What types of therapy are effective for trauma?

Many people experience some type of trauma in their lifetime. For some individuals, trauma can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a disorder that involves symptoms such as intrusive symptoms related to trauma (such as flashbacks, nightmares, distressing memories), avoidance behaviors related to the trauma or its effect, negative changes in thoughts and emotions, and increase in reactivity or hyperarousal (sleep issues, irritability, hypervigilance, heightened startle response).

For those searching for Trauma Counseling Near Me in Collingswood, contact us to begin your journey. There are many types of therapy that can be helpful for PTSD and management of trauma effects. You can read about a few types of trauma therapy below.

Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies 

There are many types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for trauma. Generally, CBT focuses on how thoughts and behaviors impact emotions, and how these impacts can create unhealthy cycles for individuals. When treating trauma, CBT can be beneficial in creating helpful beliefs about worldview that have been disrupted by trauma and to implement positive coping strategies to manage symptoms.

• Trauma-Focused CBT: Trauma Focused CBT works by helping individuals create healthier belief systems, gain coping skills, and engage in gradual exposure to their traumatic experiences.
• Prolonged Exposure: In Prolonged Exposure, individuals expose themselves to their trauma repeatedly with the safety and support of a therapist so that they can learn to manage their traumatic memories and have symptoms decrease.
• Cognitive Processing Therapy: In Cognitive Processing Therapy, the focus is specifically on identifying and reframing unhealthy thought patterns created by traumatic experiences.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy is a specific type of therapy that involves reprocessing trauma through eye movements, as opposed to traditional talk therapy. Not all therapists are specialized in EMDR, and if you are interested in EMDR, it is recommended to find an EMDR trained therapist.

Somatic Therapy 

While CBT and other forms of talk therapy focus on how trauma impacts conscious thoughts, Somatic therapies focus on how the body holds onto trauma. Somatic therapy can include many different types of techniques to help individuals become mindful of how their body is experiencing the effects of trauma and to work on letting this trauma go.

If you are interested in starting therapy to process trauma, you can reach out through our Contact Page. Additionally, if you are interested in discussing medication options to help manage PTSD symptoms, our psychiatric staff is available for appointments.