By Shelley Bradley-Scholey
Trauma therapy is a journey toward healing the deep wounds that trauma inflicts on the mind and body. An umbrella term for various therapeutic approaches, trauma therapy is guided by the understanding that trauma disrupts one's sense of safety and well-being and that current difficulties are a consequence of past events. This exploration of trauma therapy will explore the different frameworks for trauma therapy more generally, examining the underlying theories that guide these interventions. We will then look a little more in detail into specific modalities such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and the role of compassion in the therapeutic process.
Trauma therapy assumes that the difficulties people experience in the here and now is a consequence of past events which were experienced as distressing and traumatic. It is a past facing therapy, that involves therapeutically working through the events that led to the difficulty and consequently resolving the current problems. It is an approach that I find appeals to my sense that we are often a product of what has happened to us.
Trauma therapy is anchored in the principle that individuals affected by trauma deserve a safe and supportive space to process their experiences. Gentle and compassionate, trauma therapy seeks to empower individuals to confront their pain, fostering resilience and facilitating a journey towards recovery. The therapeutic relationship plays a pivotal role, offering a secure foundation for clients to explore and make meaning of their traumatic experiences and is the basis on which trauma therapy frameworks are offered.
Compassion is the cornerstone of trauma therapy. The therapist must cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and non-judgment, acknowledging the courage it takes for individuals to confront their trauma. Self-compassion is also emphasised, empowering clients to be kind to themselves as they navigate healing.
Theories Underpinning Trauma Therapy
Attachment Theory
Attachment theory is a psychological theory about the relationships and bonds between people, it suggests that early relationships significantly influence an individual's ability to form healthy connections later in life. In particular the important relationships with our primary care givers are key to our development, this relationship occurs when a child is born with the need for a close emotional bond with their care giver and this grows if that need is met, and the close relationship reciprocated. Therefore, if a care giver is responsive and emotionally available to meet and infants needs then the infant will develop a sense of safety, and security within their relationship with themselves and with others. If this bond is disrupted due to trauma, separation, or abuse then that can have a profound impact on someone’s emotional and psychological wellbeing throughout life. Trauma therapy often incorporates attachment-focused interventions to address the impact of disrupted or insecure attachments on an individual's ability to trust and seek support.
Neurobiology
Understanding the neurobiological effects of trauma is crucial in trauma therapy. Traumatic experiences can alter brain function, leading to heightened reactivity and emotional dysregulation. The consequences of trauma can be held in bodily responses and somatic experiences, memories are often experienced in a multi-sensory way and the body can be a powerful source of information about the psychological and emotional experience. Therapeutic interventions aim to rewire neural pathways, promoting healing and restoring a sense of equilibrium in the body as well as the mind.
Post-Traumatic Growth
Trauma therapy is rooted in the belief in human resilience. It acknowledges the potential for post-traumatic growth, emphasising the capacity of individuals to find meaning and strength in the aftermath of trauma. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to uncover and nurture their innate resilience and rebuild the things they have lost through their trauma.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)
TFCBT is a widely recognised and evidence-based approach that combines cognitive and behavioural techniques with trauma-specific interventions. It has a strong evidence base in treating PTSD, particularly for adults. This therapy aims to help individuals understand and process their traumatic experiences, manage distressing emotions, and develop effective coping strategies. TFCBT provides a structured framework for healing, integrating psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and exposure techniques. A more idiosyncratic approach can be taken to working with CPTSD where there is less research and a level of complexity that may require an individualised treatment approach.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a therapeutic modality that focuses on facilitating the processing of distressing memories. Through bilateral stimulation, often achieved through guided eye movements, individuals are guided to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge. EMDR helps create new associations with the traumatic material, fostering adaptive integration and alleviating the emotional distress associated with the memories. EMDR can be used with any type of distressing memory, in PTSD, CPTSD and other difficulties where a disturbing memory of a difficult past experience is at the root of the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trauma Therapy
Is trauma therapy only for individuals with severe trauma?
No, trauma therapy can be beneficial for a range of experiences, from acute incidents to more chronic forms of adversity. It caters to the unique needs of each individual.
How long does trauma therapy take?
The duration of trauma therapy varies depending on the nature and severity of the trauma, as well as individual factors. Some individuals may find relief in a few sessions, while others may engage in longer-term therapy.
Can trauma therapy bring up painful memories?
It is possible that therapy may evoke intense emotions or memories. However, therapists are trained to create a safe and supportive environment, helping individuals navigate and process these experiences at a manageable pace.
Myths about Trauma Therapy
Myth: Trauma therapy is only for individuals diagnosed with PTSD.
Reality: Trauma therapy is beneficial for a broad spectrum of experiences and is not limited to those with a PTSD diagnosis.
Myth: Talking about trauma will make it worse.
Reality: While discussing trauma may initially be challenging, therapy is a guided process that helps individuals navigate their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Myth: Trauma therapy is only about revisiting the past.
Reality: Trauma therapy involves understanding the impact of past experiences on the present, but it also focuses on developing coping strategies and building a hopeful future.
Summary
Trauma therapy is an individualised approach to healing, recognising the unique impact of traumatic experiences on each person. Grounded in various therapeutic theories and modalities, it gently guides individuals toward resilience and post-traumatic growth. By fostering a safe and supportive space, trauma therapy empowers individuals to navigate their trauma with courage and compassion, paving the way for renewed hope and a restored sense of well-being.