Can therapy make trauma worse? Unfortunately, yeah it can.
Would you trust a stranger on the street to fix your car? Hopefully not! So why trust your mind with someone who isn’t a licensed therapist? First off, see if the individual therapist has a good reputation. Second, make sure that they are licensed.
Here’s a quick way to figure out if they are licensed. Go to the licensing board online. It’s pretty easy to navigate. Put in their last name and their first name. Then pick the state that you’re in. If they don’t pop up, then they aren’t licensed. Or you may find out that their license is expired… Time to move on. There’s a reason and they aren’t likely going to tell you the truth. You may also see some not-so-favorable information about them like past grievances from their licensing board. And NO, it is not normal for every therapist to have negative remarks or warnings against their license.
Understanding Therapy and Trauma:
When it comes to getting better after experiencing something really tough or traumatic, therapy can be a great tool. It’s like having a guide by your side as you walk through a dark forest. But just like any journey, sometimes, if we’re not careful, we might trip or find the path getting a bit rougher. There are times when talking and working through tough memories or feelings in therapy can stir up those emotions even more, making someone feel worse before they start feeling better.
Choosing the Right Therapist:
Imagine if you had a math tutor who was super smart but just couldn’t explain things in a way that made sense to you. It might make math seem even harder, right? It’s similar with therapists. Finding the right one, someone who really gets you and knows the best way to help, is super important. If the fit isn’t quite right, it might make things feel tougher.
Therapy Should Fit You Like a Glove:
Just like we all have our favorite style of shoes or clothes, therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works great for one person might not be the best for someone else. It’s important for therapy to match what you need and how you best handle tough stuff. Some therapies are all about talking and thinking, while others might involve more action or even art.
Going at Your Own Pace:
Jumping too quickly into deep, tough topics can feel like being thrown into the deep end of the pool when you’re just learning to swim. A good therapist knows when to slow down and let you take your time, making sure you feel safe and supported.
Being Part of the Team:
Going through therapy isn’t just something that’s done to you; you’re part of the team. This means you get a say in what happens, what you talk about, and how fast you go. Knowing your options and what to expect gives you power and helps you feel more in control.
Looking Ahead:
Yes, therapy has its tricky spots, but it’s also full of hope and potential for healing. The key is to work with your therapist to find the right path, the right pace, and the right tools to help you navigate through the tough stuff. With the right support, you can make your way through the forest and into a brighter, clearer space.
Remember, it’s all about finding what works for you, taking things one step at a time, and keeping the lines of communication open with your therapist. Together, you can make your way through the challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
How Therapy Aims to Help With Trauma
In addressing the topic of how therapy assists individuals in managing trauma, it is vital to frame our discussion within the context of professional mental health care, underpinned by numerous years of clinical research and practice.
Therapy, in its essence, is tailored to foster a sense of safety, trust, and understanding, providing a foundation upon which individuals grappling with trauma can embark on their healing journey. Here, we aim to methodically unravel the complex layers of trauma, facilitating a processing of traumatic events in a manner that is both structured and paced to the individual’s comfort level. The primary goal is to mitigate the overwhelming impact of trauma-related memories and feelings, thereby enhancing one’s ability to function and engage in everyday life.
5 ways Therapy Helps With Trauma
- Establishing a Safe and Supportive Environment: The therapeutic space is designed as a sanctuary where individuals can express themselves freely without fear of judgment. This sense of safety is the cornerstone for trauma work, enabling individuals to explore and express difficult emotions.
- Developing Coping Mechanisms: Therapy introduces and hones a toolkit of coping strategies tailored to each individual’s needs. These might include techniques for managing anxiety, de-escalating emotional responses, and grounding techniques to stay connected to the present.
- Processing Trauma Memories: Through carefully guided exploration, therapy helps individuals face and process traumatic memories, rather than avoid them. This process is aimed at diminishing the power these memories hold, reducing their impact on the individual’s emotional well-being.
