Content Warning: Please be advised, the below article on therapy might mention trauma-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources aside from trauma therapy or EMDR therapy.
What is trauma therapy and how does it address trauma?
Trauma is an intense emotional response caused by an experience that impacts or threatens your mental health, physical body, or life. There are many forms of trauma, such as medical trauma, disaster trauma, early childhood trauma, and racial trauma. Trauma affects people in many ways. The response to trauma may initially lead to shock and denial, with long-term reactions such as flashbacks or unpredictable emotions or physical symptoms such as headaches. If you have experienced a traumatic event, you are not alone and trauma informed therapy can help.
Trauma can have lingering effects, and there are various treatments, such as trauma focused therapy, trauma talk therapy, and cognitive therapy, that can help you find healthier ways to manage the emotions associated with trauma. These treatment programs are approved by the American Psychological Association and can be beneficial in healing after traumatic experiences.
How a traumatic event and PTSD can affect the brain
A traumatic experience activates the body's stress response, which involves the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex of the brain, especially after experiencing trauma in the form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These areas of the brain can experience lasting changes in those who experience trauma stress. For example, individuals with PTSD often experience increased cortisol and norepinephrine responses to stress.
The prefrontal cortex is associated with decision-making, planning, social behavior, and self-expression. Following a traumatic event, people with PTSD often show decreased prefrontal cortex functioning. In addition, they might develop increased function in the amygdala, which is related to processing threatening stimuli and fear-related behavior.
These changes may lead to a range of reactions. For example, suppose you remember your traumatic event, and your amygdala becomes overactive. In this case, your brain may become hypervigilant and on high alert to ensure you're safe from danger. Trauma and phobia are two different terms, but trauma can cause a specific phobia. For example, many veterans living with PTSD might have traumatic memories that can relate to the sound of fireworks, and therapeutic methods such as behavioral techniques can help with working through these triggers and phobias associated with trauma.
Trauma-focused therapy, such as trauma focus, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and prolonged exposure therapy, are recognized as evidence-based methods to treat trauma.These therapeutic methods can address the effects of trauma on both adult survivors and younger populations. Trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy, cognitive processing, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy are all evidence-based types of trauma therapy but do not serve as substitutes for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In the wake of a traumatic event, therapy can serve as a tool to navigate the trauma and rewire neural pathways.
Trauma therapy can be provided by a mental health professional who specializes in treating individuals who have experienced high stress and are showing signs of a trauma-related disorder and can be one of the best online counseling options. This type addresses the needs and mental health symptoms common in those who experience traumatic stress, which may impact your mood, sleep, or ability to cope healthily. Mental health services and mental health support are available for posttraumatic stress disorder through trauma-informed care.
However, note that there are many types of treatments that can be used to navigate traumatic experiences. Therapists may use a range of treatments for trauma survivors and various trauma-related conditions. Children and adolescents can often also receive treatment for trauma and cognitive restructuring that may result from PTSD in adults. Types of counseling and mental health care approved by medical reviewers and the American Psychological Association include cognitive processing therapy CPT, and dialectical behavior therapy DBT which are often techniques used by licensed therapists. These are helpful and effective grounding techniques to ensure clients feel safe throughout treatment plans to learn coping skills and manage emotional reactions.
Trauma therapy for PTSD
According to the National Center for PTSD, if you've experienced at least one high-stress event or think you might have signs of traumatic stress, it is possible that talk therapy can help you begin to process your experiences. Therapies like trauma focus and cognitive therapy assist in this process.
For many, navigating life after traumatic events is a journey unique to each individual. Trauma survivors often face ongoing challenges, such as confronting trauma experiences that resurface over time. Using various therapeutic methods, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy, professionals can help individuals process these experiences and move towards healing. These methods are tailored to meet the specific needs of each person, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to cope and recover.
With the help of a therapist who specializes in PTSD, you can take steps to heal and move forward with your life through different therapies and techniques that assist the therapy process. Some people find it helpful to work with mental health clinicians to assess the treatment outcome and ensure that the best psychological treatment methods are used for their case.
PTSDmight look like prolonged exposure therapy, somatic therapy, narrative exposure therapy, EMDR, or CBT
Ask your therapist if they have a specialty in trauma therapy and navigating PTSD symptoms
Benefits of therapy for mental health after traumatic events
Trauma-informed professionals, including social workers, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, can help you work through symptoms of psychological trauma and PTSD in trauma therapy, such as:
Intrusive thoughts or memories (e.g., flashbacks, involuntary memories, or distressing dreams, especially related to PTSD)
Avoidance coping (e.g., avoiding memories, emotions, feelings, places, or activities associated with the traumatic event)
Cognition and mood changes (e.g., ongoing fear, self-blame, guilt, shame, or feeling detached)
Arousal and reactivity changes (e.g., angry outbursts, irritability, or trouble concentrating)
Other benefits can include:
Working with an informed therapist in trauma therapy may help you develop a better understanding of your trauma symptoms, triggers, and reactionsA certified PTSD and trauma therapist can outline symptoms related to PTSD, as well as treatment methods moving forwardA therapist may also help you find mental health resources that can assist you in your recoveryYou can work with your therapist in counseling to identify a list of goals for your trauma treatment, which can help you track your progress
Therapy for trauma and alternate forms of therapies may allow you to dive deeper into what life can look like when living with PTSD, as well as ways forward
Common goals:
Working in therapy to successfully accept the reality of the traumatic event that occurred in the past
Working in therapy to eliminate or ease the symptoms of trauma and treating PTSD through counseling sessions
Working in therapy to shift your focus from the trauma memory in the past to what's happening in the present
Working in therapy to boost day-to-day functioning outside of psychotherapy
Working in therapy to understand potential intergenerational trauma
Working in therapy to regain personal power and self-esteem
Working in therapy to overcome addictions or unhealthy behavior patterns caused by traumatic stress
Working in therapy to learn the coping skills and therapies needed to help prevent deterioration or relapse
Working in therapy to improve emotional and spiritual well-being with a certified therapist
Therapy can be essential in treating trauma and PTSD because it can address multiple issues, including substance abuse, dissociative disorders, and other mood disorders. Treatment may also include managing trauma reminders and understanding the effects of sexual abuse, personality disorders, and complex trauma.
