It can be hard to find a therapist if you’ve dealt with trauma. Some types of therapy don’t work for everyone, and that’s especially the case for those with PTSD or trauma-caused conditions. Luckily, you can choose the proper treatment for you by being informed on what each one offers.

Let’s look at the top five best types of therapy for people with trauma.

1. Art Therapy
Art has been around for centuries, and its historical significance shows that it has always been a valuable tool for humanity. Nowadays, art is available in the form of therapy, and it can be highly healing for those with trauma. Generally, the sessions will go like this:

1. You enter the therapist’s office.
2. You choose your art supplies, and your therapist chooses some as well.
3. You both create art while talking through a regular therapy session.

The best part about art therapy is that you’re in control of it. If you don’t feel up to talking a lot about the traumas you’ve been through, you can express it through art or work up to it with some lighter topics at first. Art therapy is especially helpful for children and teenagers who have gone through trauma and don’t have the words to express themselves just yet.

2. EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a type of therapy specifically shown to have excellent recovery and healing results in those with PTSD.

The therapy requires you to hold two hand buzzers while talking through traumatic events. It is said to activate both sides of your brain to allow you to process the therapy without causing re-traumatization. Some therapists use light movements or focusing on moving objects instead of the hand buzzers (don’t worry, they don’t hurt!).

This therapy is an excellent choice for those who are ready to delve deep into the specifics of their trauma with a safe therapist.

3. Parts Work
Parts work is a type of trauma therapy that works on identifying different parts of yourself that have fractured in a traumatic event. This therapy is most helpful in those who have experienced life-long or repeated traumas.

We all have separate parts of ourselves. However, when you go through trauma, some parts of you may be more distinct than in people without trauma. Some parts of you may be the ones that help you get up and complete your chores for the day.

Others may have difficulty with those things. Although we are just one person and one body, parts work gives a voice to every part of you, to allow you to come together as a whole and healed person again.

4. DBT
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a therapy that was created by Marsha P. Johnson to aid in those with personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder. It is a behavioral therapy, which means it focuses more on your reactions and actions than on your trauma and the reasoning behind it.

DBT is hugely beneficial for those who struggle in relationships or with attachment. You may also find it helpful if you do not have a lot of coping mechanisms for yourself and find yourself often self-sabotaging or burning bridges.

Unlike other therapies, you graduate from DBT when you finish. Your therapist will give you an award of some type for completing the entire workbook. Afterward, you should have more of an idea of how to get through your life with all the skills you need, which is something we all strive to be able to do.

5. Attachment Style Therapy
Attachment style therapy focuses more on your style of attachment. Often, in people who have experienced trauma from childhood, we develop an attachment style that isn’t so secure. All people have one of these attachment styles:

1. Anxious Ambivalent
2. Anxious Avoidant
3. Disorganized
4. Secure
Your therapist will be able to talk you through what your attachment style is and why you developed it. With time, you’ll be able to talk through ways to find your way back to a secure attachment and to help you heal from your traumas.

Conclusion
Learn more about different types of therapy on BetterHelp, the leading provider of online therapists worldwide. Remember, trauma healing is 100% possible. There are plenty of options for therapists out there that will work for you and your goals.

Whether you’re looking for behavioral help or someone to help you find your inner validation, one of the therapy types on this list will have what you’re looking for.



Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.