Traumatic events of all types affect millions of people across the country. Unfortunately, these events can often have lingering effects that are very difficult to handle. For people who have a hard time coping with the after-effects of a traumatic event, trauma therapy can be lifesaving. What are the most effective types of therapy for handling trauma? The information below delves deeper into this topic.

Connecting Trauma and Mental Illness

Man exploring underlying issues during trauma therapyWhat constitutes a traumatic event varies greatly from person to person. For some, it might be enduring a horrific natural disaster that instills fear in them to this day. For others, it may include suffering abuse at the hands of a spouse or parent.

In any case, those who experience trauma in some form often have trouble moving past it. Small things can trigger painful memories of the event, for example. These individuals can sometimes feel as if there is no escape from the prison of memories surrounding their traumatic experience. They are unable to break free and experience happiness.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is one type of mental health condition that can follow a traumatic event. When a person suffers from PTSD, they can have specific triggers that remind them of the painful experience. Trauma therapy can help those with PTSD to identify their triggers and come up with healthier ways of dealing with painful memories.

Types of Effective Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy can include many different forms of therapy. More than likely, your course of action depends on your own unique attributes, experiences, and goals. The following elements can help you heal from trauma:

Counseling

Individual, family, and group counseling are common themes in the therapy of trauma-related illnesses. Therapists and counselors often use these methods in unison to give patients the best chance to heal.

Behavior Therapy

There are many different types of behavior therapy that can also help people learn to identify self-defeating thoughts and actions. Once a person knows how their thoughts influence their behavior, they can make many positive changes that impact other areas of their life.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is a therapeutic approach that involves purposely exposing individuals to what they’re afraid of. When this occurs in a safe manner under supervision, patients can overcome their fears rather than continue to avoid them.

What Are the Benefits of Trauma Therapy?

Specialized therapy for trauma offers many benefits. Those dealing with the lingering effects of a traumatic event may have trouble maintaining work, having good relationships with others, or simply performing basic daily tasks. Attaining proper therapy for their issues can restore their functionality and give them peace. They can experience greater emotional health, happier relationships, and renewed success at living a balanced life.

How to Locate the Best Mental Health Clinic

As you begin to look into different therapeutic options, you may become aware of the wide variety of therapeutic health and counseling services that are out there. While it’s great to have many options, this can also overwhelm some people. Don’t let it stop you from reaching out for the help you deserve.

It might help you to have an open conversation with your family. Talk about the areas of concern that you all have. Perhaps you can work together to come up with a list of questions to ask each clinic you consider using. For example, you might consider asking them about their success rate, their common therapy protocols, and what their follow-up routine is like.

More About PACE Mental Health Houston

PACE Mental Health is a Houston behavioral health services clinic that serves the needs of the Houston, Texas area. Their expert team of professionals focuses on a combination of traditional and modern psychiatric therapy services, including:

Don’t allow mental health issues to prevent you from having the quality of life you deserve. With the right kind of professional help, you will have a tool like trauma therapy at your disposal to overcome these challenges. Call 866.971.8423 to find out how PACE Mental Health Houston can help you recover.