Trauma Treatment through Therapy
“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.”
– Peter Levine, trauma therapist and author of
Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body
Trauma is an emotional response to experiencing or witnessing a deeply disturbing or stressful event. If you’ve experienced trauma in your life and are considering therapy as a form of treatment, it can be helpful to find a trauma-informed therapist who understands the delicate nature of treatment under such circumstances.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma can stem from a wide range of experiences, each capable of profoundly affecting individuals, including childhood trauma, sexual assault, trauma from witnessing violence, and trauma associated with being a first responder. Even if the perceived severity of the traumatic events differs, feelings of shame or the stigma around trauma can complicate the way we process these emotions. Regardless of how long ago we experienced trauma, its effects can appear and reappear in various ways, such as flashbacks, an inability to concentrate, or symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can impact our mental health, emotions, and daily functioning. Trauma and PTSD can have significant effects on the nervous system, particularly the stress response. When exposed to trauma, the body's natural reaction is to activate the "fight, flight, or freeze" response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Our goal is to regulate our nervous system and restore a sense of safety and calm within the body and mind.
Overcoming Trauma with Therapy
The good news is that research shows that therapy is an effective treatment path for people who have experienced trauma. Since trauma can result in feeling unsafe, it’s important to find treatment that is trauma-informed. Physical and emotional safety is essential in trauma-informed therapy.
A trauma-informed therapist will aim to create a safe space and work to establish trust from which to explore treatment options. Building upon this trust, the therapist will empower her patients to make decisions about their treatment. Additionally, trauma-informed therapists have invested in education in order to understand the effects of trauma, and also with regards to cultural sensitivity and awareness. All of this comes together to create a safe environment from which healing can begin.
Trauma treatment can include a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and more. Your therapist will work with you to determine what combination of treatments are recommended based on your individual needs and goals.
While it can feel scary to seek therapy for trauma as it may feel like you’re opening the door to old wounds, it can be a powerful step towards healing. If you’re ready to take the next step and find trauma treatment near you, Moonrise Therapy may be a great place to start. I welcome you to reach out to me and together we can move at your own pace and build out an effective treatment plan that you feel comfortable with. I have training in trauma therapy as well as an understanding and empathy for how to navigate trauma in a safe, therapeutic environment. Healing from trauma is a journey and may take time, but recovery is possible with the right support and resources.
Searching for Trauma Therapy or EMDR Near Me
If you’re looking for a trauma-informed therapist, PTSD treatment, or EMDR in Evanston, Illinois or via telehealth, please reach out and schedule a consultation to see if we’re a good fit. I’m wishing you peace on your healing journey.
