Trauma Focused Therapy
PHW services are designed to provide you with a safe and confidential environment to work through your past traumas with a trained professional. Our trauma and PTSD therapy services are available throughout California — both in-person at our Red Bluff, CA office and via telehealth for clients across Sacramento, Redding, Chico, Los Angeles, San Diego, and all of California.
TRAUMA THERAPY
Overcoming trauma is not something you have to do alone
If you or someone you know has experienced a traumatic event, seeking the help of a trauma therapist can be an essential step towards healing and recovery. Trauma therapy encompasses various approaches and techniques that aim to address the emotional and psychological impact of traumatic experiences. Whether you are dealing with acute trauma or have been carrying the weight of past traumatic events, this post will provide valuable insights into the world of trauma treatment.
Types of trauma therapy techniques
There are different types of trauma therapy techniques that can be used to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences. These therapies are designed to address the specific needs and symptoms associated with trauma, providing support and guidance throughout the healing process.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a widely used technique in trauma therapy. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to distressing emotions and reactions.
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Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a relatively new type of therapy designed to help individuals access, process, and overcome trauma, emotional distress, and somatic symptoms.
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Developed by Dr. David Grand, it is based on the idea that the position of your eyes can affect the way you feel and process emotional experiences. During a brainspotting session, therapists help clients find specific eye positions, known as "brainspots," that are linked to hidden trauma in the subcortical brain. By maintaining focus on these spots and using bilateral sound, brainspotting enables deep processing and integration of emotional and bodily experiences. This therapy is praised for its ability to tap into the body’s natural self-healing capacities, offering a path to recovery and emotional well-being for a wide range of psychological issues.
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy primarily used to help individuals who are struggling with the effects of trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
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It is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on how traumatic events are interpreted and understood, and how these interpretations affect one's emotional and mental well-being. CPT typically involves helping individuals confront and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma, such as feelings of guilt, blame, or mistrust. Through a structured process, therapists guide clients in examining and reframing these thoughts, leading to a significant reduction in the distressing symptoms of PTSD. This approach empowers individuals to gain control over their thoughts, providing tools for coping and fostering resilience.
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Narrative therapy
Narrative Therapy is a respectful and non-blaming approach to counseling and community work, centered around the belief that people are separate from their problems.
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This approach allows individuals to narrate their own life stories and personal experiences, viewing these narratives as stories that shape their perception of life and their identity. In narrative therapy, therapists assist clients in re-authoring their stories, highlighting and strengthening their skills, knowledge, and abilities to change the negative patterns and influences in their lives. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and cultural narratives that influence these stories. By exploring and reinterpreting life narratives, individuals can find new meaning and empowerment, leading to positive changes in their lives.
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Somatic Therapy
Somatic Therapy is a holistic therapy that studies the relationship between the mind and body in regard to psychological past. It is a body-oriented approach, incorporating psychotherapy and physical therapies to heal trauma and other emotional and physical pain.
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Unlike traditional talk therapies, Somatic Therapy focuses on bodily sensations, movement, and the embodied experience as vital components of the healing process. Therapists help clients to become more aware of their bodily sensations and learn to release and heal tension, trauma, and stress stored in the body. This therapy is effective in treating a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma, as it addresses the often-neglected somatic symptoms of these conditions.
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Inner child work
Inner Child Work is a vital component of personal growth and healing, based on the concept that we all have a child-like aspect within our subconscious mind.
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This aspect, often referred to as the 'inner child,' holds the emotions, memories, and experiences of our early life. Inner child work involves communicating with, understanding, caring for, and healing this part of one’s psyche. It's a process of uncovering and resolving old emotional wounds, often originating in childhood, which may be impacting an individual's adult life. Techniques such as guided meditation, creative visualization, and therapeutic dialogue are used to help individuals re-experience and heal their childhood memories. By doing so, they can resolve deep-seated issues such as fears, abandonment, unmet needs, and traumas, leading to a more fulfilled and balanced adult life.
Understanding how trauma therapy works
Trauma therapy is a type of treatment that aims to help individuals who have experienced traumatic events. This therapy focuses on addressing the impact of trauma on a person's mental and emotional well-being.
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Experiencing trauma can significantly affect a person's functioning in various areas of their life. Traumatic events may lead to difficulties in concentration, memory, and decision-making. It can also affect one's ability to form and maintain relationships or engage in daily activities. Trauma therapy helps individuals regain control over their lives by addressing these challenges.
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Cognitive processing plays a crucial role in trauma therapy. It involves helping individuals understand and make sense of their traumatic experiences. By exploring thoughts, emotions, and beliefs associated with the trauma, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms. Cognitive processing also helps challenge negative beliefs about oneself that may have developed as a result of the trauma.
