Trauma Treatment Options
Evidence-based Trauma Treatment
There are three main types of evidence-based trauma treatment protocols in which providers at Columbus Behavioral Health are trained. We offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure. Read more to figure out which trauma treatment is right for you.
What is EMDR?
EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy is a structured type therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the memory caused by a specific trauma while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. (https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing)
What is Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)?
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that has proven effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD. CPT is generally delivered over 12 sessions and helps patients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. In so doing, the patient creates a new understanding and conceptualization of the traumatic event so that it reduces its ongoing negative effects on current life. CPT does not require the re-telling of specific traumatic events.
What is Prolonged Exposure?
Prolonged Exposure or PE is a specific type of trauma treatment that helps patients to approach their trauma-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 Concerns are Addressed

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