ABSTRACT

The author explores two specialist trauma treatments, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). These trauma models are recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA). The models are explored in detail by sharing two in-depth case studies. The first is a client that suffered PTSD after witnessing a violent failed coup d’état in Turkey, and the second is a client who was in Nepal during an earthquake. There are other models of working with trauma but further research is needed into the efficacy of these various approaches, such as Narrative Exposure Therapy and the Tree of Life. All trauma approaches aim to help the client to create a trauma narrative, find meaning in the event and reduce the trauma symptoms. Most trauma models follow a three-step treatment programme: stabilisation, processing and integration. The longer someone suffers from trauma-related symptoms the more complex their recovery process can become, as many individuals develop unhealthy coping strategies such as self-medication, alcohol or drug use, over-working, changes in diet, self-harming, breakdown of relationships, isolation, aggression and risky behaviours, all of which can deepen and further entrench their original symptoms.