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Trauma therapists utilize various techniques to assist individuals in their healing journey:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns related to the trauma.
Exposure Therapy: This technique gradually exposes individuals to situations or memories associated with the trauma, allowing them to confront their fears safely.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): MBSR incorporates mindfulness practices to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety related to the traumatic experience.
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Trauma therapy offers several benefits for individuals who have experienced trauma:
Provides a safe space for individuals to process and express their emotions.
Helps individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage distressing symptoms.
Promotes personal growth, resilience, and improved overall well-being.
Trauma therapy is a collaborative process between the therapist and the individual seeking treatment. It aims to empower individuals by providing them with the tools and support they need to heal from their traumatic experiences.
Result of toxic stress
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Burnout has been conceptualized as a "defensive response to prolonged occupational exposure to demanding interpersonal situations that produce psychological strain and provide inadequate support" (Jenkins & Baird, 2002, p. 424). Professional burnout can be defined as a state of physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual exhaustion (Pines and Aronson, 1998).
Burnout can occur in anyone overwhelmed by systemic or work-related challenges. Burnout is a prolonged, three-dimensional response to job stressors, encompassing exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy.
Warning signs for burnout are often seen in the employee's organizational behaviors. Frequent absenteeism, chronic tardiness, chronic fatigue, evidence of poor client care, and low completion rates of clinical and administrative duties should be considered signals. (Barak, Nissly, & Levin, 2001; Cyphers, 2001).
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Secondary traumatic stress (STS) or Vicarious Trauma is a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-type reaction experienced by those indirectly exposed to trauma. Individuals experiencing secondary stress similarly report intrusive re-experiencing of the traumatic material, avoidance of trauma triggers and emotions, and increased physical arousal. Individuals also may experience a shift in their worldview such that it becomes more negative and it may become harder to remain empathetic about their patients' stories. STS is sometimes thought to be a precursor to burnout because they share many characteristics.
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This term was first introduced by Joinson (1992) in reference to nurses who were challenged by the everyday rigors of their emergency room duties. This condition is associated with a reduced capacity of the caregiver to demonstrate empathy for the patient or family.
Our approach to trauma therapy
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There are various therapies available for trauma therapy, each offering unique approaches to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences. Psychotherapy is a common form of treatment that involves talking with a therapist to address underlying issues and develop coping strategies. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with trauma. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) aims to modify distressing thoughts related to the traumatic event.
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One crucial aspect of trauma therapy is providing a safe space for individuals to express their emotions and discuss their experiences without judgment or fear of retraumatization. Therapists play an essential role in creating this supportive environment, ensuring that clients feel comfortable and understood throughout their healing journey.
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Trauma therapists understand that each individual's experience is unique, and therefore tailor treatment strategies accordingly. They take into account factors such as the type of trauma experienced, any co-occurring conditions like substance abuse, and the individual's specific needs and goals. By adapting treatment approaches based on these factors, therapists can provide personalized care that addresses the client's distinct challenges.
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Our team is committed to advancing our expertise in mental health and well-being through ongoing training in various screening tools, including the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire. The ACEs tool is crucial in understanding the impact of early traumatic experiences on long-term health and behavior. By identifying and assessing these experiences, our professionals can better comprehend the root causes of various emotional, mental, and physical health issues that emerge in adulthood. Additionally, our training focuses on recognizing and addressing Toxic Stress, a condition resulting from prolonged exposure to adverse experiences without adequate support. Toxic Stress can disrupt brain development and increase the risk for stress-related diseases and cognitive impairment. Our goal in embracing these comprehensive tools is to provide more targeted and effective therapeutic interventions, enhancing our ability to support individuals in their journey towards healing and resilience. This knowledge equips us to create a more informed, empathetic, and holistic approach to mental health care.
Source: acesaware.org/ace-fundamentals
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Behavioral therapy techniques may also be incorporated into trauma therapy to help individuals manage distressing symptoms effectively. These techniques focus on modifying unhealthy behaviors and developing healthier coping mechanisms. For example, relaxation exercises can help reduce anxiety levels, while exposure therapy gradually exposes individuals to feared situations in a controlled manner.
Effectiveness and efficacy of trauma therapy
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Trauma therapy has a significant impact on individuals who have experienced traumatic events. It helps them address the emotional response associated with trauma and provides a safe space for healing.
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Traumatic experiences often result in intense emotional reactions that can be overwhelming. Trauma therapy aims to help individuals process these emotions in a healthy way. By providing support and guidance, therapists assist clients in navigating their emotions and developing coping mechanisms.
