Talk therapy on its own is rarely enough to help people overcome trauma. While it can help guide you to recovery, it often falls short in addressing the complex nature of trauma. This can lead to skepticism or outright [rejection] regarding the benefits of therapy. But there is more to the picture. A traumatic event affects your entire being, both body and mind, and effective treatment must take this into consideration. Recovering from a traumatic experience is a challenge, but with the right approach, you will find that hope and healing isn’t just possible—it’s attainable.
Below, we explore three effective trauma treatment techniques that can provide you with hope and healing when standard therapy isn’t enough.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a widely recognized therapy that has transformed the lives of many individuals coping with trauma. Although the method has faced scrutiny over its effectiveness, it has gained validation from organizations such as the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This therapeutic strategy is thoroughly supported by research promoting its efficacy.
How EMDR Works
During EMDR sessions, therapists guide clients through a process that involves bilateral stimulation, often through guided eye movements. The therapist first prepares the client by discussing their goals and assessing their coping skills. Once ready, the client focuses on a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which helps to activate the brain’s natural information processing system. This technique allows clients to reprocess traumatic memories in a safe environment, ultimately helping them transform these memories into neutral experiences.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is effective for those suffering from a wide range of complex trauma and PTSD. It particularly benefits those who find it difficult to balance weekly therapy sessions with the demands of a busy life. EMDR intensives can provide quick relief, allowing significant process in a short amount of time. Clients struggling with dissociation or other problems that have interfered with past trauma treatments can also benefit from EMDR.
What to Expect During EMDR Sessions
EMDR sessions typically last about 60 to 90 minutes, but effectiveness can be increased by participating in an EMDR intensive. These sessions can be scheduled with an EMDR certified therapist for anywhere from a few hours to a full day. Initially, you’ll share your traumatic experiences and the feelings associated with them. As the session progresses, you might experience a range of emotions—some may be uncomfortable, while others can lead to catharsis and relief. Your therapist will guide you through these feelings, helping you understand and manage your emotional responses as you work towards healing.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another powerful technique designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and control impulses. This trauma treatment technique was developed by Marsha Linehan and provides clients with a range of skills to regulate emotions and handle stressful situations.
DBT Principles and Techniques
DBT emphasizes mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It equips clients with skills to better manage their emotions, tolerate distress, and navigate relationships. Core skills taught in DBT include:
- Mindfulness: Staying present and aware.
- Emotional Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions.
- Distress Tolerance: Building resilience in the face of crisis.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Enhancing communication and relationship skills.
Who Can Benefit from DBT?
DBT is particularly effective for individuals experiencing emotional instability, self-destructive behaviors, or relationship challenges. It is different from traditional therapies in that it combines individual therapy with group skills training, providing a comprehensive approach to emotional healing and growth.
What to Expect During DBT Sessions
A full-adherence DBT program will include a three-pronged approach, but a qualified trauma therapist can help you decide what level of involvement is right for you. Participating in a full DBT program involves a series of group sessions, which are structured more similarly to classes than traditional group therapy. The educational format lends itself well to those who are typically uncomfortable with group therapy.
During these sessions, clients will develop skills to help them navigate healthy relationships and stop destructive behaviors. Individual therapy sessions then supplement the group classes to help clients apply their newly-acquired skills. Your individual therapist provides further support through DBT skills phone coaching designed to support real-time use of the skills in daily life.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP)
Trauma is not a purely mental struggle, and its effects can’t always be described in words. Sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP) recognizes the profound connection between mind and body, addressing how trauma manifests physically. By focusing on the bodily sensations associated with traumatic memories, this therapy can help release emotional blockages and promote healing.
The Mind-Body Connection in Trauma
Trauma can often lead to physical symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, or anxiety. SP seeks to uncover these connections, helping clients understand how their emotional states impact their physical well-being. Techniques may include mindfulness practices, breathwork, and somatic experiencing, all aimed at reconnecting the mind and body.
Who Can Benefit from SP?
Individuals experiencing Sensorimotor symptoms—where emotional distress manifests as physical symptoms—may find significant relief through this approach. It can be particularly helpful for those struggling with anxiety, depression, or chronic pain, offering insights into how past traumas can shape current experiences. SP gives the non-verbal aspects of trauma a conduit for analysis, and it can benefit those who find it difficult to express the extent of their trauma with words alone.
What to Expect During SP Sessions
In SP, sessions often begin with a discussion about your physical and emotional experiences. The therapist may guide you through mindfulness exercises, helping you become aware of how your body reacts to stress and trauma. As you progress, you might engage in techniques designed to help you process these feelings physically, leading to a deeper understanding of your experiences and, ultimately, greater healing.
Deciding Which Trauma Treatment Technique is Right for You
Each of these trauma treatment techniques—EMDR, DBT, and Sensorimotor psychotherapy—offers unique benefits tailored to the complexities of trauma. Deciding which treatment works best for your situation is a significant step towards recovery, but the choice may not be clear. We recommend consulting with a qualified professional to discuss potential treatment options.
Healing is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone. Together, let’s take the next steps towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.