Beginning trauma therapy can be a daunting prospect, but it doesn't have to be. With the right preparation and understanding of the process, survivors can start their journey to recovery with confidence. To begin, it's important to focus on restoring a sense of security and helping the survivor to discover their resources and use them. It's also important to note that if one type of therapy doesn't work, there are other options available.
When seeking professional help, it's important to provide details about your medical history, medication, and insurance plan. Additionally, the therapist may evaluate you to determine if trauma therapy is right for you and what form of treatment would work best. If you're a veteran, there are organizations that offer therapy and resources for trauma and PTSD. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network lists more than 30 trauma-based modalities that can be used with children, including TF-CBT, which is a short-term intervention aimed at the child's thoughts and behaviors around the traumatic experience.
Trauma therapy can help survivors disconfirm problematic beliefs, develop a new perspective on the traumatic experience, and reduce the intensity of trauma-related emotions. The hardest part of trauma therapy is accepting that the pain won't necessarily go away. However, with the right support and coping skills, survivors can cope with their trauma and live a meaningful life.
