Trauma is a universal human experience, and its impact can be profound and lasting. Trauma-informed therapy is a specialised approach that recognises the prevalence of trauma and seeks to create a safe and supportive environment for healing.Â
The foundation of trauma-informed therapy is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the far-reaching effects of trauma on individuals’ neurological, biological, psychological, and social development. Guided by six fundamental principles — safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity — trauma-informed care becomes a compass for therapists. These principles inform the creation of an atmosphere that acknowledges the profound impact of trauma and fosters resilience in those seeking therapeutic support.
Delving into the scientific realm, the neurobiological aspects of trauma take centre stage in trauma-informed approaches. Research underscores the importance of comprehending physiological changes triggered by traumatic experiences, shedding light on how trauma influences the intricate workings of the brain and nervous system.
At the core of trauma-informed therapy lies the establishment of a secure and inviting therapeutic setting. Therapeutic relationships between the therapist and clients are significant in fostering a sense of safety and trust. Trauma-informed therapists communicate clearly to their clients about trauma processing and engage in a collaborative process as applicable. The trauma-informed therapists recognise that empowerment proves instrumental in contributing significantly to the overall healing process. They empower their clients to reinstate a sense of control that traumatic experiences have compromised by being respectful of their clients' readiness to process the trauma experiences.
The goal of trauma treatment is to reduce distress and achieve adaptive resolutions. Trauma therapy encompasses a range of therapeutic techniques designed to address the psychological and emotional impact of traumatic experiences. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based approach that treats various complex traumas, including sexual trauma, childhood trauma, post-traumatic stress, personality disorder, addictions, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Other trauma-informed therapies include Brainspotting (BSP), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Internal Family System (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT).
Restoring Peace is a private mental health centre which provides counselling and psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, youths, adult individuals, couples and groups with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and various mental health and relationship challenges. For more information, please visit www.restoringpeace.com.sg or WhatsApp at +65 8889 1848. For periodic updates, we invite you to join our telegram group: https://t.me/restoringpeace.
Keywords:
Trauma treatment, emotion, therapy
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