Why is Trauma Therapy so Hard?

Whether you’ve previously done trauma therapy or are thinking of pursuing it, it’s no surprise that it can be challenging. It’s important to remember you’re not alone and there is a light at the end of the tunnel when you’re doing the work. Here are some of the most common reasons stated why trauma therapy is hard:

Untangling the Ball:

Trauma is a complex ball of memories, emotions, and coping skills. During trauma therapy we gently untangle the ball to make sense of things and decide where to start. This process can be emotionally draining as it involves revisiting painful memories and emotions. Fortunately, during some trauma therapies such as EMDR, minimal details of the trauma are required for your therapist to know.

Picking Up the Pieces:

Trauma often leaves people feeling like they're in pieces and their sense of self is shattered. Rebuilding involves confronting distorted beliefs and piecing together self-esteem. It's akin to finding a new version of oneself in the aftermath of a challenging experience, a process that requires patience, self-reflection, and therapeutic guidance.

Building Trust:

Establishing trust in therapy is no small feat. If you've been hurt before, opening up in therapy about your deepest wounds can be daunting. Building trust with your therapist is a gradual process, requiring time and a safe space for you to gradually let your guard down and share your experiences. This is a really important part of trauma therapy but it can also take time which can be frustrating when wanting to get to deep healing quickly.

Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster:

Trauma often disrupts emotional regulation, turning emotions into a wild rollercoaster ride without brakes. In therapy, the goal is not only to talk about these emotions but also to learn how to navigate and regulate them effectively. It's like trying to ride that rollercoaster without getting sick – a challenging feat that requires developing strong coping strategies.

Avoidance as a Natural Coping Skill:

Avoidance is a natural coping skill that we adopt to protect ourselves from the pain of traumatic memories. It's like putting up a shield to prevent getting hurt again. In therapy, addressing avoidance is a delicate process, as it involves gently lowering avoidance to face your fears and emotions while ensuring you feel safe and supported.

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Trauma therapy is undeniably challenging, requiring you and your therapist to navigate through rough waters. By understanding the complexities – from rebuilding trust to addressing avoidance – we gain insight into the hurdles faced during this healing journey. With time, patience, and the right support, it's possible to find calmer seas on the other side of trauma therapy, where healing and growth can take root.

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