Stages of Trauma Recovery: What Are They and What to Expect
Posted: March 29, 2023
By: Janelle Schlueter, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP
If you have decided it is time to heal from trauma, you may wonder, "how does trauma recovery work in the therapy setting"? There is a model developed by Judith Herman, an expert in PTSD treatment, that many trauma therapists use. This model has been proven to be one of the most effective in healing trauma resulting in PTSD.
While each person is unique in their trauma and how they will heal, some parts of trauma therapy are 'standard'. It is expected that a person will go in and out of stages as they make progress. Remember that phrase, 'healing is not linear,' and give yourself the grace to work through how you need to. Let's take a look at what the typical stages of trauma recovery look like, as well as what you can expect to be doing in each stage.
Trauma and Recovery Step 1 - Education, Safety, and Stability
Before any processing of traumatic events can be done, the client must be considered 'safe and stable.' This means you cannot be actively enduring the abuse/trauma and try to work through traumatic events. An example of this is a member of the military; they cannot be expected to heal from trauma when they are in an active war zone.
During this stage in trauma recovery, you can expect to identify and achieve stability. This includes identifying healthy support systems, developing routines and schedules, and making sure basic needs such as eating, sleeping, and taking medications (if appropriate) are addressed. You will also develop coping skills unique to your trauma response and learn how to regulate your emotions when processing traumatic memories.
The most significant part of this first stage is education. You need to know what is happening in your brain and body before going into processing, just like when you see a doctor for an illness such as high blood pressure. Your doctor explains what the illness is and how it affects your life and then prescribes treatment. Trauma recovery works the same. You will learn what is happening in the brain as well as the body and then move to the 'prescription': talking about it. Be prepared for homework and worksheets during this stage!
Trauma and Recovery Step 2 - Remembrance and Mourning
After you have developed your personal toolbox of skills, you will enter the stage where traumatic memories are processed. Processing can occur with most trauma processing techniques, such as narrative exposure or parts work. If you do not want to talk about the trauma, that's okay! There are alternative options for this stage, such as EMDR.
Along with processing, this stage also includes working on grief. After trauma, many people find themselves grieving their old selves, people who have passed, their innocence, and so on. Giving space to grieve is vital to healing.
Trauma and Recovery Step 1 - Education, Safety, and Stability
Before any processing of traumatic events can be done, the client must be considered 'safe and stable.' This means you cannot be actively enduring the abuse/trauma and try to work through traumatic events. An example of this is a member of the military; they cannot be expected to heal from trauma when they are in an active war zone.
During this stage in trauma recovery, you can expect to identify and achieve stability. This includes identifying healthy support systems, developing routines and schedules, and making sure basic needs such as eating, sleeping, and taking medications (if appropriate) are addressed. You will also develop coping skills unique to your trauma response and learn how to regulate your emotions when processing traumatic memories.
The most significant part of this first stage is education. You need to know what is happening in your brain and body before going into processing, just like when you see a doctor for an illness such as high blood pressure. Your doctor explains what the illness is and how it affects your life and then prescribes treatment. Trauma recovery works the same. You will learn what is happening in the brain as well as the body and then move to the 'prescription': talking about it. Be prepared for homework and worksheets during this stage!
Trauma and Recovery Step 2 - Remembrance and Mourning
After you have developed your personal toolbox of skills, you will enter the stage where traumatic memories are processed. Processing can occur with most trauma processing techniques, such as narrative exposure or parts work. If you do not want to talk about the trauma, that's okay! There are alternative options for this stage, such as EMDR.
Along with processing, this stage also includes working on grief. After trauma, many people find themselves grieving their old selves, people who have passed, their innocence, and so on. Giving space to grieve is vital to healing.
Trauma and Recovery Step 3 - Meaning and Reconnection
This is the stage where you reconnect with people through healthy relationships, reconnect with yourself without shame or guilt, and find resilience, knowing the trauma is not ruling your life anymore. You will feel more empowered to take control of your life rather than feel out of control due to trauma. Trauma and recovery are not quick. One thing to keep in mind is that trauma recovery is not a quick process. This will take time, effort, and dedication. With the help of a trained therapist, you can take your life back after trauma!Begin Therapy in Katy, TX!
If you are ready to start recovering from your trauma, one of the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:- Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more information
- Meet with one of our compassionate therapists
- Find ways to thrive through therapy today!