An overview of psychotherapy modalities for the treatment of complex trauma

Overview of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, process of EMDR & a review of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Somatic Experiencing.

Chapter Abstract

“The term “complex trauma” is used to describe chronic traumatization, for instance, the experience of multiple and/or prolonged developmentally adverse traumatic events, most often of an interpersonal nature. The field of psychotherapy has increasingly become influenced by evidence-based practice (EBP), which is centered on the ethos of research-informed practice and practice-informed research. Consequently, treatment planning and the clinical decision-making process are informed by best practice guidelines developed from research findings.

Complex trauma treatment has evolved into a more integrative, body-oriented approach. This chapter first provides an overview of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a psychotherapy modality for treating complex trauma. Second, an outline of the process of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is offered. Subsequently, a review of the benefit of body-based therapies such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Somatic Experiencing is discussed. Finally, this chapter discusses the implications for somatic therapies arising from COVID-19—more specifically, the fact that virtual therapy has gone from being an emerging trend in clinical practice to a necessary adaptation during COVID-19.”

—Description from publisher

Chapter Access

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O’Shea Brown, G. (2021). An overview of psychotherapy modalities for the treatment of complex trauma. In Healing complex posttraumatic stress disorder: A clinician’s guide (pp. 103-122). New York, NY: Springer Publishing.  https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61416-4  

About the Book

“This book is a clinician’s guide to understanding, diagnosing, treating, and healing complex posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). C-PTSD, a diagnostic entity to be included in ICD-11 in 2022, denotes a severe form of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is the result of prolonged and repeated interpersonal trauma.

The author provides guidance on healing complex trauma through phase-oriented, multimodal, and skill-focused treatment approaches, with a core emphasis on symptom relief and functional improvement. Readers will gain familiarity with the integrative healing techniques and modalities that are currently being utilized as evidence-based treatments, including innovative multi-sensory treatments for trauma, in addition to learning more about posttraumatic growth and resilience.

Each chapter of this guide navigates readers through the complicated field of treating and healing complex trauma, including how to work with clients also impacted by the shared collective trauma of COVID-19, and is illustrated by case examples. Topics explored include:

• Complex layered trauma
• Dissociation
• Trauma and the body
• The power of belief
• An overview of psychotherapy modalities for the treatment of complex trauma
• Ego state work and connecting with the inner child
• Turning wounds into wisdom: resilience and posttraumatic growth
• Vicarious trauma and professional self-care for the trauma clinician

It is important for clinicians to be aware of contemporary trends in treating C-PTSD. Healing Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is an essential text for mental health practitioners, clinical social workers, and other clinicians; academics; and graduate students, in addition to other professionals and students interested in C-PTSD. It is an attractive resource for an international clinical audience as we work togetherto heal, affirm, and unburden clients following this time of shared collective trauma. ”

—Description from publisher