Not many of us will get through life without facing our own share of challenges. While some stress and strife can be expected throughout life, some people experience actual trauma. Trauma may come in the form of a physically or emotionally abusive relationship, a physical accident such as a car accident, rape or sexual violence, the sudden grief and loss of a loved one, or war. Trauma therapy is a way to move through the healing process for these complex situations.
When a person experiences trauma, their entire world changes almost instantly. Because of this, many trauma survivors have a hard time feeling safe and secure. They begin to feel anxiety and depression. Additionally, they may have trouble sleeping, and may experience other behavioral changes that are frightening to them and their loved ones.
How Does Trauma Therapy Work?
When you have experienced trauma and begin to see some of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it’s time to explore treatment so you can begin healing. However, the idea of therapy can feel scary and overwhelming to people with PTSD. This is a result of them needing to have a sense of total control to feel safe.
But trauma therapy is really something that can empower an individual with PTSD. With the help of a caring and qualified mental health professional, the person can begin to process past events, stripping that traumatic event of its power.
Trauma therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and has the potential to actually change the way your brain works through what is called neuroplasticity. By definition, neuroplasticity simply means our brains and neural pathways (how we think and feel) are malleable. Through specific mental health tools and strategies, we can retrain our brains to let go of the fear and begin to heal.
Some of the Goals of Trauma Therapy May Include:
- Assisting you in safely processing the traumatic event
- Helping eliminate the symptoms of trauma
- Improving your day-to-day functioning
- Finding ways to help you regain your personal power
- Obtaining the necessary skills and tools to prevent an individual from relapsing
If you or a loved one are living with PTSD, it’s important that you recognize the symptoms and seek help. Life does not have to continue to be scary or overwhelming. There are strategies that can help you process your pain so that you may continue to live your life full of joy and peace.
If you would like to explore treatment options, please reach out to get started at Evolution Wellness in Wilmington, NC. One of our licensed therapists would be very happy to help you leave the past in the past and move on to brighter tomorrows.
SOURCES:
- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/trauma/what-is-trauma-therapy-and-how-does-it-work/
- https://pro.psychcentral.com/trauma-therapy-101-the-basics/
- https://blogs.psychcentral.com/caregivers/2019/08/7-signs-trauma-has-you-stuck/