Overcome Trauma and Feel Safe Again

Why is trauma so hard to deal with and how does trauma therapy work?

Trauma can be exceptionally difficult to confront alone without support, and seeking out professionals for trauma therapy is an effective way to help process painful experiences. If you’re considering trauma therapy or have questions, this blog post will cover the basics of how it works and why it may be helpful in dealing with your traumatic experiences. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist will explain why trauma is so hard to cope with as well as provide guidance on what a person might expect when navigating their own therapeutic journey. This article seeks to provide clarity about the purpose of trauma therapy while simultaneously offering hope that healing from difficult circumstances is possible.

Trauma is said to be stored in the body - physical manifestations like headaches, sleep disturbance, and even autoimmune response issues are common for people with PTSD.

Why trauma can be difficult to deal with

Trauma is an experience that leaves a lasting emotional and psychological impact on individuals. It can be caused by various events such as physical harm, emotional abuse, natural disasters, and accidents. Dealing with trauma can be a challenging and complex process as it elicits a variety of feelings, including fear, anxiety, anger, and despair. Moreover, many individuals who have experienced trauma may try to avoid it, ignore it, or deny its impact due to the distress it causes. Coping with trauma requires time, patience, and support from professionals, family, and friends. By acknowledging and addressing the lasting effects of trauma, individuals can begin to heal and move forward in their lives.

Effects of trauma and how it can manifest in the body

Although trauma is usually associated with emotional distress, it can also manifest in physical symptoms. Survivors of trauma may experience headaches, chronic pain, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, and even autoimmune disorders. These physical manifestations can be the body's way of coping with the trauma, as it tries to protect itself from further harm. Research has shown that individuals who have experienced trauma may have altered levels of hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, which affect the body's stress response. Understanding and addressing these physical symptoms alongside the emotional ones can be an important part of healing from trauma.

How Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists use trauma therapy to help people heal

When traumatic events occur in our lives, they can leave lasting effects on our mental and emotional wellbeing. But with the help of licensed marriage and family therapists, those effects don't have to be permanent. Trauma therapy is a specialized type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. By creating a safe and supportive environment, licensed therapists can guide their clients through a variety of techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, and art therapy. The goal is to help the individual process their trauma in a healthy way, and to provide them with the tools they need to move forward. If you or someone you know has experienced a traumatic event, don't suffer in silence. A licensed marriage and family therapist can help you begin your journey towards healing and recovery.

Trauma therapists receive specialized training after they’ve gone through the bulk of their training because it’s such a specialized area of practice.

The three stages of trauma therapy

Trauma therapy is a complex and nuanced process that seeks to help individuals who have experienced deeply distressing or traumatic events. The treatment begins with the first stage, known as safety and stabilization, which aims to create an environment of safety and trust that is conducive to healing. This stage typically involves teaching coping skills, providing emotional support, and building a strong therapeutic alliance. Once the client feels a sense of safety and stability, the therapy moves on to the second stage, which focuses on processing the traumatic event. The goal of this stage is to help the individual make sense of their experiences, challenge any negative beliefs they may hold, and begin to integrate their memories into their sense of self. Finally, the third stage, named integration and consolidation, focuses on helping the individual to move forward with their life after the trauma. This stage emphasizes integrating their new beliefs and self-awareness into their daily habits, cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning, and creating new and healthy relationships to support their growth and healing. Through these three stages of trauma therapy, individuals suffering from trauma can begin to heal and reclaim their lives.

a) Safety and Stabilization

In any situation, safety and stabilization are essential. Whether it's in a personal relationship, a construction site, or during a natural disaster, the need for these two factors cannot be overstated. When it comes to personal safety, it's important to trust our instincts and be aware of our surroundings at all times. Therapists can help install a feeling of a safer environment by prepping you for typical responses to stress responses, doing an inventory of how you’d behaved before in the past, and visualizing what and how you’ll feel in the future. As for stabilization, it's crucial in ensuring that structures are secure and that the environment is safe. In construction, for example, stabilizing the foundation is paramount to the success of the project. During a natural disaster, a fast and effective response team is critical in stabilizing the situation. Overall, safety and stabilization must be taken seriously in all scenarios, as they can make all the difference in protecting ourselves and our communities.

