What is Trauma and Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals overcome the profound and often debilitating effects of traumatic experiences. Trauma can stem from various sources, leading to different types and intensities of psychological distress. So then, what is trauma?

What is Trauma?

When you hear the word trauma, you likely have some conceptualization around it and its associated experiences. Trauma is both objective and subjective. Trauma is the event(s) that happened and it is also the emotional or psychological impact it has on a person. For example, a house fire is a traumatic event but how a person perceives that trauma varies, leading some to experience lasting distressing emotions and negative psychological impact while others it may not affect as greatly. 

Trauma can be categorized into three main types:

1. Acute Trauma: This type arises from a single, disturbing incident. Examples include a car accident, natural disaster, or a sudden loss of a loved one. The shock and immediate aftermath of these events can lead to significant emotional disruption.

2. Chronic Trauma: This occurs due to repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing situations. Examples include ongoing domestic violence, long-term child abuse, or living in a war zone. The persistent nature of these experiences can lead to severe and long-lasting psychological harm.

3. Complex Trauma: This refers to exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature, and can occur at any age. Examples include repeated childhood abuse or exposure to organized violence. Complex trauma typically affects an individual’s development and interpersonal relationships deeply.

Acute Stress Disorder, PTSD, and Complex PTSD

In the aftermath of traumatic events, some individuals may develop Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). ASD typically occurs within the first month following the trauma, characterized by symptoms like intrusive memories, nightmares, dissociation, and severe anxiety. If these symptoms persist beyond a month and interfere significantly with daily life, a diagnosis of PTSD may be considered.

PTSD symptoms can include:

• Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety related to the traumatic event.
• Avoidance: Steering clear of reminders of the trauma, which may lead to isolation.
• Hyperarousal: Heightened alertness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
• Negative changes in thoughts and mood: Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, distorted blame, and diminished interest in activities.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) extends beyond the typical symptoms of PTSD and often includes additional difficulties such as:

• Emotional dysregulation: Extreme emotional responses and difficulty managing emotions.
• Interpersonal difficulties: Challenges in forming and maintaining relationships.
• Negative self-concept: Deep-seated feelings of worthlessness and shame.

Currently, C-PTSD is not recognized in the official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-5) - a standardized collection of diagnosis and symptom criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association - as a distinct condition. However, it is unofficially recognized by many therapists as a real experience with distressing symptoms and implications for living and functioning in healthy patterns. 

What is Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy diverges from traditional therapy through its trauma-informed lens, which signifies an understanding of the pervasive impact of trauma and the necessity for a safe, empathetic therapeutic environment. Trauma affects the way the brain interprets life experiences. A trauma therapist understands this dynamic and will likely dissuade from utilizing traditional modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that rely on challenging the way a person thinks since the trauma brain struggles to rationalize. Key components include:

1. Safety: Establishing a sense of safety is paramount. Therapists work to create a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients feel secure.

2. Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust through consistent, transparent communication is crucial. Clients need to feel their therapist is reliable and has their best interests at heart.
3. Peer Support: Encouraging connections with others who have experienced similar trauma can be empowering and validating for clients.

4. Collaboration and Empowerment: Trauma therapy emphasizes collaboration, giving clients a sense of control and agency in their healing process. Therapists encourage clients to actively participate in their therapy, fostering empowerment.

5. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of clients is integral to effective trauma therapy. This approach ensures therapy is tailored to the unique context of each individual’s trauma.

Methods and Techniques in Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy employs various techniques tailored to the individual’s needs. Some of the most effective approaches include:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Involves processing traumatic memories while focusing on external stimuli such as eye movements, sounds, or taps.

• Somatic Experiencing: Focuses on the body’s physical sensations to release stored tension and trauma.
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Specifically designed for children and adolescents, integrating trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive behavioral techniques.

Begin Trauma Therapy in Tigard, OR

Trauma therapy is a crucial tool in helping individuals reclaim their lives from the shadows of traumatic experiences. The effects of trauma can be overwhelming to navigate on your own and you shouldn’t have to! Take the next step today to find the right trauma therapist to walk with you through recovery. Our team is here to offer support from our Tigard, OR-based practice and across the state. Start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:

1. Contact us to speak with a mental health professional at Discover Counseling
2. Schedule your first counseling appointment with our team
3. Start overcoming the effects of traumatic experiences

Other Services Offered with Discover Counseling

Trauma therapy isn't the only service our team offers. Our caring counselors and therapists offer different types of therapy services to support your needs. This is why we are happy to also offer therapy for anxiety, life transitions, and postpartum support. In addition, we also offer teen therapy, Christian counseling, and codependency treatment. We also offer support for your relationship with premarital, couples, and marriage counseling. Plus individual therapy for relationship problems.