There are numerous sorts of trauma therapy that can be used to help individuals recover. Continue reading to learn about some of the most common types of trauma therapy, such as trauma-informed expressive arts therapy and psychotherapy. We’ll also go over trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Jungian therapy, which are two types of psychotherapy.
Expressive arts therapy with a trauma lens
Trauma-informed expressive arts therapy is a one-of-a-kind type of therapeutic intervention that can help children who have experienced trauma. As a child trauma intervention strategy, the cornerstone of this sort of therapy combines neurodevelopmental science and the sensory aspects of the arts.
Learning how the mind and body react to traumatic events, recognizing symptoms as adaptive coping techniques, prioritizing cultural sensitivity, and empowering trauma survivors to survive in their daily lives are the key goals of this therapy.
Expressive arts therapy can treat PTSD, acute stress disorder, and other trauma-related difficulties by including a variety of creative activities such as painting, movement, play, music, and theater.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, sometimes known as talk therapy, is probably the most well-known sort of trauma therapy among most people. Mental health specialists will lead a patient as they talk through their problems, trauma memories, and ideas in this sort of therapy to help with a variety of mental illnesses and emotional troubles. Therapists can help patients remove or manage their symptoms, as well as promote their healing and emotional well-being, through successful psychotherapy.
There are further subgroups of psychotherapy that function better with specific forms of trauma or difficulties than others.
When it comes to psychotherapy, a trauma-focused and sensitive approach can aid in the formation of trust between the patient and the doctor, allowing for open and comfortable dialogue.
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
Children, adolescents, adult survivors, and families benefit most from cognitive behavioral therapy, which tries to address emotional and mental health issues as well as problematic behavior patterns. Because of its trauma-focused nature, this style of treatment is more sensitive to post-traumatic stress and mood problems that may arise as a result of abuse or sorrow. When treating a kid, TF-CBT frequently integrates family therapy techniques. Typically, practitioners will allow non-threatening caregivers into the room to participate in the child’s care plan. This method can assist in teaching parents and other caregivers new parenting and communication skills in order to better assist the child.
TF-CBT is a short-term treatment for trauma patients, with sessions lasting between eight to twenty-five minutes.
Jungian therapy
Jungian therapy, often known as Jungian analysis or analytical psychology, is a style of psychodynamic psychotherapy that utilizes psycho-spirituality to address human growth and traumatic memory. The major purpose of this sort of therapy is to bring psychological healing to the conscious and unconscious worlds of the psyche.
Through clinical vignettes, Donald Kalsched investigates the spiritual experiences that can occur during psychoanalytic work in his book Trauma and the Soul. As a Jungian analyst, Kalsched explores how spirituality and a focus on the soul can help trauma survivors comprehend and heal their experiences through deep psychotherapy.
The concept of individuation, which is a continual process aimed at recognizing one’s own individuality and living truthfully and cooperatively with others, lies at the heart of Jungian therapy.
It’s vital to remember that Jungian counseling does not necessitate religious or spiritual practices.
Trauma Therapy’s Advantages
Trauma is a difficult experience. It affects not only how people connect with one another, but also how they perceive themselves. Anxiety, self-harm, substance misuse, personality disorders, PTSD, and a long list of other problems might result. The sooner a patient receives trauma-informed treatment, the sooner they will be able to begin to heal.
Trauma-focused therapy works with patients to help them understand their trauma and find healthy methods to deal with their symptoms and difficulties.
Some (but not all) of the potential benefits of trauma therapy are listed below:
- Lessen or eliminate traumatic symptoms
- Manage nervous system regulation (e.g., heart palpitations, shaking, etc.)
- Refocus on the present rather than the past
- Overcome addictions
- Eliminate or decrease self-harm
- Recognize inherited trauma
- Implement healthier coping methods
- Improve self-worth and self-esteem