When Talk Therapy is Retraumatizing

Talk therapy is a commonly used treatment for mental health issues, including trauma. Trauma can manifest in many different ways, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other emotional and psychological symptoms. Talk therapy can be effective in helping individuals process and heal from their trauma, but it can also be retraumatizing in some cases.

Retraumatization can occur when a person experiences the same emotions, physical sensations, and memories that they experienced during the traumatic event. This can happen if the therapy approach is too intense, if the therapist is not trained in trauma therapy, or if the individual is not ready to confront their trauma.

Here are some additional signs that talk therapy may be retraumatizing:

  1. Avoidance of therapy: If you find yourself avoiding therapy sessions or dreading them, it may be a sign that the therapy is retraumatizing.
  2. Hypervigilance: You may feel constantly on edge or hyper-aware during or after therapy sessions, which can indicate that the therapy is triggering your trauma response.
  3. Flashbacks: Flashbacks can occur during or after therapy sessions, making it difficult to focus on the present moment.
  4. Feeling disconnected: You may feel disconnected from your emotions, body, or surroundings during or after therapy sessions, which can be a sign of dissociation.
  5. Increased symptoms: If your symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or nightmares, have worsened since starting therapy, it may be a sign that the therapy is retraumatizing.

So, what can you do if you suspect that your talk therapy is retraumatizing? Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Talk to your therapist: It’s important to communicate with your therapist about how you’re feeling during and after therapy sessions. Your therapist may need to adjust the therapy approach or provide additional support to help you feel safe and supported during the therapy process.
  2. Seek a trauma-informed therapist: If your therapist is not trained in trauma therapy, or if you feel like they’re not understanding your needs, consider seeking a therapist who specializes in trauma therapy. A trauma-informed therapist can help you feel safe and supported during the therapy process.
  3. Take breaks from therapy: It’s okay to take breaks from therapy if you feel overwhelmed or triggered. You can talk to your therapist about scheduling breaks or reducing the frequency of sessions to help you feel more comfortable.
  4. Use grounding techniques: Grounding techniques can help you stay connected to the present moment during and after therapy sessions. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness can help you manage your emotions and stay grounded.
  5. Practice self-care: It’s important to prioritize self-care during the therapy process. This can include activities like exercise, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in hobbies that make you feel good.

Recognizing when talk therapy is retraumatizing can be difficult, but it’s important to pay attention to the signs and communicate with your therapist about how you’re feeling. With the right support and approach, talk therapy can be a powerful tool for healing from trauma.