Understanding Trauma
Trauma can be described as a response to an intensely distressing event or series of events that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causing feelings of helplessness, diminishing their sense of self, and their ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences. Trauma is not defined by the event itself, but rather by the individual’s experience of the event. Events that can lead to trauma include physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, accidents, war, or the sudden loss of a loved one.
Trauma can manifest in various ways, affecting individuals physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts about the event, and persistent feelings of sadness, anger, fear, or guilt.
Trauma Therapy at Atlantic Behavioral Health
At Atlantic Behavioral Health, we understand the complexity of trauma and its profound impact on an individual’s life. Our approach to trauma therapy is multifaceted, incorporating various therapeutic techniques to address the unique needs of each patient. We primarily use the following types of therapy:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapy that helps individuals recognize and change negative thinking and behavior patterns. In trauma treatment, CBT focuses on identifying and understanding the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. It is particularly effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety-related disorders.
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Prolonged Exposure Therapy: This therapy involves gradually exposing patients to trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations. The goal is to help them process and reduce the power of trauma-related responses. Prolonged exposure therapy has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a unique, interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress. It is an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD. During EMDR therapy sessions, patients briefly relive specific traumatic memories while the therapist directs their eye movements, which helps in processing the trauma and reducing its distressing impact.
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Narrative Exposure Therapy: This is a treatment for trauma disorders, particularly in individuals suffering from complex and multiple traumas. It focuses on creating a chronological narrative of the individual’s life, paying particular attention to traumatic experiences and their impact.
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Family Therapy: Trauma can affect not only the individual but also their family. Family therapy can be crucial in helping family members understand the impact of trauma and how to support their loved one effectively. This therapy fosters communication, understanding, and healthy family dynamics.
The Impact of Trauma
Trauma can have far-reaching effects on an individual’s life, influencing their relationships, work, and overall well-being. It is not uncommon for individuals with unresolved trauma to develop coping mechanisms that may be maladaptive, such as substance abuse or withdrawal from social interactions. Understanding the impact of trauma is the first step in the healing process.
The Healing Journey
The journey to heal from trauma is deeply personal and can vary greatly from one individual to another. Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process their traumatic experiences, understand their reactions, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
