How Does Trauma Therapy Work?

There are so many things in life we cannot control, and at times, these experiences can lead to powerful emotions and painful memories. Oftentimes, they are so intense that they can set trauma in motion.

Trauma can be caused by several factors: it may be due to a life-threatening situation, sexual abuse or assault, witnessing a distressing event, or any other experience that is extremely painful and difficult to process.

For those who are living with trauma, life often feels less enjoyable. It can no longer feel safe and a sanctuary.

Instead, life can feel like a game of prey and predator where hiding feels like the best option.

Some people who do not know what trauma feels like may think that people with trauma are just “paranoid” or “overreacting,” but in reality, suffering with trauma is an agonizing experience.

Imagine having to relive the painful experience over and over again, wishing for it to stop, but you do not have the power nor the ability to make it end.

Hence, people with trauma often seek professional help from a licensed trauma therapist near them. A trauma-based therapist can help those suffering heal, and learn to manage their past trauma to find normal again. Simi Psychological Group is a leading trauma therapy provider near Simi Valley. To speak with one of our counselors specializing in trauma therapy, call (805) 842 -1994.

What Is Trauma Therapy

Going through a traumatic experience can scar a person for life, and the only way for them to survive is to have the courage to face the cause of their trauma.

Otherwise, they will continue to suffer psychologically and physically which will also affect their social and occupational functioning.

Remember, It is normal for people with trauma to experience flashbacks, feel guilty and blame themselves for what happened to them, and to display behavioral patterns that are not good for them and for those surrounding them.

Additionally, trauma can affect the person’s moods, emotions, and even sleeping patterns, and coping will be extremely difficult.

Other individuals choose to abuse illicit substances such as alcohol and drugs just to cope with the unpleasant effects of trauma.

And so, here comes trauma therapy. It is used to treat trauma-related symptoms and to help the patient recover, find healing, and have a deeper understanding of what they went through.

It is a safe space for facing and conquering your fears and a place to regain your power.

How Does It Work

To begin with, one must acknowledge the fact that seeing a trauma therapist is not a one-visit treatment. It is crucial to be committed to the therapy itself.

You must also be ready enough to face your trauma again because this is the whole point of the therapy – to overcome the traumatic experience.

Depending on the individual’s needs and situation, the type of trauma therapy to be used will vary from person to person. The success rate will also depend on the individual who is undergoing trauma therapy.

It is safe to assume that one specific trauma therapy won’t always work with everybody because each person is different and the intensity of the trauma they experienced is also different from one another.

To begin with, one must be aware of the source of their fears or the cause of their trauma and what are the things or situations that trigger the fear, emotional reactions, and unhealthy behavioral patterns.

It is also important to have a goal in mind when trying therapy services for the first time.

For example, are you planning to start therapy because you want to overcome your fears? Or are you going to therapy because you want to find a healthy way of coping with the trauma? Or is it mainly to find acceptance and forgiveness?

By knowing your own set of goals and objectives, you and your therapist can decide on which type of trauma therapy will work best for you.

Benefits of Trauma Therapy

Trauma has a way of making a person feel small, inferior, powerless, and unworthy. And so, trauma therapy is done to get back the power that was lost to them.

Oftentimes, people who are traumatized feel like they are trapped and there is no way for them to escape. Their very own version of reality has already been distorted and they believe that no matter what they do, they can no longer be the person they once were.

It may be true, but being a trauma survivor also means that even with the pain that you once experienced, there is still life waiting for you and that you can still survive anything.

Conclusion

Experiencing a traumatic event, no matter what it is, can hurt a person for the rest of his or her life. It can affect several areas of one’s functioning, but with the help of a trauma therapist near you, one can still heal, recover, and have a better life ahead of them. To talk with one of our certified therapists near Simi Valley, call (805) 842 -1994.