Trauma-informed therapy is a framework that acknowledges traumatic experiences that occurred during an individual’s lifetime. It brings these experiences to the forefront, recognizing that they may have had a significant impact on someone’s physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Therapists trained in trauma-informed therapy create a safe, secure environment so patients feel empowered to share their stories without the fear of judgment or shame. These therapists may have their own private practice or may work at an inpatient treatment facility, such as the Pathways rehab center in Utah.
This methodology may encompass various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and others. Based on the individual’s needs, therapists will select a treatment plan that works best and conduct sessions with their best interests in mind. This may include how the trauma is impacting current relationships, such as partnerships, friendships, or familial ties. They may also look at how it’s currently impacting a person’s employment status, education, and daily well-being.
Since trauma-informed therapy considers a person’s resilience, the work done throughout the sessions isn’t always easy. Thinking about the past, especially if they were filled with hurt, loneliness, anger, or misinterpretation, can be challenging. However, patients will start to feel more empowered, acknowledging that they are not their trauma and find ways to separate themselves from what happened to them.
With this in mind, here are a few ways that trauma-informed therapy helps survivors rebuild their lives.
Fosters a Safe, Trusting Environment
First and foremost, trauma-informed therapy focuses on creating a safe, trusting space for patients to share freely without fear. It’s rather common for trauma survivors to feel insecure with low self-esteem and self-worth. These feelings can come from being put in positions of shame, loss of control, and/or rejection.
Sexual abuse, for example, can lead to increased levels of anxiety and fear. These individuals may feel like they are constantly in “fight or flight” mode, in which their heart rate is elevated and their breath is rapid. It may take some time before an individual who has experienced sexual abuse — whether as a child or as an adult — feels comfortable enough to discuss the scenario and come to terms with it. These instances may be repressed, the mind unconsciously hiding them because it’s too painful to think about.
To create a safe, trusting environment, a therapist will show empathy by engaging in active listening, offering non-judgmental acceptance, and creating a good rapport with the patient. Regularly scheduled sessions, whether daily or weekly, can help patients feel more at ease with the therapist, trusting that what is said during their session stays in the session. Above all, a therapist will ensure the patient feels like they are both on the same team and combating the same challenges together.
Promotes Boundary Setting
Trauma survivors are well-versed in having their boundaries pushed. If the trauma occurred during childhood, an individual may feel like they didn’t have the right ownership or confidence to stand up against it. That said, these same feelings of low self-esteem can be experienced during adulthood as well, making it easier for others to inflict trauma on someone. Oftentimes, the trauma was inflicted by a close friend, family member, or loved one who was trusted. This is why establishing boundary setting is an important step in trauma-informed therapy.
Boundary setting is vital to establishing limits or clear parameters for acceptable behavior. After trauma, the practice of boundary setting can feel both empowering and liberating. However, it’s not an easy practice for anyone to adapt. It takes courage to stand up to a loved one and say that you can’t be there for them in that way or to remove yourself from certain situations that you know may be harmful. For instance, someone dealing with alcoholism or substance abuse may need to step away from friend groups that frequent bars and other establishments where these substances may tempt them.
A trauma-informed therapist will work with a survivor on clear action steps to reinforce boundaries. They may teach certain communication skills, using “I” statements to communicate their needs assertively but respectfully. Through role-playing, patients can get comfortable with their responses and how to act in certain situations. By developing practical strategies, survivors will begin to feel more confident in setting boundaries and defining their limits.
Teaches Healthy Coping Strategies
As helpful as a trauma-informed therapist may be, the truth is that they can’t help the survivor forever. During sessions, therapists will work with survivors on teaching various healthy coping strategies. Many of these strategies can be used anytime, anywhere, ensuring that individuals always feel like there is something they can do to reduce feelings of hurt or pain.
A therapist may first suggest building a routine. By doing certain tasks in an orderly fashion, routines can be helpful in protecting one’s mental health. Meditating, journaling, and practicing gratitude are all good strategies that can be done with little to no tools. Encouraging other healthy habits, such as going for a morning walk, eating wholesome foods, or limiting screen time, can also be good for one’s mental health.
Lastly, therapists will likely encourage seeking out support groups for additional help. They may recommend a support group at the treatment center, refer you to a local meetup, or even suggest an online forum. Knowing that you aren’t alone as a trauma survivor can be advantageous to your overall healing journey.
