The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense have done extensive work assessing trauma-informed therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They now recommend certain therapies over medications. Research studies have shown that these therapies lead to greater long-term improvements in PTSD symptoms compared with medications alone. [1].
There are many types of trauma-informed therapy. The first priority is to find a trauma-informed therapist you feel comfortable working with. Trauma-informed therapy acknowledges the impact of trauma while prioritizing safety, trust, and empowerment. It integrates an understanding of trauma’s effects on behavior and health while ensuring the individual is treated with compassion and collaboration rather than being reduced to their trauma.
Why Is Trauma Complex to Treat?
Treating trauma can be challenging due to various factors, including:
- Complexity of the trauma: A single-event trauma is different from continued abuse or repeated exposure to traumatic events.
- Brain and nervous system dysregulation: Trauma can affect the functioning of the brain and nervous system. This makes emotional regulation difficult.
- Psychological and emotional barriers: Treatment is often complicated by the individual’s feelings of avoidance, guilt, shame, and dissociation.
- Co-occurring conditions: Recovery can be hindered by depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or chronic physical pain.
- Social and environmental factors: Healing is made harder by lack of support, stigma, or ongoing stress (such as an unsafe living environment).
- Therapeutic challenges: Skillful intervention is required to build trust, prevent re-traumatization, and overcome resistance to treatment.
- Cultural and individual differences: Personal beliefs and coping styles affect how people respond to treatment.
- Memory fragmentation: Trauma often disrupts memory processing, making it harder to integrate experiences.
- Length and severity: Long-term trauma may lead individuals to believe change is not possible.
- Access to trained trauma-informed therapists: Finding a qualified therapist can be difficult, particularly in underserved areas.
A personalized approach considers these challenges. The therapist tailors treatment to the individual’s strengths, needs, and circumstances.
9 Effective Therapies for Trauma
There are several evidence-based therapies used to treat trauma, and the best approach depends on an individual’s experience and symptoms.
The VA identifies Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as the most effective for PTSD. Other treatment modalities have been found to be useful, and are continuously being evaluated for their effectiveness.
1. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (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 [2].
2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR uses guided bilateral eye movements to help reprocess traumatic memories. This reduces the emotional intensity of traumatic experiences and promotes adaptive thinking. EMDR is especially beneficial for individuals who struggle to verbalize their trauma.
3. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful trauma-related beliefs, such as self-blame, guilt, or distorted thinking. It involves structured writing and discussion exercises designed to reframe negative thought patterns and promote emotional healing. .
4. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT combines traditional CBT techniques with trauma-sensitive interventions to help individuals develop coping strategies and integrate traumatic memories. This therapy is particularly effective for children, adolescents, and families affected by trauma.
5. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
ART is a short-term treatment that incorporates eye movement techniques, guided imagery, and cognitive processing to help reframe traumatic memories. It allows individuals to imagine alternative outcomes to their trauma, which can help the brain store these memories in a less distressing way.
6. Somatic Therapy
This is a body-centered approach to trauma healing that recognizes trauma is stored in the nervous system and must be physically discharged rather than simply cognitively processed. This therapy helps individuals release stored survival energy without having to re-experience traumatic events directly. It involves tracking body sensations, breathwork, micro-movements, and grounding exercises to allow individuals to complete the body’s natural stress cycles and restore regulation to the nervous system.
7. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT teaches skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to help manage trauma-related symptoms. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience emotional dysregulation or engage in self-harm.
8. Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
IFS is a unique approach that views the mind as made up of different “parts”—some of which hold trauma, while others act as protectors. This therapy recognizes that trauma fragments the spirit, leading to inner conflicts, shame, and emotional reactivity. By working with these parts in a nonjudgmental way, individuals can reintegrate their experiences and develop a sense of inner harmony. IFS is especially helpful for those dealing with complex PTSD, dissociation, or deep-seated emotional wounds.
9. Psychedelic-assisted Therapy
This is an emerging approach that uses psychedelic substances under medical supervision to facilitate psychological healing. These treatments promote neuroplasticity, helping individuals process trauma in a way that may not be possible with traditional therapy alone. While research is ongoing, early results show promise for the treatment of PTSD.
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
[1] Norman, S. et al. Overview of Psychotherapy for PTSD. US Department of Veterans Affairs.
[2] American Psychological Association. 2020. PTSD Treatments
