When it comes to mental health, therapy is a broad term that encompasses various approaches and techniques aimed at improving an individual's emotional and psychological well-being. However, not all therapy is created equal. Trauma therapy, in particular, stands out as a specialised form of treatment designed to address the unique challenges faced by individuals who have experienced traumatic events. In this blog post, we will explore how trauma therapy differs from regular therapy and why seeking the help of a trauma psychologist can be crucial for effective healing.
Understanding Trauma
Before diving into the specifics of trauma therapy, it's essential to understand what trauma is. Trauma refers to an emotional response to a distressing event or series of events that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope. These events can range from physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, accidents, or witnessing violence. The impact of trauma can be long-lasting and may manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and difficulty forming relationships.
According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is defined as "an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster" (APA, 2021). Research has shown that trauma can have profound effects on both mental and physical health. For example, a study by Felitti et al. (1998) found that adverse childhood experiences were strongly associated with increased risk for various health problems in adulthood.
The Role of a Trauma Psychologist
A trauma psychologist is a mental health professional trained in diagnosing and treating individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Unlike general therapists who may address a wide range of issues such as stress or relationship problems, trauma psychologists have extensive training and experience in understanding the complexities of trauma and its effects on the mind and body.
Key Differences Between Trauma Therapy and Regular Therapy
Extensive Training
One of the most significant differences between trauma therapy and regular therapy lies in the extensive training that trauma psychologists undergo. They are equipped with advanced knowledge about how traumatic experiences affect brain function, emotional regulation, and behavior patterns. This training enables them to employ targeted interventions that are specifically designed to help individuals process and heal from their traumatic experiences.
For instance, trauma-informed care, as described by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2014), emphasizes the need for practitioners to recognize the widespread impact of trauma and understand potential paths for recovery.
Focus on Safety and Stabilisation
In regular therapy sessions, clients may discuss various aspects of their lives without necessarily delving into deeply distressing memories right away. In contrast, trauma therapy often begins with establishing safety and stabilisation as foundational steps before addressing the traumatic memories directly. This involves creating a safe therapeutic environment where clients feel secure enough to explore their emotions without becoming overwhelmed.
Herman (1992) proposed a three-stage model for trauma recovery: safety, remembrance and mourning, and reconnection. This model emphasizes the importance of establishing safety before processing traumatic memories.
Use of Evidence-Based Techniques
Trauma psychologists utilise evidence-based techniques that have been proven effective in treating trauma-related symptoms. Some common methods include:
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): This technique involves guided eye movements while recalling traumatic memories to reduce their emotional impact. A meta-analysis by Chen et al. (2014) found EMDR to be an effective treatment for PTSD symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify negative thought patterns related to their trauma and replace them with healthier perspectives. A study by Ehlers et al. (2005) demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT in treating PTSD.
Somatic Experiencing: This approach focuses on releasing physical tension stored in the body due to traumatic experiences. Developed by Peter Levine, this method has shown promise in treating trauma symptoms (Payne et al., 2015).
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT): A special form of CBT tailored specifically for children who have experienced trauma. Cohen et al. (2004) found TF-CBT to be effective in treating PTSD symptoms in children.
Emphasis on Building Resilience
While regular therapy aims at improving overall mental health by addressing various issues such as stress management or communication skills, trauma therapy places significant emphasis on building resilience against future triggers related specifically to past traumas faced by clients.
Bonanno (2004) highlighted the importance of resilience in trauma recovery, noting that many individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of traumatic events.
Longer Duration & Intensive Sessions
Given its complexity, sessions under this type tend towards being longer than typical ones seen within standard therapeutic settings – sometimes lasting up to two hours per session compared against usual fifty-minute slots found elsewhere! Additionally, frequency might also increase depending upon severity levels involved – meaning more frequent visits could become necessary over time too!
Why Seek Help From A Trauma Psychologist?
Seeking help from a qualified professional like a "trauma psychologist" ensures you receive tailored care suited precisely towards your needs rather than generic advice offered otherwise elsewhere! Their training allows them not only understand but also empathise better given shared knowledge base around subject matter involved here too!
Moreover, working alongside someone trained specifically within field means access to latest research findings alongside best practices currently available globally today ensuring highest standards possible maintained throughout entire process undertaken together!
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both forms offer valuable insights into improving one's overall wellbeing – there exist clear distinctions separating traditional approaches versus those adopted under banner 'trauma' instead! By recognising these differences early-on alongside seeking appropriate guidance where needed most urgently possible ensures optimal outcomes achieved sooner rather than later ultimately benefiting everyone involved alike!
If you've experienced any form severe distress recently then don't hesitate reaching out today towards finding suitable support network capable helping navigate through difficult times ahead successfully together.
References
American Psychological Association. (2021). Trauma. https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma
Bonanno G. A. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: have we underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events?. The American psychologist, 59(1), 20–28. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.59.1.20
Chen, Y. R., Hung, K. W., Tsai, J. C., Chu, H., Chung, M. H., Chen, S. R., Liao, Y. M., Ou, K. L., Chang, Y. C., & Chou, K. R. (2014). Efficacy of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing for patients with posttraumatic-stress disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PloS one, 9(8), e103676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0103676.
Cohen, J. A., Deblinger, E., Mannarino, A. P., & Steer, R. A. (2004). A multisite, randomized controlled trial for children with sexual abuse-related PTSD symptoms. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 43(4), 393–402. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-200404000-00005.
Ehlers, A., Clark, D. M., Hackmann, A., McManus, F., & Fennell, M. (2005). Cognitive therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: development and evaluation. Behaviour research and therapy, 43(4), 413–431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2004.03.006.
Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American journal of preventive medicine, 14(4), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-3797(98)00017-8
Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence--from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.
Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 93. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00093
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2014). SAMHSA’s Concept
of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. HHS Publication No.
(SMA) 14-4884. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, 2014. https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf
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