What Is Trauma Therapy?

The best trauma therapy depends on the suffering individual. Multiple factors are taken into consideration. For instance, complex trauma is the kind that arises from repeated traumatic events, often stemming from childhood experiences. Therapy methods are mindful of the individual’s fragility and will find safe workarounds for those with PTSD. Trauma therapy incorporates problem-solving techniques while getting to the root of the problem.

Types of trauma therapy include: 

• Prolonged Exposure (PE): This method repeatedly exposes a person to their fear until they are no longer afraid to face it. Skills and techniques are taught to help patients manage their thoughts and emotions during the process. 
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT (a form of cognitive behavioral therapy) is completed in individual and group sessions, allowing patients to express their perceptions and feelings of a specific traumatic situation and how it impacted their lives. 
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR therapy involves bilateral stimulation through eye movement, using various rhythms and physical stimuli to reduce stress while releasing built-up tension and emotions resulting from traumatic events.
• Music therapy: Music therapy is a low-impact yet highly effective form of trauma therapy. It allows for the safe expression of feelings and emotions while a patient uses instruments, singing, dancing, and songwriting to stay calm and grounded.