Trauma Therapy

TRAUMA THERAPY

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Psalms 91:4

For nothing will be impossible with God.

Luke 1:37

What Is Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy, or trauma-focused therapy, is a specific approach to therapy that is built on the understanding of how traumatic experiences affect an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This type of therapy aims to help children, adolescents and adult survivors heal from the effects of trauma.

There are three main types of traumas that patients may be dealing with:

Acute Trauma from a singular traumatic experience
Chronic Trauma occurs when a person experiences multiple, long-term and/or prolonged traumatic events.
Complex Trauma or (Developmental Trauma) is trauma that repeatedly occurs over time and has a cumulative impact. Complex trauma is often associated with childhood trauma. Early experience of trauma can leave a deep imprint on your worldview, sense of self and relationships.

These are some common forms of trauma that therapy can address; however, it’s important to note that trauma can include any event or experience that causes emotional or psychological harm.

Abuse
Abandonment
Accidents
Bullying
Crime
Death of a loved one
Divorce
Domestic abuse or violence

Homelessness
Illness
Imprisonment
Injury
Job loss
Life-threatening circumstances
Natural disasters
Near death experience

Neglect
Racism
Sexual assault
Terrorism
Violence
Witnessing an accident, death, or traumatic situation

As noted above, trauma can stem from a one-time event, a long-lasting situation, or a combination of both. Any of these events can lead to a trauma response and/or the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions. Symptoms may include nightmares or unwanted memories of the trauma, avoidance of situations that bring back memories of the trauma, heightened reactions, anxiety, or depressed mood.

It is important to know that this process of healing from trauma takes time, and Christian Counseling Professionals is here to help. Each person’s trauma is unique with its own set of biological, physiological, neurological, and psychological needs and reactions. Similarly, the patient’s age, gender, developmental environment, medications, diversity, socioeconomic conditions, and more are all factors that can alter what type of trauma-focused therapy is best suited for your trauma symptoms.

Types of evidence-based therapies often used for trauma at Christian Counseling Professionals

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of talk therapy, CBT examines a client’s thought patterns and how they influence behavior and choices. CBT helps clients pinpoint how some of their thoughts and behaviors have been incorrect or unhelpful. Over time, clients can use CBT to develop more helpful, accurate thinking patterns and coping behaviors that can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Rreporcessing (EMDR) Therapy

EMDR therapy was developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 to treat PTSD. This therapy uses eye movements (or sometimes rhythmic tapping) to change the way a memory is stored in the brain, which then allows you to process it. This therapy aims to help you work through painful memories with your body’s natural functions to recover from the effects of the trauma.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is an evidence-based therapy that addresses multiple and complex mental health problems. One of the key dialectics in DBT is that of balancing acceptance and change. Throughout treatment, clients learn to accept their present-moment experience and work towards making changes that align with their vision of a balanced life. DBT teaches skills in four distinct areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It lends itself very well to treating traumatic stress-related disorders, including PTSD and complex trauma.

Sand Tray Therapy

Sand tray therapy utilizes miniatures of all types, representing different aspects of life, together with a box filled with sand, where children (and adults) can explore underlying feelings and experiences that may be contributing to trauma.

Benefits of Trauma Therapy

Trauma is painful. It not only alters how people interact with others but also how they understand or misunderstand themselves. It can lead to anxiety, self-harm, substance abuse, PTSD, personality disorders, and other mental health symptoms. The sooner a patient can access trauma-informed treatment, the sooner they can start to heal.

Below are some (but not all) potential benefits of trauma therapy:

Reduce or improve trauma-related symptoms.
Empower personal growth.
Manage regulation of the nervous system (e.g., heart palpitations, shaking, etc.)
Refocus the present over the past.
Overcome addictions.
Challenge Problematic Beliefs
Learn to build trust in self and in others again.
Reduce or Eliminate self-harm.
Recognize hereditary trauma.
Implement healthier coping skills.
Improve self-worth and self-esteem and offer validation.

And as always, at your request we will incorporate Biblical and spiritual principles into any therapy service!