Psychotherapy » Trauma Focused Therapy

WHAT IS TRAUMA-FOCUSED THERAPY?

Trauma-focused therapy (TFT) is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals recover from traumatic experiences. This type of therapy typically involves a variety of techniques and approaches that are designed to help individuals process and manage their trauma-related thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

KEY CONCEPTS:

1. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): This is a specific type of therapy that combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with trauma-focused interventions. The goal of TF-CBT is to help individuals process their traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment, while also helping them develop coping skills and strategies to manage their symptoms.

2. Prolonged exposure therapy (PE): This technique involves gradually exposing individuals to the memories, feelings, and situations associated with their traumatic experience. The goal of PE is to help individuals face and process their trauma in a safe and controlled environment, which can help reduce their symptoms over time.

3. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This technique involves using eye movements, sounds, or other sensory stimuli to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional intensity.

4. Mindfulness-based interventions: These techniques involve teaching individuals to be more present and aware of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations, without judgment. Mindfulness can help individuals develop a greater sense of control over their thoughts and emotions, which can be helpful in managing trauma-related symptoms.

5. Narrative therapy: This technique involves helping individuals create a coherent narrative of their traumatic experience, which can help them process and make sense of their emotions and reactions.

6. Group therapy: Group therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and receive support from others who have gone through similar experiences.

Trauma-focused therapy is a highly individualized process that is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and experiences. It can be beneficial for anyone who has experienced a traumatic event and is struggling with the emotional and psychological effects of that experience. By working with one of our trained therapists, you can learn to manage their symptoms, develop healthy coping strategies, and begin the process of healing and recovery.

WHAT DOES TFT HELP TREAT?

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma-focused therapy can help individuals with PTSD manage their symptoms and develop coping strategies.

• Childhood trauma: Trauma-focused therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma during childhood. Childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental health, and trauma-focused therapy can help individuals process and heal from these experiences.

• Sexual abuse or assault: Trauma-focused therapy can be an effective treatment for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. Therapy can help individuals process their trauma, manage their symptoms, and develop healthy coping strategies.

• Domestic violence: Trauma-focused therapy can be helpful for individuals who have experienced domestic violence. Therapy can help individuals understand the impact of the abuse on their mental health, and develop strategies to heal and move forward.

• Combat-related trauma: Trauma-focused therapy can be helpful for veterans and active-duty military members who have experienced trauma related to their service. Therapy can help individuals manage symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and develop strategies to cope with the challenges of civilian life.