my advice is just keep safe keep reaching out journal use your tools you are not alone hugs

I'm a survivor of a terrorist attack overseas. I was in a car bombing. It's terrible, but as for therapy help there's an up side for you. The DC area is rich with good PTSD experts--one of the richest places on the planet. it suffered the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Plus, it is home to all of the governmental agencies of the country and some of the finest universities.

I found PTSD therapist in the Midwest through the VA, and I'm a civilian. Many VA experts in PTSD also do counseling in private practice. It's well worth seeking one out in DC.

The VA is one option, and also, there wer civilians in the DC area who witnessed the attacks, so there may be private support groups as well.

I get very vivid nasty nightmares myself, and I understand how hard it is. Gentle support.

It helps me to keep a boombox by my bed (volume turned to low) with a CD I burned of happy songs in it. If I have a nightmare I wake up and press play; it helps turn my mood around.
Another tactic is to remember your nightmare afterward then consciously rewrite it so it turns out okay. My mom had reoccurring nightmare about a head on collision with a truck and her therapist told her to do this. She rewrote her dream so the truck passed without hitting her and it helped her stop reliving the trauma.

I remember my bad dreams acutely. All I can say is I am sorry you suffer so. I can't offer much advice other than do you try medication before sleeping and first thing upon waking? I find that when I am rattled from the nights 'rest' I have to gently land back into my mind and body otherwise I start the day frazzled, sad, angry and well... traumatised. I'm not sure bad dreams can be prevented once they are around (even when I was on sleeping tablets I still woke up screaming and in a sweat) but maybe you can be really lovely and gentle to yourself when they occur. (I find self care very challenging whilst having PTSD). I have tried EFT upon waking and affirmations. The ones I've tried are; I am safe. I am only feeling this way because of my past. I release the need to hang onto this bad dream. I lovingly accept myself even though I am deeply sad and scared. The universe is lovingly and carefully looking after me. All is right in my world. I release all that is unlike love.

Yours in strength and kindness. Jx

All I can say is I am sorry you suffer so. I can't offer much advice other than do you try medication before sleeping and first thing upon waking? Sorry this meant to say MEDITATION