Major Approaches to Trauma Treatment Including Their Philosophical Assumptions,
Strategies, And Techniques Employed and Available Outcome Research. Consider The
Role of Spirituality And Complementary Treatments In Treating Trauma.
Group 5
Noreen
Maryam Malik
Maria Sagheer
Tehmina Aziz
Iqra Hanif
Trauma Treatments
Each person’s trauma is unique with its own set of biological, physiological, neurological and
psychological needs and reactions. Similarly, the patient’s age, gender, developmental
environment, medications, diversity, socioeconomic conditions and more are all factors that can
alter what type of trauma-focused therapy is best suited for their trauma symptoms (Lisheng,
2022).
What Is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy, is a specific approach to therapy that is built on the
understanding of how traumatic experiences affect an individual’s mental,
emotional and physical well-being. This type of therapy aims to help children,
adolescents and adult survivors heal from the effects of trauma (Lisheng, 2022).
Approaches to Trauma
1 Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care (TIC) emerged in response to the recognition that trauma profoundly impacts relationships and
affects various aspects of well-being, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and economic health (Shannan,
2021).
It focuses on recognizing the impacts of trauma on individuals, even when they are not directly discussing their
traumatic experiences.
The primary goal is to avoid re-traumatization by providing support services
2 Trauma-Focused Care
Trauma-focused care directly addresses the symptoms and effects of trauma, aiming to reduce or alleviate them.
Therapists in this approach specifically target traumatic memories, thoughts, and emotions (Shannan, 2021).
The role of the therapist is to help individuals understand the impact of specific traumas, process them, and
identify positive or negative coping mechanisms behaviors (Weaver et al., 2023).
Treatments
Available For
Trauma
There is no single "best" option, as individuals may
respond differently to various treatments. However, the top
treatments for trauma-related concerns typically include
evidence-based approaches tailored to the individual's
needs and preferences.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy by Cohen et al., 2012, aimed
to address the complex needs of traumatized children and adolescents,
expanding upon traditional cognitive behavioral techniques by integrating
family therapy and employing a trauma-sensitive approach.
TF-CBT has later evolved into an evidence-based practice suitable for those
affected by various forms of trauma, such as PTSD resulting from bereavement,
sexual, physical, or psychological abuse
Continued
Theoretical philosophy integrates cognitive-behavioral, learning, attachment, family systems, and
trauma theories.
It recognizes the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, emphasizing how
traumatic experiences can shape cognitive appraisals and conditioned responses.
TF-CBT acknowledges the influence of early attachment relationships and family dynamics on
trauma responses, aiming to strengthen support systems and promote understanding.
Phases
Trauma Narrative and Processing Integration and
Stabilization Phase (4–12
Phase (2–6 session) Consolidation Phase (2–8
sessions):
sessions
Psychoeducation: Educating about trauma During this phase, the therapist and child engage in an
In vivo Mastery: Optional component for
responses and triggers, helping parents identify interactive process during which the child describes
addressing avoidance behaviors by
potential trauma reminders. increasingly difficult details about personal trauma
gradually exposing the child to feared
Parenting Skills: Teaching effective strategies to experiences, including thoughts, feelings, and body
situations.
manage behavioral and emotional dysregulation. sensations that occurred during these traumas, usually
Conjoint Child-Parent Sessions:
Relaxation Skills: Introducing techniques to re- in the form of a book, poem or song.
Facilitating direct communication among
regulate stress responses. Through this process the child speaks about even the
family members about trauma experiences
Affect Modulation Skills: Assisting in expressing most horrific and feared traumatic memories, thus
and other relevant topics.
and managing a variety of emotions. “speaking the unspeakable” which enables the child to
Enhancing Safety: Promoting practical
Cognitive Processing Skills: Recognizing and learn a mastery rather than avoidance response to these
strategies to enhance both physical and
replacing maladaptive cognitions related to memories
emotional safety.
everyday events.
Outcome
• Studies by Silverman et al. (2008) and Cary and McMillen (2012) highlight TF-CBT's efficacy in
reducing PTSD symptoms and improving overall functioning.
• TF-CBT outperformed non-CBT approaches and demonstrated sustained effects in reducing
depression and problem behaviors.
• Forman-Hoffman et al. (2013) suggest promising effects of school-based interventions
incorporating elements of TF-CBT for traumatized children
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment developed
by Patricia Resick, Phd, and other psychologists to address post-traumatic stress
disorder (Resick et al., 2008)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is grounded in a sociocognitive framework that focuses on how individuals
process and make meaning of traumatic experiences. According to CPT theory, when traumatic events occur, the brain
attempts to reconcile the meaning of the event with preexisting cognitive structures or schemas.
Technique
• CPT is a short-term therapy typically conducted over 12 sessions, key technique involves identifying and
challenging unhelpful or erroneous beliefs related to the trauma.
