What is Trauma Informed Therapy?
Going deeper into trauma with trauma-informed therapies.
Trauma-informed therapy is a holistic approach that recognizes the impact trauma can have on an individual's mental and physical well-being. It involves understanding the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma and incorporates various modalities to promote healing and recovery. This approach is becoming increasingly popular as research continues to reveal the limitations of traditional talk therapy in effectively treating trauma-related conditions.
Trauma-informed therapy recognizes that trauma can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also acknowledges that traditional talk therapy may not always provide the necessary tools to process and heal from traumatic experiences fully. In contrast, trauma-informed therapy takes into account the individual's unique needs and incorporates different therapeutic modalities to promote healing.
Scientific Evidence For Trauma-Informed Therapies:
A randomized controlled trial from 2015 published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, found that trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and depression in a group of women with a history of childhood abuse.
A study from 2016, published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, found that trauma-informed CBT was effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and depression in a group of veterans with a history of military-related trauma.
A study from 2018, published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, found that a trauma-informed therapy called "Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (TREM)" was effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and improving overall well-being in a group of women with a history of sexual violence.
A systematic review and meta-analysis from 2019, published in the Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, found that trauma-informed therapies, including CBT, EMDR, and TF-CBT, were effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety in individuals with a history of trauma.
Somatic Experiencing: A Breakthrough in Trauma
One of the most effective modalities that can be incorporated into trauma-informed therapy is somatic experiencing therapy (SET). SET is a body-oriented therapy that focuses on the physiological effects of trauma and helps individuals to safely release and process the traumatic energy stored in their body. Unlike traditional talk therapy, SET does not require individuals to retell their traumatic experiences in order to work through them. Instead, it focuses on the present moment and helps individuals become more aware of their physical sensations to release stored traumatic energy. A study conducted by the Trauma Resource Institute found that SET led to a significant reduction in symptoms of PTSD and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) in veterans.
Breathwork; A powerful new tool.
Another modality that can be incorporated into trauma-informed therapy is breathwork. Breathwork is a therapeutic technique involving specific breathing patterns to help individuals access and release stored emotional and physical energy. It's a powerful tool that can help to regulate the nervous system and promote a sense of calm and well-being. Breathwork can also be used to help individuals develop greater body awareness, which is essential for healing from trauma. A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that breathwork can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with PTSD.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation is another therapeutic technique that can be integrated into trauma informed therapy. It's a practice that involves focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to increase awareness of the present moment. Meditation can help individuals to develop greater self-awareness, which can lead to a greater understanding of the trauma and how it has affected them. A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that meditation can be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD in veterans.
In addition, trauma informed therapy may also incorporate other alternative modalities such as art therapy, music therapy, animal-assisted therapy and movement therapy. These therapies focus on using nonverbal forms of expression, such as art, music, animals, or movement to help individuals process their emotions and traumas.
In conclusion, trauma informed therapy is a holistic approach to therapy that recognizes the impact that trauma can have on an individual's mental and physical well-being. It involves understanding the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma and incorporates various modalities such as somatic experiencing therapy, breathwork, and meditation to promote healing and recovery. Research has shown that these alternative therapies can be effective in treating a wide range of trauma-related conditions and should be considered as treatment options for those struggling with the effects of trauma. It is important to consult with a therapist trained in trauma informed therapy to determine the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.