Trauma focused CBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that has been designed to address specific emotional and mental needs of trauma survivors. It is incredibly challenging to overcome the long-term destructive effects of a past traumatic event or early trauma, no matter how long ago it happened.
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy has quickly become one of the most effective types of treatment used for individuals suffering from a trauma-based disorder.
Mental health disorders and trauma
Traumatic life events can have a severe long-term impact on individuals of all ages and genders. A traumatic event or ongoing trauma such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, and physical abuse can quickly eradicate the feeling of safety—Resulting in individuals finding it challenging to trust anyone or any sort of new situation. It has been recorded that a staggering 70% of adults within the U.S. have experienced some form of traumatic event at least once within their lives. That equated to over 223.4 million people possibly living with mild to severe mental health disorders.
Human beings are known to ignore, disregard completely, or avoid the emotional turmoil attached to traumatic situations as a way to relieve their mental state from holding on to such negative emotions. Unfortunately, this method does not treat the issue at hand, resulting in the individuals’ mental state worsening over time which is known to lead to severe mental health disorders such as:
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Substance abuse
Ongoing and single traumatic events can cause severe mental health issues that can last a lifetime if help is not provided. The trauma can cause deep emotional scars such as low self-esteem and trust issues, leading the individual to start or continue toxic relationships, whether with individuals or illegal substances.
When would trauma-focused CBT be used?
Individuals who have experienced either a repeated or single experience of mental, physical, or sexual abuse can significantly benefit from trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy. Additionally, individuals who have developed a mental health disorder due to severe post-traumatic symptoms or have been exposed to violence within the home or a loss of a loved one can benefit from trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy.
Further treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can be followed up with a trauma-sensitive approach. This type of treatment is appropriate for individuals who display the following additional signs:
- Behavioral disorder
- Severe mood swings
- Suicidal ideation
- Substance abuse
Benefits of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the ideology that our behavior and feelings directly result from our thoughts and emotional mindset and not so much external things such as past events, situations, or individuals.
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy allows the therapist to identify how an individual thinks and reacts to possible triggering situations and improve how the individual deals with that situation no matter what is externally happening around them. Trauma-focused CBT can involve numerous benefits, which can include but are not limited to:
- Resolving relationship problems with family members or partners
- Managing anger
- Learning to cope with grief or loss of a loved one
- Preventing addiction relapse
- Identify negative emotions and thoughts
- Overcoming severe sleep disorders
- Managing chronic ignore, disregard completely, pain
- Learning to deal with PTSD and overcome past trauma
Find the help you need at Shoreline Recovery Center
Here at Shoreline Recovery Centre, we offer integrated treatment for all forms of trauma disorders. If you or a loved one are struggling with trauma, take the first step to recovery and get the help you need. Our medical professionals are here to assist you with your dual diagnosis conditions.
