Trauma therapy training is a demanding career path that requires a great deal of willingness to learn and, above all, empathy. There are various techniques for treating trauma-related disorders. The following article will tell you everything you need to know if you are interested in training to become a trauma therapist.
Trauma therapy is aimed at people who have had to go through harrowing experiences in their lives and are suffering psychologically as a result. These can be, for example, experiences of loss and violence, natural disasters or traumatic events of a completely different kind. The word Trauma comes from the Greek and means "wound".
At this point, it is important to emphasize that everyone has different levels of psychological resilience. An event that person A processes quickly can have a serious impact on person B. post-traumatic stress disorder trigger.
The aim of trauma therapy is to work through the upsetting event with therapeutic support. Ultimately, the person affected finds a way to come to terms with their trauma and to look to the future without stress. The reduction of post-traumatic psychological and physical symptoms goes hand in hand with the processing process.
The basics of trauma therapy training can be divided into different areas. However, please note that the content may vary depending on the provider or the order may differ slightly:
As mentioned at the beginning, there are various approaches that you will be confronted with during your trauma therapy training. One of the best-known methods, which is used with numerous trauma patients, is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
The EMDR technique focuses on bilateral stimulation. This involves guided eye movements. The patient follows the therapist's finger with their gaze while the therapist makes movements to the right and left. The eye movements simulate REM sleep (dream sleep). In the dream sleep phase, the events of the day are processed.
During EMDR therapy, the images of the stressful event pass by the patient once again. However, they can now view them from a safe distance and in the presence of their therapist. In this way, it is possible to re-evaluate stressful events and reduce the level of suffering. Ideally, the memory will no longer cause pain.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is about recognizing and resolving destructive thought and behaviour patterns that perpetuate the trauma. Negative beliefs are gradually replaced by self-healing perspectives. The content of the therapy session is usually planned together with the patient. In addition, there is often homework for everyday life.
Another important aspect of cognitive behavioral therapy is the identification of external stimuli that trigger the trauma-related symptoms. The patient is encouraged to carry out an imaginary confrontation, at the end of which they find themselves safe again.
In addition, there are numerous other procedures such as Somatic Experiencing or the Gentle trauma therapy. In trauma therapy training, the methods are taught in theory and practice. For example, role-playing and supervision are used as practical exercises.
Can anyone do trauma therapy training? This question can be answered in the negative, as certain criteria must be met. As a rule, the training courses are aimed at people who are already working as psychotherapists or are otherwise working with traumatized people in their professional field. These include the following professional groups:
Trauma therapy training is usually not for people who have no (professional) experience in the field of psychotherapy, medicine or social work. Many trainers also require a minimum average age of 25.
Trauma therapy training is not limited to the acquisition of technical knowledge. As the subject area is very extensive and can sometimes be very mentally demanding, you will go through an inner maturing process. You will certainly come into contact with stories that affect you deeply. In this way, you will learn to grow beyond yourself and overcome your own limitations.
The ability to mindset is fundamental to being able to pursue your work as a trauma therapist professionally later on. You need to strike a healthy balance between empathy and find boundaries. To put it simply: you support your patients with all your strength, but don't take their fate home with you.
To become a good trauma therapist, it is by no means enough to simply acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge. Ultimately, it is important to apply this knowledge in practice. This is why internships and supervision are an important part of trauma therapy training.
Most training academies have integrated a compulsory internship of several weeks to months into their training program. You normally choose the internship yourself. Clinics with departments for psychosomatics or psychiatry, psychotherapeutic practices, counseling centers or psychological services are all possible options.
The Supervision takes place alternately individually or in a group. Here, the (prospective) psychotherapist's working methods are mirrored and he has the opportunity to discuss difficulties and conflicts in his professional practice and to seek advice. However, the anonymity of patients remains protected at all times.
Empathic understanding means that you are able to put yourself in the position of your patient's views, statements and actions and thus understand why they think in a certain way. Of course, this does not necessarily mean that you agree with their beliefs!
In the course of your trauma therapy training, you will learn to convey safety to your patients so that they can Trust build up a relationship with you. At some point, you will instinctively feel how to reach even difficult patients and what is important in patient care.
Not believing yourself to be infallible is one of the most important skills of a good trauma therapist. If you make no progress with a patient or their condition even worsens under your therapy, this is a sign that you are not making progress. Self-reflection urgently needed: Where are the points of conflict in the therapist-patient relationship? What other treatment approaches could you try?
Surely you know the tiring Feelingwhen people are constantly talking past each other. The latter is self-explanatory poison for successful trauma therapy. Empathize with your patient and let them talk. Repeat their statements and check whether you have understood them correctly.
Conversely, it is important to make sure that you also use language that your patient understands. There are certain expressions or popular phrases that cause some patients to immediately stonewall. Find out these trigger points and avoid them.
Example: A patient feels trapped in the wrong body and experiences immense suffering. The most popular and fatal mistake would be to advise this patient to love themselves as they are. They will feel misunderstood and rejected, which means that effective communication will no longer be possible.
In trauma therapy, you will sometimes hear life stories that move you emotionally or perhaps even anger you personally. However, it is important here not to let your own emotions to be overwhelmed. Adhere to therapeutic neutrality. Avoid reproaching or lecturing your patient.
Of course you should and may express your own feelings, but not in the presence of your patient! You do not have to approve of their views or actions, but you must be able to tolerate them.
Once you have completed your trauma therapy training, various career paths are open to you. For example, you have the opportunity to become self-employed and open your own trauma therapy practice. Alternatively, you can work in clinics, counseling centers or psychological services. Trauma therapists are also frequently sought after in care homes or in child and youth care.
As mentioned above, self-care is an important building block for working as a trauma therapist later on and protecting yourself from burnout. You should accompany and advise your patients empathetically, but not make their pain your own. Admittedly, it can sometimes be difficult to draw this line.
To set yourself apart, you should consciously focus on your own Needs pay attention: What would do you good right now? A chat with friends or a quiet evening on the couch? Relaxation techniques such as YogaAutogenic training, breathing exercises or meditation can help you to maintain your inner calm and strength. You will even learn some of these methods as part of your training.
Professional and well-founded trauma therapy training is the basis for your successful work and career as a future trauma therapist. Become aware of your own strengths and find the courage to embark on this professionally fulfilling career. Take the first step today.