- Rebuilding Self-Esteem and Trust: Trauma often erodes a person’s sense of self and trust in others. Therapy aids in rebuilding these critical components of identity and interpersonal relationships, increasing resilience and empowerment.
- Fostering Post-Traumatic Growth: Finally, therapy not only seeks to alleviate suffering but also encourages positive growth stemming from the trauma experience. This includes finding new meaning, enhancing personal strengths, and developing healthier relationships.
Therapy serves as a guided pathway through the complexities of trauma, with the ultimate aim of restoring well-being and function. My professional journey is dedicated to leveraging this therapeutic potential, drawing on an enriching blend of experience and ongoing learning to support individuals in their recovery. As we navigate these challenges together, the goal is not just to heal from trauma but to discover a path towards a more fulfilling life post-recovery.
Circumstances Where Therapy Might Make Trauma Worse
While therapy is a transformative tool designed to facilitate healing, it is imperative to acknowledge that in certain situations therapy may inadvertently exacerbate a person’s traumatic experiences.
Incorrect therapy approach
Firstly, a critical factor is the potential mismatch between the therapy modality and the individual’s specific needs. Not all approaches suit everyone, and something like traditional talk therapy may be overwhelming for some, causing distress rather than alleviating it. Avoid someone that just wants to practice “peace therapy” where they totally avoid talking about the root causes. That’s less about the wrong approach and more about the wrong therapist altogether.
Timing of the therapy in the trauma recovery process
Another element to consider is timing. If therapy dives too quickly into deep emotional work or traumatic memories, clients can become flooded with intense emotions they aren’t ready to handle. It’s comparable to someone with a physical injury trying to run before they can walk.
Additionally, the importance of a therapeutic alliance— the trusting bond between therapist and client— cannot be overstated. Should this bond be weak or if trust has not been sufficiently established, clients might not feel safe enough to fully engage in the therapeutic process.
Inexperienced therapists
A therapist’s expertise is also crucial. Providers may inadvertently trigger or worsen trauma responses if they are not adequately trained in trauma-informed care. This is why ongoing professional development and a commitment to best practices are non-negotiable at Thera-fi Counseling Services.
We drive continuous education and a dedication to employing the most effective methods, always striving to optimize the therapeutic experience and client outcomes. We maintain open communication, ensure informed consent, and proceed with cautious pacing.
Can Therapy Make Trauma Worse?
As a professional with a keen focus on trauma recovery, it’s crucial to discuss a significant aspect of healing known as re-traumatization. This term might sound complex, but it essentially refers to situations where something happens that causes all those tough feelings and memories related to a past trauma to come rushing back.
Concept of Re-traumatization
Imagine carrying a backpack that’s so heavy, it’s hard to walk. You’ve managed to lighten it a bit, but then, suddenly, it gets filled up again, making it harder to move forward. This is what re-traumatization can feel like – a step back in the journey of overcoming past hurts.
Just like touching a wound without enough care can lead to more pain, diving too deep into traumatic memories without proper readiness can bring additional distress. So look at the following reasons that may lead to you asking “Why does therapy not work for me.”
Factors That Could Worsen Trauma in Therapy
1. Premature Exposure:
Engaging clients with their traumatic memories before they are psychologically ready can be detrimental. It’s akin to rushing a patient into surgery without adequate pre-operative preparation. In therapy, ensuring readiness and building adequate coping strategies is essential before addressing deep-seated traumatic memories.
2. Inadequate Safety Nets:
You need a safe space in trauma therapy. Clients need to feel secure not just physically but emotionally and psychologically. An environment that lacks these elements of safety can reactivate trauma, akin to touching a raw wound without gloves. Safety nets might include clear boundaries, a predictable framework, and the consistent presence of the therapist as a supportive figure.
3. Therapist-client Mismatch:
The dynamics between a therapist and a client are foundational to effective therapy. A mismatch in personalities, therapeutic approaches, or misunderstanding of cultural backgrounds can hinder trust building, leaving the client more vulnerable to being re-traumatized. Sometimes you have go with a therapist better suited to meet a particular client’s needs. You’ll see a frequent mismatch in hospital settings where the client doesn’t get a choice. The therapist just comes in.