• Clients learn to modify their preexisting belief structures enough to align with realistic appraisals of the trauma. The
therapy also encourages the expression of natural emotions that have been suppressed or avoided, while
distinguishing between instinctual emotions and "manufactured" emotions
Outcomes
• In comparision studies patients receiving evidence-based psychotherapy, CPT for PTSD in routine care settings,
show significant symptom improvement (Monson et al., 2018).
• Meta-analysis confirms CPT's effectiveness for adults with PTSD, surpassing inactive and other active treatments
(Asmundson et al., 2018).
• Meta-analytic studies demonstrate large to very large effect sizes for CPT versus waitlist and alternative
treatments for PTSD and co-occurring depression symptoms (Lenz et al., 2014).
EMDR ( Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy)
INTRODUCTION
• Introduced in 1987 by shapiro for treatment of PTSD.
• There are structured set of protocols
• Much hyped and successful technique to treat anxiety as well
as PTSD.
Philosophy
• Based on AIP model
• This model is about that that the mind can heal from psychological trauma much as
the body recovers from physical trauma.
• Philosophy behind EMDR suggests that when a traumatic or distressing experience
occurs, it may overwhelm normal cognitive and neurological coping mechanisms.
Technique
•Bilateral Stimulation: This is the core technique of EMDR, where the patient is asked to
follow a therapist’s finger movements with their eyes, or alternatively, listen to bilateral
audio tones or feel rhythmic tapping. This bilateral sensory input is believed to work by
stimulating both hemispheres of the brain.
Phases of EMDR
The technique involves an eight-phase treatment process, including:
1.History-taking and treatment planning
2.Preparation, establishing trust and explaining the EMDR process
3.Assessment, identifying the vivid visual image related to the memory, negative belief,
and related emotions and sensations
4.Desensitization, using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones)
5.Installation, strengthening positive beliefs
6.Body scan, identifying any residual somatic distress
7.Closure, returning the client to equilibrium
8.Reevaluation, ensuring the effects of the treatment are
maintained over time
Case study
• Chris, a police officer, developed severe PTSD after a traumatic
incident where he was struck from behind by a lorry while on duty.
Despite having no memory of the actual event, Chris work.
• Chris underwent a combination of EMDR and rewind therapy. The
EMDR sessions focused on processing the traumatic incident and
other related stressful memories. Through bilateral stimulation and
guided by a trained therapist, Chris worked through the eight
phases of EMDR, targeting the distressing memories and the
negative beliefs about himself that had arisen from the trauma.
• After several sessions, Chris reported a significant reduction in his
PTSD symptoms. He experienced fewer nightmares and found
himself more at ease in situations that would have previously
triggered anxiety. Chris ‘got his life back on track’ and was able to
return to work, feeling more resilient and in control.
Somatic Therapy
INTRODUCTION
• Developed by Peter Levine, a psychotherapist and founder
of Somatic Experiencing International.
• Somatic therapy, acknowledges that our experiences and
emotions are not solely confined to our minds. It recognizes
that our bodies hold the imprint of past experiences,
including trauma, and that these experiences can influence
our mental and emotional well-being.
Philosophy
• Somatic therapy operates on the principle that the mind, body, and emotions
are interconnected. It aims to address the physiological, psychological, and
emotional aspects of a person’s experience.
Techniques
• Grounding: A body-focused approach that refers to a person’s ability to
experience themselves through their physical presence. The purpose
of grounding is to express the emotional experience through physical action
• Self-Regulation: Encouraging the client to increase mindfulness during periods of
emotional intensity while developing the ability to respond adaptively. A 2020
study found that using body-based, self-regulation practices with women
struggling with addiction showed a significant increase in well-being.
Pharmacotherapy (Hollistic approach)
• Pharmacotherapy, when viewed through the lens of a holistic approach, is not just
about the medications prescribed but also about considering the patient’s overall
well-being. This philosophy acknowledges the intricate connection between the
body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing that each dimension of a human is unique and
interconnected.
• Tenets of this philosophy
• Patient-Centered Care
• Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM)
• Integration of Spirituality
• Several drugs have shown efficacy in reducing PTSD
symptoms:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Fluoxetine,
paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine have strong evidence for
treating PTSD when prescribed alone.
Augmentation Drugs: Prazosin and risperidone are the best-
evidenced drugs for augmentation (used alongside SSRIs).
• Exposure Therapy
Maria Saghir
Exposure therapy
• Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy in which
your therapist creates a safe environment to expose you to your fears.
Fears may be things, situations and activities.
• When we’re afraid of something, we tend to avoid the objects,
activities or situations related to it. While this can help manage panic
in the short term, over time, it can make our fears worse. In addition,
avoiding certain places, situations and activities can interfere with
your quality of life.
