Roughly 70% of adults will experience some type of traumatic experience at least once in their lives. 33% of children and youth will be exposed to violence within their community that will cause them to experience PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). For years, doctors have looked for better, more effective ways of dealing with trauma. Since people experience and process traumatic events differently, it can be hard to point out a therapy method that is most effective. Counseling centers and therapists utilize a number of different types of trauma therapy to help people through their most vulnerable times.
Types of Trauma Therapy
Doctors use a variety of different trauma therapy treatment options to help people deal with trauma and PTSD. Some have been used for decades while others have only been used in recent years. These therapies may not be for everyone. However, they have proven to be effective in most patients when dealing with traumatic events.
Psychotherapy
Also referred to as talk therapy, psychotherapy gives the patient an opportunity to speak about their trauma and work through the healing process. Doctors help their patients talk through the problems they are experiencing on a regular basis. The patient and doctor form a bond of trust in order for them to open up and share.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of behavior therapy. Doctors help their patients identify behaviors and attitudes that reflect negatively on their lives. Patients then work to replace these negative attitudes with positive ones. Patients will often utilize these new skills in their daily lives.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Similar to CBT, cognitive processing therapy helps teach patients new, more positive ways of addressing trauma-related beliefs and emotions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Like other types of trauma therapy, dialectical behavior therapy aims to better regulate emotions. This form of therapy has been effective in helping those who experience suicidal thoughts. This method has been effective for a number of mental health disorders including PTSD. It helps instill new skills to help people change unhealthy behaviors.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has patients focus on their trauma while being visually stimulated. Thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations are activated while the stimulation helps reduce the emotion and physiological reaction to the trauma. Negative thoughts associated with the trauma can then be reprocessed with more positive and accepting beliefs.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is beneficial because it shows that patients are not alone in their struggles. By being in a supportive and safe environment, group members become more comfortable sharing their stories and helping others through the trauma.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting therapy identifies trauma, negative emotions, and pain, including physical pain. Therapists guide the patient’s eyes with a pointer. The direction in which people look can affect the way they feel. Brainspotting helps doctors identify triggers for a traumatic memory or negative emotion.
Get the Trauma Help You Need Today
Most people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. While many people will seek out help to process their trauma, many people will not. There is nothing wrong reaching out for help. At the Trauma Counseling Center of Los Angeles, we offer a number of programs to help you or your loved one address traumatic memories and live a happier and better life. We offer various types of trauma therapy to help you come to terms and focus on a better tomorrow. Some of these therapies include:
- Individual Trauma Therapy
- Mindfulness Stress Reduction Therapy
- Anxiety Treatment Program
- Somatic Therapy Program
If you are ready to make a change and get help, we are here to help. Call 310.720.8200 today to speak to a mental health professional about treatment options.