4. Unresolved Therapist Triggers:
Therapists are also humans who may have their unresolved issues or triggers. If these are not adequately addressed, a therapist might project or transfer these feelings onto the client. Continuous professional development and self-reflection are critical to maintain the objectivity and supportiveness required in trauma therapy. You can find a ton of complaints about this on Facebook or Reddit. Lots of horror stories so do yourself a favor and don’t settle for something less than you deserve.
5. Lack of Customization in Treatment Approaches:
Trauma therapy is not a one-size-fits-all service. Treatment plans that do not consider the unique history, personality, and coping style of the client may push them into methods or discussions for which they are not ready. Tailored treatment plans, developed in collaboration with the client, can significantly mitigate this risk. At this stage in therapy, customized treatment plans should be a give. Still, some people just want a superficial fix so they go with chatbot therapies or AI therapists that are trained on word selection not diagnosing or treating people.
6. Inconsistent Therapy Sessions:
Regularity and consistency are pillars in the delicate process of trauma recovery. Sporadic scheduling or frequent changes in the therapy setup can create a sense of instability, hampering the trust and progress made. You are exercising your mind. And nobody graduates school or college by attending class once a semester. There are tons of studies that show a direct correlation with frequency and success.
How to Use Therapy Effectively for Trauma
In my practice our trauma therapists, have developed ways to help people heal from their tough experiences. They use special methods that research shows work well for many. Here’s how they do it:
The Tools They Use
- Talking and Doing Therapy Together: There’s this method where we talk about tough memories but in a safe way, and we work on changing the scary thoughts related to them. Plus, they teach skills to cope with upset feelings. Most of our patients start feeling a lot better with this approach.
- A Technique with Eye Movements: This might sound unusual, but it’s a process where you move your eyes in a specific way while thinking about your experiences. It helps your brain process these memories better. Many people we work with find it really helpful, and it doesn’t take too long to start seeing changes.
Building Trust
It’s super important that my patients feel safe and trust us. We always listen, keep things consistent, and make sure they know they’re not alone. This helps us work together to tackle the tough stuff.
Making It Personal
Everyone’s different, and what works for one person might not work for another. That’s why we make sure to understand each person’s story, what they’re good at, and what’s tough for them. Then, we create a plan just for them.
Checking In
We keep track of how things are going. We always want to know if the therapy is helping and how our patients are feeling. If we need to change something, we do, so we’re always moving forward.
Helping You Handle Things in the Future
We also teach skills that can help handle stress or tough moments that might come up later. It’s like having tools in your toolbox you can use anytime you need them.
In short, We’re here to help people through their hardest times, using methods that really work, and making sure each plan is just right for the person we’re working with.
My biggest goal is to help people not just get through their trauma but also to build strength for whatever comes their way next.
What To Avoid In Trauma Therapy
In addressing trauma therapy it’s important to convey the message in a clear, understandable, and sensitive way. Here’s how therapists at Thera-fi Counseling Services approach this topic to ensure it is approachable and informative:
- Taking Things Slowly: It’s okay to take our time. In therapy, we move at a pace that feels right and ensures that everyone involved feels safe and supported.
- Giving Choices: Everyone has their own voice and should have a say in their therapy. This means making decisions together and making sure everyone’s comfortable with the plan.
- Creating a Safe Place: Feeling safe and supported is key in therapy.
- Suiting the Individual’s Needs: Each person is unique, so therapy shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Our therapists focus on creating personal plans that truly consider what each individual needs.
- Setting Healthy Boundaries: It’s important to have clear limits as they help keep our therapeutic relationship healthy and respectful.
- Understanding Trauma Deeply: Our therapists always keep in mind how deep and affecting trauma can be, and this guides all interactions in a gentle and understanding way.
- Respecting Cultural Values: Everyone comes from a different background, and these differences matter.
