What Is Trauma Therapy?

Sometimes people realize their inner trauma even by the age of 50. We don't understand how trauma forms until it affects everyday interactions, building friendships, and romantic relationships. 

Someone is more fortunate, someone is less fortunate, but nevertheless everyone has their own wound in the soul, which can take decades to heal via brain workout and at the same time leave scars.

I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become

— Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning

Types of Therapy for Trauma

• EMDR Trauma Therapy: This method uses a structured, eight-phase approach to help individuals process and heal from trauma.

• Trauma-Focused CBT: This approach helps to alter the negative thought patterns and behaviors that often result from a traumatic event. 

• Somatic Trauma Therapy: A body-centered approach that focuses on the physical sensations and reactions to stress and trauma. Its goal is to release the physical "charge" from the nervous system by completing the natural fight or freeze responses.

• Narrative Therapy For Trauma: This therapy allows individuals to re-examine their personal story, separating themselves from the traumatic event. The therapist helps the person understand that the trauma is a chapter in their life, not the whole book, which can be incredibly empowering.

• Art Therapy For Trauma: An expressive option that allows individuals to bypass the limitations of language by using creative processes like drawing or painting to explore emotions, thoughts, and memories associated with their trauma. 

Addressing Specific Traumas

Trauma can come from many different sources, and the type of trauma can influence the therapy approach. Here we look at some common and specific types.

• Childhood trauma therapy: Experiences in early life, such as abuse, neglect, narcissistic parents or loss, can have a profound impact. It is specifically designed to address these developmental injuries, which often show up as issues with attachment, self-worth, and emotional regulation in adulthood.

• Sexual trauma therapy: Healing from sexual assault or abuse is a sensitive process. It provides a safe and non-judgmental space for survivors to process their experience and reclaim their sense of self and personal power.

• Religious trauma therapy: For some, negative experiences in a religious setting can lead to significant psychological distress. It helps individuals navigate the complex feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal that can result from harmful religious practices or doctrines.

• Betrayal trauma therapy: This occurs when a person is betrayed by someone they trusted, especially a partner or family member. The therapy for this type of trauma focuses on understanding the impact of the betrayal on the person's ability to trust others and themselves. 

• Birth trauma therapy: The difficult experience of childbirth can also lead to trauma for mothers, fathers, or even the baby. It  is a specialized field that addresses the physical and emotional distress resulting from a traumatic birth experience. 

Specific Trauma Therapy Techniques

Beyond the main types of therapy, there are many specific trauma therapy techniques that therapists use. These can be integrated into different therapeutic models to create a personalized healing plan.

• Eye Therapy for Trauma: This is a general term often used to describe methods like EMDR. It’s a way of using visual stimulation to help the brain process traumatic memories differently.

• Trauma Massage Therapy: This is a practice where a trained professional uses specific massage techniques to gently release muscle tension and emotional stress stored in the body. This is a very supportive and mindful process.

• Trauma Informed Therapy: This takes the principles of trauma-informed care and applies them to bodywork. It ensures that the person feels safe and in control throughout the session, honoring their boundaries and creating a safe healing space.

• Trauma Release Therapy: This includes a range of exercises and practices aimed at discharging the physical and emotional residue of trauma. These practices can be as simple as deep breathing exercises or as complex as structured body movements.

Modern Healing Options: Online and Self-Care

The landscape of mental health support has changed with technology. Online trauma therapy has become a popular and accessible option for many people, especially those who live in rural areas or have difficulty traveling. It allows individuals to connect with a qualified therapist from the comfort and safety of their own home. 

While therapy is highly recommended for processing trauma, some people may wonder about how to heal from trauma without therapy. 

• Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques. These help you stay present and manage overwhelming feelings, avoid insomnia and improve sleep hygiene.

• Engage in creative activities. Journaling, drawing, or other artistic outlets can provide a way to express feelings that are too difficult to verbalize.

• Build a strong social support network. Connecting with trusted friends, family, or support groups can reduce feelings of isolation.

• Practice self-compassion. Understand that healing is a process and be gentle with yourself along the way.

• Better body control. Gentle exercise like yoga or mindful walking can help release stored stress and reconnect your mind and body.

Making an Informed Choice

When looking for a therapist, it's important to find a professional who specializes in trauma focused therapy. You might also want to look for someone who has experience in therapy for childhood trauma and reveal the signs of depressive episodes, if that is relevant to you. 

It is also good to know about the different ways a therapist can approach the work. Some therapists might prefer a more structured approach, while others are more flexible. 

The term trauma based therapy is a general way to describe any therapeutic method that directly addresses a traumatic experience and its effects. Understanding the various types of trauma therapy can help you ask the right questions and find a therapist whose style and methods feel right for you. 

For instance, if you are drawn to the idea of processing memories through a specific technique, knowing about trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR will be helpful when you are searching for the right professional.

Conclusion

Therapy has become available and everyone can find a comfortable practice online or offline. Many people don't even realize how healthy mental health affects overall well-being, it's not just a trend. 

And by the way, when choosing a partner, the new generation often pays attention to how tolerant a person is towards psychotherapy and whether they are ready to work on themselves.

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