The 3 Best Types of Therapy for Trauma
After experiencing something traumatic, it can be difficult to reach out for help.
You may know you need help with the emotions and feelings you’re experiencing but are unsure of what that help could look like.
Learning about all of the options available to you can feel overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a list of the best therapy options for trauma.
Here at KMA, we’ve been guiding our clients through the therapy process for over 14 years. We’re here to help you learn about all of your treatment options, and give you the tools to choose the best one for you.
While your therapist will help you figure out which treatment is best for you, knowing all of your options can help you feel empowered while starting the therapy process.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of 3 great treatment options for trauma and how to know which may be the best fit for you.
3 Effective Therapies for Trauma
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, action-based form of therapy. Your therapist will guide you through exercises, and assign you homework between sessions.
These action items make CBT a rigorous form of therapy, but also make it very effective.
CBT can help challenge any negative thought patterns and emotions that have arisen as a result of the trauma you experienced.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may work well for you if:
- You’re prepared for a rigorous treatment plan
- You’re seeking out an action-based course of treatment
- You’re looking to replace existing thought patterns with healthier ones
Your therapist will work with you to create a personalized plan to identify and change negative emotions, thought patterns, and beliefs you may have.
2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR uses bilateral (left-to-right) stimulation to help reprocess traumatic memories.
Focusing on the traumatic experience while engaging with EMDR will help to reduce the intensity and vividness of the memory.
EMDR may work well for you if:
- You have persistent negative thoughts about the traumatic experience
- You have strong physical or emotional sensations tied to the experience
- You want to reduce the intensity of the memory you have of the experience
Your therapist will work with you to reprocess your experience and replace the thoughts and feelings from the memory with ones that feel safer.
3. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that can support you in understanding how the trauma you experienced in the past is impacting your current emotions and behaviours.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy may work well for you if:
- You’re looking for a relationship-focused form of therapy
- You want to talk about your experiences and explore their impact on you
- You want to explore how your current behaviours could be tied to past experiences
Your therapist will create a non-judgemental and supportive environment where you feel safe to discuss how you’re feeling.
Next Steps for Trauma Therapy in Toronto
After reading this article, you now have an understanding of three effective therapies for trauma, and some indicators of which may be of interest to you.
Here at KMA, our trauma therapy process begins with a 50-minute introductory session. We’ll help you establish your goals and needs, explore the best therapy and therapist for you, and create a customized treatment plan.
Register online to book your introductory session now, or connect with our team for more information.
If you’re not yet ready to book an introductory session, explore these resources for more information:
- To learn more about how our bodies react to trauma, read: What are the 4 Trauma Responses (and How to Cope)
- To learn more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at KMA, read: What is CBT? (Pros & Cons)
- To find a trauma therapist in Toronto, read: How to Find a Trauma Therapist in Toronto