At BetterHelp, you can connect with licensed trauma therapists who specialize in helping people who have experienced trauma or are living with PTSD, and you can begin trauma therapy. You can speak with a skilled trauma therapist based on your needs and preferences and schedule flexible online sessions via phone, video, or in-app messaging. Since web-based trauma therapy can take place anywhere you feel comfortable and have a reliable internet connection, you may feel more okay talking about your experiences using this method. The best online counseling often cannot provide medical advice in life-threatening situations, so please consult a doctor or see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources. Psychotherapy is often thought of as a resource for couples, relationships, dating, or personal matters, but it has proved to be beneficial in the treatment of traumatic events, as well.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling benefits
Online counseling can be an effective tool for overcoming a traumatic experience and PTSD. One study of evidence-based research assessed the efficacy of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy on youth belonging to underserved groups. Researchers found that the telehealth intervention “demonstrated clinically meaningful symptom change posttreatment,” including a caregiver-reported reduction in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is another form of cognitive behavioral therapy CBT that is specifically catered to PTSD. These findings effectively show the comparability of web-based treatments to in-person interventions for treating trauma-related symptoms and mental health concerns.
Commonly, in-person appointments can cost around $100 to $200 a session without insurance, whereas online treatment may cost about $65 to $90 per week, depending on the platform. While many have strong thoughts, reactions, and feelings related to the price ranges of treatment, behavior psychotherapy can range in price depending on location and type of treatment. All therapy platforms may have various rights reserved and terms of treatment.
"Stephanie has helped me so much by helping me understand myself, my past trauma, and the areas that were still affecting me negatively. She has given me better tools to tackle my anxieties and insecurities so that my future can be brighter. I couldn't be happier with the results I've seen in myself. For the first time in a long time, I'm hopeful for the future."
Working with a licensed trauma therapist can help you determine suitable trauma therapies for your symptoms. Whether you've experienced acute stress disorder or at least one trauma, there are effective therapies and coping strategies to support your healing journey. Additionally, treatments like j trauma stress interventions and online trauma therapy options can offer flexibility for individuals seeking professional help. If you’re experiencing shame related to traumatic incidents, online trauma therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma focused therapies may provide a safe environment in which you can be more open and honest.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about trauma and trauma therapy.
What are the 3 main recommended treatments for trauma?
When treating trauma, there are three main recommended treatment approaches that often fall under the umbrella of trauma therapy.
Three components of trauma therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – This approach helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms related to trauma.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A structured trauma therapy that guides individuals through processing distressing memories while engaging in guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – While originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT also supports recovery by teaching emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills.
Each treatment method provides valuable tools for healing, depending on individual needs and experiences.
Why is therapy for trauma needed?
Experiencing trauma can have profound and long-lasting effects on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It can fundamentally alter how we think, feel, and interact with others, making it challenging to manage daily life effectively.
Therapy is essential in helping individuals process their experiences and develop healthy coping skills to manage the impact of trauma. This therapy process offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals to work through their feelings, fears, and memories with the guidance of a trained therapist. By addressing the root cause and developing effective coping strategies, individuals can experience healing, resilience, and greater well-being.
What is the treatment to recover from trauma?
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment, as each individual's experience and healing journey are unique. However, there are some common elements that may be included in a comprehensive treatment plan.
Common elements include:
Trauma-focused therapy: This type of therapy focuses specifically on addressing the effects of trauma and helping individuals process their experiences in a supportive and safe setting. Trauma-focused therapies may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).
Medication: Occasionally, medication is prescribed to manage symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. Medication can also be used in conjunction with therapy to support an individual's overall healing process.
Self-care practices: Engaging in healthy self-care activities, such as exercise, mindfulness practices, and spending time in nature, can support recovery by promoting relaxation, reducing stress levels, and improving overall well-being.
Support groups: Support groups offer a safe and non-judgmental setting for individuals to connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. This connection can provide a sense of understanding, camaraderie, and support.
Lifestyle changes: Making positive lifestyle changes, such as reducing substance use, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing self-care activities, can also support recovery by promoting overall well-being and helping individuals feel more in control of their lives.
The most effective treatment will depend on the individual and their unique needs, so it is important to work with a trained therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan. Recovery is possible, and with the right support and tools, individuals can experience healing and reclaim their lives.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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