Which therapy is recommended for treatment of trauma?

Content/Trigger Warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include types of abuse & violence that could potentially be triggering.

Many different techniques and approaches can be used to heal trauma and its impacts on the mind and body, with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) being the most commonly backed by research.  Whether someone has endured sexual trauma, physical abuse, a natural disaster, war-related trauma, emotional traumas (such as bullying), motor vehicles accidents, medical trauma (i.e., cancer diagnosis), traumatic loss of a loved one, or any other similar event, CBT (paired with a strong therapeutic bond) has the capacity to move people toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.  CBT helps to unpack the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as they relate to a person’s specific trauma.  It’s also important to note here that everyone moves through trauma differently based on their readiness, experiences, severity of symptoms, and techniques they connect with best. 

A common technique utilized with trauma-based symptoms is exposure.  Most people who’ve been through a traumatic situation may have fear around things that remind them of the trauma.  For example, someone who experienced an accident while driving may fear driving, the road it took place on, the time of day it happened at, smells that existed in that moment, the sight of blood, etc.  The person may then work to avoid these triggers, while at the same time reducing their ability to maintain responsibilities of life as driving is required for most people to do so.  Exposure here would start small, eventually working up to driving itself (all the while using calming techniques to regulate fear and anxiety).  Discussing the traumatic event is a method of exposure and may be implemented depending on the unique needs of the person.

Other approaches routinely used within the framework of CBT are relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring (modifying beliefs and thoughts around the trauma), thought/mood logs (to track and increase awareness of thoughts/emotions/behaviors), and role-playing (when appropriate).  Some therapists combine CBT with other modalities, such as narrative therapy, depending on the individual needs and desires of the client.

Trauma work is hard, but so is living in its aftermath.  Once the right therapeutic fit is established, healing is absolutely possible.  If you’ve survived through trauma, you have everything you need to survive through therapy!