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Talking through trauma and PTSD

Different therapy approaches for trauma

creative_writerSenior Contributor24 Jan 2026, 5:05 pm AEDT

Different therapy approaches for trauma

I had multiple mental illnesses, one of my diagnoses is cptsd. Right now I’ve been doing more behavioural therapy and my current psych focuses more on exposure therapy. I feel like I haven’t been able to get far, it’s not that it hasn’t helped, but I feel like I need a different approach. I find it super difficult to talk about trauma details, I’ve tried it before and ended up retraumatised. I don’t think exposure therapy is right for me. I’ve tried a few EMDR sessions in the past which helped, I have been contemplating whether I should revisit it. I would need to get referred to another psych for EMDR.

I have also considered art therapy (which is also not a focal point for my current psych). Sometimes I don’t have the words to describe the pain that is stuck within me. I want to heal. I struggle with somatic flashbacks and I’ve had to disconnect from my body in order to feel safe. I don’t always notice the discomfort in my body until much later. I also get lots of intrusive thoughts and memories. I think it’s been feeding my OCD thoughts. I also have bipolar and trauma isn’t helping with stability since so much is suppressed. The bipolar also makes it worse.

I’m open to hear about what others have found helpful and hear about experiences of different therapy modalities.

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In response to: Different therapy approaches for trauma

tymeModerator24 Jan 2026, 5:18 pm AEDT

Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

Hey @creative_writer ,

Thank you for reaching out to the community aboout different therapy approaches.

I can't say I know too much about it however, I have done DBT art therapy in the past. I only did a few sessions though. I'm not sure of how art therapy supports trauma healing, but I'm open to learning.

In response to: Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

creative_writerSenior Contributor24 Jan 2026, 5:35 pm AEDT

Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

@tyme I think all therapies have their place. I think I’m probably inclined towards trying out EMDR first, it’s also gold standard for trauma. I’ve also done a few sessions. I do think there is also something in art therapy. I am able to process my emotions differently through poetry than by talking. Metaphors and imagery are powerful. Poetry is a form of written art. It’s why I’ve been considering it

In response to: Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

mallory_strifeSenior Contributor24 Jan 2026, 6:16 pm AEDT

Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

i briefly did art therapy as a teenager but i did not enjoy it. i was with a therapist who had poor english and was bridging the gap with art and music when i just wanted to talk

for CPTSD i have found IFS very helpful as someone who is always divided. i have self-medicated with EMDR videos so i can recall memories without having a panic attack but i don't know what to do in terms of "aftercare". i can't remember right now if my therapist does EMDR, she has offered EFT before for my phobias, but i am terrible with disclosure and broaching new topics

In response to: Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

tymeModerator24 Jan 2026, 6:24 pm AEDT

Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

With the art therapy I attended, I didn't want to say I didn't enjoy it, but yeah... that was the reality - I just didn't. At least I know I have it a go 🙂 @creative_writer

With all these therapies, do you know places that offer it @creative_writer ?

In response to: Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

creative_writerSenior Contributor24 Jan 2026, 6:51 pm AEDT

Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

@mallory_strife I’ve also heard about EFT, I might look it up.

I think they do use binaural music in EMDR, I find the music helpful for my anxiety. I have also tried the butterfly tap which is soothing. I don’t do eye movements myself or use any other techniques.

It’s hard knowing what to do after a session.

@tyme I was going to talk to my psych about it, we could look into it together. She will have colleagues

In response to: Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

mallory_strifeSenior Contributor24 Jan 2026, 6:53 pm AEDT

Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

@creative_writer this is the video i use

In response to: Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

creative_writerSenior Contributor24 Jan 2026, 7:04 pm AEDT

Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

@mallory_strife thank you for sharing that resource. I am thinking I might ask if my psych knows someone who uses EMDR in their practice. I found it easier than talking. I think the risk of traumatisation would be lower in my case

In response to: Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

DogMan79Senior Contributor24 Jan 2026, 7:35 pm AEDT

Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

Hi @creative_writer

I second the suggestion for Internal Family Systems (IFS)

But your replies indicate that you've already decided on EMDR. I've not done that, too intense for little old me

In response to: Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

creative_writerSenior Contributor24 Jan 2026, 7:50 pm AEDT

Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

@DogMan79 @mallory_strife I feel like I read somewhere my current psych does IFS, though I’m not sure. I could ask my current psych what modalities she also uses. I’m not set in stone for EMDR yet, just exploring options.

In response to: Different therapy approaches for trauma

Flutterbug9Senior Contributor24 Jan 2026, 8:01 pm AEDT

Re: Different therapy approaches for trauma

Hi @creative_writer

I had positive outcomes with exposure therapy couple decades ago. One of the things I remember is the preparation and slow progression stages

Psychiatrist I saw couple years did what he called exposure therapy on my first session with him. I refused to have him do it again due to being retraumatised.

I did bits and pieces of Schema Therapy with my previous psychologist. I’ve taken away from it the pieces I found beneficial for me, not sure I would say my experience of it was helpful with Trauma Recovery.

That same psychologist did suggest EMDR various times. I’m not comfortable with having people in my personal space. One of my friends knows I stiffen at first each time she gives me a hug (body relaxes when brain registers I’m safe with her). I’ve heard and read EMDR can be helpful with Trauma Recovery, not sure will be a therapy I will be able to do.

reading info about my current psychologist she appears to combine elements from different therapy types, tailoring things to best suit each person. I’ve only seen her twice, her approach is very different than previous psychologist

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