top of page

Understanding Trauma and the Need for Trauma Therapy

Writer's picture: Lethicia FoadjoLethicia Foadjo

Updated: Jan 22

Trauma can shatter our sense of safety, leaving deep emotional scars that impact every aspect of life. If you're grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, you're not alone.


Trauma Therapy - LK Psychotherapy and Clinical Services Ontario - AI Generated
Trauma Therapy - AI Generated

Let's dive into the world of trauma therapy and explore how it can help you reclaim your life and find healing.


Defining Psychological Trauma


Trauma isn't just about the big, headline-grabbing events. It's a deeply personal experience that can stem from a wide range of situations. From surviving a car crash to enduring childhood neglect, trauma takes many forms. What matters most is how an event impacts you.


Here's the thing about trauma: it doesn't just live in your mind. It takes up residence in your body too. When we experience something overwhelming, our brain's alarm system goes into overdrive.


This can lead to:


  • A constant state of "fight or flight"

  • Difficulty regulating emotions

  • Fragmented or intrusive memories

  • Physical symptoms like chronic pain or digestive issues


Understanding these effects is crucial. It helps explain why you might feel "stuck" or why certain situations trigger intense reactions. You can take trauma tests or trauma screening to identify possible trauma-related issues.


The Lasting Impact: PTSD and Complex PTSD


Sometimes, the effects of trauma linger long after the danger has passed. This is where conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) come into play.


PTSD often develops after a single, intense traumatic event. Think of a soldier returning from combat or a survivor of a violent crime. C-PTSD, on the other hand, usually stems from prolonged or repeated trauma, like childhood abuse or domestic violence.


Both conditions share some common symptoms:


  1. Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks

  2. Avoidance of trauma-related triggers

  3. Negative changes in mood and thinking

  4. Hyperarousal (feeling constantly "on edge")


C-PTSD adds another layer of complexity, often involving:


  • Difficulty regulating emotions

  • A deep sense of shame or worthlessness

  • Struggles with relationships and trust


These symptoms can create a vicious cycle, impacting work, relationships, and overall quality of life. That's where trauma therapy comes in.


Trauma-Informed Care: The Foundation of Healing


Not all therapy is created equal when it comes to trauma. Trauma-informed care is a specialized approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery.


What sets trauma-informed therapists apart? They:


  • Prioritize your safety and comfort

  • Understand how trauma affects the brain and body

  • Empower you to make choices in your healing journey

  • Avoid re-traumatization through their methods


A trauma-informed therapist creates a safe haven where you can explore your experiences without judgment. They recognize that healing isn't just about "getting over it" – it's about integrating your experiences and reclaiming your sense of self.


Exploring Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies


When it comes to treating trauma, we're not shooting in the dark. Research has identified several highly effective approaches:


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Trauma


CBT is like a workout for your mind. It helps you identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that often accompany trauma. Here's how it works:


  1. You learn to recognize unhelpful thoughts ("I'm always in danger")

  2. Your therapist helps you examine the evidence for and against these thoughts

  3. Together, you develop more balanced, realistic perspectives


CBT often incorporates exposure therapy, where you gradually confront trauma-related fears in a safe environment. This helps reduce avoidance and can lessen the power of traumatic memories.


Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)


EMDR might sound a bit unconventional, but it's backed by solid research. This therapy uses bilateral stimulation (often through eye movements) while you process traumatic memories. The idea is to help your brain reprocess these memories in a less distressing way.


EMDR has shown impressive results for:


  • Single-incident PTSD

  • Complex trauma from childhood

  • Phobias and anxiety related to trauma


Many people find EMDR helpful because it doesn't require extensive talking about the traumatic event.


Other Effective Trauma Therapies


  1. Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): This approach helps you confront trauma-related fears gradually and safely.

  2. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT focuses on changing unhelpful beliefs about the trauma.

  3. Somatic Experiencing (SE): This body-focused approach helps release trapped trauma energy and restore balance to the nervous system.

  4. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: This explores how past experiences, including trauma, influence current patterns and relationships.


Trauma-Focused Medications


While therapy is the cornerstone of trauma treatment, medication can play a supporting role for some people. Always work with a qualified psychiatrist to explore options like:


  • SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, paroxetine) to manage symptoms like depression and anxiety

  • Prazosin for trauma-related nightmares


Remember, medication isn't a magic bullet. It works best when combined with therapy and lifestyle changes.


