CBT Offers Hope for Trauma Victims of All Ages

Contributor: Kristeen Cherney, BA, writer for Healthline

woman-429995_640When it comes to eating disorders, there is an increasing awareness that these problems can often stem from underlying issues. Among such issues may include:

  • Genetics
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Peer pressure

Another contributing issue is a traumatic event. Just as the types of traumatic events vary, so can the responses. Eating disorders often act as a “cover up” for trauma—unfortunately, this also makes recovery for patients even more challenging.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is among the most promising treatments for trauma, and it may even help address related symptoms such as eating disorders. Learn more about CBT and its potential benefits for trauma sufferers.

What is CBT?

CBT is a popular mental health treatment that focuses on finding ways in which thoughts influence behaviors. When considering trauma, CBT can be extremely helpful in helping sufferers overcome self-destructive behaviors that are used as coping mechanisms.

This treatment plan can be used for patients of all ages. For children, the most widely form for trauma is called trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, or TF-CBT. Unlike other forms of CBT, TF-CBT involves both children and parents in each session. It is also widely used in children who are victims of abuse.

Tackling Trauma Head-on with CBT

ascend_benchTrauma consists of a variety of symptoms. Some are experienced at different stages, while other victims might exhibit one primary effect. These can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Anger and/or aggression
  • Fatigue
  • Eating disorders
  • Loss of interest in daily activities

Such symptoms can also be signs of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Reactions to Traumatic Events

One of the most natural responses to a traumatic event is to subconsciously hide it. This can stem from fear or embarrassment, as well as the inability to cope with the trauma.

As natural as such responses may be, they don’t serve patients in the long-run. CBT is a different approach to trauma sufferers because it advocates for the focus on the traumatic event or group of events that has causes patients so much pain.

While this can seem like a frightening concept at first, the goal is to change the way patients deal with traumatic events so they can actually move on and heal.

Long-term Outcomes and Other Treatment Measures

Sporty outdoor workout womanCBT for trauma is intended to be a short-term treatment that doesn’t have any negative consequences. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has not identified any long-term adverse effects of CBT for trauma. Perhaps the greatest concern with this type of program is its efficacy.

To gain the most benefits of CBT, trauma sufferers and their caregivers should follow a treatment plan as recommended by a mental health professional. Skipping treatment sessions or abruptly stopping them altogether will likely undo any progress made.

For the best results, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network recommends 12 to 16 CBT sessions. Treatment is usually once a week, over the course of three to four months. A psychotherapist can help you get the treatment you need to fit in your schedule.

Exploring Treatment Options

When dealing with the aftermath of trauma, you should also consider exploring other treatment methods that might complement CBT. This might include antidepressants, group therapy, and stress inoculation training. You may also consider talking to a nutritionist about ways to get back on track to a healthy lifestyle.

While undergoing treatment, mental health professionals also recommend assignments that can help at home, such as keeping a journal. The long-term goal throughout CBT is to help lead you to a happier life without succumbing to unhealthy behaviors.

 
About the Author:

Kristeen Cherney is a freelance health and lifestyle writer passionate about social issues. Her work has been published on numerous health-related websites. Previously, she worked as a communications and marketing professional.

Kristeen holds a BA in Communication from Florida Gulf Coast University, and is currently pursuing an MA in English. When she’s not writing or studying, she enjoys walking, kick-boxing, yoga, and traveling.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What has been your experience with CBT? Did you utilize other treatments as well that complimented your CBT treatment?

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

 
Resources:

  1. Getz, Lindsey. (2012). Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy—Hope for abused children. Retrieved from http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/051412p22.shtml
  2. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. (2008, June). Retrieved from http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/viewintervention.aspx?id=135
  3. What is TF-CBT? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/projectbest/tfcbt/tfcbt.htm

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on April 10th, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com