Imagine going through something traumatic like abuse or loss. Even if the event has passed, the lingering pain and memory can become too hard to shake off.
We’ve recently tackled the different types of trauma reactions that can manifest in one’s life. For some people who may try to brush off trauma and its effects, pretending everything is okay seems like the only option. But trauma doesn’t disappear that easily.
It is stored in the body, mind, and soul (which is also discussed in a prior article). The only way to heal is to address it. The good news is there are a lot of healing modalities that can help you get started on your journey toward trauma recovery.
5 Types Of Healing Modalities
There are five primary types of modalities that therapists and mental health professionals often use to help trauma survivors address their trauma issues. These modalities offer a variety of approaches to support a person in processing and navigating their experiences.
Self-Care
Self-care is the cornerstone of healing from trauma. The effects of trauma can sometimes make a person less inclined to take care of themselves, especially when dealing with conditions like depression.
You might be rolling your eyes at how cliche this may sound, but even the smallest acts of self-care can make a significant difference, such as taking a warm bath, spending time in nature, spending quality time with loved ones, or engaging in a hobby. These simple activities can help individuals replenish energy, reduce stress, promote emotional regulation, boost self-esteem, and create a sense of control.
Creative Outlets
Trauma can be hard to process on the spot. It's often a complex and overwhelming experience that can leave any person feeling confused and lost.
One effective way to process trauma and express it healthily is through creative arts therapy, which includes music, dancing, painting, and even photography. These activities can provide a safe and supportive space to explore and express one’s feelings without the pressure of words or language.
Mindfulness Exercises & Somatic Work
Another way is to cultivate awareness of thoughts and feelings through mindfulness exercises and somatic work. Mindful exercises involve focused breathing and meditation, which help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. Somatic work focuses on connecting the mind and body through movement to release any form of tension. The overall point of the techniques is to help people become more present and accepting of one’s experiences.
Trauma-sensitive yoga is a good example of this modality which is used to help attune to one’s physical and emotional sensations related to trauma. The practice leads to a greater understanding of oneself while reducing trauma symptoms like stress, or anxiety.
Group Therapy
Trauma can be isolating, especially when it manifests as guilt, fear, or shame. Group therapy can be a powerful tool to help trauma survivors process their experience through that of others. This allows them to realize that what they went through is not a personal weakness or something they should blame themselves for.
Group settings provide much-needed support and validation to overcome negative emotions and begin healing. In addition to emotional support, group therapy can offer practical tools and strategies for managing trauma-related symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and flashbacks.
Individual Therapy
Every trauma case is unique, and becoming part of individual therapy can provide a personalized approach to addressing your specific needs and experiences.
This type of modality offers a safe and confidential space where a person can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to trauma. A qualified therapist can help understand the impact of trauma on one’s life and develop effective coping strategies. Common individual therapy includes:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
DBT
Eye Movement Desensitization (EMDR)
Understanding Trauma Healing
There are two sides to healing from trauma. On one hand, there’s the need to expand your perspective to see the trauma as one event in your life rather than the defining factor. The modalities we discuss, such as creative outlets, and group and individual therapy, can help in providing this type of lens to help you move forward.
But trauma healing is more than just moving forward—it’s also about facing it head-on.
Modalities like psychodrama and exposure therapy are one way to do this. Psychodrama involves acting out scenes from the past, allowing survivors to explore their feelings and reactions in a safe and supportive setting. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing oneself to triggers associated with the trauma, helping to reduce fear and anxiety.
It might seem counterintuitive to revisit a traumatic memory. However, in a safe environment, trauma survivors can do so to process their emotions and gain control over their reactions without the fear of getting re-traumatized. By gradually confronting the trauma, trauma survivors can learn to manage their responses healthily and reduce trauma’s impact on their daily lives.
Remember, the journey to recovery is unique for each individual. It's essential to find the right therapeutic approaches and support systems to help you navigate your trauma-healing journey.
Arbor Intensives offers a variety of modalities to support people with trauma. Our program is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment that gives you exactly what you need to heal and thrive. Whether it’s individual therapy, group therapy, or experiential modalities, Arbor Intensives can provide support and guidance. Contact us today to learn more about what we do and how we can help you rebuild your life for the better!