Trauma Therapy

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Trauma is not something that’s uncommon. About 70% of people around the world will experience a potentially traumatic event during their lifetime, with a smaller percentage developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For those who develop deep emotional scars, trauma-informed therapy provides an effective path to healing. At East Point Behavioral Health, we specialize in trauma therapy in Beverly, MA, both in-person and virtually, offering a safe, supportive environment led by qualified mental health specialists.

Our therapeutic interventions help individuals process, cope with, and heal from traumatic experiences. East Point Behavioral Health serves Massachusetts and offers trauma therapy in a safe, non-judgmental environment with qualified, experienced mental health professionals.

Trauma Therapy

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Trauma is not something that’s uncommon. About 70% of people around the world will experience a potentially traumatic event during their lifetime, with a smaller percentage developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For those who develop deep emotional scars, trauma-informed therapy provides an effective path to healing. At East Point Behavioral Health, we specialize in trauma therapy in Beverly, MA, both in-person and virtually, offering a safe, supportive environment led by qualified mental health specialists.

Our therapeutic interventions help individuals process, cope with, and heal from traumatic experiences. East Point Behavioral Health serves Massachusetts and offers trauma therapy in a safe, non-judgmental environment with qualified, experienced mental health professionals.

East Point Behavioral Health: What Is Trauma?

Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. Traumatic experiences can vary widely and may include events like natural disasters, accidents, physical or emotional abuse, or sudden loss. Trauma affects each individual differently. What one person finds traumatic may not have the same impact on another person.

There are several different types of trauma. The two main types include acute trauma and chronic trauma. Acute trauma results from a single, one-time event, whereas chronic trauma occurs when someone experiences prolonged or repeated traumatic events. Complex trauma involves exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an interpersonal nature. Secondary trauma occurs when individuals are indirectly affected by trauma, often witnessing or hearing about the trauma experienced by others.

Who Is Affected by Trauma?

Trauma can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or life experience. While trauma affects people differently, certain individuals may be at a higher risk than others. For instance, children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to the effects of trauma, as their brains and emotional regulation systems are still developing. Other higher risk individuals include survivors of abuse or violence, military personnel and veterans, first responders and healthcare workers, and refugees and immigrants. If left unaddressed, unresolved trauma leads to conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, or depression. Seeking professional help is a critical step toward recovery. A skilled trauma therapist can help individuals process and heal from their experiences.

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Diverse people in a support group

What Causes Trauma?

Trauma is caused by any experience that feels intensely distressing, life-threatening, or overwhelming. It leaves a lasting impact on a person’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Trauma isn’t limited to certain events; instead it’s defined by an individual’s response to those events. Some people experience lasting trauma following a stressful experience, while others may only experience trauma symptoms that reduce over time. Some of the most common causes of trauma include:

  • Violence and physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
  • Accidents and injuries
  • Natural disasters and wildfires
  • Witnessing violence, such as gun violence or riots
  • Chronic illness, injury, or medical emergencies
  • Death of loved one, divorce, or relationship breakup
  • Neglect or childhood adversity
  • War and armed conflict
  • Bullying or harassment

Symptoms of Trauma

Trauma symptoms often arise as a response to experiencing, witnessing, or even hearing about a deeply distressing event. They can vary widely, though common symptoms emerge in emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical ways. For instance, the emotional symptoms of trauma include fear and anxiety, guilt and shame, anger and irritability, sadness and depression, and emotional numbness. The cognitive symptoms of trauma can lead to distortions in thinking and disruptions in concentration and memory.

The behavioral symptoms of trauma include avoidance of triggers, hypervigilance, social withdrawal, an exaggerated startle response, and risky behaviors. There are also physical symptoms to pay attention to, such as fatigue and exhaustion, sleep disturbances, headaches and muscle tension, and digestive issues. Other mental health disorders can also result from trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders.

