If you are reading this, then it is likely that you or a family member are struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event. It’s never easy, but increasing knowledge and understanding of our brains has led to a popular form of therapy called, Trauma Treatment. Trauma treatment is a type of therapy that focuses on helping people heal from the psychological damage caused by traumatic events. It can be used to treat conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can occur after someone experiences a life-threatening event or witnesses something horrifying. Trauma treatment usually involves talking about the event or events that caused the trauma. This can be done in individual therapy sessions or in group therapy sessions with other people who have experienced similar traumas. The goal is to help people make sense of what happened and to process their feelings about it. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests trauma treatment can be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and other disorders. It can also help people feel better about themselves and their lives, and improve their relationships with others.
Trauma can be an incredibly isolating experience, and it can be difficult to know how to reach out for help. If you know a family member who might benefit from therapy or trauma treatment, but you’re unsure of how to propose the idea to them, here’s some tips:
- Start by simply expressing your concern for their well-being. It is important that they know you care about them and want to see them get better. When we take the time to show someone we care, it lets them know that they are valued and appreciated. It also helps build trust between us so that when we do finally propose treatment, they will be more open minded and hopefully listen.
- Do your own research on the effects of trauma! Here’s a start: The immediate effects of trauma can include shock, anxiety, and confusion. A person may also experience physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, heart rate changes, and dizziness. In some cases, people may dissociate from the event or develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The long-term effects of trauma can be just as debilitating as the short-term ones. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Other long-term effects of trauma can include flashbacks, nightmares, social isolation, and chronic pain. Once you feel relatively aware of trauma’s effects, explain to your family member what you have learned and how you think it might apply to them. This will help them understand why treatment may be necessary.
- Explain why therapy can be helpful in dealing with any of the symptoms of trauma. You can do this in multiple ways. You might feel most comfortable sharing your own experiences with therapy or other forms of support that have helped you in the past. This will show them that there is hope for healing and recovery and give them a trustworthy example. You can also go the more general route: therapy provides people with a safe space to talk about their experiences and feelings. This can be incredibly helpful for people who have experienced trauma, as it can allow them to process what happened and start to heal from it. Second, therapy can provide people with tools and strategies for dealing with difficult emotions and situations. This can be extremely helpful for people who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event. Finally, therapy can help people develop a support system of professionals and loved ones who can offer guidance and assistance during times of need. This support system can be vital for helping someone recover from trauma.
- Help them find resources to learn more on their own about trama treatment and general therapy. There are many ways people can learn about therapy and its impacts. One way is to read about it in books or articles. Another way is to talk to a therapist directly. Yet another way is to attend a therapy session. And finally, people can also observe others in therapy. All of these methods have different benefits and drawbacks. Books and articles about therapy can be very helpful in understanding the basics of how it works. However, they can also be quite dry and academic, making them difficult to really engage with. Talking to a therapist directly can be much more engaging, as you can ask questions and get specific advice tailored to your situation. However, this method can also be expensive and time-consuming. Attending a therapy session can give you a first-hand look at how therapy works and what it’s like to be a client. This can be very useful in deciding if therapy is right for you. However, it can also be quite intimidating, as you will be observing someone else’s personal process up close. Finally, observing others in therapy (e.g., through movies or TV shows) can provide an accessible introduction to the world of therapy without any personal investment required.
- Finally, encourage them to seek professional help from a qualified therapist or counselor who specializes in treating trauma survivors. It can be especially helpful to provide specific names and contact information so they don’t feel like they have to find options completely on their own. Also, it isn’t a bad thing for you to know a little bit about the therapist that an older family member is seeing if you have more experience and knowledge about therapy.
These are all helpful strategies for introducing your family member to the idea of trauma treatment, but it’s important to remember that facing difficulties of the past is never easy. Throughout the process you should try as hard as possible to remain understanding, listen closely, and maintain and open mind when talking to your family member.