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Creating a sense of safety is crucial in trauma therapy. Therapists work closely with clients to establish trust, ensuring they feel secure during the therapeutic process. This safe environment allows individuals to explore their emotions without fear of judgment or retraumatization.
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Brainspotting is a relatively new type of therapy designed to help individuals access, process, and overcome trauma, emotional distress, and somatic symptoms.
Developed by Dr. David Grand, it is based on the idea that the position of your eyes can affect the way you feel and process emotional experiences.
During a brainspotting session, therapists help clients find specific eye positions, known as "brainspots," that are linked to hidden trauma in the subcortical brain. By maintaining focus on these spots and using bilateral sound, brainspotting enables deep processing and integration of emotional and bodily experiences. This therapy is praised for its ability to tap into the body’s natural self-healing capacities, offering a path to recovery and emotional well-being for a wide range of psychological issues.
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Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of trauma therapy in reducing symptoms associated with trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research shows that trauma-focused therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Narrative therapy, are effective in alleviating distressing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Our trauma therapy services
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Our trauma therapy services offer individual therapy sessions with licensed therapists who specialize in providing mental health support for individuals who have experienced trauma. These sessions are designed to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, process their past experiences, and work towards healing.
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We understand that attending in-person therapy sessions may not always be feasible or comfortable for everyone. That's why we offer online therapy options, allowing clients to receive the help they need from the comfort of their own homes. Through secure video conferencing platforms, our licensed therapists provide virtual support and guidance during trauma therapy sessions.
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We understand that navigating insurance coverage can be overwhelming when seeking mental health services. Our trauma therapy services accept various insurance providers to ensure accessibility for our clients. We work closely with insurance companies to help clients understand their coverage options and maximize the benefits available to them.
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Our team of licensed therapists has extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced various traumatic events such as car accidents, physical or emotional abuse, loss of a loved one, or other challenging life circumstances. With their expertise and professional guidance, our therapists provide evidence-based techniques and strategies tailored to each client's unique needs.
Trauma can cause immense pain and distress; however, seeking help is an important step towards healing. Our trauma therapy services offer a supportive environment where individuals can work through their past events under the guidance of licensed professionals. Our goal is to provide the necessary tools and support for individuals to navigate their healing journey.
Schedule with us
If you or someone you know has experienced trauma, seeking professional help through trauma therapy can be a transformative step towards healing. Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to providing compassionate care and evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique needs. Take the first step towards recovery by reaching out today.
Frequently asked questions
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Trauma therapy can effectively address various types of traumatic experiences, including but not limited to physical abuse, sexual assault, natural disasters, accidents, combat-related trauma, childhood neglect or abuse, and witnessing violence. Regardless of the type of trauma experienced, therapy offers a safe space for individuals to process their emotions and work towards healing.
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The duration of trauma therapy varies depending on individual circumstances such as the severity of the trauma and the progress made during sessions. Some individuals may find relief within a few months while others may require longer-term treatment. A skilled therapist will work collaboratively with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan based on your specific needs.
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Feeling anxious about starting trauma therapy is completely normal. Opening up about traumatic experiences can be challenging and emotionally intense. However, remember that therapy is a safe and confidential space where you can explore your feelings at your own pace. Trust in the expertise of your therapist and allow yourself to take this important step towards healing.
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Yes, trauma therapy can still be effective even if the traumatic event occurred many years ago. Traumatic experiences can continue to impact individuals long after they occur. Therapy provides an opportunity to process unresolved emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms, regardless of when the trauma took place.
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Take the first step by scheduling an appointment. If you have experienced any form of trauma and find that it continues to affect your daily life, relationships, or overall well-being, trauma therapy may be beneficial for you. It is worth considering if you struggle with symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, or difficulty trusting others. Consulting with a qualified therapist can help determine if trauma therapy aligns with your specific needs and goals.
Explore our other services
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Conflict Resolution
Many people view conflict as something to be avoided. However, at Parish Health and Wellness we approach our counseling from the perspective that conflicts are a part of living.
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Anger Management
Here, we address one of the most popular misconceptions on how to handle anger, and give some guidance on other methods for dealing with anger.
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Life Transition Therapy
At PHW we focus on helping people process the changes that occur in their lives, and focus on how navigating these changes can affect our emotional well-being.
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Substance Abuse
Our counselor has been specifically trained in Substance use issues, and have an understanding of the psychological, emotional and physical concerns which may manifest.
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Family Therapy
At Parish Health and Wellness our counselors and therapists often work with family members as they shift through these changing dynamics.
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Depression
Depression is not a one-size-fits-all ailment. Even though it might seem unbearable now, our therapists are confident we can help.