Working with trauma is aimed at working through a difficult experience in order to mitigate its effects on the psyche and improve the quality of life. It takes the form of long-term psychotherapy, the duration of which ranges from several months to several years. Such support is useful, for example, for victims of violence or people who have experienced traffic accidents.
What does working with trauma look like?
When working with people who have experienced a traumatic event, various therapeutic currents are used. Very good results are brought by m.in. behavioral-cognitive therapy, which involves changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is also popular, i.e. processing traumatic memories with bilateral stimulation, which reduces their emotional intensity.
Relaxation techniques and art therapy are also often used, which helps to express repressed emotions.
When is it worth starting to work with trauma?
Therapeutic support is recommended for anyone who has experienced a traumatic event and is still experiencing its psychological effects. Trauma is evidenced primarily by:
- intrusive memories, the so-called flashbacks,
- feeling strong fear when confronted with places or situations that are associated with the event experienced,
- nightmares,
- problems with falling asleep and night awakenings,
- constant sense of danger,
- long-lasting deterioration in mood,
- psychosomatic symptoms, such as arrhythmias or headaches.
Untreated trauma can lead to the development of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, which promotes m.in. addictions, depression and suicidal thoughts. In addition, anxiety forces you to give up many activities and can be the cause of isolating yourself from the environment.