b) Processing Trauma

Trauma is an experience that has the potential to affect every aspect of a person's life and can cause debilitating physical and emotional symptoms. Processing trauma is a crucial step in healing and moving forward. It involves confronting and working through painful memories, emotions, and beliefs that have been affected by the traumatic experience. This process can be challenging and painful, but it can also be incredibly empowering and liberating. With the help of therapy, support groups, or self-reflection, individuals can learn how to manage and cope with their trauma, leading to a healthier and happier future. It is important to remember that healing from trauma is possible, and seeking help is a brave and necessary step towards a better life.

c) Integration

Integration is a topic that has become increasingly relevant as technology advances. In the modern age, we use a plethora of applications and software programs to help us complete tasks efficiently. As a result, the need for integration between these different programs has become paramount in streamlining our workflow. The ability to seamlessly connect and share data across various platforms has eliminated the need for manually transferring information, saving us time and reducing the chances of errors. Integration has expanded from simple data transfers to encompass real-time data synchronization and cross-platform connectivity. As we move forward, integration will continue to be a crucial factor in how we interact with technology and enhance our productivity.

Tips for finding a qualified therapist for trauma-related issues

Suffering from past trauma can be incredibly challenging, yet seeking out a qualified therapist can be a game changer in moving towards healing and recovery. However, finding the right therapist for you can be a daunting task. One important factor in selecting a therapist is ensuring they have experience working with trauma-related issues. It's also crucial that you feel comfortable with the therapist and trust their ability to guide you on your healing journey. Taking the time to do your own research and asking potential therapists about their qualifications, therapy approach and style may also help you find the right person to support you in overcoming your trauma. Remember, seeking help is a brave and important step towards achieving a healthier, happier life.

Can trauma therapy make trauma worse

Trauma is a deeply distressing experience that can have a long-lasting impact on a person's mental health. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common outcome of severe trauma, leading many people to seek therapy as a way to cope with their distress. However, while therapy can be an effective treatment option, there is some concern that it may actually make trauma worse for some patients. This is known as the "re-traumatization effect" and occurs when patients are unable to process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled way. It is important for therapists to be aware of this risk and use evidence-based techniques to ensure that patients feel safe and supported throughout their treatment. With the right approach, trauma therapy can be a life-changing experience and help people overcome the debilitating effects of trauma on their mental health.

Self-care strategies to help manage traumatic triggers and emotions

Traumatic experiences can leave a lasting impact on our psyche, and it takes time and effort to heal from them. One of the most effective ways to cope with emotional triggers is by investing in self-care strategies. Whether it's taking a bubble bath, meditating, or going for a walk in nature, practicing self-care helps us manage traumatic triggers and negative emotions. It's important to identify the self-care techniques that work best for you and prioritize them as a part of your routine. Remember, self-care is not selfish but rather a necessary practice for a healthy mind and body. So take some time out for yourself and invest in your own personal growth and well-being.

Recovery from trauma is something Patrick M. DeCarlo specializes in.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I understand the feelings of powerlessness, confusion, and overwhelm that can come with traumas. Fortunately, trauma therapy has been helping many people to heal and move forward after experiencing difficult or traumatic events. Through short-term counseling and potential long-term support via trauma therapy, individuals can feel safer to process their experiences in a safe space. While therapy does not guarantee that trauma will not resurface or worsen during healing, it is an important tool for those struggling with trauma resourcing within themselves. If you are considering seeking out trauma therapy, do your research to ensure you have a qualified therapist who understands your needs. Additionally, be sure to utilize self-care strategies like talking with supportive friends or taking time for yourself as you go through this journey of healing.