Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common mental health issues that affect millions of people worldwide. If you or someone close to you has experienced trauma, counselling can help. Counselling helps people who have traumatic experiences to cope with their emotions and move forward with life. Traumatic events such as physical abuse, war, natural disasters, accidents, domestic violence, violence, sexual assault, bullying, and others can cause long-lasting emotional distress. However, not every traumatic event is comparable, people can become clinically traumatised from episodes of their phobias, from a moment of scare or from recurring worries.
Counselling can help you overcome these challenges and develop coping strategies to deal with them. The goal of therapy is to help you learn how to cope better with your body’s response to external stimulus, and have a more enjoyable experience of being alive.
What Is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps people who have a traumatic experience to heal. It can be used as an adjunct to other forms of treatment, such as medication or counselling. Trauma therapy focuses on the impact of the traumatic event and how it affected your life. The goal of trauma therapy is to help you learn new ways of coping with your own experience in difficult situations so that you can live more fulfilling life.
Trauma therapy works by helping you understand what happened in your past and why it has affected your current situation. Also to live more in the present and experience life in a different way. The trauma therapist may also ask questions about your family history, childhood experiences, and any other factors that might influence your ability to cope with stress.
Types of Trauma Therapy
There are several different types of trauma therapy, each with its own unique approach. Some common types of trauma therapy include psychotherapy, CBT, EMDR, and dialectical behaviour therapy.
Psychotherapy
The term psychotherapy is used to describe a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including psychoanalysis and CBT. Psychotherapies are often grouped into two broad categories: those that focus on the patient’s thoughts (cognitive therapies) and those that focus on emotions or behaviours (behavioural therapies). The most common forms of psychological therapy include cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, rational emotive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and schema therapy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most widely used forms of psychotherapy. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts and feelings cause us to behave in certain ways. For example, if we think something bad will happen, then we feel anxious and worried. We become helpless and hopeless if we believe that we cannot control our environment. In this way, CBT aims to treat patients how by challenging their trauma-related beliefs and replacing them with positive ones.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a type of trauma therapy developed by Francine Shapiro in 1979. EMDR involves using rapid shifts in attention to retrain the brain from processing traumatic memories. During EMDR, the client is asked to recall distressing memories while being exposed to light flashes. These flashes are called “eye movements” because they mimic the rapid eye movements made when someone looks at a flickering television screen.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
DBT was first introduced by Marsha Linehan in the 1980s. DBT is designed for people who have problems with emotional regulation, such as depression, anxiety management, impulse control, and substance abuse. It teaches clients to identify and change unhelpful thought processes and behaviours. DBT combines elements of cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness meditation.
Trauma-informed care
Trauma-informed care is a model of care that incorporates the effects of trauma on individuals and families. Trauma-informed therapy recognises that people who have experienced traumatic events are more likely to experience mental health problems, substance abuse issues, homelessness, incarceration, or other social difficulties. It also acknowledges that these experiences can be passed down from generation to generation.
The term “trauma-informed care” has been applied to many different kinds of services, including emergency departments, residential treatment centres, schools, hospitals, prisons, and community mental health clinics.Somatic therapies
A somatic therapist uses touch, massage, exercise, breathing techniques, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and other body-based methods to help you relax and reduce stress. Somatic therapists may use these practices to treat physical symptoms caused by psychological distress, such as insomnia, pain, and digestive disorders. They may also use these techniques to improve overall well-being.
Inner child work
Inner child work is an approach to psychotherapy that helps your inner child develop a healthy relationships with struggles of the past. The inner child is a metaphor for the part of your psyche that feels vulnerable and needs protection. Inner child work encourages you to recognise and accept the parts of yourself that need love and support. This helps you gain insight into your own behaviour and emotional response, and learn new coping skills.
What are the treatment options for PTSD?
