What therapeutic approach to trauma worked for you?

[Sean_S]

Howdy all,

There are various approaches/therapies for treating trauma that I've heard of. Simply tell me,

1) Which approach you used?

2) How did it help you?

Tell me as little or as much as you'd like to. I'm listening, brain sponge at the ready 🙂

Sean

[white knight]

Hi Sean,

I had a trauma as a 12yo boy. I went no speech for 3 months but due to shock I didnt realise why until much older, 53yo actually when my wife and I attended a psychiatrist and it all came out. It was a swimming incident with my older brother that was a diabetic and them days I had to watch him as he was unstable with insulin.

Anyway he passed away aged 26 from suicide and I embarked upon a recommendation from a friend to follow Maharaji Prem Rawat. He doesnt promote religion but wisdom and better still he has many YouTube videos.

As a sample-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhrtbBrMQ1Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X30sWycWz4o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpfuMFsBgNk

So, I took his advice in one video to climb a hill and watch the sun set. Yes, as he says the sunset, we've all seen them, but it takes 2 hours for a sun to set- so have you seen a sunset?

It isnt the be all and end all, recovery is a mix of many things- medication, dosage, environment, hobbies, love, removing toxic people from your life and so on. Dont be afraid, major changes can be good and eventually you'll settle down when you are ready.

I hope that helps.

TonyWK

[Guest_1643]

hi sean,

peer support has helped me the best

speaking to others with trauma, sharing our symptoms, both on here and on facebook groups, and also in hospital requesting to speak to peer workers who have validated and empathised with my trauma symptoms

also for something as sensitive as ptsd, choosing a therapist isn't a simple task. I truly believe the majority of therapists are not sensitive to ptsd and its needs. And them saying so on a website doesn't guarantee they provide an embodied response to trauma. For me, in finding a therapist for PTSD i had to ask around and make sure I got a recommendation from someone I trust, who cared about my welfare, and knew who they were recommending. Not just a name from some GPs list.

[Sean_S]

Hi Tony & Sleepy,

Tony I found that video about watching the sunrise inspiring and really positive. I think appreciation and gratitude are super important.

Sleepy, thanks for your advice. Yeah I've had difficulty finding a therapist. I had one who made me feel quite uncomfortable in my first appointment. I'm waiting to see a new one (fingers crossed).

Do you guys know what sort of therapy you got, aka Somatic, CBT, ACT et cetera?

[Guest_1643]

hey Sean,

Yep - I really like ACT, and find it works for me really well. Helps me get to know myself, my thought processes, in a safe and caring way... isn't harsh or retraumatising.
I don't like or feel positively towards CBT and find it retraumatising
I've not tried DBT

I am interested in somatic but don't know much about it, but it appeals to me. I'm open to trying EMDR but haven't yet tried it. What about you?

[Sean_S]

I've never been treated for the trauma.

But for depression and anxiety I've had MBSR and CBT basically, a little existentialism from one therapist.

I'm really hoping to improve the trauma, it's really ruining my life and I'm running out of steam. I really need a big change. From what I've read of ACT I really like it. I read some of Russ Harris's book. The mindfulness components appeal to me.

I've been told that somatic therapy is important because of the way the trauma is embodied. For me the symptoms are very physiologically; shaking, weakness, chest pain, sweating etc.

[Guest_1643]

hi Sean

thats cool to know, thanks - somatic therapy sounds relevant to trauma healing

i like ACT in groups, there are flash cards and excercises, also worksheets to do individually. glad u liked russ' book. i use that as well as youtube stuff

i dont know that i've had any special trauma therapy eithr

i was told psychodynamic therapy can help with trauma but i dont know what it is. i'm wary of old-school, unprogressive therapists who retraumatise. i hope u find somthing that feels comfy and healing

[white knight]

Sean,

Living in a remote area meant it wasn't feasible to have ongoing therapy. Hence my advancement of knowledge of the adverse effects of trauma was conducted by heaps of research on Google (my official diagnosis from the trauma was "dysthymia". I also have bipolar) and a small amount of medication.

Having insight is a gift. You seem to have that.

TONYWK.

[Sean_S]

Hey guys,

Thanks for your tips.

Sleepy, yep I would love to do group work. I hope I can find a face to face group surrounding trauma at some point.

I'm starting therapy in a few months, to work on the trauma, so fingers crossed he knows what he's doing. It'll be a breath of fresh air to feel like I'm in the right place.

[Guest_1643]

awesome, hope you find something good!!

trauma therapy is something i need to specifically addrss too, i hope for good results for us all.