Trauma resolution therapy

What is trauma resolution therapy?

People often think about trauma as only being post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD) but it can be much wider than this. Many if not most people coming for psychiatric/psychological help will have some kind of event(s) or circumstance that could be called 'traumatic'. It is important not to overplay these as a sole cause of difficulties. However there are times where specific work on such events is called for. Much trauma work falls within the range of normal psychotherapy approaches, but some may require focused work. In this case particular techniques may be applied. 

What kind of techniques do trauma resolution therapists use?

Examples of techniques being used include, techniques drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), replay and debriefing, art therapy techniques, and eye movement and desensitization reprogramming (EMDR). This last involves the idea that trauma causes the neural pathways to be organised in a certain fashion that needs correction to help the brain process the memory/experience. There are some links of this approach with neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and hypnosis. 

Are there any side effects to this type of therapy?

Some people exploring difficulties may become temporarily more depressed or anxious, for example, while they sort through the issues that brought them to therapy. Any competent therapist will be able to deal with this and will have safety measures in place through liaison with colleagues if appropriate – for example a psychotherapist might have a connection with a psychiatrist to ensure that if a client became severely depressed rapid access to appropriate assessment and treatment is available. Such incidents are extremely rare. It is naturally important to ensure that your therapist is appropriately qualified, registered and keeps up to date. It is also important to feel comfortable with them – trust your instincts as it will be almost impossible to make progress if you do not feel secure in the relationship or at the very least able to discuss such feelings.