Services

Trauma Therapy

At IBWHC our specialized, highly skilled trauma therapists offer support and relief from the symptoms of past traumas, including PTSD.

Healing from the Past

Understanding Trauma Therapy

Experiencing a traumatic event or multiple traumatic events can impact an individual emotionally and psychologically, which can leave long lasting impacts on someone's mental health. For individuals who have had a traumatic experience, it can be difficult to navigate the world following the experience, whether it is immediately after (e.g., acute stress disorder) or long-term (PTSD symptoms) due to intrusive trauma memories that are difficult to move on from.

Through trauma-focused therapy modalities like cognitive processing therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and accelerated resolution therapy, individuals can begin to process and treat PTSD, complex trauma, and a variety of symptoms to live a more fulfilling and happy life. There are many mental health resources in the greater Tampa Bay area; however, at It Begins Within our mental health clinicians specifically provide St. Petersburg and Tampa trauma therapy utilizing several evidence-based trauma therapies.

Specifically, we have several trauma therapists that specialize in a variety of trauma focused treatments. Treatment designed individually to decrease psychological trauma symptoms and mental health symptoms, teach coping skills, and assist with the healing and growth of an individual.

A traumatic event is categorized by an experience where an individual felt physically or psychologically unsafe. Examples of events include sexual assault, car accidents, physical abuse, and much more. Each person will categorize trauma differently. For example, one person may feel that their parent’s divorce was traumatic for them, whereas another individual may feel that they were not psychologically affected by the same event. It is important to validate each person's experience because everyone is affected by events in their lives differently. However, universally a person will feel emotional or psychological harm from the traumatic experience that results in trauma-related issues, ptsd symptoms, and trauma-related beliefs. This is where therapy comes in to help alleviate any negative outcomes from a traumatic event(s).

What is considered trauma or a traumatic event?

How do you know if you need trauma therapy?

You can benefit from trauma treatment if trauma-related symptoms are affecting your mental health and manifesting into unhealthy behavioral patterns that impact your overall quality of life. Past trauma can have profound effects on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Further, traumatic experiences can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, leading to symptoms such as hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and emotional dysregulation.

These symptoms can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall happiness. Additionally, unresolved trauma can contribute to the development of a more severe mental health disorders (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, substance use, etc.) and other unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Types of issues that trauma therapy can help you heal from

Trauma treatment is designed to address a wide range of issues stemming from past traumatic events, including:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms

  • Acute Stress Disorder

  • Childhood trauma

  • Complex trauma

  • Trauma-related unhealthy behavior patterns, such as substance abuse or difficulty sleeping

  • Trauma-related beliefs and feelings of shame or helplessness

  • Traumatic stress and its impact on mental health disorders

  • Trauma-related memories and flashbacks

  • Chronic trauma resulting from prolonged exposure to stressful or dangerous situations

  • Psychological harm caused by trauma-related experiences, such as sexual assault or physical abuse

  • Trauma responses and coping mechanisms, including avoidance or numbing behaviors

  • Generational trauma passed down through families

  • Eating disorders and other mental health conditions exacerbated by trauma

What is the best therapy for trauma?

There are many different forms of trauma treatment or trauma informed therapy. It is important if you have experienced a traumatic event and are exhibiting trauma related symptoms that you specifically engage in trauma therapy opposed to traditional talk therapy. Trauma therapy is different than regular talk therapy because it is evidence based therapy that has shown to be helpful with reducing trauma symptoms, performed by a trauma informed therapist. Trauma lives in your body, that is why symptoms such as anxiety and depression manifest following a trauma past; therefore, it is important to release this trauma from the body using one of the following approaches.

  • CPT is a type of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals process and cope with the impact of traumatic events by helping individuals develop a more helpful way of thinking and responding to traumatic experiences.

  • TF-CBT integrates elements of CBT with exposure therapy to address the emotional and psychological effects of trauma. TF-CBT includes psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, exposure (through a trauma narrative), and cognitive restructuring.

  • ART utilizes a combination of techniques, including guided eye movements and imagery, to facilitate the rapid processing and resolution of traumatic memories. By accessing and reprocessing these memories in a safe and controlled manner, ART helps individuals effectively neutralize their emotional charge and alleviate distressing symptoms.

  • Through a structured protocol, EMDR helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories, allowing them to integrate these experiences into their overall memory networks in a healthier and more adaptive way. During EMDR sessions, individuals engage in bilateral stimulation, such as following the therapist's finger movements or auditory tones, while simultaneously focusing on the traumatic memory. This process facilitates the brain's natural healing mechanisms, enabling individuals to experience reduced emotional distress and increased psychological resilience.

  • Individuals gradually confront and process distressing trauma memories and situations they have been avoiding. Through repeated exposure to these memories and situations in a safe and controlled environment, individuals learn to reduce their fear and anxiety responses, allowing for emotional processing and integration of the traumatic experience.Each of these approaches offers unique techniques for processing trauma-related memories, modifying unhelpful beliefs, and building healthy coping skills. The best therapy for you will depend on your specific symptoms, preferences, and treatment goals.

Qualifications of a trauma therapist

At It Begins Within Healing Center our trauma informed therapists are trained and certified in evidence-based practices to treat trauma. When seeking trauma therapy, it's crucial to work with a qualified and skilled trauma therapist who has specialized training in treating trauma-related issues.

Look for therapists who:

Have advanced degrees in mental health fields such as psychology, counseling, or social work

Are licensed mental health professionals in their state or country

Have additional training or certification in trauma therapy modalities

Adhere to trauma-informed care principles, prioritizing safety, trust, and empowerment in therapy sessions

  • Have experience working with trauma survivors and understand the unique challenges they face

By seeking treatment from a qualified trauma therapist and mental health professional, you can feel confident that you're receiving the support and expertise needed to effectively address your symptoms and begin your journey towards healing.

Ready for to start your journey of healing?

Trauma therapy offers a path toward healing and recovery for individuals who have experienced past traumatic events. By addressing trauma-related symptoms, beliefs, and behaviors, trauma therapy empowers individuals to reclaim their lives and build resilience in the face of adversity. If you've experienced trauma and are struggling to cope, don't hesitate to seek support from one of our qualified trauma therapists. We can provide the guidance and resources you need to heal and thrive. Remember, you don't have to face your trauma alone—help is available, and healing is possible. Contact us for a free consultation with a skilled therapist who understands what you are going through.

Sessions available today

We offer comprehensive mental health services and are dedicated to the best outcome for our clients. Please reach out to us today to book a session with one of our skilled therapists.