Trauma-informed therapy is an approach to healing that recognises an individual's unique experience of trauma and is designed to help them build resilience and emotional regulation. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of trauma-informed therapy, how it can help those who have experienced trauma, and how to overcome any barriers to getting the right support.
What Is Trauma?
Going through very stressful, frightening or distressing events is sometimes called trauma. When we talk about emotional or psychological trauma, we might mean situations or events we find traumatic and how we're affected by our experiences.
Trauma can be caused by a range of events such as abuse, neglect, violence, accidents, and disasters and can have a lasting and powerful impact on our emotional and physical health.
How Does Trauma Affect Your Mental Health?
The effects of trauma can be wide-ranging and affect your mental health, emotions, physical health, and relationships. Symptoms can include disturbing memories or nightmares, flashbacks, feelings of guilt or shame, and a sense of being powerless or unsafe. You might feel rejected, hurt, abandoned, or humiliated. Sometimes, trauma can lead to complex trauma, which can make it difficult to cope with day-to-day life.
How Can You Help Yourself?
It's important to understand that the symptoms you experience are normal responses to a traumatic event, so most importantly, be kind to yourself. You are not weak or flawed because you are struggling to cope. In fact, it's a sign of strength to recognise that you need help and to seek it out.
How Will Trauma-Informed Therapy Help?
Trauma-informed therapy is a type of therapy that can help you heal from trauma by providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.
In trauma-informed therapy, the therapist understands how trauma affects your mind, body, and emotions, and is sensitive to your needs and experiences. The therapy focuses on your strengths, resilience, and capacity to heal, and tailors treatment to your individual needs.
Initially, your therapist will offer stabilisation techniques and practical exercises to help you support yourself with the difficult feelings you are experiencing. They may also offer psychoeducation so that you understand some of the symptoms of trauma. This will help you feel more in control and understand that your reactions are normal responses to abnormal events.
Your therapist may use a variety of approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Talking Therapy, or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to help you work through your trauma. The therapy may involve exploring your emotions, identifying negative beliefs about yourself and the world, and learning new coping skills to manage anxiety and stress.
How To Overcome Barriers To Getting The Right Support
However, it's not always easy to get the right support. There might be barriers that prevent you from accessing trauma-informed therapy, such as cost, availability, or stigma. You might feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about your trauma, or fear that it will be dismissed or not taken seriously.
It is important to seek professional help if you are struggling with the effects of trauma and to find a therapist who you feel comfortable with and who has experience with trauma-informed therapy.
It's also important to recognise that recovery from trauma is a process and may not happen overnight. It takes time and patience to heal, and there may be setbacks along the way. Be gentle with yourself and don't give up on seeking the help you need. You deserve to feel safe and supported, and with the right treatment, you can overcome the effects of trauma and live a fulfilling life.