What is CBT for Trauma?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for trauma is a type of therapy that has specifically been adapted and modified for people who have experienced trauma and the unique challenges that this brings. It was based on the idea that our thoughts, mood and actions are interconnected and for the fact of changing one of them, it really can impact upon the other positive manner (Cohen et al., 2011).
CBT for trauma typically involves:
- Identifying and disputing negative thoughts about the traumatic incident
- Learning how to use the skills to deal with the upsetting feelings
- Gradually exposing and desensitising the person to previous trauma-related fears
- Acquiring skills ncessary for better functioninng and improved quality of life
The Effectiveness of CBT for Trauma
Extensive research has shown CBT to be effective in improving trauma-related symptoms. Research also shows that the effects of CBT maintain medium and long-term.
Main Elements of CBT for Trauma
1. Cognitive Restructuring
One of the basic components of CBT for trauma is the cognitive restructuring. It includes getting a different perspective on the traumatic event and challenging distorted thoughts and beliefs about the event. For instance, someone who has experienced trauma, may hold the thought, “World is always dangerous.” Through cognitive restructuring, the clients can see it as an overgeneralisation and develop more balanced, realistic thoughts (Ehlers & Clark, 2000).
2. Exposure Techniques
Exposure is essential in trauma focused CBT. It includes progressively and securely handling to happen when related memories, thoughts, and events of the person that has was choosing. This can be done through:
- Imaginal exposure: Revisiting the traumatic memory in a controlled setting
- In vivo exposure: Dealing with actual life situations associated with the trauma
- Writing or reading trauma narratives
Exposure allows the individual to narrate the traumatic event and find out that they can confront these memories in a safe manner without being overwhelmed (Marks et al., 1998).
3. Anxiety Management Techniques
CBT for trauma may involve various anxiety management techniques, to enable individuals to feel more able to manage intrusive emotions. These may include:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Mindfulness techniques
- Grounding exercises
These skills give people the skills to control anxiousness and other scary emotions that they deal with everyday (Bryant et al., 2008).
The CBT Process for Trauma
Assessment and Goal Setting
The treatment normally begins with a complete evaluation of that person’s trauma history, actual symptoms, along with therapeutic objectives. This information allows the therapist to customise the therapy and/or treatment to that person’s particular needs and experiences.
1. Psychoeducation
Educating the individual in trauma, it outcomes, and treatment strategy is an essential first step of the CBT for trauma. It increases a common knowledge and encourages the engagement in the treatment process (Resick & Schnicke, 1992).
2. Skill Building
Prior to processing trauma, clients learn and develop various coping skills to generate some sense of control over their emotions or emotional distress. This might also comprise back-channelling techniques, grounding techniques, and ways to dispute unhelpful ideas.
3. Trauma Processing
Once the individual has learned the basic coping skills, then they move the group therapy into processing the traumatic event. This frequently involves is a mixture of cognitive restructuring and exposure techniques which were talked about early.
4. Relapse Prevention and Maintenance
As the therapy goes on the emphasis changes to maintaining the gains and preventing relapse. Part of this is learning effective ways of sustaining progress and dealing with upcoming issues (Kubany et al., 2004).
Benefits of CBT for Trauma
It has been found through research that CBT for trauma can result in a number of advantages including:
- Significant reduction in PTSD symptoms (Watts et al., 2013)
- Improvements in depression and anxiety (Resick et al., 2012)
- Enhanced overall functioning and quality of life
- Long-term results (treatment effects) persist in the years following therapy (Resick et al., 2012).
Conclusion
Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven to be a potent weapon in dealing trauma-related issues, providing options and as well as healing to the thousands of people who are considering the physiological and psychological an impact of traumatic events. So addressing thinking, feeling, and acting associated with the trauma, CBT offers an integrated pathway to healing. If yourself is in fact experiencing trauma related symptoms or somebody you know, call a psychological health specialist trained in trauma-focused CBT. Recovery is achievable, and by the suitable guidance and support, you can recover from the effects of trauma.