What Type of Trauma Therapy Is Right for You?
The type of trauma therapy that works best for each person is based on individual factors and preferences. You will probably need to try multiple modalities before determining which one works best for you. You should begin by choosing therapeutic modalities that align with your comfort level and resonate with how you intend to approach healing.
When choosing a therapist, it is most important to consider whether you feel safe and “click” with him or her. Trusting your therapist is crucial because it will help you establish safety and stability throughout your life as a whole. A safe therapist won’t ever pressure you into things you aren’t comfortable with, won’t belittle or judge you, and will often check in on you throughout the therapeutic work.
Treatment Approaches for Trauma
- Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
The Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory proposes that everyone has a core Self and various Parts, which can be divided into three groups:
- Exiles
- Managers
- Firefighters
When Exiles’ pain breaks through, Managers use defenses to protect against it. Firefighters take extreme measures to protect. It is the goal of IFS to help people connect with their true Self, which allows them to understand the protective role of their Managers and Firefighters and deal with the pain of their Exiles.
In order for the client to heal from their traumatic experience, the therapist will work with them to release the pain and trauma their Exiles are holding. Treatment length is tailored to each individual’s needs, and there is no set period for treatment. People who have complex childhood trauma, people with negative beliefs about themselves and the world, and people who feel stuck in their healing process would benefit from IFS for trauma. Those who are not ready to confront their trauma may not be a good fit for IFS for trauma.
2. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
NET, a therapeutic method designed for survivors of complex trauma, involves an initial step known as the ‘lifeline.’ During this stage, the therapist and client create a timeline of the client’s life from birth to present, identifying significant events—both positive and negative.
The subsequent focus is on recounting each traumatic experience in depth. This process aids in incorporating these experiences into the client’s life narrative in a coherent and purposeful manner. With continued narration, the intensity of these memories lessens. NET can be conducted individually or in small groups.
Treatment usually lasts 8 to 12 sessions. NET can benefit people suffering from Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), depression, or anxiety from trauma. The following people may not be good candidates for NET: People who experience emotional flooding when working with their trauma memories, people who are not ready to confront their trauma, and people with intellectual disabilities.
3. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
In Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), psychotherapy is accompanied by ketamine. By inducing a state of altered consciousness, it makes it easier for a person to explore painful experiences without experiencing the intense emotional distress that typically accompanies them. In addition to treating depression, it is effective for treating trauma.
The KAP process is a structured process that begins with preparation, when the therapist and the client discuss the client’s history and establish therapeutic goals.
During the ketamine session, the client receives a low dose of ketamine while the therapist provides support and guidance as the client explores their inner experiences. In the integration phase following the session, the client discusses and reflects on the experience, assisting them in making sense of any new insights.
Treatment length: Usually 2 to 4 preparation sessions, 3 to 6 ketamine sessions, and 1 to 2 integration sessions. KAP is beneficial for people who have plateaued or feel “stuck” after trying other treatments. Those with a history of psychosis disorders, substance abuse disorders, and certain underlying heart and respiratory conditions may not be good candidates for KAP.
4. The Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM)
In the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), neurobiological, somatic, and psychological methods are integrated to promote holistic healing. As part of the process, the therapist uses guided imagery and breathwork to help clients connect with a supportive “sacred place,” such as a spiritual being, animal, or force of nature. Once the connection is established, trauma work can begin. Clients are encouraged to share aspects of their pain related to the traumatic event.
They observe their physical and emotional reactions with curiosity and without judgment. The supportive resources help clients delve into their trauma, fully experience, process, and release it while discovering new, healing truths.
Clients gain deep healing and empowerment through this approach. A person’s unique treatment process determines the length of treatment. People who are purpose-driven and seeking a more holistic approach to trauma healing would benefit from CRM. People who struggle with abstract thinking and conceptualization, people with spiritual/religious trauma, and people who are not ready to confront their trauma may not find CRM helpful.
5. The Brief Eclectic Therapy (BET)
Brief Eclectic Therapy (BET) is a highly effective, brief intervention that addresses trauma. Combining elements of CBT and psychodynamic therapy, BET empowers clients to understand the nature and impact of trauma on their mind and body. By incorporating cognitive-behavioral techniques, the therapist helps individuals identify and reframe negative thoughts related to their traumatic experiences. BET also involves writing assignments and exposure therapy, providing a safe space for clients to confront and process their trauma.