- Taking Care of Ourselves: Both therapists and those in therapy need to take good care of themselves. I commit to taking care of our therapists so that they take care of you.
By avoiding these pitfalls and focusing on these principles, we work to ensure not just short-term relief, but long-lasting well-being and resilience for all our clients.
In Summary…
You need to have a trusting and professional relationship with your licensed therapist. If you don’t take your mental health seriously, then yes, you can open old wounds and make things worse. At Thera-fi Counseling Services, we vet our clients just as much as they vet us. We ensure the fit before we commit. That means you commit to working on yourself and showing up for your sessions. There is a direct correlation between regularly scheduled sessions and experiencing success in therapy. You may start feeling worse after therapy in one or two sessions but that’s when you’re in the early stages and just beginning to open up. You’ll feel a bit raw saying it outloud at first. But the therapist will kick those negative feelings to the curb!
Can Therapy Make You Worse
Not legit therapy. Therapy isn’t brainwashing. It is literally teaching you how to deal with your mental challenges. Imagine not knowing how to deal with a math problem. Your teacher shows you how to deal with those math problems when you see them. You then apply the processes to get the solutions. That’s the same thing therapists do in a nutshell. And just like in advanced math, there are a lot of ways to get the same answer so you end up using the method that works best for you. You may feel anxious about therapy when you first start but you’ll realize that it is an awesome experience that really helps. Going through therapy is like having a personal coach to show you how to work on the challenges you’re facing. The therapy experience feels like building yourself up with a pro that has a lot of the answers to questions you don’t know how to ask yet.
Can therapy make things worse
Well, yes and no. This is why you need a safe space. Perhaps you’re in an abusive relationship. Your therapist will remind you that you deserve to be treated like an equal. They’ll also do their best to get you to seek more services besides just therapy. So the abuser may feel like things are worse but you’ll be learning how to take care of yourself. And you cannot fix someone that won’t get help themselves. Think of getting into shape. If you and your significant other commit to losing 50 lbs and your partner falls off of the wagon, you can’t work out extra and expect them to lose weight through your efforts.
Why does therapy make me feel worse
Well, you’re opening up wounds. That never feels good. Usually in therapy, you’ve gone through something for so long that you’ve learned to cope with it in a negative way or just totally avoid it altogether. Therapy will bring it back up and show you better ways to deal with it. Going back to falling off of the wagon when trying to lose 50 lbs. You may talk with a therapist about it and it turns out that you fall off the wagon because you haven’t root caused why you’re overweight in the first place. Addressing the negative eating habits won’t feel good. But taking steps towards healing will feel amazing. That usually happens right after a session where you feel raw. On the other hand maybe your partner feels like they are going to therapy for no reason. In that case, bring it up in therapy. They won’t like it because if they admit to that feeling, it is an area to root cause. They may not like being in the limelight for a bit but once they get through that feeling, you both will feel better living the truth and working together.
What is giantess therapy
Giantess therapy is a special kind of story or scene where someone pretends to be a very big woman, known as a giantess. In these stories or videos, the giantess might talk to the viewer or be part of a calming scene, kind of like the ones some people watch to relax or feel a shiver down their spine from sounds (that’s called ASMR). It’s more about having fun with imagination and stories, and it’s different from the kind of therapy where you talk to a professional about your feelings or problems.
Sometimes, people like these giantess stories because they find the idea of giant women interesting or exciting in a make-believe way. But remember, even though it’s called “giantess therapy,” it’s not actually therapy like when you talk to a counselor or psychologist. It’s more for entertainment or to get those tingles from ASMR.
Therapy is hard, why?
It is work. It is mental work. You start off like a story. You introduce yourself to your therapist. The therapist does the same. You tell them a piece of what is bothering you. They tell you a few thoughts about ways to deal with it. Then you come back and dig deeper and deeper until you get to the core issue. That’s the toughest part. After that, your therapist is helping you use different methods to deal with the core issue until you find the one that works for you. You have to practice the methods outside of therapy. You make a lot of progress outside of therapy by practicing. Then you discuss how it went with your therapist. So it is just like school. Your teacher teaches you something new. You get homework. You study it and then present your findings back in school. Or in your case, back in a therapy session.
