Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-Informed Care is grounded in five key principles that provide a safe and supportive environment for those who have experienced trauma and are looking for ways to address it.
These 5 principles are:
Safety
Trustworthiness and Transparency
Peer Support
Collaboration and Mutuality
Empowerment, Voice, and Choice
What is the Difference Between
Trauma Therapy and Trauma-Informed Therapy?
While both trauma therapy and trauma-informed therapy address trauma, it’s important to note that they are not the same thing.
Trauma therapy typically refers to specific therapeutic interventions designed to target and process trauma, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), narrative therapy, or somatic experiencing. Trauma therapy often involves exploring and processing traumatic memories to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
Trauma-informed therapy, on the other hand, is a broader approach to addressing and treating trauma. It’s not a specific therapeutic modality, but rather a framework that guides the therapeutic relationship and treatment planning. As we touched on, trauma-informed therapy prioritizes creating a safe and supportive environment, acknowledging the prevalence of trauma, and integrating trauma-sensitive practices into all aspects of care.
So, to recap, trauma-informed therapy is an umbrella term used to describe various forms of trauma-related therapy, one of which being trauma therapy.
Is CBT a Trauma-Informed Approach?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that is used to treat a number of different ailments. CBT focuses on identifying the underlying causes of the issue, such as negative thoughts and behaviors, and teaching new, healthier coping mechanisms.
While CBT is not a specific trauma therapy, it can be incorporated into the overall trauma-informed approach.
In a trauma-informed CBT approach, therapists integrate an understanding of trauma and its effects into the therapeutic process. This may involve modifying traditional CBT techniques to be more sensitive to the unique needs of trauma survivors. An example of this is pacing the therapy to accommodate the person’s comfort level, emphasizing safety, and incorporating grounding techniques.
It is important to note, however, that not all therapists well-versed in CBT have experience working with those experiencing trauma. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you seek out a therapist specifically experienced in trauma-informed CBT.
How does Trauma-Informed Therapy Work?
We’ve talked a lot about the various principles of trauma-informed therapy but it’s also important to understand how it all works as well. Trauma-informed therapy operates on the foundational understanding that trauma can have pervasive and lasting effects on an individual’s life.
Below is a breakdown of how it all works:
Assessment and Collaboration
Creating a Safe Environment
Psychoeducation
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques
Flexibility and Individualization
How Effective is Trauma-Informed Therapy?
Beyond just that, though, trauma-informed therapy is also effective in reducing symptoms commonly associated with trauma such as intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and avoidance behaviors. It has also proven to be effective in helping to improve overall functionality.
Once again though, it is important to note that the effectiveness of this type of therapy can vary based on factors such as the severity of the trauma.
What Is An Example of a Trauma-Informed Approach?
An example of a trauma-informed approach can be observed in the integration of trauma-sensitive language and practices within therapeutic settings. This includes:
Language and Communication
Choice and Autonomy
Sensory Considerations
Flexibility in Scheduling
By incorporating these elements into the therapeutic process, a trauma-informed approach fosters an environment that promotes safety, trust, and collaboration, essential for the healing journey.
Why is a Trauma-Informed Approach Important in Women’s Treatment?
A trauma-informed approach is particularly crucial in women’s treatment due to the higher prevalence of trauma experienced by women. Many women seeking mental health support have histories of trauma that are unique to women, such as interpersonal violence, sexual assault, or childhood abuse.
Additionally, women may experience trauma in ways that are different than men, especially when it comes to some of the gender-specific trauma examples we listed above. A trauma-informed approach in women’s treatment recognizes and addresses these gender-specific traumas, creating a space where women feel understood and supported.
Trauma-informed therapy also allows women to break many of the stigmas surrounding women and mental health. This type of therapy promotes an environment of understanding, empathy, and validation, allowing the therapist to break down societal barriers and promote a culture of compassion and support.
Get Trauma-Informed Therapy at Lightwork Therapy and Recovery
We are a women’s only treatment center located in Woburn, Massachusetts specializing in treatment for trauma-based issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD in an outpatient setting.
For more information on our treatment programs, contact us today. Together, we can illuminate the path to healing and well-being.