Trauma Therapy and Treatment Options

Wisconsin Wellness created a mental health and trauma healing practice based around their dedicated trauma-informed Clinicians. Their mental health experts help clients manage primary trauma concerns and trauma-related challenges including emotional dysregulation, negative self-beliefs, and challenging relationships. Using techniques including therapeutic groups.

Understanding Trauma and Its Effects

Trauma can disrupt normal functioning and affect every aspect of an individual’s life. The effects of trauma are multifaceted, impacting mental, emotional, and physical health. Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and difficulty concentrating. Physically, trauma can manifest as chronic pain, tension, fatigue, and other somatic symptoms. Recognizing the complex nature of trauma, Wisconsin Wellness offers a variety of evidence-based therapies tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Trauma Therapy

Our approach to trauma therapy integrates various modalities to address both the psychological and physiological aspects of trauma. Our team of experienced mental health professionals, including licensed therapists, counselors, and physicians, is dedicated to providing personalized care in a safe and supportive environment. Here are some of the key trauma therapies and treatment options we offer:

Types of Trauma Therapies

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. It helps clients commit to actions that align with their values. For trauma survivors, ACT offers several benefits:

• Emotional Acceptance: ACT teaches clients to embrace their traumatic memories and emotions without judgment, reducing the struggle against painful experiences.
• Mindfulness Practices: By promoting mindfulness, ACT helps individuals stay grounded in the present moment, decreasing the intensity of trauma-related distress.
• Value-Driven Living: ACT helps trauma survivors identify their core values and commit to actions that support these values, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.

Art Therapy

Art Therapy uses creative processes to help individuals express and process traumatic experiences. This therapeutic approach provides a non-verbal outlet for emotions and can be particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to articulate their trauma verbally.

• Emotional Expression: Through drawing, painting, and other artistic activities, clients can express complex emotions that may be difficult to verbalize.
• Processing Trauma: Creating art allows individuals to externalize and process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled manner.
• Relaxation and Stress Relief: Engaging in creative activities can reduce stress and promote relaxation, helping clients feel more at ease.

Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that identifies, processes, and releases core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation, and other challenging symptoms.

• Accessing Deep Brain Regions: Brainspotting targets specific points in the visual field to access unprocessed trauma in the brain, promoting deeper healing.
• Physiological Release: This method helps release physical and emotional pain stored in the body, reducing symptoms of trauma.
• Enhanced Focus: Brainspotting allows therapists to target and process specific traumatic memories, leading to significant symptom relief.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used, evidence-based treatment that helps individuals understand and change their thoughts and behaviors related to trauma.

• Cognitive Restructuring: CBT helps clients identify and challenge distorted thoughts related to their trauma, replacing them with more balanced and rational beliefs.
• Behavioral Activation: By encouraging clients to engage in positive activities, CBT helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety commonly associated with trauma.
• Skills Development: CBT equips clients with coping strategies to manage trauma-related stress and improve their overall mental health.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals manage intense emotions and improve relationships.

• Emotion Regulation: DBT teaches clients skills to regulate their emotions, reducing the impact of trauma-related emotional dysregulation.
• Distress Tolerance: Clients learn techniques to tolerate distressing situations without resorting to harmful behaviors.
• Mindfulness: By fostering mindfulness, DBT helps clients stay present and reduce the influence of traumatic memories on their current behavior.

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized therapy that uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.

• Memory Integration: EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and impact on daily life.
• Symptom Reduction: This therapy is highly effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions.
• Improved Functioning: EMDR helps clients achieve a sense of resolution and healing, improving their overall functioning and quality of life.

Family Therapy

Family Therapy involves working with families to address the impact of trauma on relationships and family dynamics.

• Improved Communication: Family therapy helps improve communication among family members, fostering a supportive environment for trauma survivors.
• Conflict Resolution: By addressing and resolving conflicts, family therapy reduces stress and tension within the family unit.
• Strengthening Bonds: This therapy helps strengthen family bonds and promotes collective healing from trauma.

Group Therapy

Group Therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and learn from others who have faced similar challenges.

• Peer Support: Sharing experiences with peers reduces feelings of isolation and promotes mutual support.
• Collective Healing: Group therapy fosters a sense of community and collective healing, helping clients feel understood and supported.
• Skill Development: Participants learn coping strategies and resilience-building techniques from both the therapist and group members.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals understand and heal their internal “parts” or sub-personalities that are influenced by trauma.

• Self-Leadership: IFS empowers clients to lead their internal system with compassion and understanding, reducing internal conflict.
• Healing Trauma Parts: This therapy helps clients address and heal traumatized parts, promoting overall emotional integration.
• Inner Harmony: IFS fosters harmony and cooperation among internal parts, improving mental and emotional well-being.

Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy offers personalized one-on-one sessions with a therapist to address trauma-related issues.

• Personalized Treatment: Individual therapy provides a tailored approach to meet the unique needs of each client.
• Safe Space: Clients have a safe and confidential space to explore and process their traumatic experiences.
• Deep Exploration: Therapists can delve deeply into the client’s history and symptoms, facilitating comprehensive healing.

Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) provide structured and intensive therapy for individuals who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy.

• Comprehensive Care: IOPs offer a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and psychoeducation, providing comprehensive support.
• Flexible Scheduling: These programs offer flexible scheduling to accommodate the client’s needs while providing intensive treatment.
• Continuous Support: Clients receive continuous support and monitoring, ensuring they stay on track with their recovery goals.