So can therapy make trauma worse?
Not really. If you do it right and follow the above recommendations you’ll experience some ups and downs. But then you’ll only grow from there. Let’s look at this example. You can do a lot with basic addition and subtraction in math. But as you progress in school, you learn fractions, multiplication, division, percentages and much more. Therapy just keeps teaching you more about yourself and how to address more challenges. Eventually, you’ll get pretty good at it. You and your therapist will eventually agree that you’ve successfully learned to put the best methods into practice to get past that trauma. And if you ever come across some other challenge in life, you’ll know that therapy works! Check out this article about trauma that we wrote back in 2023. You’ll learn even more about how people experience it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable with my therapist?
- Listen to Your Feelings: It’s super normal for therapy to feel a bit awkward at first, especially as you start diving into deeper subjects. But if something keeps bugging you, it’s worth paying attention to. Your feelings here are key. We always say it’s vital to trust your gut.
- Speak Up About It: If something’s off, bring it up with your therapist. It can feel a bit scary, but remember, a solid therapist wants to hear what’s on your mind. They are there for you, to adjust things to better help you heal. You have every right to speak up.
- Evaluate the Connection: Not every therapist will be the perfect match for every person. It’s like finding your favorite music; what works for one person might not click for another. Ask yourself if your therapist’s approach fits what you feel you need. It’s okay if it doesn’t. There’s someone out there who’s just right for you.
- Thinking About a Change?: If, after some thought and maybe a chat, things still aren’t clicking, it might be time to look for someone new. Finding the right therapist can have a big impact on your journey to feeling better. It’s worth the search to find that click.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Most therapists are good eggs, but if you ever feel disrespected, judged, or unheard, that’s a big red flag. You deserve a space where you feel safe and supported. If that’s not what you’re getting, it’s time to move on.
Your journey to healing is deeply personal. Feeling comfortable and connected with your therapist is crucial. It takes courage to seek help. But remember, you’re in charge of your healing journey. We’re here to back you up with the respect, care, and understanding you deserve.
2. How often should I attend therapy sessions for trauma?
Figuring out how often to go to therapy for trauma really depends on you – your own pace, your needs, and where you’re at in your journey. At Thera-fi, we understand that everyone’s path to healing is as unique as they are.
Think of it like this: If you’re sailing the ocean, you wouldn’t set the same speed in every type of weather, right? Similarly, finding the right speed for your therapy sessions is crucial. We often suggest starting with once-a-week sessions because it gives you a consistent space to learn and grow without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
But hey, we’re all about breaking the mold and doing what actually works for you. Your life is filled with responsibilities and finding time can be tough. Plus, diving into therapy can bring up a lot of emotions. If once a week feels like too much, it’s absolutely okay to say so. We’re here to listen and adjust to what makes you feel comfortable and supported – whether that means meeting less often or finding other ways to support your healing. Not to mention, if you are on insurance, they also have a say in your pace. Now if you are private pay, you and your therapist have total say in the frequency. It is just another benefit of private pay.
3. How Can I Tell If My Therapy Is Effective?
First up, setting goals with your therapist and reaching them is a huge win. It’s crucial that you feel heard. Therapy should be a secure place where you can share anything that’s on your mind without feeling judged.
Another important thing is being comfortable talking about the hard stuff. If you feel safer and more open with your therapist over time, that’s a great sign. It means you’re building trust and a strong connection, which are key for good therapy.
You will notice changes in your life. Maybe it’s easier to talk to people, or you’re handling tough situations better. These are signs that what you’re learning in therapy is helping you out in the real world.
Remember, therapy isn’t the same for everyone. It’s totally normal for things to go up and down. What matters most is that you feel you’re making progress and learning more about yourself.
