In this illuminating video, Evan, our resident mental health and addiction therapist, explores the contrasts and similarities between trauma therapy, including EMDR, and traditional therapy practices. Presented by our knowledgeable therapist, the session offers a balanced understanding of both approaches, highlighting their unique techniques and when one might be more appropriate. This detailed yet accessible guide is perfect for anyone seeking a deeper comprehension of the diverse therapeutic options available for various mental health needs.
What is the difference between therapy and trauma therapy? Trauma therapy is very specific. It targets some of the more intense symptoms that come from different severe traumas. It is all about reframing narratives. It's hard to know exactly when you need one or the other.
A common question I get is, what really is the difference between therapy and trauma therapy? I'm Evan. I'm your resident mental health and addiction therapist. And here are the five differences between trauma therapy and therapy as usual, first is scope of practice. For example, all therapies technically address trauma and negative past experiences. However, trauma therapy is very specific. It targets some of the more intense symptoms that come from different severe traumas, like abuse or near death experiences, accidents, these things that leave a lasting mark.
Number two, trauma is like a scattered puzzle, and what trauma therapy seeks to do is put them all together. You're not just confronting the issues, you're understanding how they fit, how these things impact the way you think and feel. And when you're able to organize that in your mind and make sense of it, it doesn't impact you in the same way. Moving forward one standout of trauma therapy is how it addresses the physical sensations in your body. As often, traumatic experiences are stored deep within our body and present as physical manifestations.
Trauma therapies like EMDR or somatic experiencing directly target those sensations and help you process in a deeper way. Number four, trauma therapy is all about desensitization, meaning when we experience severe trauma, we are bound by fear, and that often comes with avoidance. Those people, places and things that remind us of these negative events. And what trauma therapy does is in a controlled environment where you could feel safe, you start to address those fears, those thoughts, those memories, and gradually desensitize to them so they don't have that same impact on your day to day life.
Lastly, trauma therapy is all about reframing narratives. When we experience traumatic events, it really shapes the way we think about ourselves and the world. It can often come with guilt, blame, shame, or feelings of perpetual victimhood. So working with a trauma therapist, you're able to reshape how you view the situation and how you view yourself to again, make sense of it. So you're able to move forward with a different perspective. So to wrap things up, there is a lot of overlap between therapy and trauma therapy, and it's hard to know exactly when you need one or the other.
Both could be extremely helpful in many ways, but the overall difference is just in focus, how trauma therapy really looks at those past negative experiences that still shape you and targets those symptoms for you to better move forward.
