Trauma can happen in various forms, such as physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, accidents, or natural disasters. Physical abuse refers to any intentional action that causes physical harm or injury to another person. Emotional abuse involves intentionally causing emotional harm or distress to another person, and sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual act that is forced upon another person. Trauma can lead to long-lasting effects on a person’s mental health. Fortunately, resources are available for people to process it and heal.
Therapies Available to Process Trauma
Several types of therapy for trauma exist, and they differ from one another based on their approach. The following three therapies are highly effective:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps people deal with dysfunctional emotions or thoughts by examining negative or irrational beliefs. It is a short-term approach that aims to identify and change negative thought patterns. It can help people face and process traumatic events.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT helps people regulate their emotions and cope with stressful situations. It’s commonly used for people with Borderline Personality Disorder, a condition often connected to a history of trauma. It teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is an interactive and repetitive therapy that helps people process their traumatic memories. Eye movements, while people mentally recall memories, are a central part of EMDR therapy. EMDR therapy aims to help people reduce the intensity of their emotions and sensations.
Free Resources Available
If you are in crisis, there are free resources available to the public:
Suicide Hotline
A suicide hotline is a valuable resource for people who experience trauma and feel helpless. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24/7 hotline that anyone can call, no matter what they are going through. The hotline’s staff can provide immediate assistance and connect callers with mental health or support services. You can call or text the number 988 for immediate assistance.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. Click here for more information about RAINN.
New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault
The New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault is an organization that advocates for survivors of sexual assault, and they provide services such as counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy. They have a hotline that anyone can call for immediate assistance, and they also have a presence on social media and in the community. (The hotline is 1-800-942-6906.) In addition to their website, you can check out their Facebook and Twitter profiles for more information about them.
In conclusion, there are several resources available to people processing trauma. Different therapy approaches, including CBT, DBT, and EMDR, can effectively deal with it. Suicide hotlines can provide immediate assistance and support. Lastly, organizations like RAINN and the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault provide comprehensive services, including counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy. It is essential to remember that healing from trauma is a unique process for each person, so finding the right resources and help is crucial.
If you are processing trauma or sexual abuse, contact us today to schedule an appointment with an experienced sex abuse lawyer. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., it is our mission to help clients who are going through this traumatizing time in their lives. Quality legal representation can go a long way.