It’s really important to keep talking to your therapist about how you feel you’re doing. They’re there to adjust things to help you the best they can. Therapy is your personal journey for growth, and it’s all about finding what works uniquely for you. This isn’t a movie with a twist ending. You’ll see progress and sometimes you’ll even have “Aha” moments.
4. What should I do if I can’t afford therapy?
Good news! You can afford therapy in the US. Either you have insurance or you don’t. If you have insurance figure out if you have to pay anything. Many plans say you pay nothing or a very little copay. But if you cannot afford a copay or don’t have insurance you are not totally out of luck. There are many agencies in major cities that offer free counseling. Or you can just search for pro bono therapy. Some therapists also work with a sliding scale so if you are low on funds, they’ll lower temporarily lower their price for you. And no, not all therapists are rich. So don’t feel disheartened if your first choice can’t afford to provide free therapy. Still ask them to refer you to someone who does.
5. How do I handle setbacks in my trauma recovery during therapy?
Going through healing from trauma during therapy can feel like trying to walk through a maze sometimes. You might think you’re making progress, and then suddenly, you find yourself hitting a wall, feeling like you’ve lost all the ground you gained. It’s super important to remember that these moments, even though they feel like giant steps backward, are actually part of the path to getting better. At Thera-fi, we want to hold your hand through it all, the ups and the downs, with our full support.
Don’t forget, you have a therapist to discuss this with. Be kind to yourself. Talk about it. Celebrate every win, no matter how small! Your therapist gave you tools, use them. If you still think “therapy makes me feel worse,” you may need a different therapist.
Remember, it’s totally okay to have days that feel like a step backward because they’re all part of your journey forward. We’re here to help you use those steps to climb even higher. Let’s tackle these challenges together, head-on, because you’ve got this, and we’ve got you.
6. Can I do anything else besides therapy to help with my trauma?
Of course you can. However, therapy is the best and most effective way. Imagine taking a big fall and breaking your leg. You’d want a doctor to take X-Rays, perform surgery if needed and set it properly. You wouldn’t ask for alternatives like taking some vitamins and get some extra sleep. Sure, they’ll help but not nearly as much as a doctor. With that said, you should seek therapy and then add in additional things to help like:
Absolutely, you’re not just working through therapy when it comes to healing from trauma; there are a bunch of other helpful things you can do too. At Thera-fi, we get that therapy is a big step, but it’s not the only step. We’re all about finding what works best for you and making sure you feel empowered and supported every step of the way.
Here are some things you might find helpful alongside your therapy:
1. Mindfulness and Meditation: It’s like hitting the pause button on a hectic day and just breathing. A few minutes of being still and focusing on your breath can calm you down and make things feel a bit more manageable.
2. Get Moving: Whether it’s going for a walk, doing yoga, or dancing around your room, moving your body can make you feel better. It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s about letting out stress and feeling good in your own skin. You may start feeling worse in some sessions but that’s usually when you uncover an old wound. Therapists usually try to minimize that part because they really just want to find the core issue and start working on building you up.
3. Creative Stuff: Drawing, writing, playing music – whatever lets you express yourself. Sometimes it’s easier to say things with colors or words on a page than out loud.
Can Therapy Make Trauma Worse: Three More Helpful Tips
4. Hang Out in Nature: Get outside and breathe some fresh air. Whether it’s a park or just your backyard, being around green stuff can really boost your mood.
5. Build Your Squad: Surround yourself with people who get you and support you. Friends, family, or even online communities can be great places to share your feelings and not feel so alone.
6. Take Care of You: Do healthy things just because they make you feel good. Read a book, take a bubble bath, or watch your favorite movie. This is about making sure you’re feeling good inside and out. You are trying to minimize feeling unsettled.
You’re not in this alone. With every new tool you try, every small step you take, you’re one step closer to where you want to be. And remember, it’s all about moving forward, even if it’s just a little bit at a time. You’ve got a whole team behind you at Thera-fi, cheering you on every step of the way. Let’s do this together, your way.
