Trauma is a heavy burden to bear for anyone who has experienced it. It can leave scars that last a lifetime, affecting our relationships, our careers and our mental health. However it is important to know that healing from trauma is possible and seeking professional help is a crucial step toward that goal. In this blog post we will explore the three most common types of therapeutic treatment for trauma: psychotherapy, therapy and counselling. We will also discuss the different approaches used in each type of treatment and what to expect from your therapist or counsellor. By the end of this post, we hope you will feel more empowered and informed and be ready to take the next step in your journey toward healing.
Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy is a type of talk therapy that helps individuals by exploring their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It is often used to treat depression, anxiety and PTSD among other mental health conditions. The primary goal of psychotherapy is to help individuals gain insight into their past experiences and current situation, with the aim of improving their mental health and wellbeing. Depending on the type of psychotherapy used, the therapist may use various approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy. In CBT, the therapist helps the client identify negative thought patterns and behaviours, and teaches them coping skills to challenge and replace those patterns. In psychodynamic therapy, the therapist helps the client understand how their current behaviour and emotions are related to their childhood experiences and unconscious thoughts. Psychotherapy offers one of the best ways to treat trauma. It can help stop the progression of trauma by helping you understand the underlying triggers and causes.
Therapy:
Therapy, also known as counselling, is another common type of talk therapy that focuses on improving an individual’s mental health and wellbeing. It is often used to address specific issues such as grief, relationship problems, or addiction. The primary goal of therapy is to help the individual gain a better understanding of their situation and how it affects them emotionally, mentally, and physically. The therapist may use various techniques such as solution-focused therapy, a short-term therapy that helps individuals find solutions to their problems; or person-centred therapy, which emphasizes empathy, warmth, and non-judgmental listening. The therapist may also use a combination of therapeutic approaches tailored to the individual’s needs.
Counselling:
Counselling is similar to therapy in that it is also a type of talk therapy used to help individuals address specific issues. However, counselling’s approach is more focused on practical problem-solving and skill-building. Counselling is often used to help people cope with stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as to improve their relationships and communication skills. The counsellor may use various techniques such as motivational interviewing, which helps the individual find their own motivation to make changes, or solution-focused brief therapy, which focuses on the individual’s strengths and resources to tackle their problems.
Trauma can have a lasting impact on our mental health and wellbeing. However, seeking professional help through psychotherapy, therapy, or counselling can be an essential step toward recovery, offering a quick way to help with trauma. Each type of treatment has its own approaches and techniques, and the therapist or counsellor will work with you to tailor a treatment plan that best suits your needs. Remember, healing takes time, but with patience and commitment, it is possible to find relief and live a fulfilling life.
