Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental, emotional and physical well-being. Trauma can result from a variety of experiences, such as abuse, neglect, violence, accidents or natural disasters. It can also be a result of ongoing stressors, such as poverty, discrimination or chronic illness.

Trauma can have a significant impact on an individual’s life, making it difficult to function and cope with daily tasks. In order to address the effects of trauma, many mental health professionals use trauma-informed therapy.

What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

Trauma-informed therapy is an approach to therapy that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on an individual’s life. It is a strengths-based and empowering approach that focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals to heal from their traumatic experiences.

Trauma-informed therapy is based on the understanding that trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors and relationships. It also recognizes that individuals who have experienced trauma may have difficulty trusting others, feeling safe and regulating their emotions.

The goal of trauma-informed therapy is to help individuals understand and cope with the effects of trauma, develop healthy coping strategies and build resilience. It also aims to empower individuals to take control of their healing process and make positive changes in their lives.

Trauma Therapy Techniques

There are various techniques used in trauma-informed therapy to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences. Some of the most common techniques include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can be helpful in treating trauma by helping individuals challenge and change their negative beliefs about themselves and the world.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a type of therapy that uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories. It is often used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Trauma Release Therapy (TRT): TRT is a type of therapy that focuses on releasing tension and trauma stored in the body. It uses physical movements and exercises to help individuals release and process traumatic experiences.
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness-based therapy involves focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can be helpful in treating trauma by helping individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions and learn to regulate them.

Types of Trauma Therapy

There are various types of trauma therapy that can be used to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences. Some of the most common types include:

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): TF-CBT is a type of therapy specifically designed to help children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-focused interventions to help children process and cope with traumatic experiences.
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy (TFT): TFT is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. It can involve a variety of techniques, such as talk therapy, art therapy and expressive therapy.
  • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): EFT is a type of therapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with acupressure. It involves tapping on specific points on the body to help individuals release and process traumatic experiences.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of therapy that combines elements of CBT with mindfulness-based techniques. It can be helpful in treating trauma by helping individuals learn to regulate their emotions and cope with distressing thoughts and feelings.

EMDR Trauma Therapy

EMDR is a type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating trauma, particularly PTSD. It involves a series of phases that help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories.

During an EMDR session, the therapist will guide the individual through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while they focus on a traumatic memory. This process helps the individual process the memory in a safe and controlled environment, allowing them to reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional impact.

EMDR has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It can also help individuals develop more adaptive coping strategies and improve their overall well-being.

Trauma Release Therapy

Trauma release therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on releasing tension and trauma stored in the body. It involves physical movements and exercises that help individuals release and process traumatic experiences.

Trauma release therapy is based on the understanding that trauma can become trapped in the body, leading to physical symptoms such as muscle tension, pain and fatigue. By releasing this tension, individuals can experience a sense of relief and begin to heal from their traumatic experiences.

Some common techniques used in trauma release therapy include deep breathing, stretching, and shaking. These techniques can help individuals release tension and process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment.

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

TF-CBT is a type of therapy specifically designed to help children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-focused interventions to help children process and cope with traumatic experiences.

TF-CBT typically involves 12-16 sessions and focuses on helping children understand and cope with their traumatic experiences. It also involves teaching parents and caregivers how to support their child’s healing process and create a safe and supportive environment for them.

TF-CBT has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety in children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.

Who Can Benefit from Trauma Focused Therapy?

Trauma-informed therapy can benefit anyone who has experienced trauma and is struggling to cope with its effects. It can be particularly helpful for individuals who have been diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions as a result of their traumatic experiences.

Trauma-informed therapy can also be beneficial for individuals who have experienced ongoing stressors, such as discrimination, poverty or chronic illness. These experiences can also have a traumatic impact on an individual’s life and can benefit from trauma-informed therapy.

Get the Help You Need with Trauma-Informed Therapy

Trauma-informed therapy is an approach to therapy that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on an individual’s life. It can involve a variety of techniques and types of therapy, such as CBT, EMDR and trauma release therapy. Trauma-informed therapy can benefit anyone who has experienced trauma and is struggling to cope with its effects, helping them heal and build resilience. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma, consider seeking the support of a trauma-informed therapist to begin the healing process.

Contact Us — It’s Never Too Late

Turning Point provides a full continuum of care, from inpatient through to outpatient, for adults struggling with chemical dependency, acute psychiatric disorders or a dual diagnosis of both.

Our intake and admissions department at Turning Point Care Center accepts referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To make a referral or request an assessment, call 833-394-8347 or complete our contact us form.

You don’t have to feel alone if you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, a substance use disorder, or alcohol addiction. The professional staff members at our treatment center are here to help you.