As part of this process, clients may be asked to bring in any items that trigger memories of the event. In the final sessions, the focus shifts towards exploring how the client has been affected by the trauma and what they have learned from it. Treatment usually lasts 16 sessions. People looking for a more experiential approach to healing trauma instead of solely traditional talk therapy would benefit from BET. Clients who struggle with writing and articulation, those who don’t comply with homework assignments, and those who aren’t ready to confront their trauma may not be a good fit for BET.
6. The Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
ART, a recent evidence-based method for addressing trauma, involves integrating eye movement desensitization processing, cognitive processing, and psychodynamic techniques. In a session, the therapist guides the client in visualizing the traumatic experience while tracking their movements from side to side. This is typically done with the therapist’s hand. Then, the client is encouraged to imagine a more desirable outcome.
Through this bilateral stimulation, the brain can reorganize and reframe the traumatic memory in a new way. The treatment usually lasts between one and five sessions. People who are looking for quick relief, as well as those who have multiple traumas to process, could benefit from ART. Individuals who are not ready to confront their trauma and tolerate the distress that can come with it in the short term may not be suitable for ART.
7. Peer Support Groups and Group Therapy
In addition to providing support, talking to other trauma survivors can reduce a person’s sense of isolation. In trauma-related group therapy, a licensed therapist guides participants in understanding trauma, managing distress, and supporting one another. In contrast, support groups are not led by therapists and are more informal. They offer people a chance to share their trauma experiences and receive peer support and validation.
8. Therapy for Families
Family therapy can help a person and their family understand what happened and agree on how to move forward when they experience trauma within their family. Although family therapy can be beneficial for the whole family, there are times when it is not appropriate to use it—for example, if a family member has a serious mental health condition that prevents them from fully participating in therapy healing (such as narcissistic personality disorder or schizophrenia).
9. Work with Your Inner Child
An individual who experiences trauma in childhood often keeps the wounds of childhood with them into adulthood. This leads to unhealthy beliefs and behaviors that cause ongoing distress and relationship issues. A person can stop replaying unhealthy patterns in adulthood by healing their inner child by identifying, understanding, and addressing the needs of their inner child.
10. Yoga That Is Trauma-Informed
Through yoga movements, trauma-informed yoga promotes a person’s ability to stay present with their body and emotions instead of dissociating. When coping with trauma, the nervous system may choose to dissociate and disconnect from the body as powerful protective measures. However, this same coping mechanism also prevents healing from happening. Yoga that is trauma-informed can help people reconnect to their bodies and gain confidence in their ability to manage emotions.
11. Medication
In some instances, individuals may need to consider medication for post-traumatic stress disorder in addition to psychotherapy when they have such intense reactions or many traumas. By making the process more manageable, medications help a person stay engaged in their therapy treatment and build their confidence in skills and regulation. Some individuals may need to continue or change their medications after therapy treatment has ended, while others may not.
12. Music & Art Therapy
People use their creativity in art therapy and music therapy to express their feelings, thoughts, and needs. Art and music are considered intrinsically healing and can provide comfort to clients as they develop a close connection with their therapist. A non-verbal client or someone who has difficulty identifying and expressing feelings can benefit particularly from these approaches.
13. Hypnotherapy
Through hypnotherapy for PTSD, the therapist assists the person in connecting more deeply with their subconscious through a variety of techniques. By reprogramming their responses, they can resolve traumatic memories. It is often not enough to heal trauma on its own without incorporating other forms of healing work, and hypnotherapy is often used alongside other therapeutic approaches as a supplemental aid in healing.
14. Therapy Through Play
Children and adolescents are often treated with play therapy, but adults may also benefit from it in certain situations. Incorporating toys, art supplies, puppets, or other positive activities can help a person process trauma in a non-intimidating way. Through play, a therapist can gain a better understanding of the client while providing them with an opportunity to express their feelings, thoughts, and problems.
Trauma therapists may choose to incorporate alternative therapeutic or psychiatric approaches in their treatment, tailored to individuals’ specific needs. These methods offer diverse paths for accessing and expressing trauma memories, such as art therapy, mindfulness practices, or inner child work. Support groups and family therapy can also prove beneficial, fostering a sense of community and improving relationships while navigating the healing process. Depending on the situation, medication may be prescribed as well for symptom management. Educate yourself on the various therapeutic styles available and choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and symptoms before selecting a trauma-informed therapist.
