Trauma-informed form of therapy focuses on the impact of traumatic events on an individual’s emotional, mental and physical health. The roots of trauma-informed therapy are in psychology, and it has evolved to become a very important treatment for trauma-related issues. This blog will examine the history of trauma informed therapy and its current use.
History of trauma-informed therapies dates back to Sigmund Fréud’s theory of psychoanalysis, which he developed in the late 19th Century. Freud believed childhood trauma and experiences played a major role in determining an individual’s mental health and personality. It wasn’t till the 1960s or 1970s that trauma was widely accepted in psychology.
Researchers and clinicians studied the effects of traumatizing experiences on mental wellbeing during this period. Researchers and clinicians found that trauma has a profound effect on an individual’s self-esteem, sense of safety, and ability to form relationships. The researchers also discovered that traditional therapies, like cognitive-behavioral and talk therapy were not always effective at addressing trauma issues.
Trauma-informed therapy was born as a way to treat trauma. The trauma-informed approach is based on a belief that trauma is more than just an incident that occurred in the past. It is a set of complex experiences that continue to affect a person in various ways.
The goal of trauma-informed therapy is to create a supportive and safe environment for those who have been affected by trauma. It includes techniques like mindfulness, grounding, and relaxation to make individuals feel comfortable and safe. This includes helping the individual develop coping strategies and skills to manage symptoms of trauma such as anxiety and depression.
Trauma-informed therapy, which is also used in our practice, can be used to treat a variety of trauma-related problems, such as post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), childhood trauma, or complex trauma.
Trauma-informed therapy focuses on creating a supportive and safe environment for those who have been traumatized. The therapist will take a collaborative, non-judgmental and individual approach to the therapy.
The emphasis placed on choice and empowerment is another important aspect of trauma informed therapy. The trauma-informed approach recognizes that people who have suffered trauma can feel powerless and out of control. Trauma-informed therapy helps individuals to regain control of their lives, and to make choices in accordance with their goals and values.
The focus of trauma-informed therapies is on the person as a whole. Trauma can affect a person’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Trauma-informed therapies recognize the interconnectedness between these aspects of their life. Trauma-informed therapies may consist of a variety of interventions such as art therapy, talk therapy and movement therapy.
The history of trauma-informed therapy in psychology is rich and it has evolved to be an important treatment for trauma-related issues. It is characterized as a therapy that focuses on creating a supportive and safe environment, empowers individuals and addresses the whole person. Trauma-informed therapy, which is used today in many settings to help people who have suffered trauma heal and move on with their lives, is becoming more popular.
Contact us today if you would like to learn more about Trauma Informed Therapy and whether it is right for you.