TF-ACT – Healing Trauma

PTSD, CPTSD & Vicarious Trauma

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a severe psychological response to a distressing or frightening event that threatens our physical or psychological integrity. Traumatic events can be one-time occurrences, such as a car accident or sexual assault, or ongoing, such as abuse or war.

What makes an event traumatic? 

An event is considered traumatic when it overwhelms our ability to cope, causing intense fear and helplessness leaving a deep emotional wound. It's important to understand that trauma is not the event itself, but rather our emotional and psychological response to it. Events like betrayal or loss can be perceived as traumatic if they undermine a person's sense of security and stability.

Types of Trauma:

• Direct Trauma: A personal experience of a shocking event, such as a car accident, sexual assault, natural disaster, or combat.
• Indirect Trauma: Also known as Vicarious Trauma, it is exposure to a traumatic event experienced by another person, for example, through images, stories, or caring for an injured person. Thus, therapists, family members, or friends may experience vicarious trauma as a result of exposure to the traumas of others.
• Complex Trauma: Repeated exposure to traumatic events, such as abuse or domestic violence.

Common Reactions to Trauma:

• Flashbacks and nightmares: Reliving the traumatic event repeatedly.
• Avoidance: Avoiding places, people, or activities associated with the traumatic event.
• Mood changes: Sadness, anger, depression, anxiety.
• Suicidal thoughts: Thoughts of death or self-harm.
• Anxiety disorders and depression: Constant anxiety, panic attacks, severe depression.
• Substance use: Attempting to alleviate emotional pain through addictive substances.
• Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks.
• Feelings of emptiness, numbness, guilt, shame, and negative thoughts about oneself and the world.
• Difficulty with interpersonal relationships: Lack of trust, difficulty getting close to people.
• Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, nightmares.
• Physical health problems: Headaches, stomach aches, digestive problems.

Long-Term Effects of Trauma

If left untreated, trauma can lead to chronic mental health disorders such as:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Characterized by flashbacks, avoidance, hyperarousal or hypoarousal, and extreme mood swings.
• Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD): Occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to trauma, such as abuse. It includes symptoms similar to PTSD, as well as difficulties regulating emotions, feeling disconnected from oneself and others, and disturbances in social interactions.

The Importance of Treatment 

Trauma treatment, such as TF-ACT therapy, helps reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and restore a sense of control. Studies comparing TF-ACT to other trauma-focused therapies have found that TF-ACT is more effective in reducing PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms, improving social engagement and leisure activities in particular, and enhancing overall quality of life.

What is TF-ACT Therapy? 

TF-ACT (Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is an innovative and effective therapeutic approach for treating trauma that is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Instead of focusing on the past, TF-ACT helps you learn to live in the present and cope with the difficult thoughts and emotions that arise.

Key Points of TF-ACT Therapy:

• Focus on the present: Rather than focusing on the past, TF-ACT helps you live in the moment.
• Acceptance of thoughts and feelings: Learning to accept difficult thoughts and emotions without judgment.
• Developing coping skills: Acquiring tools to manage stress and distress.
• Connecting with personal values: Reconnecting with what matters most to you and building a meaningful life.

The Benefits of TF-ACT Therapy: Back to The Present

TF-ACT therapy offers clients a journey of deep healing, going beyond symptom reduction. This therapeutic approach allows individuals to experience transformative change in their lives, including:

• Reconnecting with the body: TF-ACT helps clients develop body awareness and find safety and security within themselves. Focused exercises allow for the release of old physical responses associated with trauma, such as chronic muscle tension or sleep disturbances.
• Emotional balance: Therapy helps balance states of hyperarousal and dissociation, allowing clients to experience a wider range of emotions in a healthy way.
• Self-compassion: Instead of self-criticism, TF-ACT encourages a compassionate approach to oneself. Clients learn to accept themselves as they are, without judgment, and develop tolerance for their vulnerabilities.
• Body memory: Therapy works with body memories, allowing clients to release trauma stored at a physiological level.
• Addressing dissociation: TF-ACT helps clients reconnect with themselves and their surroundings, overcoming feelings of disconnection and detachment.
• Building a meaningful life: Therapy encourages clients to explore their values, set goals, and focus on activities that give them meaning.

Through TF-ACT therapy, clients can:

• Improve interpersonal relationships: Develop trust in others, deepen connections, and improve communication.
• Increase psychological resilience: Develop the ability to cope with future challenges more effectively.
• Live a full life: Experience joy, satisfaction, and pleasure.

TF-ACT therapy offers a safe and supportive framework that allows clients to address their trauma and grow as individuals.

It's Time to Start Therapy 

Ready to take the first step towards a better life? Contact me today to schedule your initial consultation at no obligation. Together, we will create a personalized treatment plan to help you overcome trauma and regain control of your life.