• Exposure therapy helps show you that you’re
capable of confronting your fears. You’ll learn to
attach new, more realistic beliefs to the things
you’re afraid of. You’ll become more comfortable
with the experience of fear.
• Exposure therapy help manage
• Phobias
• Post traumatic stress disorders
• Panic disorder
• Two main exposure techniques
• Imaginal exposure
• Vivo exposure
• In imaginal exposure: Thinking about your fears Or memories.
• In vivo exposure: facing fear in real life.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
• Prolonged exposure therapy is a form of psychotherapy for post-
traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. After a traumatic event, some
people experience unwanted thoughts, disturbing nightmares,
feelings of hopelessness, depression, and hypervigilance.
• If you have these symptoms, you understandably want to avoid
thoughts, feelings, and things that remind you of the trauma. The
goal of prolonged exposure therapy is to gradually help you re-
engage with life, especially with things you have been avoiding.
By doing so, you will strengthen your ability to distinguish
safety from danger and decrease your PTSD symptoms.
Example
A mother is driving in a car with her daughter, the car collides with an oncoming
vehicle. The daughter dies in the accident, but the mother survives. The mother
avoids driving from then on. A prolonged exposure therapist guides the mother to
approach the trauma of her memory.
• Narrative therapy
Narrative therapy focuses on helping individuals
reshape their personal narratives to create new
meanings and perspectives.
Psychologists may use it for trauma treatment by
encouraging clients to externalize their trauma,
separate it from their identity, and rewrite their story
in a way that empowers them.
This process can help clients gain insight, resilience,
and a sense of agency over their experiences,
ultimately promoting healing and growth.
Spiritual Treatments
Tehmina Aziz
45609
• Spiritual Treatment
• Spiritual treatment can be defined as the direct interaction between
one individual (the healer) and a second (sick) individual with the
intention of bringing about an improvement in the illness.
Presentation title 27
Some researches shows a connection between your beliefs and your sense of well being. Positive beliefs,
comfort, and strength gained from religion, meditation, and prayer can contribute to well being. Improving
your spiritual health may not cure an illness, but it may help you feel better.
• Healing Verses in Quran
• While the entire Quran is a source of healing, there are six verses that address
healing and are referred to as Ayat Ash-Shifa or the Quranic Verses of Healing.
• And [God] shall heal the breast of the believers. (at-Tawba, 9:14)
• َو َيْش ِف ُص ُد وَر َقْو ٍم ُم ْؤ ِمِنيَن
• *****
• Mankind there has come to you a guidance from your Lord and a healing for (the
diseases) in your hearts, and for those who believe a guidance and a mercy.
(Yunus, 10:57)
• َيا َأُّيَها الَّناُس َقْد َج اَء ْتُك ْم َم ْو ِع َظٌة ِم ْن َر ِّبُك ْم َو ِش َفاٌء ِلَم ا ِفي الُّص ُد وِر َو ُهًد ى َو َر ْح َم ٌة ِلْلُم ْؤ ِمِنيَن
• ***
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• Yoga
Different
• Angel healing
types of
• Meditation
Spiritual
• Assisted Visualization
Treatments
• Acoustic Healing
Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It helps
individuals become aware of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, allowing them to observe
them with acceptance and without getting caught up in them. This practice can help reduce stress, anxiety,
and reactivity to trauma triggers by promoting a sense of calm and grounding
31
Prayers
Prayer is a deeply personal and culturally diverse practice where individuals communicate
with a higher power or divine entity. It can provide solace, hope, and a sense of connection to
something greater than oneself, which can be particularly comforting for those dealing with
trauma. Prayer can take various forms, including gratitude, supplication, intercession, and
meditation
32
Guided Imagery
Guided imagery involves using visualization
techniques to create mental images that promote
relaxation, healing, and positive change.
Practitioners often guide individuals through a
narrative or scenario designed to evoke feelings of
safety, empowerment, and resilience. By engaging
the imagination in a focused and intentional way,
guided imagery can help individuals process trauma,
reframe negative experiences, and cultivate inner
strength.
33
Energy Healing
Energy healing modalities like Reiki involve channelling universal life force energy to promote
physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. During a Reiki session, a practitioner places their hands
lightly on or just above the recipient's body, allowing the energy to flow where it is needed most. This
gentle and non-invasive approach can help release energetic blockages, restore balance, and facilitate
the body's natural healing processes.
34
Yoga and Tai Chi
Yoga and tai chi are mind-body practices that
combine physical postures, breathwork, and
meditation to promote holistic well-being. Both
practices emphasize mindfulness, relaxation, and
gentle movement, which can be particularly
beneficial for individuals recovering from trauma.