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Shot of depressed young woman thinking about her problems while sitting on the sofa at home.
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Treating Trauma and Trauma Symptoms in Massachusetts

If you or a loved one is experiencing trauma symptoms, it’s important to know that you don’t have to feel this way forever. With the right support, you can process your trauma, learn healthy coping skills, and regain control over your life. There are a number of therapeutic interventions available to treat trauma, and you may benefit from one or several of them. Some of the most effective trauma treatments are:

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is specifically designed to help individuals recover from trauma. In fact, it was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it’s effective for treating all types of trauma-related symptoms. This therapy focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns, otherwise known as “stuck points,” that develop after a traumatic event. By understanding, processing, and moving past your trauma, you can heal and become a healthier person.
Prolonged exposure therapy is another form of CBT that helps individuals confront and process traumatic memories. This reduces the distress associated with the memories, helping individuals regain control over their lives. A typical PE session is highly structured, though it moves at a pace that is comfortable for the individual. This allows you to set goals and learn coping techniques at your own speed.
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that uses guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic experiences. This, in turn, reduces their emotional intensity and integrates them in a way that no longer disrupts daily life. The goals of EMDR are to desensitize traumatic memories, reprocess trauma, alleviate trauma-related symptoms, and restore self-confidence. EMDR therapy follows an 8-session approach, progressing at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
NET is a structured therapy that helps individuals process and heal from complex trauma. It was originally developed for individuals who survived war, torture, or displacement, but it has been proven effective for treating prolonged or repeated traumatic experiences as well. The goals of NET are to organize traumatic memories, desensitize traumatic experiences, improve resilience, and promote emotional healing. NET is highly effective, though it does require a time commitment.
Family therapy for trauma involves family members in the healing process. This helps family members understand and support one another while addressing trauma’s effects on the family unit. Some of the topics discussed in family therapy are communication, supportive relationships, resilience, coping skills, and conflict resolution. The increased understanding and empathy that comes out of family therapy can make a huge difference for recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) for Trauma

East Point Behavioral Health offers trauma-informed therapy on an outpatient basis. This means that you can live at home and continue working, going to school, or maintaining your household responsibilities while receiving specialized treatment. You’ll be gradually feeling better and able to apply the skills you are learning in therapy to your everyday life. You’ll also have peer support from the other members in your program, preventing you from feeling alone and isolated. Our Massachusetts program lasts 10-12 weeks and is designed to help you get past your traumatic experiences.

The benefits of our trauma treatment program include:

Specialized Trauma-Informed Therapists

East Point Behavioral Health delivers the highest quality care. We have trauma-informed therapists who are familiar with the most effective trauma therapies, such as EMDR and CPT. They understand how complicated trauma can be and how people often have layers and layers of pain and suffering to unpack before healing can occur. Our team will put together a treatment plan that includes the following:

Structure and Routine

It’s important to have structure and routine in your everyday life. With Intensive Outpatient Services, you’ll have dedicated times during the day where you will attend therapy, giving you structure and stability. We also maintain a safe and non-judgmental space where you are free to share whatever comes to mind—there is never any bias.

Flexibility and Coping Skills

While our program is structured, it’s also highly flexible. You can work, attend school, and spend time with loved ones while participating in our program. In fact, we encourage all of this, as this gives you the opportunity to test out your coping skills and see what works for you. When you return to therapy, you can share what you tried, what worked, and what you would do differently.
Young man in therapy session discussing his emotional problems with female psychotherapist
A group of people sitting in a circle with two therapists and a woman in the center discussing and providing emotional support for her The focus is on the woman but everyone is engaged in conversation

Do I Qualify for Intensive Outpatient Services in Massachusetts?

At East Point Behavioral Health, we provide personalized mental health care in Massachusetts for adults aged 18 and older. Our Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) are ideal for those stepping down from inpatient hospitalization or seeking more structured support than traditional outpatient care. With a focus on immediate intervention and compassionate treatment, we ensure you receive the help you need when you need it most. Contact us today to take the first step toward mental health recovery.

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Start Trauma-Informed Therapy in Massachusetts

If you or a loved one has been through a traumatic experience and haven’t recovered, this isn’t the end of your story. Your trauma is not your fault, but you can be part of the solution. If you’re seeking trauma therapy in Massachusetts, East Point Behavioral Health is here to help. In addition to in-person care in Beverly, MA, we proudly offer statewide virtual trauma therapy, allowing you to access our services from the comfort of your home. Our compassionate, evidence-based trauma care is designed to guide you through recovery, wherever you are. Contact us today to learn more about our trauma therapy services, stress relief programs, and mental health support options. Begin your journey toward healing and reclaim the fulfilling life you deserve.