How Does Evidence-Based Therapy Help You to Tell Your Story?
The Power of Storytelling in Healing
“The human species thinks in metaphors and learns through stories.”― Mary Catherine Bateson
Storytelling is deeply ingrained in every culture. Sharing narratives transmits values, history, and culture from generation to generation. This universal human practice fosters community, facilitates communication, and helps us organize our experiences into long-term memories. Our life stories shape our identity and provide a framework for understanding the world around us.
Trauma Disrupts Our Narrative
However, this tradition can be disrupted during life-threatening events. Traumatic experiences can severely alter how we take in and process information. When faced with actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, we may find ourselves avoiding thoughts about these painful experiences. This avoidance can manifest in various ways, such as numbing emotions, substance use, or isolating oneself from social connections. While avoidance may seem like a temporary solution, it does not resolve the underlying issues and can often exacerbate feelings of distress.
Understanding PTSD: The Untold Stories
When trauma-related thoughts and memories resurface, they can evoke distressing feelings, which often lead to a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Approximately 70% of the population will encounter trauma in their lifetime, but for some, the recovery process becomes disrupted, affecting 6% to 7% of individuals.
Unprocessed memories can be compared to a chapter in our life story that we can’t quite turn the last page on. This unresolved trauma can intrude on our daily lives, creating distress and interfering with relationships and overall functioning. People with PTSD often experience flashbacks, nightmares, and a heightened sense of anxiety that makes it difficult to concentrate or find peace in daily activities.
The Role of Avoidance in PTSD
Avoidance is a hallmark symptom of PTSD, serving as a coping mechanism that may include refusing to think about the event, staying away from reminders, or using substances to escape the discomfort. Unfortunately, avoidance ultimately prevents recovery and hinders the healing process. It creates a cycle where the individual feels momentarily relieved but ultimately trapped in their trauma.
The Impact of Isolation
Many individuals with PTSD may cope in isolation, believing that they are protecting themselves and their loved ones by not discussing their experiences. However, this isolation can lead to unhelpful beliefs about themselves, others, and the world around them. The lack of social support and feedback can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair, making it even more challenging to confront and process trauma.
The Importance of Processing Trauma
Recognizing the importance of confronting traumatic experiences, it’s crucial to understand that sharing your story can be uncomfortable. Many individuals fear judgment, worry about burdening loved ones with their trauma, or believe that discussing their experiences will reopen old wounds.
However, processing trauma is vital to healing. When individuals avoid confronting their traumatic experiences, they may inadvertently block their capacity to heal. The therapeutic process allows individuals to safely explore their feelings and thoughts, ultimately leading to a sense of empowerment.
Evidence-Based Psychotherapy: More Than Just Talking
Talk therapies can be a natural fit for processing traumatic experiences. However, evidence-based psychotherapy goes beyond mere storytelling. It employs scientifically proven methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to facilitate healing.
The Science Behind Evidence-Based Therapy
Evidence-based therapy utilizes interventions that have been rigorously tested and validated through research. These approaches are designed to help individuals confront their trauma in a structured manner. Instead of merely recounting events, evidence-based therapy encourages clients to actively engage with their memories, thoughts, and feelings. This active engagement fosters a deeper understanding of the trauma and its impact on the individual’s life.
Therapeutic Techniques That Foster Healing
At Upward Behavioral Health, our therapists utilize three effective methods to address trauma:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- This therapy focuses on unhelpful thoughts and beliefs developed after trauma. It typically involves 8 to 12 sessions where you’ll learn to examine and challenge these beliefs, providing you with tools to reshape your narrative.
- Written Exposure Therapy
- This method involves writing about a specific traumatic event over five sessions. Your therapist will guide you in approaching and organizing your trauma memory, helping you confront your fears in a manageable way.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy
- This therapy addresses avoidance by creating a personalized plan to help you reengage with your life. It emphasizes a slow and systematic approach to confronting difficult situations, allowing you to gradually regain control over your life.
Measuring Progress in Trauma Therapy
How do you know if treatment is effective? At Upward Behavioral Health, we implement measurement-based care to assess progress and tailor treatment. Effective trauma therapy relies on evaluating symptoms and functioning throughout each phase of care. Regular assessments ensure that the therapy remains aligned with your needs and goals, maximizing the potential for recovery.
The Importance of Client Feedback
Client feedback is a crucial component of effective therapy. Regular check-ins allow therapists to understand what is working and what may need adjustment. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of agency in clients, empowering them to take an active role in their healing journey.
Completing Your Story: The Path to Healing
All these approaches utilize narratives to help individuals examine their experiences and recover from trauma. By expressing your traumatic experience, whether aloud or in writing, you can begin to make sense of what happened and how it impacted your life. This process allows you to complete your story, turn the page, and move forward.
The Transformative Power of Sharing Your Story
Sharing your story in a therapeutic setting can be a transformative experience. It allows individuals to externalize their trauma, gaining perspective and understanding. As you articulate your emotions and thoughts, you may discover new insights that contribute to your healing process. The act of storytelling not only provides relief but also fosters resilience and hope.
Schedule a Consultation for PTSD Therapy
If you are seeking evidence-based trauma therapy, click here to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists at Upward Behavioral Health. Together, we can explore your options and help you reclaim your narrative. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—support is available, and healing is possible.