Trauma-informed therapy is an evidence-based approach to treating people who have experienced trauma. It focuses on helping them manage the symptoms of their trauma, as well as learn how to cope with and move forward from it. But one question many people have when considering this type of therapy is: how long does it take to work? The answer depends on various factors, but some general guidelines can give you an idea of what to expect.
The Length of Trauma-Informed Therapy Varies
Trauma-informed therapy is a process that takes time and can vary in length depending on the individual’s needs and goals. Some individuals only need a few sessions, while others need more intensive, long-term treatment. It’s important to note that trauma-informed therapy is not a “quick fix.” It requires hard work and dedication from both the therapist and the client over an extended period of time.
Factors That Impact the Length of Therapy
The length of time needed for successful trauma-informed therapy also depends upon a variety of factors, such as the severity and type of trauma experienced, how long ago it occurred, how much support the individual has available in their life, and how willing they are to do the necessary work for healing to occur. Additionally, some forms of trauma (such as complex PTSD) may require longer-term interventions than others (such as single-incident trauma).
Benefits of Trauma Informed Therapy
The primary benefit of trauma-informed therapy is that it helps individuals process traumatic experiences safely while still gaining insight into how those experiences impact their current life. By helping patients explore their emotions and reactions in a safe setting, they can begin to understand why they feel certain ways and learn healthier coping strategies for managing those feelings.
This can be particularly helpful for those struggling with PTSD and those who have experienced complex traumas such as abuse or neglect during childhood. Additionally, this type of therapy can improve self-esteem since it allows individuals to gain control over their own narratives about their traumatic experiences rather than feeling like victims of circumstances beyond their control.
What Can You Expect From Trauma-Informed Therapy?
The goal of trauma-informed therapy is to help individuals heal from their past traumas and provide them with tools and strategies they can use in their day-to-day lives to better manage stressors and any difficult emotions that arise due to past traumas. Through this process, individuals will gain insight into themselves and develop new ways of thinking about themselves and the world around them.
This can lead to increased self-awareness, improved relationships with others, increased self-confidence, improved coping skills for managing stressors, reduced feelings of guilt or shame associated with past traumas, greater overall happiness and well-being, etc.
Trauma-Informed Therapy Treatment
Trauma-informed therapy can be a beneficial approach for anyone who has experienced a traumatic event or events in their life. It provides an opportunity for individuals to safely process their traumatic experience(s) with the support of a trained professional who understands what they are going through.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer regarding how long treatment should last—as this varies based on each person’s individual needs—it is generally recommended that adults receive 8 to 12 sessions or more if needed. In contrast, children may require fewer sessions due to responding better to shorter interventions. Ultimately though, it is up to each individual’s needs and preferences when it comes to how long they are in therapy, as everyone’s healing journey is unique!
