Addressing Psychological Trauma in Therapy

In my previous blog, The Important Components of Trauma-Informed Care, I identified some of the core components of healing trauma. This time, I would like to take a deep dive into the process of addressing trauma with your mental health provider. Below are some things for you to consider as you work through your trauma with a therapist; they will help you get the most out of your therapy.

1. Pick a “trauma informed care” provider—There are a variety of therapists with different specializations. When processing trauma, make sure you choose a provider who has the training and experience to deal with it. One of the mistakes people make when starting therapy is picking a random provider without knowing their background. When searching for a therapist, go to their website, learn about their specializations and experience and give them a call; typically, therapists offer a free consultation which helps you decide if they are the right fit for you.

2. It’s an emotional experience—Oftentimes people re-experience the emotions that they felt during the trauma. For instance, if a person is needy all the time with their partner, they might actually be re-experiencing the trauma of being neglected during their childhood. And as you process your trauma with your therapist, those emotions might resurface, such as anger, anxiety, shame, and sadness. Sharing your emotions with your provider can be painful, but this is a part of the healing process.

3. Stay in the “here and now”—Since trauma causes you to revisit your pain, it is important to learn to focus on the “here and now” and to remember that you are safe. During treatment, your therapist can provide you with concrete tools which can help you separate the past from the present. One way this can be accomplished is by practicing grounding techniques, which are coping strategies that help you self-regulate, thus enabling you to feel safe in your current environment.

4. Be patient with the process—It is important to give yourself time. Sometimes trauma manifests as “memory flashes'' which can take time to piece together. Also, the pace at which one processes trauma is important, too. There could be a period of time during which it seems not much progress is being made and then all of a sudden you make a giant leap forward. Be gentle with yourself, don’t pressure yourself with timelines—it is counterproductive to the healing process. One day at a time, one step at a time.

5. Tune into your physical symptoms—Many people dealing with trauma report physical symptoms (also known as “somatic complaints”), such as: sleep disturbances; gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and dermatological disorders; urological problems; substance use disorders. If physical symptoms are affecting you, first rule out any other causes with your MD and then talk with your therapist about them.

6. Consider medication—In certain cases of trauma, you may need to involve a psychiatrist who would be able to prescribe medication. A consultation with a psychiatrist, however, does not necessarily mean you will have to take medication; the visit would simply be an opportunity for you to consider all the options that might best fit your needs.

7. The more you share, the better—Therapy is meant to be a safe place to process trauma. Once you’ve developed trust with your therapist, share the experiences that have been affecting you. This might seem like common sense advice, but sometimes clients hold back. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing with your therapist, tell them, and they may be able to lead you through it. If you still aren’t able to share, it might be time to consider another therapist.

8. Address substance use disorders (if applicable)—Often, people who go through trauma start abusing substances as a way of numbing themselves to disconnect from the pain. If this is your situation, don’t hesitate to share it with your therapist. You might be reluctant because of the stigma or because it’s illegal, however, rest assured that your sessions are confidential, and that the more your therapist understands your situation, the more they can help you. Your provider can then lead you toward some options. Some people join AA on NA groups, others prefer to work on their substance abuse issues with their therapist. Go with what feels like the best path of recovery for you.

Most importantly remember that trauma is a common experience. You are not alone and there is support out there. One of my interests and specializations is working with people affected by trauma. Reach out to me for a 15 min FREE phone consultation to see if I am the right fit for you.