Trauma-focused therapy is a therapeutic approach focused on managing the effects of trauma. More than half of the world’s population experiences at least one traumatic occurrence. Traumatic events include experiencing or witnessing any form of abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual), accidents (with or without bodily harm), natural disasters, violent crimes (e.g. robbery incident), or death of a loved one. These traumas can lead to some serious psychological challenges.
Trauma-focused therapy helps with the psychological effects of traumatic events in various ways. Trauma-focused therapy is a form of therapy specially designed to help one cope with trauma so it doesn’t affect one’s daily function. For example, the psychological effects of trauma can be salient or profound with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, problems with relationships and intimacy, poor work/ school performance, self-harm behaviours and low self-esteem.
Description
Our therapy approach is holistic, evidence-based and focused on helping you integrate the traumatic experience into their lives, and not subtract it. It enables you to live above what you experienced. Beneficiaries include children, adolescents, and adults.
Our major approaches are Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), exposure therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Working with our qualified therapists, psychologists and counsellors, you can expect a change in your inaccurate beliefs, reduced fear, better coping skills, and a better sense of trust.
Benefits of Trauma Therapy
- As mentioned earlier, trauma-focused therapy is a type of therapy that specifically addresses the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. By acknowledging the trauma and its effects, trauma-focused therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process their experiences and work towards healing.
- Likewise, one of the primary benefits of trauma-focused therapy is that it allows individuals to confront and resolve traumatic memories and emotions in a controlled and gradual manner. This helps to reduce the overwhelming feelings of anxiety, fear, and avoidance that often accompany traumatic experiences. By processing trauma in a safe environment, individuals can begin to integrate their traumatic experiences into their narrative, allowing them to make sense of their past and move forward.
- In addition, it helps individuals develop coping skills and strategies to manage traumatic stress. This may include techniques such as grounding, relaxation, and self-soothing, which can be used to regulate emotions and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Additionally, trauma-focused therapy can help individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness, allowing them to understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and how they relate to their traumatic experiences.
- Another benefit of trauma-focused therapy is that it acknowledges the complexity of trauma and its far-reaching effects. Trauma can impact every aspect of an individual’s life, including their relationships, work, and overall well-being. Recognizing this complexity and addressing the various ways in which trauma can manifest in an individual’s life provides a comprehensive approach that helps individuals to address the root causes of their trauma, rather than just its symptoms.
- Furthermore, it provides individuals with a sense of control and empowerment over their traumatic experiences. This is particularly important, as trauma can often leave individuals feeling powerless and helpless.
- Finally, it is effective in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Studies have consistently demonstrated that trauma-focused therapy can lead to significant improvements in emotional regulation, social functioning, and overall well-being.
What To Expect
When considering trauma-focused therapy, it’s natural to wonder what to expect from the process. Here’s a brief exposition of what you might expect from trauma-focused therapy:
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Initial Sessions:
The first few sessions typically involve establishing a comfortable and safe therapeutic relationship. Your therapist will introduce themselves, explain the therapy process, and discuss confidentiality and boundaries. You will share your reasons for seeking therapy and what you hope to achieve.
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Assessment and Goal-Setting:
Your therapist will work with you to identify specific goals and areas of focus for therapy; and experience which may include managing grief, bereavement, etc. This may involve completing questionnaires or assessments that explore your experiences and symptoms. Together, you’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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Building Trust and Safety:
Establishing trust and safety is crucial in trauma-focused therapy. Your therapist will work to create a supportive environment. This is focused on equipping you with techniques to manage emotions, regulate your nervous system, and develop coping skills.
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Processing Trauma:
When you feel ready, you’ll begin to explore your traumatic experiences in a gradual and controlled manner. Your therapist will guide you through various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, visualization, or mindfulness exercises, to help process traumatic memories and emotions.
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Emotional Regulation:
These sessions emphasize developing emotional regulation skills to manage overwhelming feelings and reactions. You’ll learn techniques to calm your nervous system, manage anxiety, and increase self-awareness.
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Integration and Closure:
As you work through your traumatic experiences, your therapist will work with you to integrate new insights and perspectives into your narrative. This process helps you make sense of your past, develop self-compassion, and move towards closure.
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Final Sessions:
The final sessions will review your progress, solidify new coping skills, and prepare you to maintain momentum afterwards. Your therapist will also provide support and guidance for any future challenges.
Remember, trauma-focused therapy is a unique and individualized journey. Our therapists, counsellors, and psychologists are just one call away to walk the journey with you.
Learn more about the psychological effects of trauma. You can send us a message for additional information. Learn more about who we are and what we do