PTSD is a condition that can be treated with psychotherapy, medications, and other forms of therapy. The most effective trauma-specific treatments are those that address the underlying causes. For example, if you have psychological trauma in your life, then it’s important to find ways to cope with this stress so that you don’t relive the symptoms of PTSD over and over.
There are several types of psychotherapies available for treating PTSD.How can therapy help with trauma?
Trauma is a very common experience for people in the world today, and it’s something that we all have to deal with at some point in our lives. Traumatic events are defined as any event or situation that causes you to feel fear, anxiety, helplessness, horror, anger, sadness, guilt, shame, or other negative emotions. These feelings may be so intense that they last for weeks, months, or even years after the traumatic event has occurred.
Therapy can play an important role in helping you cope with trauma and recover from its negative impact on your life. We (trauma informed therapist) can provide support and guidance during the recovery process, teach coping skills that will help you deal more effectively with future stressful situations, and help you develop healthy ways of dealing with difficult emotions.
Trauma focused therapy can take place in person, over the phone, through video conferencing, or online. There are different kinds of therapies available. Each type of therapy works differently, but they all aim to help clients learn new ways of experiencing life.
What to expect from psychotherapy and counselling?
Psychotherapy and counselling can provide many benefits. It can help you to understand and work through your thoughts and feelings, develop new ways of coping with difficulties, and make positive changes in your life. Helping free you from psychological trauma or finding freedom from any traumatic event. Trauma focused therapy can be very rewarding and cathartic.
Therapy can be a very supportive process, where you can feel safe to explore whatever is on your mind. Your therapist will offer guidance and understanding and work with you at your own pace.
In therapy, you will likely explore your current situation and experiences from your past. This can be challenging at times, but it can also be gratifying. You may come to understand yourself in new ways and develop a greater sense of self care and self-acceptance. Finding a trauma therapist to treat ptsd or trauma that you feel comfortable with is essential if you are considering psychotherapy or counselling. It is also important to be open and honest with your therapist about your thoughts and feelings so that they can best support you.
What Are The Benefits And Goals Of Trauma therapy?
When people think of trauma, they often think of car accidents, natural disasters, or military combat. However, trauma can result from any event that leaves an individual feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Trauma can profoundly affect your mental and physical health, and treating trauma is essential if you struggle to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event. Here are some of the benefits and goals of trauma therapy:
Live a happier, more joyful life
One of the main goals of trauma therapy is to help you live a happier, more joyful life. Trauma can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Feeling happy or enjoying life can be challenging when you constantly struggle with a traumatic event or trauma memory. However, with the help of a therapist, you can learn to cope with your trauma become totally free and start to enjoy your life again.
Learn About Trauma
Another goal of trauma therapy is to help you learn about trauma and its effects. Many people who have trauma are unaware of how it has impacted them or why they feel the way they do. A therapist can provide education about trauma and its effects on the mind and body. This information can help you understand your mental health symptoms and work towards healing.
Re-Establish Safety
A therapist can also help you re-establish a sense of safety. After a traumatic event, it is common to feel like the world is unsafe and that you are in danger. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and other emotional or psychological harm issues. A therapist can help you work through these feelings and develop a sense of safety and security.
Identify Triggers
A therapist can also help you identify your triggers- those things that remind you of the trauma and cause you to feel distressed. Once you know what your triggers are, you can work on avoiding them or developing coping mechanisms to deal with them. This can help reduce your trauma-related symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Develop Healthy Coping Skills
One of the most important goals of trauma therapy is to help you develop healthy coping skills. Maybe you have experienced turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or disordered eating. These behaviours can be harmful and make it difficult to recover from trauma. A therapist can help you develop healthier coping skills, such as journaling, exercise, or relaxation techniques.
Decrease in Traumatic Stress Symptoms.
The first and most apparent benefit of trauma therapy is a decrease in the trauma symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These can include intrusive thoughts or flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviours, adverse changes in mood and cognition, and hyper arousal.
