Teenagers are typically more susceptible to trauma than adults. This means that your teen has a higher risk for lingering, harmful traumatic reactions. It also means they may have a greater need for a trauma therapy program. This kind of program, also known as “trauma counseling,” can help your child process past experiences. Treatment benefits are typically greater when you know what to expect in a trauma therapy program.
At Imagine Boise, we find that many teenagers enrolled in our programs benefit from trauma therapy. Could that be true for your child? Contact us today at 888.597.2807 for more information. We’re committed to helping all teens recover fully from traumatic experiences.
What Is Trauma Therapy’s Purpose?
Trauma has short-term effects that are both physical and mental. Ideally, your child will process these effects on their own and gradually return to well-being. But this kind of natural processing doesn’t always take place. Instead, your teen may remain stuck in an ongoing trauma reaction.
What is trauma therapy? It’s a well-documented way to break free from recurring trauma reactions. It does so by helping your child process lingering traumatic reactions such as:
- Withdrawal from contact with friends and family
- Sleeping difficulties
- Reliving past traumatic experiences
- Problems concentrating or thinking clearly
- A generally negative state of mind
- Unusual jitteriness or irritability
The best way to achieve this goal varies from teenager to teenager. This means that the details of what to expect in a trauma therapy program aren’t the same for everyone.
The Basics of What to Expect in a Trauma Therapy Program
Even when the details of trauma therapy differ, the basics remain the same. When your teen first starts therapy, their counselor will take some time to get to know them. That includes learning what they hope to get out of therapy. In turn, your child gets to know their counselor. This process helps build trust. It also helps assure your teen that they’re in a safe space.
Next, the details of what to expect in trauma counseling will be explained. Your teen’s counselor will then explain the method used. In the following sessions, your child will participate in that method and get help making progress toward trauma recovery.
Forms of Trauma Therapy
One of the biggest factors in what to expect from trauma therapy is the form of therapy in use. Commonly used forms include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- A kind of CBT known as prolonged exposure (PE)
CBT focuses on the mental health impact of your teen’s emotions, thoughts, and actions. As the therapy progresses, they’ll get help switching to healthier habits that support trauma healing. In PE, your child’s therapist guides them through situations that recreate the source of their trauma. When done repeatedly, it can gradually decrease past experiences’ hold on your teenager.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
There is another vital aspect of what to expect in a trauma therapy program. Namely, how long will therapy last? Most teens need 12 to 16 weekly sessions to complete CBT. The timeline is essentially the same for prolonged exposure therapy. However, these are just general estimates. Your teen may need more or less time to gain the full benefits of trauma therapy.
Call Imagine Boise to Start Trauma Therapy Now
Trauma therapy is a crucial resource for some teenagers. That’s true because it supports healing from past traumatic experiences. Have more questions about what to expect in a trauma therapy program? Imagine Boise is your source for the answers you need.
We’re also your source for customized teen trauma therapy programs. In all cases, we strive to match your child with the most effective options available. To get started, call us today at 888.597.2807. You can also message us online.