Trauma is a compelling issue for therapists due to its impact on mental health, individual development, and societal well-being. Individuals who experience the aftermath of trauma may find it difficult to break free from the repetitive and often harmful patterns of thought and behavior that can accompany post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For this reason, it can be crucial for therapists of all kinds to possess the ability to address complex cases of trauma.
In one recent study, researchers assessed the percentage of practitioners who had received specialized training in complex trauma as well as the effects of training and direct experience with survivors on empathy and competence. Prior to participation in the program, 68% of practitioners reported that they felt inadequately trained in the latest trauma practice, while 75% felt underprepared to address cases of complex trauma. This study highlights the significant need for dedicated trauma education among therapists. With proper education, practitioners can expand their knowledge of the latest research and evidence-based practices (EBPs) to effectively support their clients through trauma.
Reviewing helpful resources and continually striving for up-to-date practices may help therapists increase their understanding of trauma and their ability to provide compassionate, empathetic, and efficient care. Here, we’ll explore how therapists can commit to ongoing learning by exploring some of the trauma resources available to them.
The Latest Research On Trauma
An understanding of what trauma is and its impact on both mental and physical health has dramatically changed since it was first researched in the 19th century. Throughout the years, psychologists have learned that trauma is not just a single experience that requires a certain type of treatment or medication. The approach to helping survivors of trauma has evolved into a more holistic approach that takes into account the various effects and symptoms that we now know can occur after these experiences.
Recent research on trauma demonstrates that trauma can have profound and lasting impacts on the human psyche. These studies indicate that trauma physically alters brain structure and chemistry, impacting areas such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These regions of the brain are critical for emotional regulation, memory processing, and executive function. Researchers now understand that these effects are what appear to cause the symptoms of PTSD.
In one recent study, researchers analyzed these mechanisms in the brains of trauma survivors, assessing how they affect people’s ability to process emotions and use innate mechanisms to protect them from further danger. In their review, they discovered that the changes that occur in the brain affect the way in which people react to threats following a traumatic experience. Specifically, they found that the mechanisms responsible for emotion and memory are often impacted and may make it difficult for individuals with PTSD to differentiate between safety, danger, or reward. In most cases, trauma causes the brain and our natural stress response system to overgeneralize toward danger.
This study highlights the importance of recognizing that survivors of trauma may experience various emotional difficulties when attempting to address challenges in life and that these are at least partially the result of the physical effects of trauma. This is one of the main reasons why researchers believe individuals with PTSD experience confusion, an inability to effectively problem-solve, and difficulty handling challenging life experiences independently.
Trauma Resources
Navigating the diverse and nuanced arena of traumatic stress can be a challenging endeavor for both therapists and their clients. As a professional in this field, your capacity to provide the necessary evidence-based support and therapeutic interventions can be paramount to providing targeted treatment and support. Utilizing the following resources may help to enhance your understanding of traumatic stress and equip you with practical strategies to facilitate your clients’ healing process. With empathy, compassion, and professional rigor, these resources may be instrumental in bolstering your therapeutic practice.
- Gabor Mate’s “The Myth Of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture”
In Dr. Gabor Mate’s book, “The Myth of Normal: Illness and Health in an Insane Culture,” he underscores the paramount importance of properly addressing trauma in therapeutic settings. His work serves as a critical resource for therapists, shedding light on the complex interplay between individual pathology and societal norms.
Dr. Mate argues that what is often labeled as ‘individual illness’ is frequently a manifestation of social and cultural influences, particularly traumatic stress. Through discussing his own experiences with trauma and addiction, Dr. Mate provides critical insights into the latest research surrounding trauma, how to address the nuances of trauma in therapy, and how to approach these cases from the proper perspective.
One of Dr. Mate’s most popular quotes from this work states, “[Trauma] is not what happens to you; it is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.”
For therapists, this perspective can be instrumental in increasing their understanding of their client’s experiences and knowing how to approach cases of complex trauma. Dr. Mate advocates for a compassionate, empathetic approach that goes beyond symptomatic treatment and into the root causes of psychological distress as well as the subsequent alterations in perspective that often occur. This book underscores the necessity of exploring past traumas and their impact on the present, reinforcing the crucial role therapists play in guiding clients through this journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Gabor Mate’s most recent work has added an important new dimension to our understanding of trauma and its intricate relationship with societal norms by highlighting the often-overlooked connection between traumatic experiences, societal norms, and human physiology. The author explains how unprocessed trauma frequently manifests as physiological and/or mental disorders that disrupt the body’s natural equilibrium. His findings underscore the critical need for therapists to consider their patient’s traumatic experiences when diagnosing and providing holistic care.
