Everyone who experiences a traumatic event or events may have experienced different types of trauma. Therefore, they may experience different reactions to trauma. This means that rather than one type of treatment for trauma, there should be a number of options available for the recovery and healing process for those who experience mental health reactions as the result of trauma. So, when you’re struggling with the effects of trauma in your life and searching for a trauma treatment center, it’s important to consider a treatment approach that addresses all types of trauma and the different effects of trauma can have.

The Things You Can Expect From Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy is an integral part of the trauma treatment process. Individuals who have experienced traumatic circumstances can greatly benefit from therapy as it gives them a place to work through their emotions and build coping strategies in order to deal with the variety of emotions that trauma can bring. Regardless of the type of trauma a person has experienced, trauma therapy can help in ways including:

• providing a supportive, listening ear to those who have lived through trauma
• assuring the trauma survivor that their emotions are natural and valid
• giving people goals to recover from trauma in order to manage emotions
• education on what emotions can come from the experience of trauma
• practicing coping skills and pinpointing individual strengths in these areas
• assisting in truly experiencing and recognizing emotions due to trauma in a supportive and compassionate way so that individuals can move forward with the healing process
• providing recommendations for treatment planning outside of therapy

Recognizing the Symptoms of Trauma

Those who have lived through a traumatic experience or experiences can develop a wide range of symptoms. And, these can differ from person to person depending on their personality and the type of trauma they’ve experienced. However, there are some common trauma responses that can help individuals who have lived through trauma pinpoint in order for them to identify that they need professional help. Some of the most common symptoms of a trauma-related mental health condition can include:

• reliving the traumatic experience or experiences through flashbacks
• nightmares and night terrors
• unpleasant and intrusive thoughts
• avoidance behaviors (not going to places or doing things that may stimulate a flashback/trigger specific emotions)
• experiencing fright and/or paranoia
• mood swings (ex: irritability and anger)
• trouble sleeping

Living with the debilitating effects of trauma can be something that’s difficult to manage. But, immersing oneself in the programs available at a trauma treatment center can help a person who’s struggling with the effects of trauma live a better and more manageable life.

Some of the Treatments Available Through Trauma Treatment

Along with individualized trauma therapy, there are a number of different treatments available that are proven successful in helping reduce the severe effects of trauma. Some of these treatment programs include:

EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Processing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that involves directing the movement of the eyes in order to reduce the stress brought on by traumatic events. During sessions, a clinical therapist will guide you through eye movements that can assist with identifying traumatic memories and thoughts associated with these experiences.

Group Therapy: This type of therapy involves a group of people who have experiences with trauma along with a certified group therapy counselor. The counselor guides the group in discussions about topics surrounding trauma. And, allows the individuals in these sessions to express their feelings, practice coping skills with one another, and provide their personal testimonies. This provides a community of support and initiates social interaction with peers who have also experienced the negative effects of trauma to gain inspiration for recovery, growth, and healing.

Dual Diagnosis: Often, individuals who have lived through traumatic situations also develop other mental health issues. For example, addiction can be a result of attempting to self-medicate the overwhelming thoughts and feelings that come with living through trauma. So, for these individuals, it’s important to address both mental health issues simultaneously as they affect one another. Dual diagnosis programs are intended to provide support for individuals dealing with both addiction and a concurring mental health issue, like PTSD.