Written by 

Jordan Meehan, LCSW

There are many options when it comes to finding effective

trauma therapy. But what makes each option different? And
what will be most effective?
Trauma is both easy and hard to define. Generally, trauma is any
sort of experience that causes someone a high degree of distress.
However, trauma is also relative to the person experiencing it.
Therefore, not every person will react to a traumatic event the
same way. As such, there are many trauma therapy techniques to
address a person’s unique challenges.

What is Trauma?
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the
word “trauma”?

Just think.

Keep thinking.

Now, you were not given any context around which to think about
the word “trauma.” However, your brain used your past
experiences and knowledge to find known associations with that
word. In this case, your brain recognized the word “trauma” as a
familiar word. This is the way that the human brain analyzes
information. The brain assesses the information to know how it
needs to react and what it needs to do with the information.

The brain of a person who has lived through trauma goes through
the same process. However, a brain affected by trauma doesn’t
always know how to tell the difference between something
harmless and the past traumatic event. As a result, a person
impacted by trauma may develop a variety of mental health
disorders.

While this list is nowhere near exhaustive, these are some typical
sources of trauma:

 Mass and community violence events

 War
 Car accidents
 Sexual abuse/physical abuse/emotional abuse
 Childhood neglect
 Domestic violence
 Witnessing traumatic events

Effective trauma therapy is crucial to help people who have

experienced trauma heal.

Reach out to schedule an appointment with a trauma-

informed therapist today.

Evidence-Based Approaches to Trauma Therapy

3.6% of the US adult population experienced PTSD in the past year. 1

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the more talked-

about disorders that can result from trauma. However, many other
common disorders can stem from trauma as well.

Some of the most common include:

 Anxiety disorders
 Depressive disorders
 Panic disorders
  Personality disorders

In many cases, the symptoms brought on by trauma are extreme

versions of healthy reactions to stress. Therefore, proper diagnosis
is key to getting proper treatment.

There are many psychotherapy treatments for trauma. However,

only a few are backed up by extensive research and can be called
“evidence-based.” While there is no single “best” trauma therapy,
people may find that they respond better to one type of treatment
over another. Here are the top treatments for trauma-related
concerns.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on recognizing problematic thinking patterns and

working to change them, which then helps change behavior
patterns. This treatment requires a person to engage in weekly
appointments to learn skills that can be used to manage their
symptoms. Throughout the course of treatment, a person will
practice skills outside of sessions. Meanwhile, the provider will
make sure to address any barriers and highlight progress.
Standard CBT traditionally takes 12 to 16 weeks.

2. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

This is a specific type of CBT that primarily applies behavioral

therapy techniques. In PE, individuals are gradually exposed to
their trauma-related memories, emotions, thoughts, and physical
sensations. Since avoidance is a common symptom of trauma, PE
helps people stop avoiding their trauma reminders. The types of
exposures may include:
 a. Imaginal exposures: Recounting the details of the traumatic
event.
b. In vivo exposures: Repeatedly confronting trauma-related
situations or people in their everyday life that they have been
avoiding.
c. Interoceptive exposures: Creating and then experiencing
feared physical sensations that are associated with the
trauma but are actually harmless.

3. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT focuses on reevaluating how a person thinks following a

traumatic event. This treatment targets the way people view
themselves, others, and the world around them. Often,
problematic or irrational thinking keeps a person “stuck” and
makes recovery from trauma challenging. The CPT protocol helps a
person assess their trauma and the impact it has on their thinking.
A person learns skills to evaluate if their thoughts are factual, and
develops more helpful ways to think about their trauma. CPT is
particularly helpful for those that have a lot of shame about their
traumatic event.

4. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Designed for children and teens, TF-CBT works to improve a range

of trauma-related outcomes in minors. This treatment takes
anywhere from 8-25 sessions and treatment involves both the
child and a caregiver or trusted adult. TF-CBT is one of the most
effective trauma therapy methods available to help youth recover
from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.2 TF-CBT addresses other
trauma-related challenges like anxiety, depression, and behavior
problems. Also, the caregiver or trusted adult can relieve their
distress about the child’s traumatic event and learn effective
parenting skills.

5. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR is different than most talk therapies. It does not require a

person to explain their trauma in detail. Instead, a person will do
eye movements or tapping while focusing on an image related to
the trauma. EMDR therapy helps a person become “unstuck” so
their brain can go through its’ natural healing process. It is
designed to help a person quickly resolve traumatic memories.
Unlike other therapies, there is no focus on changing emotions,
thoughts, or behaviors related to the trauma. Often, EMDR therapy
can be completed in far fewer sessions than other talk therapies. 3

6. BONUS: Medication

Medication can be used in combination with any of the methods

above. Mental health professionals commonly prescribe selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for trauma-related concerns
like depression and anxiety. Also, for those with panic and anxiety
symptoms, benzodiazepines may be prescribed for as-needed use.
However, medication only dampens the intensity of symptoms; its
use alone will not allow a person to recover from their trauma.

Finding a Trauma-informed Therapist

Working with a therapist who is specifically trained or certified in
one of these methods can help you resolve your trauma. At
Restorative Counseling, several of our therapists are trained in a
variety of trauma-focused treatments.

There’s hope for healing.

You don’t have to face your trauma alone. We have trained and
caring therapists who can help you heal from your trauma.  Get
started by booking a virtual counseling session.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
 

References:

1. National Institute of Mental Health

2. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
3. EMDR International Association