Most therapists have been taught that processing trauma is the goal of trauma therapy. That means that they feel the need to access the traumatic memories their clients have with the goal of working through them. But placing too much emphasis on the events that occurred which caused the traumatic memories is not helpful at all.
In her book, Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors, Janina Fisher states, “What they need to remember is that the event focus of the early trauma treatment field simply reflected an extension of the ‘talking cure’ to trauma therapy, not the creation of an approach specifically tailored to the in-depth understanding of traumatization available to therapists today.”
Today, we know there is a better way. It’s important to get trauma victims focused on what they are experiencing now in regards to their Parts and their Self. In doing so, healing can actually take place.
Being Here, Not There
The goal of trauma therapy is to allow the victim’s Parts to express how they feel about the event that took place, but to differentiate between here and there. Some Parts will be eager to tell their story, whereas others may be more reluctant for many reasons.
Most trauma victims tend to suppress their Parts. In their minds, they have become the enemy, and that is not the way it should be. There is so much to learn from the Parts if the victim can take the time to listen to what they have to say. The best trauma therapists know the importance of transforming the victim’s relationship with their Parts from alienation to complete and total acceptance.
In doing so, victims can learn the difference between what is happening now and what happened then. This is an important part of the healing process.
When Does Healing from Trauma Take Place?
When a trauma victim is able to be present in the here and now and ride the normal rollercoaster of life with its ups and downs, they are ready to heal from the injuries their trauma caused. It can be important to remember what happened in the past, but only to the extent that it brings healing to the individual in the present time. Trauma therapy should never open old wounds and cause the person to experience the trauma all over again.
Remembering actually serves a much higher purpose. Those memories should be used to change the ending of each Part’s story. In that way, memories can be processed properly.
Every trauma victim should be commended on their ability to survive events that caused them a great deal of pain. Their Parts are to thank for their survival, and with proper acknowledgement given, the victim can embrace the here and now.
Talk with a Trauma Therapist Today
The old methods of treating trauma are outdated and they often do not work. If you are looking for a trauma therapist who uses the most updated treatment methods, and who can really help you heal, please contact me today for an appointment.
