Post Traumatic

Stress Disorder

(PTSD)

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PTSD
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Compassionate Care for Healing After Trauma

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone who has experienced trauma — whether from military service, first responder work, medical crises, abuse, or other life-altering events. Symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness can make it difficult to feel safe, connect with others, or move forward. At Active Healing Psychiatric Services in Gilbert, AZ, we specialize in providing effective, compassionate treatment for PTSD that helps you regain control of your life.

Understanding PTSD

PTSD is more than just “having a hard time” after trauma. It is a mental health condition that changes how your brain and body respond to stress. Common symptoms include:

  • Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts

  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma

  • Feeling on edge, anxious, or hypervigilant

  • Emotional numbness or detachment

  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

  • Irritability, anger, or mood changes

Without treatment, PTSD can impact relationships, work, and overall well-being. The good news is — healing is possible with the right support.

How We Treat PTSD at Active Healing Psychiatric Services

At Active Healing Psychiatric Services, our approach to PTSD treatment is both evidence-based and integrative, addressing the whole person — mind and body. Under the leadership of Dr. Michaela Beaver, DNP, PMHNP, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, we offer:

  • Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluations to understand your unique history and needs

  • Medication Management to support symptom relief and improve daily functioning

  • Collaboration with Therapists to integrate trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR or CBT

  • Holistic & Functional Medicine Supports including nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle strategies to support nervous system healing

  • Advanced Treatments like ketamine-assisted therapy and TMS for treatment-resistant PTSD

  • Polyvagal-Informed Care — Dr. Beaver incorporates principles of polyvagal theory, helping clients understand how trauma affects the nervous system and teaching strategies to regulate stress responses, increase safety, and build resilience.

This combination allows us to address both the biological and physiological effects of trauma while empowering you with tools to restore balance and connection.

What is Polyvagal Theory?

Polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explains how the vagus nerve plays a key role in regulating our body’s response to stress and safety. When someone experiences trauma, the nervous system may become “stuck” in survival states such as hypervigilance (fight-or-flight) or shutdown (freeze).

By using a polyvagal-informed approach, Dr. Beaver helps patients:

  • Recognize how their body responds to trauma

  • Learn techniques to calm the nervous system and feel safe

  • Improve emotional regulation and resilience

  • Rebuild a sense of connection and stability in daily life

This perspective helps clients move beyond symptom relief and toward deeper healing of both mind and body.

Serving Gilbert and the East Valley

Our clinic is located in Gilbert, AZ, and proudly serves individuals throughout the East Valley, including Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix. Whether you prefer in-person visits or telehealth sessions, we make care accessible and personalized.

Why Choose Active Healing Psychiatric Services

  • Led by Dr. Michaela Beaver, DNP, PMHNP, known for compassionate, patient-centered care

  • Expertise in both traditional psychiatry and holistic, integrative approaches

  • Trauma-informed care guided by neuroscience and polyvagal theory

  • A safe, welcoming environment for healing without judgment

  • Comprehensive support for adults, teens, and families facing trauma-related challenges

Take the First Step Toward Healing

You don’t have to face PTSD alone. With the right support, recovery and resilience are possible. At Active Healing Psychiatric Services, we are here to help you heal and reclaim your life.

📞 Call us today at 480-719-7400 or schedule a consultation online to begin your journey toward recovery.

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Learn about PTSD

  • Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a mental health condition that's similar to PTSD, but it's caused by long-term or repeated trauma. This trauma can be physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or it can be caused by neglect or witnessing violence.

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. While it's normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this kind of experience, if these symptoms last more than a few weeks, it may be PTSD.

  • Reliving the trauma: You may have flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted memories of the event.

    Avoiding reminders of the trauma: You may avoid places, people, or activities that remind you of the event.

    Negative changes in mood or thinking: You may feel numb, detached, or have trouble feeling emotions. You may have negative thoughts about yourself or the world.

    Changes in physical or emotional reactions: You may be easily startled or have trouble sleeping. You may have changes in appetite or have trouble concentrating.

    If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional. They can help you determine if you have PTSD and develop a treatment plan that's right for you.