Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic, often debilitating mental health disorder that may develop after a traumatic event such as abuse, an accident, a natural disaster, a mass shooting, or a combat situation.
SAMHSA defines trauma as the result of “an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and physical, social, emotional or spiritual well-being” [1].
Trauma therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that helps people process and recover from the psychological, emotional, and physical impacts of traumatic events. Read on to learn about what it consists of, the different types, techniques, and its effectiveness.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma therapy is a central part of trauma-informed care, an approach that focuses on how trauma may affect an individual’s life and his or her response to behavioral health services. Trauma-informed care incorporates three key elements [1]:
- Realizing the prevalence of trauma
- Recognizing how trauma affects those involved within the program or organization
- Responding by putting this knowledge into practice
What Is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy incorporates various therapeutic approaches. Its purpose is to alleviate the effects of trauma by reducing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. It aims to help individuals regain control over their lives and restore a sense of safety.
3 Main Types of Trauma Therapy
There is a wide range of types of trauma therapy. The three most recommended by the Veterans Health Administration and the American Psychological Association each have a large evidence base and are trauma-focused. These therapies directly address memories of the traumatic event or thoughts and feelings related to it. They are:
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
PE focuses on helping individuals confront trauma-related memories and situations in a controlled setting. By gradually facing these distressing thoughts and fears rather than avoiding them, individuals can reduce their emotional distress and regain control over their lives. PE has proven to be highly effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall functioning.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT works by modifying distorted beliefs related to trauma. In 12 structured sessions, individuals learn to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, such as self-blame or guilt. Then they can replace these thoughts with balanced perspectives. CPT reduces PTSD symptoms, improves emotional regulation, and enhances overall well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a goal-oriented therapy that helps individuals change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Individuals learn to identify and challenge irrational beliefs and replace them with more realistic beliefs. By promoting lasting behavioral and cognitive change, CBT effectively treats anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD.
Other Types of Trauma Therapy
There are numerous other types of trauma therapy. Here are some of the most commonly used [2]:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
This uses bilateral stimulation (e.g. eye movements) to help process distressing memories. It usually consists of 6-12 sessions and enables an individual to access and reframe traumatic experiences. EMDR reduces the emotional impact of trauma and promotes resolution by enhancing the brain’s natural healing processes. It is effective in treating PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions.
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Typically used with children, adolescents, and families affected by trauma, this therapy combines trauma-sensitive interventions with CBT techniques. Using psychoeducation, skill-building, and gradual exposure to trauma memories, TF-CBT helps youth process experiences, reduce symptoms, and improve coping. Normally it involves 12-16 sessions and includes caregivers for support and healing.
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
SE is a body-centered approach that helps heal trauma and stress by focusing on the mind-body connection. It uses techniques like breathwork, mindfulness, and movement to release stored tension and emotions in the body. By increasing awareness of physical sensations, it helps individuals process trauma, reduce symptoms, and restore emotional balance.
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
This therapy is designed for individuals with complex or multiple traumatic experiences, such as refugees. It involves creating a chronological narrative of the person’s life to integrate traumatic events in context and process them. By reconstructing and organizing memories, NET reduces PTSD symptoms, enables emotional healing, and helps individuals regain a sense of identity and control.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
KAP combines low-dose ketamine with psychotherapy to treat treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Ketamine’s rapid-acting effects enhance neuroplasticity and emotional openness, facilitating deeper therapeutic work. Individuals explore and process emotions, thoughts, and memories, guided by a therapist. KAP is typically conducted in a controlled, medically supervised setting. While promising, KAP requires more long-term studies to fully establish its efficacy and safety for widespread use.
Techniques in Trauma Therapy
In addition to trauma therapies, there are specific techniques developed for treating trauma. There are three that illustrate the range of trauma-informed work:
Cognitive Restructuring
This core technique in CBT helps individuals identify and challenge distorted or irrational thoughts. It promotes healthier thinking patterns by helping individuals examine evidence, reframe negative beliefs, and replace them with balanced, realistic perspectives. This process reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It also develops emotional resilience and improved coping skills.
Exposure Therapy
This technique is used for anxiety disorders, phobias, and PTSD. It involves gradual, controlled exposure to feared situations, objects, or memories to help individuals confront and reduce fear responses. Through repeated exposure, the brain learns that the perceived threat is not dangerous, decreasing avoidance and anxiety, and leading to lasting recovery and improved emotional regulation.
Expressive Arts Techniques
This technique allows individuals to explore and express emotions, thoughts, and experiences through drawing, painting, music, dance, and drama. By engaging in artistic expression, individuals access deeper parts of themselves. This facilitates healing, self-awareness, and emotional release. These techniques are effective for trauma, stress, and personal growth, fostering holistic well-being.
How Effective is Trauma Therapy
Research indicates that 70-80% of individuals show significant improvement after undergoing trauma therapy. In general, there are no significant differences in the efficacy of the most used therapies. Long-term studies confirm the effectiveness of various approaches in reducing PTSD symptoms and promoting resilience. However, treatment outcomes depend on factors such as the type of trauma, individual readiness for therapy, and adherence to treatment plans.
Prolonged Exposure (PE) is one of the most studied treatments in many clinical trials, with the following results [3].
- On average, 53% of those who start PE no longer meet the criteria for PTSD.
- For those who complete treatment, this increases to 68%.
- Long-term follow-up shows that 83% of those who received PE no longer met the criteria 6 years following treatment.
Trauma-Informed Therapies at Maple Mountain Mental Health and Wellness
Trauma can feel isolating and overwhelming, but healing is possible with the right support. Whether through therapy, medication, or holistic practices, recovery is within reach. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Maple Mountain Mental Health & Wellness Center has a compassionate team of trauma-informed therapists who are here to provide comprehensive support.
We understand the complex nature of trauma and offer individualized treatment options. Healing starts with taking the first step. Reach out to our Admissions team today.
Sources
[A] Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US). Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2014. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 57.) Chapter 1, Trauma-Informed Care: A Sociocultural Perspective.
[B] Watkins LE. et al.2018. Treating PTSD: A Review of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions. Front Behav Neurosci. 2018 Nov 2;12:258.
[C] McSweeney L. et al. Prolonged Exposure for PTSD.
