By: Sabrina Caltabellotta MS, MHC-LP, CCTP & Diane Lotto LCSW, CCTP
As trauma therapists, it isn’t only our job to treat trauma with our clients—its also our responsibility to spread awareness and understanding of what trauma is, how it looks, and what we can do about it.
Here are the 5 things these trauma therapists want you to know about trauma.
- You don’t need to carry a diagnosis of PTSD.
The term “PTSD” is one that people are very familiar with. However, it is a common misconception that in order to for you to have your trauma recognized—you would need to be diagnosed. A diagnosis can be very validating for people, however the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis from the DSM is strict and rarely encapsulates the entire contextual experiences of someone who is living with the effects of trauma.
According to the DSM, traumatic events occur when you are exposed firsthand to a life threatening or dangerous event. Secondhand trauma occurs when we are exposed vicariously to details of trauma. While these are certainly events that can cause trauma, it does not include every person who goes on to experience adverse effects of trauma. An example: a high school teenager who is isolated or left out by peers can be prone to symptoms of trauma while not meeting criteria for a diagnosis.
A diagnosis does not define you. Nor does it make your experience less valid. It is important to seek therapy from a provider who takes a trauma-informed approach and can validate the nuances that exist between the restrictive PTSD criteria.
2. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event or series of events is traumatized.
There are many factors that contribute to whether a person experiences adverse symptoms because of trauma, many of which are still not thoroughly researched enough. What we know is that there are biological, neurological, and environmental factors that play into how a person processes and manages traumatic events. There is no single predictor as to why some people experience more symptoms than others. In the aftermath of 9/11, millions of people were exposed either directly or indirectly to a traumatic event. Researchers found no single thread that predicted the development of trauma symptoms in some individuals versus others.
In therapy, this is an important consideration. How an individual perceives the event is the most important guiding factor in the therapeutic experience. Do you identify something as traumatic? Has it impacted your day to day life? Or do you feel that you have processed through and managed it? These are the factors that will guide your therapy.
3. Trauma symptoms can look like a whole lot of different things.
Trauma is an umbrella. Underneath that umbrella is anxiety, depression, social isolation, irritability, sensory processing symptoms, relationship issues, excessive shame, substance use etc. These symptoms can look very different for everyone. Diagnosing is a process of evaluating, understanding the roots, and seeing the ways that symptoms impact your day to day life. And while not every person who experiences these symptoms has experienced trauma—it is easy for trauma to be overlooked. Seeking care from a provider who is trauma-informed or certified in treating trauma is important to create a diagnosis and treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
Some ways to locate trauma informed therapists near you: getting recommendations from trusted friends and family, asking your primary doctor or psychiatrist, searching therapist listings on psychologytoday which allows you to identify specialty, or through school counseling centers.
4. Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all.
You have options. Seeking out trauma therapy a provider can seem like a daunting task. Let us reassure you—we are here to answer your questions. And if the right treatment for you is something that we don’t offer, we will help you find the right person who can meet your needs.
Some of the most common trauma treatment interventions are:
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)- a series of structured sessions that use eye movement and memory recall to limit distress and enhance coping ability with traumatic memories.
- Somatic Experiencing- a series of mind-body exercises that allow us to process trauma that is stored in the body.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy- therapy that focuses on reframing our thoughts and beliefs about the trauma we experienced to limit distress and shame.
Not every therapist who treats trauma is trained in this. And not every client knows what approach is right for them. This is why discussing your experiences, needs, strengths and challenges with your prospective therapist is SO important.
5. Recovery From Trauma is Possible.
Trauma is not a life sentence. Trauma is not something that you are going to have to deal with for the rest of your life. There is a life waiting for you that is free from trauma. By working with a trauma therapist, identifying your goals, and doing the tough (but rewarding!) work—you are setting yourself up for a fulfilling life that isn’t bound by your traumatic experiences.
For information on trauma treatment and therapist availability, please visit us at www.counselingcollectivepeekskill.com or @counselingcollectivepeekskill on Instagram.