In addition to symptom reduction, trauma survivors often report feeling more able to cope with difficult emotions and life stressors, improved relationships, and a greater sense of control over their lives. How childhood trauma may affect you
An estimated 46% of children experience trauma in their lifetime. While most will recover from the experience without long-term consequences, the effects of trauma can last a lifetime for some.
Trauma can be a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. Childhood trauma is anything that happens to a child that is emotionally painful or harmful. Trauma can include abuse and neglect, witnessing or experiencing violence, natural disasters, or other traumatic events.
Research indicates that children who experience trauma may have long-term effects on their physical, social, and emotional health. The good news is that with support, most children and teens who have traumatic experiences can heal from experience and lead healthy, successful lives.
Some of the potential effects of this trauma include:
Physical health problems
Children who experience trauma may have long-term physical health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and chronic pain. They may also be more likely to develop obesity, diabetes, and other chronic trauma conditions.
Mental health problems
Children who experience trauma are at increased risk for developing mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, acute stress disorder, and substance abuse.
Social problems
Children who experience trauma may have difficulty in school and may be more likely to drop out. They may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and may be more likely to engage in risky behaviours like drug use.
Emotional difficulties
Children who experience trauma may have trouble regulating their emotions and may act out in angry or aggressive ways. They may also have problems with trust, intimacy, and self-esteem.
Child trauma assessment and trauma-focused treatments are essential in helping a child heal from a traumatic incident. If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing the effects of trauma, talk to your child’s doctor or mental health clinicians. Many support groups and mental health resources are also available to help children and families cope with the effects of trauma.
Which trauma therapy is right for me?
We have already discussed some of the different types of trauma therapy available, and it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. It’s important to remember that there is no “one size fits all” approach to treating trauma therapy, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Trauma therapy that is suitable for you will depend on several factors, including the severity and nature of your trauma, your personal history, and current circumstances.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing trauma-focused therapy is whether or not you feel comfortable with the therapist. It’s also essential to ensure that the therapist has experience treating people who have experienced trauma similar to yours.
Final Words
Therapy and counselling can be highly beneficial for you if you are suffering from trauma-related issues. It can help you to process experiences, understand your reactions, and to develop healthy coping mechanisms. It can also provide a much-needed support system during a difficult time. If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma or PTSD, consider seeking professional advice. It could be the first step on the road to recovery.
Question & Answers
TRAUMA - FAQ
Do you offer CBT-focused trauma therapy?
Our therapy is not based in a cognitive only approach like CBT, it is a holistic approach to trauma including the body, the mind and the spiritual aspects of who we are and how we relate to ourselves. We explore the myths about trauma as well as the truths.
What are the different types of trauma therapy?
We are guided by the moment, not an approach, sure multiple approaches maybe called for, but it is not worth getting involved in the technicalities of this as it often leads to overthinking about the problem, your guiding light is your instincts and relationship with your therapist. That will tell you everything.
Can you get over trauma without therapy?
You can and many people do, spiritual awakening, realisations, personal traffic experiences often wake people up beyond the story of trauma and the beliefs of the impact it has, which can be very freeing.
Do you offer trauma therapy for people in the autism spectre?
We work with all individuals without prejudice, If they are of rational thinking mind and can be present then therapy can take place.
How do I know if I need trauma therapy?
You just know, you have to listen to the small guiding voice within that will point you home, if you are here reading this, I would guess it's worth a conversation and starting to free yourself.
About The Author
Jason Shiers Dip.Psych MBACP
Jason Shiers is a Certified Transformative Coach & Certified Psychotherapist. Jason has been working with addictions and people in recovery for over 25 years now and is always looking towards the innate mental health that is inside everyone.
This therapy is a holistic view of the mind body taking approaches from psychological understandings, somatic practices and spiritual explorations such as non duality and advaita vedanta.
Jason has been cited in multiple articles about addiction, therapy, coaching and mental health and is a regular contributor to many different websites.
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