PTS:

As I’ve mentioned, my journey with PTS has shown me firsthand that traditional approaches are not the only way. I should add here, by the way, I absolutely support traditional approaches, and anything positive and healthy which – especially in the short-term, keeps you safe. Always. But certainly, I was looking for something different as a path away from what had unknowingly been allowed to impact me years after my time volunteering in both EMS and FIRE.

Years ago, after what I often refer to as my own “fiery spiral” on October 23, 2015, I was diagnosed as “…suffering from PTSD” (along with ADHD and OCD). The PTS label initially felt like a life sentence of sorts to me, given how aware I’d been of the effects of trauma on colleagues and others in both FIRE and EMS.

What I knew – and was ultimately confirmed, was that conventional treatments offered little hope for actual recovery, but were meant as buffers managing symptoms. Important, certainly; life-saving for most, but managing symptoms.

From that point until the time of writing this article (and quite likely continuing throughout my lifetime), through my researching and exploring published studies and the like, I discovered that PTS could be addressed in ways that went beyond the standard treatments. By incorporating functional medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle changes, etc., I began to see improvements in my own diagnosis. And as I’d chosen to move forward without prescription meds at the time (*), these holistic approaches were key in helping me reprogram my mind and body, over time, moving from simply (and I might argue ‘barely’) surviving to truly thriving once again.

At the clinic (both virtually, and in-person), we use these same principles in helping others find answers, and personalizing change in their own journey. Through genomic testing, personalized nutrition, and integrative therapies, we show our clients how to support the brain’s ability to heal, offering a path forward that is both comprehensive and empowering.

Why This Perspective is Important:

The traditional view of PTS as a disorder can often leave individuals feeling hopeless, as we feel trapped in a condition that we’ve been told will likely not ever improve.

By adopting the perspective of deprogramming, however, we can open the door to a new way of thinking about recovery. It’s a mindset shift that can make all the difference—one that empowers individuals to take an active role in their healing journey.

Deprogramming PTS is not just a theoretical concept; it’s a real, tangible process that has helped many, including myself, reclaim their lives. It’s about believing that change is possible and taking the steps necessary to make it happen.

Let Me Wrap Up For Now:

Truth be told, I most often work in ‘Reprogramming’ in neurology, but it didn’t fit into the ‘PTSD’ acronym! LOL! Regardless of how the changes are made, though, I do NOT believe PTS has to be a life sentence.

By embracing the concept of re/deprogramming, we can begin to see PTS not as an incurable disorder but as a condition that can be healed, restructured, and overcome. A very, very serious one; please don’t misunderstand my intent or misconstrue it as ill-informed or lackadaisical toward it.

Many of us have lost friends, family, colleagues or associates, community members and others to the ‘after’ of such a diagnosis. Whether they’ve made the horrific (yet for some ‘only’, they’ve felt) decision to leave us, or have otherwise succumbed to the disorder but are still ‘here’.

I don’t take any of this lightly. At all. But I do so strongly believe there is a path forward. Not the same path for everyone, but a personal path for each, nonetheless.

We are here to support you on this journey—I am here to support you. I believe that recovery is within reach for everyone, and so we’ll continue to publish here, to share what we find, to help where we’re able, to invite others to share, and to at times just ‘be here’.

Be well.

(*Again, though; please do what’s best for YOU – as the above was my own, personal, informed choice – and neither this site nor this article serves to provide any diagnosis or methodology or prescription or likeness for help in your particular case or diagnosis or symptoms or severity of such. We are all different, and only you, your care team, and those who know you best are versed enough to be able to provide you feedback or guidance in moving forward safely, and in the healthiest, most helpful manner for you in your case.)