Complementary Approaches to Trauma Healing


Healing from trauma often requires a holistic approach. Many people find these complementary therapies valuable:


Expressive Therapies


Sometimes, words aren't enough to capture the depth of traumatic experiences. That's where expressive therapies come in:


  • Art therapy: Using visual art to express emotions and process experiences

  • Music therapy: Harnessing the power of rhythm and melody for healing

  • Drama therapy: Exploring trauma through role-play and storytelling


These approaches can help you access and express emotions that might be difficult to verbalize.


Mindfulness and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga


Trauma can disconnect us from our bodies. Mindfulness and trauma-sensitive yoga can help you:


  • Regulate your nervous system

  • Develop present-moment awareness

  • Feel safe in your body again


These practices are gentle and emphasize choice, helping you regain a sense of control.


Additional Therapies


  • Family therapy: Addressing the ripple effects of trauma on relationships

  • Support groups: Connecting with others who truly understand your experiences


Finding the Right Trauma Therapist


Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision. Here's what to look for:


What to Look For


  1. Trauma-informed credentials and experience

  2. Specialized training in evidence-based trauma therapies

  3. A therapeutic approach that resonates with you

  4. A good "fit" in terms of personality and communication style


Questions to Ask Potential Therapists


  1. What is your experience treating trauma, specifically [your type of trauma]?

  2. Which trauma-specific therapies do you use?

  3. How do you create a safe environment for trauma survivors?

  4. What is your approach to handling trauma-related dissociation or flashbacks?

  5. How do you measure progress in trauma therapy?

  6. What role does the client play in setting treatment goals?

  7. How do you incorporate cultural considerations into trauma treatment?


Don't be afraid to shop around. The right therapeutic relationship is crucial for healing.


The Journey to Healing and Post-Traumatic Growth


Healing from trauma isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. Here's what to keep in mind:


Understanding the Timeline of Recovery


There's no one-size-fits-all timeline for trauma recovery. Your journey will be unique to you. Some general phases you might experience:


  1. Stabilization: Learning to manage overwhelming emotions and feel safe

  2. Processing: Working through traumatic memories and their impact

  3. Integration: Incorporating your experiences into a new sense of self


Progress often isn't linear. There might be setbacks along the way, and that's okay. The key is to be patient and compassionate with yourself.


The Power of Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth


Here's an empowering truth: many trauma survivors don't just recover – they experience post-traumatic growth. This means finding new strength, deeper relationships, or a renewed sense of purpose because of what they've overcome.


Post-traumatic growth might look like:


  • Developing a greater appreciation for life

  • Discovering inner strength you never knew you had

  • Forming deeper, more meaningful connections with others

  • Finding new meaning or spiritual growth


Remember, experiencing growth doesn't mean the trauma "wasn't that bad" or that you don't still struggle sometimes. It's about harnessing your innate resilience to create a life of meaning and purpose.


If you're ready to take the next step in your healing journey, LK Psychotherapy & Clinical Services is here to help. Our team of trauma-informed therapists in Belleville, Ontario, and Alberta specializes in evidence-based trauma treatments tailored to your unique needs.


Don't let trauma hold you back any longer. Reach out to LK Psychotherapy & Clinical Services today to schedule a consultation and start your path to healing. Remember, you don't have to face this alone – compassionate, expert help is available right here in your community.


About the Author



Lethicia Foadjo, Founder of LK Psychotherapy & Clinical Services
Lethicia Foadjo, Founder of LK Psychotherapy & Clinical Services


Lethicia Foadjo is the founder and a dedicated trauma therapist of LK Psychotherapy and Clinical Services. She is also a professor, and advocate for human studies.


She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Social Work from the Université de Montréal. Lethicia is fluent in both English and French, offering her services to a diverse clientele.


Lethicia possesses specialized licensing in critical incident stress management for both individuals and groups, ASIST (Suicide First Aid) training, and clinical supervision certification.


Her areas of expertise include:


  • Emotion-Focused Couples & Family Therapy

  • Complex Trauma Recovery

  • Anxiety & Mood Disorders

  • Grief, Loss, and Bereavement

  • Military Life and Family

  • Stress Management and Workplace Issues

  • Interpersonal Relationship Challenges

  • Veterans Support

  • Cultural and Racial Trauma

  • Violence and Forensics

7 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page