The Basics on Trauma Therapy
Trauma can impact anyone regardless of age, gender or socioeconomic status. It is common for people who have experienced a traumatic event to feel as though they are unable to move past the negative experience and resume their normal lives. Trauma therapy is an emerging treatment option that is proving effective for many people who have experienced trauma and are struggling to move on with their lives. Read on to learn more about trauma therapy and how it can be an asset in your recovery process.
What is Trauma Therapy?
The National Institute of Mental Health defines trauma therapy as a therapeutic approach used to heal from traumatic experiences. Therapy is a collaborative process where you and your therapist work together to understand the origins of your issues and find ways to heal, deal with pain and improve your quality of life. In trauma therapy, your experiences and symptoms are discussed so that you can understand them and learn how to process them. There are two major types of trauma therapy: trauma-focused psychotherapy and trauma-informed therapy.
How does trauma therapy work?
There are many different types of trauma therapy available today. Therapy can vary in duration and intensity, depending on the needs of the individual. Trauma therapy can be done in a group or individual setting. Trauma therapy can help you process and understand your traumatic experiences. It can also help you learn healthy ways to cope with negative emotions, thoughts and desires that may have been triggered by the traumatic experience. In therapy, you can learn tools to better manage and overcome the symptoms associated with trauma. Trauma therapy is a process.
Limitations of Trauma Therapy
In some cases, trauma therapy may not be the best option for you. If you feel as though you are unable to trust your therapist or that the therapy is not working for you, then it is important to seek a different type of help. In some cases, people with mental health issues may be hesitant to seek therapy. This is known as the “first-visit barrier.”
If you feel as though you need therapy but are unable to make an appointment, it can be helpful to talk with a friend or loved one about your feelings and concerns. Talking things out can help you overcome the “first-visit barrier” and open the door to healing.
What to expect in a trauma therapy session
As with all therapeutic approaches, each session will be unique and tailored to your specific needs. There are, however, a few general guidelines to keep in mind when preparing for your first session.
– Create a comfortable environment – The most important thing you can do before your first session is to create a comfortable and safe environment for yourself.
– Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions – It is normal for therapy to make you feel overwhelmed. You may cry or feel angry as you process your experience.
– Bring a friend – Many people bring a support person with them to their first session. This can be helpful in many situations, including if you feel you need to take a break or walk out of the session. Bringing a friend can also help you feel less alone and unsafe.
Conclusion
In this article, you discovered what trauma therapy is and how it works. You learned that there are two types of trauma therapy: trauma-focused psychotherapy and trauma-informed therapy. You also discovered limitations of trauma therapy and what to expect in a trauma therapy session. With this knowledge, you are now prepared to get the help you need to overcome the negative effects of trauma.
This article is written by a therapist from Sensera – a self-help app that provides daily CBT audio sessions and exercises. The app helps people deal with a variety of mental issues (anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship problems). Download Sensera now to become happier!
