Trauma impacts every individual differently. An event that may not affect one person can be life-altering for another. As a Michigan psychologist office, we offer trauma therapy to patients every day who are dealing with different types of trauma.
What is Trauma Therapy?
First, one must understand what trauma is. It’s defined as an emotional response to an event that you either witness or experience. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it is estimated that over 50% of the population experiences at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.
There are four types of trauma therapy your licensed Michigan psychologist may offer. They include:
- Prolonged exposure – This is just what it sounds like. Your therapist repeatedly exposes to your fear or trauma until you no longer react negatively. Some therapists in Michigan refer to this as PE therapy.
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) – During CPT your therapist will work with you to evaluate the event as well as the thoughts, fears and anxiety you have regarding it. The goal is to come to terms with whatever your trauma may be.
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy – Mostly used on children and teens, this therapy addresses misinformation, inaccurate beliefs and unhealthy behavior patterns.
- EMDR – Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a specialized type of trauma therapy. Offered in limited Michigan psychologist offices using bilateral stimulation to release emotion blocked by trauma.
Holland, Michigan therapists should never prescribe one method over another until you’ve had at least one session for you to explain your trauma and how it is negatively impacting your life.
Call West Michigan Psychological Services for Your Appointment Today
The first step you need to take is to call the compassionate therapists in Michigan at West Michigan Psychological Services for an appointment. We’ll help you come to terms with your traumatic event and teach you coping mechanisms to help you function in day-to-day life. Call us today at (616) 952-9957 or fill out our contact form. In addition to our offices in Norton Shores and Holland, Michigan, we also offer teletherapy. Call today, we have therapists with immediate availability.