Trauma, which can result from a range of life events, is something that many people experience in their lives. Trauma can come from being the victim of or witnessing violence, experiencing emotional or physical abuse, natural disasters, and any event that has a profound effect on a person’s emotional or mental well-being. Trauma responses can last for years, even an entire lifetime, however, trauma-informed therapy is a way forward.
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What is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy, also often referred to as trauma-informed therapy, is a therapeutic approach that focuses on helping the individual process and work toward overcoming the psychological and emotional impacts of trauma.
This includes reducing trauma-related symptoms, as well as improving emotional regulation. The end goal isn’t to completely erase the trauma, but to provide the individual with a sense of control, allowing them to feel safe and secure in their life.
With trauma-based therapy, there are a number of evidence-based techniques and treatments that help to guide the individual through their journey to healing. This involves looking at the effects of exposure to trauma, including debilitating symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety or panic attacks, emotional detachment, feelings of guilt or shame, and challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
During trauma therapy, the individual will work toward processing and making sense of the traumatic events that have happened in their life. Through continual therapy, the goal becomes to reduce the intensity and frequency, while instilling coping strategies that loosen the grip of trauma responses.
Therapy Options for Trauma
There are several evidence-based treatment options that are shown to be incredibly effective for trauma healing. The type and duration of treatment are tailored to the individual, addressing their individual needs while considering the circumstances of their trauma.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
With CBT, the focus is on the person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while learning how they are interconnected. By learning how to change one’s thoughts surrounding a traumatic event, one can also begin to shift their feelings and behaviors.
CBT is an evidence-based approach to trauma therapy and is especially useful in treating PTSD. Trauma-focused cognitive-based therapy (TF-CBT) is an option tailored to younger children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and invites caregivers to participate in therapy.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is most frequently used in the treatment of PTSD. EMDR uses eye movements to change how memories are processed and stored in the brain. The goal of EMDR is to reduce the response to trauma triggers and minimize symptoms.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a form of CBT, which aims to help patients identify and challenge unhealthy thoughts and beliefs related to traumatic events. CPT focuses on first recognizing the automatic thoughts that a person has in response to a traumatic event, then evaluating and learning how to change thoughts that affect them negatively.
Healing comes by discovering different strategies for coping with trauma and working toward developing new perspectives about the event.
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
PE is often suggested as the first form of therapy for trauma conditions such as PTSD. With PE therapy, the individual is re-exposed to their trauma, typically by recounting it, in a safe environment where they know no harm can come to them.
Through repeated exposure over the course of treatment, the impact of trauma is reduced, and the individual can begin to learn that past events are no longer a threat to them, or that certain situations no longer need to be avoided.
Complementary Therapies for Trauma
Complementary therapies can be very effective in the treatment of trauma disorders, and many have evidence to back up their effectiveness. Examples of complementary therapies for trauma include mindfulness therapy acupuncture, somatic therapy, yoga, and meditation.
Benefits of Trauma Therapy
The main goal of trauma therapy is to help individuals process their trauma, develop strategies to reduce their symptoms and reclaim their lives.
Benefits of trauma therapy include:
- Reduced frequency and intensity of trauma symptoms
- Improved emotional regulation
- Improved interpersonal relationship skills and healthier relationships
- Improved social functioning
- Cultivating a new sense of purpose and connection
- Personal resilience
- Improved overall quality of life
How Long Does Trauma Take to Heal
It’s important to understand that there isn’t a set timeline for healing from trauma. Each person has experienced trauma in a different way, which affects the healing journey. Factors such as the age when the trauma occurred, the type of trauma, support systems, early therapy intervention, and others influence how long it takes to heal.
For some, healing begins to take place after weeks, while others will require months or even years to feel whole after trauma. Trauma therapy for adults and youths can help provide the necessary tools and opportunities for healing.
The duration of trauma therapy depends on the individual, but many treatment plans are designed to last between eight to twelve weeks, with modifications to the original treatment plan being made as needed. Sessions may take place once or twice a week, depending on the person’s needs.
Trauma Therapy and Mental Health Treatment in Massachusetts
By addressing the root causes of trauma through evidence-based therapies, you can begin your journey toward recovery. Trauma therapy provides a supportive, safe environment for you to work through your trauma, confront the challenges, and rebuild your life.
Recovery from trauma is never easy, but with the right support, you can heal and live the life you deserve. Rockland Recovery is here to help you on this journey. Contact Rockland Recovery at 888-299-4833 to learn more about our trauma therapy programs today.
