Understanding Trauma
Common Signs of Trauma
- Persistent feelings of fear, guilt, or shame
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
- Headaches, Rapid Heartbeat
- Avoidance of reminders of the event
- Physical symptoms such as tension and fatigue
What Is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals safely process traumatic experiences, reduce symptoms of distress, and regain a sense of control and safety.
Goals of Trauma Therapy:
- Build a sense of safety and stability
- Process traumatic memories at a manageable pace
- Develop coping skills for managing distress
- Reconnect with self, relationships, and life goals
- Strengthen resilience and emotional regulation
Types of Trauma Therapy
(click each title to read description)
Helps reprocess traumatic memories through guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation.
Focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma.
Uses body awareness techniques to release physical tension and trauma stored in the body.
Combines trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive-behavioral techniques, especially helpful for children and adolescents.
Explores inner parts of the self to promote healing and internal harmony.
Prolonged Exposure or PE is a specific type of trauma treatment that helps patients approach their trama-related memories in a specific, time-limited protocol which many studies have shown to be effective. Most people naturally want to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma they experienced; however, avoidance reinforces and maintains the fear and traumatic response. By facing what has been avoided, a person can decrease symptoms of PTSD by actively learning that the trauma-related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided. Prolonged Exposure protocols are time-limited to a specific number of sessions, and involve the re-telling of specific traumatic events with homework assignments.
What to Expect
Initial Assessment: Your therapist will discuss your history and current challenges in a safe, confidential space.
Safety & Trust: Sessions move at your pace. You will not be pressured to relive or disclose details before you’re ready.
Skill Building: Early sessions often focus on grounding, relaxation, and emotional regulation before processing trauma.
Processing & Integration: Gradually, the therapist helps you make sense of past experiences and reduce their emotional impact.
Is Trauma Therapy Right for You?
Getting Started
Reach out to a licensed trauma-informed therapist or counseling center. Many professionals offer in-person and online sessions.
You can also contact:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – Free, confidential, 24/7 support
Remember
Healing from trauma takes time, but you don’t have to do it alone. With compassionate care and consistent support, recovery and growth are within reach. Reach out to one of our trauma therapy providers today. We offer in-person and virtual counseling sessions at our two office locations in Dublin and Westerville, Ohio.