Most Effective Types of Trauma Counselling in BC

Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) 

If you have tried other types of trauma counselling and feel as if you have been going over it again and again, talking about it with no full result, Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) could be the key for you. RRT is designed to resolve the emotional and psychological effects of trauma quickly – within 1-3 sessions. 

Instead of dissecting the trauma, RRT changes the way your mind processes information, shifting your emotional response to those painful memories, in a painless, light-hearted way.  Guided visualizations, multi-level communication, game-changing perspective shifts are key components of this approach, often leading to significant changes that feel automatic. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is among the types of trauma counselling in BC that is very popular. It involves the participant recalling traumatic memories while simultaneously moving the eyes from left to right. Some EMDR therapy providers use other techniques of bilateral stimulation, like crossing your arms and doing opposite shoulder taps which can achieve the same result.  

This all might sound unusual, but it’s been scientifically proven to be incredibly effective for many. The bilateral stimulation helps your brain reprocess these troubling memories, however there are a few steps required before getting to this stage in the therapy – a typical length of treatment is 8-12 sessions, but it can be much less in some clients. 

You may be experiencing recurring nightmares and flashbacks from your trauma, but  EMDR can reduce the intensity of these memories and allow you to start sleeping peacefully again. While EMDR therapy can lead to quick results for some, it can require multiple sessions to thoroughly address a trauma for some participants. 

Somatic Experiencing (or Somatic Therapy)  

Among the types of trauma counselling is Somatic Experiencing. Trauma almost always has a physiological impact on us, whether through chronic tension and muscle pain, digestive issues, or unexplained health issues. 

Getting in touch with your body and how it has been responding to historical events presently, can help you learn how to process difficulties throughout life as well. This body-focused therapy recognizes that trauma can be “stored in the body” and manifest as physical symptoms, or by connecting with your body, there can be a path to healing. This type of trauma counselling in BC is becoming more readily available in recent years.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of trauma counselling originally designed for veterans. Specifically created for treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, CPT focuses on helping you identify and challenge beliefs and thoughts related to your traumatic experiences. 

The main goals of CPT are to reflect, redefine, and recover. During treatment, you’ll be provided with psychoeducation to enhance your understanding of PTSD and its’ impacts. You’ll be encouraged to challenge negative cognitions, known as “stuck points,” to develop more helpful and realistic beliefs about yourself and the world. Ultimately, this therapy aims to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve your overall daily functioning and is a type of trauma counselling in BC that is readily available.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

If you or your teen child has experienced trauma, TF-CBT might be a good approach. This proven treatment combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with trauma-sensitive interventions, helping adolescents and adults process their traumatic memories while building coping skills. TF-CBT also involves caregivers and partners, improving family communication and strengthening the parent-child relationship. CBT is one of the most common therapies so TF-CBT is among the types of trauma counselling in BC that is much more easy to find.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that helps you see your mind as a system made up of different parts (ie: “family members”), each with its own perspectives and emotions. IFS is one of the newer types of trauma counselling available and highly sought after.  

When you’ve experienced trauma and in particular, childhood trauma, some of these parts may become extremely or overly protective, which can lead to internal conflict and distress. IFS is designed to help you identify and understand these parts of yourself, allowing you to foster self-compassion and begin the healing process. 

By addressing the root causes of your trauma and truly honouring and integrating these parts of yourself, IFS can help you achieve peace, emotional balance and a greater sense of well-being. Although IFS counselling in BC is available, it can be harder to find someone who is trained in it.