Trauma can be sexual, psychological, emotional, or physical. It might be difficult to determine the right therapy for trauma since you must first understand the many types of PTSD. There are various sorts of therapy available based on the degree of your PTSD. Once you've found the right sort of treatment for you, it can teach you how to recognize and handle triggers, allowing you to regain control of your life.

The four primary categories of PTSD symptoms include negative thoughts, a physical/emotional reaction, an invading traumatic memory, and avoidance.  Each of the following types of therapy employs goal-specific strategies tailored to your individual needs and symptoms.

1. Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT is a specific sort of cognitive therapy that usually consists of 12 weeks of PTSD treatment. Weekly sessions are usually between 45 and 90 minutes long. Cognitive processing treatment is determining exactly what is causing the painful memory to return and then learning how to deal with it successfully until it no longer has a debilitating effect.

A frequent technique to cognitive therapy is to write down as much detail as you can remember about traumatic situations under the supervision of a professional therapist. Then, your therapist will go in-depth with you to explore and understand how you may better control your memories so they don't interfere with your life. 

2. Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Many PTSD sufferers avoid traumatic memories, things, or situations that remind them of their past trauma. Prolonged exposure therapy achieves the reverse, purposely putting you in a position where you must confront your traumatic experience. Prolonged exposure therapy normally takes 8-15 weekly sessions lasting 60-90 minutes each.

Early PTSD treatment will teach you breathing and relaxation strategies to help you feel less fearful and apprehensive. These coping techniques will enable you to investigate trauma therapy in a controlled, safe setting. This direct-approach therapy will teach you to anticipate and deal with your PTSD symptoms proactively. Over time, you'll be able to improve your tolerance to the point where you can reengage with the people, places, and things you've previously avoided.

3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR therapy does not always include talking with your therapist in the usual manner you might think of therapy. Yes, you will continue to focus on the intricacies of your past trauma, but during EMDR sessions, you will recollect your event as your therapist performs a mechanical action, such as flashing light, moving your hands, or making noise. The idea is to "reprocess" how you think about your experience, making it less painful and more manageable. EMDR therapy typically lasts three months and consists of weekly 60 to 90-minute sessions.

4. Stress Inoculation Training (SIT)

Stress inoculation training (SIT) is another form of cognitive behavioral therapy. It takes about three months and consists of weekly sessions that can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. Individual or group therapy is used in SIT, and you are under no need to discuss the specifics of your trauma unless you wish to. This cognitive behavioral therapy for trauma emphasizes breathing techniques, meditation, and other strategies for countering negative thought patterns linked with post-traumatic stress disorder or other anxiety disorders.

It's critical to remember that everyone with post-traumatic stress disorder has a distinct experience, history, and symptoms. There is no single technique or one-size-fits-all therapy that is effective for everyone. 

Combination with Medications

When you have PTSD, you perceive threatening thoughts differently. This is caused in part by an imbalance of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. In many situations, patients with PTSD have readily triggered fight-or-flight responses, which are innate physiological reactions to a perceived threat.

Prescription drugs for PTSD can be used in conjunction with therapy to enhance results, particularly in the early phases of rehabilitation. However, the purpose of therapy is to teach you how to anticipate, recognize, and cope with your symptoms rather than relying on medicines for the long term.

Remember that drugs are intended for short-term use to help you get through exceptionally difficult periods. As your coping abilities improve and you are better able to control your PTSD symptoms, you will likely need less medication.