June 2020

The Fundamental Differences of How We Resolve Trauma

So what’s the difference between Trauma Resolution and Counselling or Therapy ?

There are a number of fundamental differences between what we do to resolve trauma and what might take place in a more conventional counselling or psychotherapy session.

Firstly we seek to fully resolve the effects of trauma that are being experienced. We don’t just target the symptoms as we consider these to be a consequence of the underlying cause. We focus directly on the trauma itself. Dealing only with the symptoms is like putting a sticking plaster on something too serious. Sooner or later, the plaster comes off , the wound re-opens, and the symptoms return. If you properly resolve the underlying cause of the symptoms, then they will simply go away. For ever! You may think that is a bold claim but many people who have engaged with our approach to trauma are testament to its efficacy. We don’t provide you with coping strategies or ways to alleviate your discomfort. We aim to make you completely better.

Unlike other interventions, Trauma Resolution sessions are not time limited, thereby allowing sufferers the space they need to fully process their trauma. Conventional counselling and therapy sessions normally only last for 60 minutes and that’s often not long enough to address the issues brought to the session by a client. A Trauma Resolution session will last as long as it takes to get you to a point where you feel some degree of relief, improvement or ideally a complete resolution! On average, a session might last around a couple of hours but in exceptional circumstances they have been known to take much longer. The important thing to bear in mind is that a facilitator will never end a session leaving you feeling worse than when you began. That cannot be said of a “standard” 60 minute counselling or therapy session.

"..I was 35 minutes in to my 50 minute session with my (standard) therapist when a traumatic memory appeared at such a rapid rate it was like being hit by a speeding bullet. I began talking about, and trying to process the surge of emotions and images in my mind when I was jolted out of that experience by the therapists voice alerting me that we only had 5 minutes left until the end of the session. I was dazed, and confused, I couldn’t continue, I no longer felt safe in the session, I left 5 minutes later, and couldn’t remember getting in the car or driving home, my next memory was of being curled up in a ball on my bed crying uncontrollably, then my next memory was of me standing by my car kicking and punching it, literally denting it (Why? I have no idea) Pandoras box had been opened and I felt so overwhelmed and out of control, I had been re-traumatised. I looked for a different form of therapy, one where I would feel safe, and came across Trauma Resolution. I went on to have one non-time limited session of Trauma Resolution (TIR), and from that moment my life changed beyond measure.” GK (Shropshire)

Trauma Resolution is highly therapeutic, but it is not therapy.
So what is it?

Trauma Resolution is a structured process that enables a client to fully work through their traumatic experiences and unwanted feelings in a safe environment, free from judgement or interpretation.

It is highly tailored for each individual and best described as integrative learning, as it fully takes into account the clients needs, interests and values, as well as the information they already have but have not yet been able to process or integrate.

It is highly effective in swiftly reducing, and in many cases, permanently removing the symptoms caused by a traumatic event, no matter how long ago that event happened.

Another bold claim, but in cases where trauma is known to have originated from one single incident, the issues can be fully resolved in as little as one single session. Obviously, not all instances are as simple to deal with and in complex cases where there can be a whole series of traumatic incidents going back over an extended period of time, it can take longer to address. However, it is reasonable for you not to expect to be undergoing weeks and months of hourly sessions.

To learn more please complete our contact form and we’ll be happy to chat with you.

Author: Don Hewitt
Member of The Bounce Brigade