Music Therapy

Music Therapy uses music as a therapeutic tool to help individuals express and process their emotions related to trauma.

• Emotional Expression: Music therapy provides a creative outlet for expressing emotions that may be difficult to verbalize.
• Stress Reduction: Engaging with music can reduce stress and promote relaxation, helping clients feel more at ease.
• Healing Through Sound: Music therapy facilitates healing by using sound and rhythm to connect with and release stored trauma.

Somatic Experiencing & Somatic Therapies

Somatic Experiencing (SE) and other somatic therapies focus on the body-mind connection, addressing how trauma is stored in the body.

• Body Awareness: Clients develop awareness of bodily sensations associated with trauma, helping to release stored tension.
• Physiological Release: Techniques like grounding, movement, and breathwork facilitate the release of trauma from the nervous system.
• Healing Through the Body: Somatic therapies promote healing by addressing the physiological aspects of trauma, reducing physical and emotional symptoms.

Yoga Therapy

Yoga Therapy combines physical postures, breathwork, and mindfulness practices to promote healing from trauma.

• Physical and Emotional Release: Yoga therapy helps release physical and emotional tension stored in the body.
• Mind-Body Connection: This therapy enhances the mind-body connection, promoting overall well-being.
• Stress Reduction: Yoga practices reduce stress and promote relaxation, helping clients feel more grounded and centered.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every individual’s experience of trauma is unique, and so is their path to healing. At Wisconsin Wellness, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals. Our comprehensive assessment process includes evaluating the individual’s mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as their personal history and current circumstances. This holistic approach ensures that we address all aspects of the individual’s well-being.

Trauma-Informed Care

Our commitment to trauma-informed care means that we prioritize safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in all our interactions with clients. We understand that trauma can affect how individuals engage with therapy and the importance of creating an environment where clients feel safe and respected.

Insurance and Accessibility

We strive to make our trauma therapy services accessible to all individuals who need them. Wisconsin Wellness accepts a variety of health insurance plans and offers flexible payment options to accommodate different financial situations. Our team is here to assist you in verifying your insurance benefits and discussing payment options to ensure you receive the care you need without added financial stress.

Our Dedicated Team

Our team of licensed professional counselors, therapists, and physicians is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective trauma therapy. We are committed to ongoing education and training to stay current with the latest research and best practices in trauma treatment. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to provide comprehensive care tailored to each client’s unique needs.

How to Get Started

Embarking on the journey to heal from trauma can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Wisconsin Wellness, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Contact Us!

Schedule An Initial Assessment

Reach out via phone or email to schedule an initial consultation. Our friendly staff will assist you in finding the right therapist and answer any questions you may have about our services. During your initial assessment, we will gather information about your history, symptoms, and goals to create a personalized treatment plan. Throughout your therapy journey, we provide continuous support and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed, ensuring you receive the most effective care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapies

What is therapy, and how does it work?

Therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a collaborative process between a trained mental health professional and a patient aimed at improving the patient’s mental health and well-being. It involves talking through problems, identifying negative patterns in thoughts and behaviors, and developing coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The goal of therapy is to help individuals gain insight into their issues, make positive changes, and achieve a higher quality of life.

How do I know if I need therapy?

You might benefit from therapy if you are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger, struggling to cope with everyday stress, or finding it difficult to manage relationships or work responsibilities. Other signs include experiencing traumatic memories, engaging in substance abuse, or having significant changes in sleep and appetite. If you are dealing with any of these issues and they are impacting your daily life, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional.

How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help with trauma?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective psychotherapy for treating trauma. It helps patients identify and challenge distorted cognitions related to their traumatic experiences. By restructuring these negative thought patterns, CBT helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Techniques such as cognitive processing therapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy are used to process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their impact on the patient’s mental health. CBT also equips individuals with coping skills to manage stress and triggers associated with trauma.

Will my health insurance cover therapy?

Many health insurance plans cover therapy, but coverage can vary widely. It’s important to check with your health insurance provider to understand what your plan covers, including the types of therapy and the number of sessions. Wisconsin Wellness works with a variety of insurance providers and can assist you with verifying your coverage and understanding any out-of-pocket costs. Our administrative staff is here to help you navigate the insurance process and ensure you can access the care you need.

Can therapy help with physical symptoms related to stress and anxiety?

Yes, therapy can help alleviate physical symptoms related to stress and anxiety. Conditions such as chronic pain, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Through therapeutic techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Somatic Experiencing, individuals can learn to manage their stress and anxiety more effectively, which can lead to a reduction in physical symptoms. Therapy helps address the mind-body connection and promotes overall health and well-being.

What are the signs and symptoms of psychological trauma?

Psychological trauma can manifest through a variety of signs and symptoms, including intense feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress. Individuals may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive traumatic memories. Cognitive symptoms include difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and negative changes in thinking patterns. Emotional symptoms can range from anger, shame, and guilt to major depressive disorder and mood swings. Physical symptoms might include chronic pain, insomnia, and a heightened state of arousal. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.

What role do medications play in trauma therapy?

Medications can be an important component of trauma therapy, especially for managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine are commonly prescribed to help regulate mood and reduce anxiety. In some cases, medications like prazosin are used to alleviate nightmares and sleep disturbances associated with PTSD. It’s important to work with a licensed health professional to determine the best medication plan, as it should be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and conditions.