Trauma-informed therapy is a type of therapy that promotes healing from the effects of past traumas. It is a form of psychotherapy that recognizes and takes into account the impact of trauma on an individual’s life and their mental health. Trauma-informed care and treatment are based on the understanding that traumatic experiences can have a profound and lasting effect on an individual’s sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being.
Going through or witnessing a loved one experience stressful, distressing, or frightening event/s may cause one to feel helpless, threatened, and overwhelmed, leading to a traumatic experience. This can include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or the death of a loved one. Trauma can also result from experiences of neglect, abandonment, bullying, or discrimination. Common signs of trauma include tremendous fatigue, sleep disturbances, nightmares, flashbacks, disorientation, mood swings, anxiety, social withdrawal, feeling numb, feelings of guilt and shame.
Trauma-informed therapy seeks to help individuals heal from the aftermath of these experiences, and to help them live a life free from the constraints of trauma. The goal of trauma-informed therapy is to help individuals create a sense of safety, consistency and security in their lives. This is achieved through the use of a variety of therapeutic techniques. Some common techniques used in trauma-informed therapy may include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These techniques are used to help individuals identify and process their traumatic experiences in a safe environment. Additionally, they may be used to develop new coping skills, and to learn how to better manage and regulate their emotions and trauma responses.
The benefits of trauma-informed therapy include increased self-awareness and understanding of one’s emotions and experiences, improved communication skills, more effective problem-solving skills, and enhanced self-esteem. Additionally, trauma-informed therapy can help individuals develop healthier relationships and create a more meaningful life. Through this type of therapy, individuals can gain insight into how past experiences have impacted their present lives, and learn how to deal with and manage their emotions in a healthier way.
It is important to note that trauma-informed therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual’s experience with trauma is unique, and the therapist will assess the individual’s trauma history, current needs, and goals in order to create an effective treatment plan. This plan typically includes both short-term and long-term goals, and the therapist works with the individual to ensure that these goals are met.
Trauma-informed therapy can be a powerful tool to help individuals heal from the effects of past traumas. By recognizing the impact of trauma on one’s life, and providing the tools to work through it, individuals can create a sense of safety and security in their lives. Trauma-informed therapy can help individuals create a healthier, more meaningful life.
