How Therapeutic Sessions Can Rewire the Brain After Trauma

The one thing that permanently changes our feelings, thoughts, and composition of our brain is “ Trauma”. A number of mental problems including depression. Anxiety, and stress all are the derivatives of trauma. Traumatic experiences alter our neural connections. However, the ability of the brain to make new neural connections is a life saver for trauma survivors. With accurate therapeutic sessions and strategies, we can enhance neuroplasticity of the brain successfully. These therapeutic techniques play an integral role in rewiring the brain and encourage positive life changes. In this article we will discuss different trauma therapy and therapeutic goals to treat mental problems. 

The Influence of Therapeutic Sessions

Therapeutic sessions are specially designed for trauma survivors to strengthen their resilience, developing coping techniques for them, and analyse their traumatic experience. The therapeutic relationship between therapist and candidate is developed into a strong bond by introducing a safe and secure setting for mental wellness. 

The result of establishing strong bonds and discussing the procedure prior to the session is beneficial for mental healing. This discussion includes how the brain reacts to stressful situations and how well therapeutic sessions help it to heal. Therapeutic goals include controlling emotions, feeling of self-worth, and reducing stressful memories. A therapist keenly sets goals before starting the therapy. 

Developing a strong therapeutic relationship between therapist and client is the most effective strategy. This helps the trauma survivors to face their triggering memories, build coping strategies for themselve. This whole session is based on the therapist's role and appreciation to promote trust, and empathy.  A client can feel seen, heard, and recognised with the support of a therapist who is sensitive to their requirements. Furthermore, developing a sense of security is the crucial part of therapeutic sessions. 

Comprehending Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy refers to the healing approach to deal with traumatic experiences and developing the coping strategy while analysing the unique needs of survivors. It shows that trauma is a profoundly ingrained experience that badly influences the  person instead of just a depressive symptom. Although there are several ways to treat trauma, the best strategy is to provide a secure setting so that they feel safe and protected and learn to face traumatic memories. 

The following are a few popular and scientifically supported trauma therapies:

Somatic Experience: Trauma therapy encouraging people to release bodily stress and negative energy is known as somatic experience. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This therapeutic technique involves helping people recognize the triggering memories linked to their trauma. 

Trauma-focused CBT: This type of trauma therapy is the fusion of trauma-informed and cognitive behavioral therapy.TF-CBT is specifically encouraging therapeutic relationship between therapist and teenager or kid facing trauma or childhood trauma.  

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing: By utilizing bilateral stimulation,  EMDR  helps people to reduce the intensity of their painful emotions related to trauma. 

Therapeutic Goals and Objectives

Developing the right therapeutic goals ensure best healing results. A trained therapist specifically plan goals for client to meet their mental needs, some of them are discussed below; 

Providing Safe Setting: For a successful trauma  therapy, the therapeutic sessions should be safe and secure.  This includes following coping mechanisms to manage intense feelings and promoting self-control tactics.

Dealing with Triggering Memories:Analysing the painful memories and dealing with them is an important therapeutic goal. Cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR are here to deal with painful emotional patterns.

Reducing Trauma-linked Symptoms: Every person has a different severity of trauma. Developing customised treatment plans and goals to heal symptoms like depression and anxiety is necessary. Following drug therapy, lifestyle modification and mental therapies might help in this regard. 

Introducing Coping Strategies: Developing cope up tactic is an important therapeutic goal that leads to long-lasting good results. The clients could learn how to manage emotions and stress efficiently. 

Developing Flexibility: A successful therapy setting helps people to develop flexibility while dealing with their trauma. Enhancing resilience promotes positive life-style changes and a better way to live confidently.  

Benefits of Achieving Therapeutic Goals

These methods have the potential to significantly alter the brain during therapeutic sessions. For example, research has indicated that therapy can assist in: 

Diminish amygdala activity: The fear center of the brain is the amygdala. An hyperactive amygdala brought on by trauma can intensify anxiety and fear reactions. By managing  amygdala activity via trauma therapy, therapists can reduce symptoms. 

Boost prefrontal cortex activity: The special part of the brain that controls decision making, emotional patterns, and task organisation is the prefrontal cortex. Trauma negatively impacts the prefrontal cortex and its functions. A properly planned therapeutic approach is helpful to reverse the normal function of the prefrontal cortex. 

Strengthen the Neural-connections: Trauma is beyond the regular painful flashback. It can spread moderate to severe distribution between different parts of the brain. Although, establishing right plans for trauma therapy could help in rewiring the neural connections. 

Frequently Asked Question

Q1. How long does trauma therapy last?

The duration of trauma therapy varies person to person and severity of the trauma. While calculating the number of therapeutic sessions, the therapist develops a customised strategy. 

Q2. Does trauma treatment hurt?

Facing your inner most traumatic memories during the sessions might be painful for some people, but it is carefully monitored by the trained therapist. 

Q3. Is trauma therapy effective?

Yes, there are several studies to prove the effectiveness of trauma therapy. It is highly successful to reduce traumatic symptoms and overall well-being.