Trauma, which is the result of experiencing an extremely distressing event like a serious car accident or physical assault, can have a significant impact on your daily life. Healing from trauma through therapy is a challenging but necessary journey If you want to find relief from common symptoms like hypervigilance, anxiety, and chronic tension. Learning and utilizing trauma processing techniques are key for helping you work through past trauma.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to process and heal from trauma, Promises Brazos Valley offers trauma therapy at our welcoming Texas treatment center.

Healing from Trauma with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

One of the most effective trauma processing techniques is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This specialized trauma therapy involves the following components:

Reprocessing traumatic memories – EMDR therapy uses a technique known as bilateral stimulation, which stimulates both sides of the brain. During the session, a therapist will incorporate specific sounds, tapping, or eye movements with pleasant imagery. The goal of reprocessing is to decrease the intensity of the stress response when memories of the traumatic event arise.
Easing emotional distress – Trauma can affect your emotional health, making it difficult to feel calm and relaxed. EMDR therapy allows you to process upsetting memories in a safe environment so they no longer have the same hold on your emotional well-being.
Developing healthy coping strategies – Although a therapist will guide you through EMDR exercises in their office, they’ll also provide you with tools you can use on your own to manage the effects of trauma. Being able to self-regulate your emotions is an incredibly valuable skill for supporting your emotional health as you heal from trauma.
Increasing self-awareness – Many people are unaware of just how much trauma affects how they think and feel. EMDR therapy sessions will help you get a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to the traumatic experience. This empowers you to recognize and address your symptoms and stop them from interfering with your well-being.

If you’d like to know more about EMDR therapy or you’re ready to give it a try, reach out to a trauma-informed mental health professional to schedule an appointment.

Managing Symptoms with Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Is a widely used therapeutic modality that helps people identify and restructure unhelpful thought patterns. Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) takes this technique a step further by focusing on thought patterns instigated by traumatic events. This unique form of therapy can help you manage trauma by:

Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns – Trauma can impact how you think and feel, so TF-CBT helps you recognize the thoughts that are linked to trauma and shift toward more positive, adaptive thoughts.
Strengthening coping skills – During sessions, you’ll learn helpful skills for coping with triggers and emotional distress. Over time, your resilience will increase, and triggers will lose their power over you.
Providing a safe and supportive space – When working with a trauma-informed therapist, you can be assured you’ll have a safe space to confront traumatic memories so you can process and heal from them.
Increasing sense of self-empowerment – Knowing you have the resources needed to manage the symptoms of trauma on your own is empowering.

Reach out to an experienced trauma therapist to inquire about trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you heal.

Connect with Promises Brazos Valley to Enroll in Trauma Therapy Today

It’s time to stop letting trauma affect your mental and emotional health. Call Promises Brazos Valley now to schedule an assessment and enroll in our trauma therapy program. We emphasize a whole-person approach to healing through various behavioral and holistic therapies and medication, if applicable. Reach out at 979.426.0086 today to get started. If you prefer, you can reach out via our online form.