Yoga and tai chi can help reduce tension, increase
body awareness, and cultivate a sense of inner peace
and resilience.
35
Community Support and Spiritual Guidance
Connecting with a supportive spiritual community or seeking guidance
from a trusted spiritual leader can provide invaluable support in navigating the
healing journey after trauma. Sharing experiences, receiving encouragement,
and participating in rituals or ceremonies can foster a sense of belonging,
purpose, and hope. Spiritual leaders can offer compassionate listening, wisdom,
and guidance grounded in their faith tradition or spiritual philosophy.
Each of these spiritual treatments for trauma offers unique benefits and
approaches to healing, and individuals may find that a combination of these
modalities resonates with them best. It's essential to approach these practices
with an open mind, self-compassion, and a willingness to explore what works
best for one's own healing journey.
36
Art Therapy
Art therapy involves using creative expression, such as
drawing, painting, sculpture, or other artistic mediums, to
explore and process emotions, memories, and experiences
related to trauma. Engaging in art-making can provide a non-
verbal outlet for self-expression, allowing individuals to
communicate and integrate difficult feelings and experiences in
a safe and supportive environment. Art therapy can promote
self-awareness, self-esteem, and emotional healing by tapping
into the subconscious mind and facilitating catharsis and insight.
37
Rituals and Ceremonies:
Rituals and ceremonies play a significant role in many spiritual and cultural traditions as
means of marking transitions, honouring milestones, and facilitating healing. Participating in
rituals or ceremonies related to trauma can provide a sense of closure, continuity, and spiritual
connection. These may include rituals for grief and loss, forgiveness ceremonies, rites of
passage, or ceremonies to honour ancestors or spiritual guides. Rituals and ceremonies can
help individuals create meaning from their experiences, acknowledge their pain, and foster a
sense of renewal and empowerment
38
Benefits of Spiritual Treatment
• Re-Energize body organs
• Pain Relief
• Improves focus
• Sleep Better
• Natural Therapy
39
COMPLEMENTRY TREATMENT
FOR TREATING THE TRAUMA
By
IQRA HANIF
Non-Traditional Talk and Creative therapies
Non-traditional talk therapies help patients understand and process traumatic events.
Psychodynamic Therapy and Narrative Exposure Therapy: Focus on exploring the
psychological roots of trauma and re-experiencing emotions (Strauss & Lang, 2012;
Church et al., 2013).
Creative therapies provide alternative ways to express and process trauma.
Art Therapy: Utilizes visual art for self-expression and externalizing traumatic
memories (Schroevers et al., 2016).
Music Therapy and Dance Movement Therapy: Help regulate emotions and enhance
resilience (Khatib et al., 2022; Grabbe & Miller-Karas, 2018).
Acupuncture
• Overview of Acupuncture:
• Acupuncture, rooted in Chinese medicine, is a simple and low-risk treatment
option.
• Research suggests its potential benefits for mental disorders, including
Traumas (Errington-Evans, 2012; Lee et al., 2021).
• Meta-Analysis Findings:
• Grant et al. (2018) conducted a meta-analysis indicating that acupuncture can
alleviate PTSD core symptoms with fewer side effects.
• Animal Studies:
– Animal studies, such as those by Kwon et al. (2021), show that acupuncture
can reduce anxiety, depression, and fear responses, improve sleep, and
enhance memory, ultimately benefiting PTSD
• Biological Mechanism :Research suggests that the mechanism of
acupuncture for PTSD involves various biological pathways.
• Hollifield (2011) indicates that acupuncture may improve PTSD
through central nervous system enhancement and regulation of the
hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis.
Introduction to Moxibustion Therapy
Moxibustion involves burning mugwort leaves, a spongy
herb, to enhance healing in conjunction with acupuncture.
Derived from Chinese medicine, it aims to strengthen blood,
stimulate Qi (energy) flow, and maintain overall health.
Moxibustion's calming effect and ability to promote relaxation
may contribute to managing trauma-related anxiety and stress.
Process and Uses of Moxibustion
Direct moxibustion involves burning moxa cones directly on
the skin or on acupuncture needles.
Indirect moxibustion holds burning moxa near the body
without direct contact.
Enhancing Healing: The heat generated by moxibustion is
believed to stimulate energy flow and promote relaxation,
potentially aiding in trauma recovery.
Chinese Herbal Medicines for Trauma
Arnica Montana: Known for its anti-inflammatory
properties, Arnica is used in TCM to reduce swelling
and bruising associated with physical trauma.
Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui): Dang Gui is commonly
used to promote blood circulation and alleviate pain,
making it beneficial for trauma recovery.
Bupleurum Chinese (Chai Hu): Chai Hu is utilized to
soothe emotional distress and regulate the flow of Qi
(energy) in the body, aiding in trauma-related anxiety
and stress.
References
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