Most people will experience a traumatic event during their lives, but in some situations, trauma can cause long-lasting effects that disrupt their ability to live the way they want. Even though a traumatic event may have happened a long time ago, it can still have an impact on your physical, mental, and emotional health. A trauma therapy treatment program can help you process and cope with the aftermath of trauma so that it doesn’t always take center stage. Learning more about trauma therapy, treatment programs, and how they can benefit you empowers you to make informed decisions about getting help. Call Northpoint Seattle at 888.483.6031 for more information, or reach out to us online.
How to Tell If You Need Trauma Therapy
Trauma is an intensely distressing experience or series of experiences. A traumatic experience can take many forms. For some, it might be an accident or natural disaster. For others, it might be a series of circumstances, such as exposure to violence or abuse. Every person reacts differently to trauma. While some people can continue in life without long-lasting effects, others need help to cope. Here are some signs that you could benefit from trauma therapy:
- Frequent nightmares or dreams about the experience
- Intense, disruptive memories or flashbacks
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Difficulty in maintaining relationships
- Depression or negative feelings about the future
- Feeling distant or emotionally numb
- Avoiding people and situations that trigger memories of the experience
- Anxiety, irritability, or emotional outbursts
- Risky behaviors such as drug use or excessive drinking
If your symptoms are negatively impacting your life, it is time to reach out for professional help. Trauma therapy can be an invaluable resource for those living with the effects of their trauma.
What Is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy is a type of therapy that has the goal of helping patients understand, process, and learn to cope with their traumatic experiences. Trauma therapists use many different approaches to allow patients to explore their feelings, triggers, and reactions in a safe and supportive environment. During this process, patients learn new coping strategies that let them manage the effects of their trauma in a healthier way. If a patient is also dealing with substance use, alcohol, or another mental health condition, these issues will also be addressed. Some of the therapeutic strategies that are used in trauma therapy are:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Individual (talk) therapy
- Family therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
Trauma therapy can be highly beneficial to the healing process. With the right help and support, individuals with trauma can learn to manage their symptoms, cope effectively and healthily, and improve their quality of life.
The Benefits of Trauma Therapy
Sometimes, patients do not fully realize the extent of the impact that their trauma has had on their life. Patients are sometimes also dealing with issues related to substance or alcohol abuse or underlying mental health conditions. It can be challenging to face traumatic experiences and to talk about them, even with a caring therapist. However, if you are living in the aftermath of a traumatic experience, getting help from a trauma treatment program can have many benefits. Some of these are:
- Reducing the impact that triggering events can have on daily life
- Helping you feel more secure and stable
- Improving your relationships with your loved ones
- Supporting you in setting and maintaining healthy boundaries
- Gaining an understanding of how trauma has affected your life
- Learning ways to cope with emotions that are healthy and productive
Trauma therapy may be the key to overcoming and healing from your trauma and the impact it has on your everyday life.
Northpoint Seattle: Trauma Treatment for Recovery
At our treatment center in Seattle, Washington, we offer flexible, individualized programs that can help you or your loved one recover from the effects of trauma. Whether you are experiencing substance use issues, a mental health condition, or a mix of issues, we can help you achieve a full and lasting recovery. If you or someone that you care about has been struggling with the effects of trauma, reach out to our caring and compassionate staff today at 888.483.6031 or online and learn how we can help.