Trauma Therapy: Benefits, Goals, and Purpose

Trauma-focused therapy, or trauma therapy, is geared toward individuals who have had traumatic experiences in their lives and experience negative results due to the experiences. But what is “trauma” and why does it affect people the way it does? Trauma can negatively impact a person’s emotional well-being and mental health in ways that can lead to long-lasting, dangerous results. Healing is a crucial part of overcoming it. Understanding trauma is beneficial to begin the healing process. Healing is a crucial and necessary part to developing a healthy and productive life after trauma. 

Understanding Trauma: Definition and Types

Trauma can be defined as any event that is distressing or disturbing. Not everyone will react to trauma in the same way, though. Some people can experience traumas and continue on their path of life. Others have more intense and life altering reactions. Examples of events that can be considered trauma include car accidents, witnessing violence, being a victim of physical or sexual assault, neglect, or the sudden death of a loved one.

These events can evoke a reaction in people that can lead to changes in their reactions to perceived threats. This can include developing phobias, trust issues, and substance abuse issues. For example, those who have been in car accidents could fear driving or riding in a car. Another example is combat veterans who have severe reactions to loud noises such as fireworks. 

Trauma Therapy and Addiction

It is common for those struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol to have experienced some type of trauma in their lifetime. Whether this be sexual abuse, childhood neglect, or parents fighting a lot those who struggle with addiction stemming from trauma can benefit from trauma-focused therapy. This form of therapy is focused on healing the brain and body’s reactions to stressful or distressing situations. It aims to change the thought processes that lead to substance abuse into more positive and productive thoughts. 

Mental Health and Trauma Therapy

Trauma can affect a person’s mental health. Developing conditions such as depression and anxiety can result from traumatic experiences. Trauma therapy can help when it comes to coping with these conditions. Mental health is a contributing factor when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction. PTSD and other panic disorders can result from experiencing trauma. These conditions often require in depth professional care to begin the process of overcoming trauma. Having proper support that can promote trauma healing can help to prevent more severe results from trauma. 

What are the Benefits?

Trauma therapy is a beneficial form of therapy for those who have adverse reactions due to trauma. It helps by addressing negative thought processes surrounding perceived dangers, and helping the individual to turn to more positive thoughts to self soothe through the situation. It can help to reduce fears and avoidance caused by trauma, improve coping skills, and build trust. It can also help to change belief systems that lead to negative coping skills.

An important part of trauma therapy is validating their experience. Trauma therapy provides this validation that lets individuals know that their experience warrants a reaction, and also helps them to find a more positive reaction to these situations. 

Goals and Purpose

Understanding the goals and purpose of trauma therapy can help someone to seek this much needed help. The main goal of this therapy is to promote healing, as well as implement positive coping mechanisms into the lives of individuals who are struggling. This is to prevent further impacts to their life and help put them on the road to a more positive and productive lifestyle. Therapy can benefit anyone, and those who struggle with trauma are no different.

Having this positive and productive support as a person begins a journey of healing can help them to learn and initiate positive thoughts as trauma reactions begin. Instead of fearing and avoiding situations, a person can participate and enjoy them once they have learned these coping skills.

Trauma and the Need for Healing

Anyone who has suffered a traumatic experience can attest to the severe impacts that it can have on someone’s life. It is crucial and necessary to begin healing and teaching the brain positive ways of coping and dealing with stressors that could lead to negative reactions. Trauma therapy offers a way to begin this process. Healing isn’t linear, and it takes work. However, therapy can help make the process easier and smoother. The effects of trauma can be severe, and may require in depth work to overcome, and working with a professional who is trained to help is a vital component to healing. 

Healing Trauma with Therapy

Trauma can be life-changing. It can lead to unhealthy coping skills and often contributes to addiction in individuals who have experienced trauma. Healing is crucial to overcoming adverse reactions to trauma. If you or a loved one are struggling with trauma, we can help. At Lexington Addiction Center we offer trauma therapy for those individuals who need help and support as they begin their healing journey. Reach out today and begin benefitting from trauma therapy.