Busting Myths About Trauma Therapy: Thoughts From a Trauma Therapist in Texas
There are many myths about trauma therapy. Some people believe that it dredges up painful memories that people would rather forget. Others believe that you have to talk about things you don't want to and relive your trauma and some think that it simply doesn't work. However, these are all myths! As a trauma therapist, I believe it's my responsibility to give you the truth. Trauma therapy is a very effective way to process trauma and heal from it. In this blog post, I will bust some of the most common myths about trauma therapy. I will also tell you the truth about what you can expect in trauma therapy.
What is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy is a type of counseling that helps people heal from trauma or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). It can help people who have experienced trauma in their lives; such as difficult life transitions, relationships, abuse, violence, or natural disasters. Working with a trauma therapist can help people process their traumatic experiences and the effects that come from them in a safe space. It allows people to understand their triggers and learn coping skills to manage them. Through trauma therapy, people can heal from their past and gain freedom from their trauma.
Myths About Trauma Therapy
Trauma Therapy Forces You to Talk About Things You Don't Want to
Many people who are considering trauma therapy are tired of thinking about their trauma. This is one of the reasons that many people are afraid to start trauma therapy. They are worried that they're going to have to talk about parts of their experience that they're really uncomfortable discussing. However, trauma therapy does not force you to talk about anything you’re not ready to talk about. You are in control of what you discuss in trauma therapy in Austin, TX. You can choose to share as much or as little as you want. Part of the process in the way I treat trauma is that I aim to meet you where you are in your experience so you can feel safe in order to move forward.
Your trauma therapist may encourage you to talk about your experience so you can process it and begin to heal. But they will never force you to discuss parts of your experience that you are not ready to talk about.
Trauma Therapy Will Dredge Up the Past
Some people believe that trauma therapy simply dredges up the past. They think that talking about their experience will make it worse. Or that it's better to just "forget". The truth is, you wouldn't be reading this blog if your traumatic experience wasn't still impacting you. You wouldn't be considering therapy in the first place if your trauma wasn't negatively impacting your life.
Ignoring the past doesn't make it go away. Trauma therapy will allow you to process what happened to you so that you can heal from it. Working with a trauma therapist in Austin will help you heal and gain freedom from your trauma. It's a much more effective way to become "unstuck" from your trauma compared to just trying to ignore it.
Trauma Therapy Doesn’t “Really” Work
Now the most harmful misconception about trauma therapy is simply that it's ineffective. Some people simply believe that trauma therapy doesn't work. These are most likely the same people who think you should just "forget it", "move on", or "suck it up". That's not how trauma works. Actually, that's why it's called trauma and not a mildly negative experience. You can move on from stubbing your toe. Or, doing something a bit embarrassing. However, you can't just "forget" a traumatic experience that has deeply impacted you. If that's how it worked, I wouldn't be a trauma therapist.
Trauma is stored unconsciously in your body & your mind. Even if you try everything in your power to "just forget about it", your body will store those traumatic memories. Working with a trauma therapist will help you process those memories and begin to heal from your trauma.
In trauma therapy, you'll be able to share your experience in a safe space. Processing your trauma can allow you to gain a deeper understanding of how your traumatic experience affected you. You'll also learn coping skills to manage your triggers and emotions. Trauma therapy will give you the techniques and tools you need to gain freedom from the difficult effects of the trauma.
So yes, trauma therapy works! I not only know from personal experience, but from years of education, and professional experience, and it's backed by research.
Not Every Trauma Therapist is the Same
It's important to note that there are many different forms of trauma therapy, and there are many trauma therapists out there. Finding the right one for you is very important and there are thousands of experienced and skilled trauma therapists that are great at what they do.
I am a body-based trauma-informed therapist who values my clients' boundaries, comfort, and healing. As a trauma-informed therapist, I meet all of my clients where they are in their experiences. I focus on connecting the mind & body in therapy because as research states, trauma lives in our bodies so we can’t ignore the effects it has on our whole mind-body system.
I would never push a client to discuss things they aren't ready to talk about. Helping people heal from their trauma is an incredibly rewarding experience. I know that it may not feel like it now, but healing from trauma is possible.
Begin Trauma Therapy in Texas or Utah
You don't have to continue living with this pain. Trauma therapy in Texas or Utah can help you release those feelings and memories that you're tired of living with. I specialize in helping people heal from trauma and PTSD. As a holistic counselor, I help clients heal on multiple levels. There is a connection between your mind, body, and soul. Through counseling, we will address all of the different parts of yourself that have been impacted by trauma.
If you are interested in trauma therapy, you can take these steps to get started.
Contact Elevate Therapy by filling out a consultation form
Start counseling to release your traumatic experiences and heal from the past
Other Services Available at Elevate Therapy & Wellness
At my Austin, TX-based therapy practice, I offer a range of mental health services. I know that many people who are struggling with trauma are experiencing another mental health concern. In addition to trauma therapy, I also offer counseling for anxiety and depression. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, I provide treatment for eating disorders as well. Additionally, I am a trained yoga therapist and I offer yoga therapy which can be a really effective tool when healing from trauma.
If you want more information before getting started, please feel welcome to read more about my background and experience as a therapist. You may also want to check out my other blogs as an additional resource too.
