PTSD Awareness Month: Empowering Texas LPCs and Supervisors to Lead Trauma-Informed Care (Includes link to PCL-5 Self-Assessment Tools)

June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and advocating for effective, compassionate care. In Texas, where an estimated 2.3 million people are affected by PTSD, LPCs and LPC supervisors play a vital role in recognizing, treating, and supporting those impacted by trauma. This month offers a unique opportunity for our professional community to reflect, learn, and lead.

Understanding PTSD: More Than a Diagnosis

PTSD can affect anyone—veterans, first responders, survivors of abuse, accidents, disasters, or any traumatic event. Symptoms may include intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in mood and thinking, and heightened physical or emotional reactions. Despite the prevalence of PTSD, many individuals don't seek help, often due to stigma or lack of awareness.

The Power of Awareness and Early Intervention

Raising awareness is crucial: effective treatments exist, and recovery is possible. As LPCs and supervisors, we are in a unique position to:

• Educate clients and communities about PTSD’s signs, symptoms, and treatment options.

• Encourage self-screening and early intervention, using tools like the PTSD Self-Screen from the National Center for PTSD.

• Promote open conversations to reduce stigma and foster hope.

Evidence-Based Treatments and Resources

Research has shown that both psychotherapy and medications are effective for treating PTSD. Common evidence-based therapies include:

• Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), especially for children and adolescents

Texas providers have access to multiple resources such as ptsd.va.gov, myStrength, Teladoc, and specialized training in trauma-focused approaches.

Trauma-Informed Supervision: A Foundation for Excellence

For LPC supervisors, integrating trauma-informed principles into supervision is essential. Trauma-informed supervision emphasizes safety, trust, empowerment, and cultural responsiveness, both for clients and supervisees. Supervisors can:

• Model trauma-informed care in their interactions and feedback.

• Support Associates in developing trauma-sensitive clinical skills.

• Encourage ongoing professional development in evidence-based trauma treatment.

• Create a safe space for associates to discuss their own emotional responses to trauma work.

Practical Steps for LPCs and Supervisors This June

• Host or attend educational events on trauma and PTSD.

• Share resources—like self-screening tools and crisis lines—with clients and the community.

• Engage in supervision discussions focused on trauma cases, countertransference, and self-care.

• Participate in continuing education on trauma-informed supervision and treatment modalities.

• Observe PTSD Awareness Day on June 27 by amplifying messages of hope and recovery.

A Call to Action

PTSD Awareness Month is a reminder that our work as Texas LPCs and supervisors has profound ripple effects. By championing trauma-informed care, supporting our colleagues, and empowering clients, we help build a more resilient Texas.

Let’s use June to recommit to learning, advocacy, and compassionate practice—ensuring that every Texan affected by trauma knows that help is available, treatment works, and healing is possible.

Share this link to the PCL-5.  The PCL-5 is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD.

…supervision matters