By exploring the deep-seated connection between trauma and the resulting physiological effects, Dr. Mate’s book equips therapists with a more comprehensive understanding of the reality of patients’ experiences that may help them provide more trauma-informed care plans to their clients.
- APA Guidelines And Resources
The American Psychological Association (APA) provides various helpful resources for trauma, helping therapists enhance their understanding and approach to traumatic stress. These resources encompass a wide range of tools, including educational materials, research findings, and practical guidelines, all designed to equip mental health professionals with the latest and most effective strategies in trauma interventions.
One of the APA’s key resources is its comprehensive clinical treatment guidelines for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These guidelines are backed by extensive research and evidence, aimed at facilitating the most effective treatment methods for PTSD. They cover various aspects of PTSD management, from recognizing symptoms to employing validated treatment modalities. These guidelines can serve as a vital tool for therapists, enabling them to provide empathetic, compassionate, and highly focused care for each individual client.
Within these resources are discussions surrounding the proper implementation of the leading treatment modalities for trauma, which include but are not limited to:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive processing therapy
- Prolonged exposure therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Narrative exposure therapy (NET)
Therapists can also gain access to continuing education webinars, online courses, leading studies, manuals on various treatment considerations, and more.
- Peter A. Levine’s Waking The Tiger: Healing Trauma
Dr. Levine is an impactful contributor to the field of trauma research and the founder of the somatic experiencing (SE) technique. With this technique, Dr. Levine places a unique focus on healing trauma through heightened awareness of bodily sensations throughout the psychotherapeutic process. The foundation of this approach involves therapists helping their clients develop an awareness of the bodily sensations that occur during the processing of traumatic events.
Dr. Levine’s theory behind SE hinges on the notion that many of the symptoms of PTSD are an expression of stress activation, and that these symptoms are defensive reactions resulting from the traumatic experience(s). These physical sensations are seen as the carriers of traumatic memory, and the goal is to help clients engage in a “discharge” process by releasing traumatic activation through an increased tolerance of these bodily sensations.
Therapists utilizing SE as a treatment approach help their clients develop the ability to monitor the arousal they experience when processing traumatic events. They also teach their clients self-regulation strategies such as deep breathing, positive recall, or other techniques that may help regulate arousal. Researchers point out that while SE may seem similar to exposure therapy techniques, it does not require clients to engage in the full retelling of the traumatic event. It does, however, require clients to recall memories or associations that cause significant levels of arousal.
In a recent study, researchers analyzed the efficacy of this approach in addressing the mental health needs of survivors of trauma. In their study, they found that SE techniques had a significant positive impact on the severity of PTSD symptoms for participants both pre- and post-treatment. Their team concluded that SE may be an effective method for therapists to utilize in cases of complex trauma.
Support Options For Therapists
Therapists who support individuals living with trauma may develop vicarious or secondary trauma as a result. In these cases, it may be helpful for them to have a therapist of their own to speak with. Finding the time for therapy can be difficult, particularly when juggling a heavy caseload, but online therapy may be a useful alternative to consider.
Online therapy has revolutionized the field of mental health care, allowing more people to get the support they need. The use of a digital platform such as BetterHelp eliminates the geographical barriers that may prevent affected individuals from seeking help. It also allows users to book sessions at a time that suits their schedule and meet with their therapist in a place that feels comfortable to them. This may be especially important for those who have experienced trauma, as feeling safe can help these individuals be more open with their therapist.
The Efficacy Of Online Therapy In Treating Trauma
In one study, researchers assessed the efficacy of online-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for addressing symptoms of PTSD. In their study, they found online delivery of CBT to be just as effective as in-person sessions. This research illustrates how online therapy offers a viable alternative for affected individuals to manage and overcome the impacts of trauma.
Takeaway
Therapists may utilize various resources to improve their ability to provide effective support and tools to those who are processing experiences of trauma. It can be crucial to approach this type of work with empathy and compassion, understanding the profound impact trauma can have on people’s lives. As research on how to effectively address trauma continues to develop, it can be important for therapists to continually strive to stay updated on the latest developments and to integrate these findings into their own practice. Developing a self-care plan and managing one’s own mental well-being can also help therapists ensure that they’re showing up for their clients with a healthy and balanced state of mind.
