Myths and Misconceptions About Trauma Therapy
When someone reaches out about trauma care, there is often an invisible barrier—fears built from what they believe should happen in therapy rather than what can happen. Our goal in this piece is to dismantle those myths and invite people into a path of healing that is real, safe, and grounded in evidence.
Myth 1: “I’ll have to relive the worst moments in excruciating detail.”
Truth: Trauma therapies are paced, structured, and guided. You don’t dive into the fire all at once. You build safety, learn regulation skills, and then gradually approach what needs processing. Evidence-based protocols such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), EMDR, and trauma-informed CBT are designed to help you maintain your window of tolerance. In fact, when doing EMDR Therapy, the worst moments of the trauma are processed in such a way that you are not fully immersed in the trauma memory. The goal is healing, not retraumatization.
Myth 2: “If I talk about trauma, I’ll make things worse.”
Truth: Avoidance feels protective in the short term but usually keeps symptoms alive. Talking about trauma in a safe, structured environment often leads to relief and resilience. Research consistently shows that trauma-focused psychotherapy produces stronger and longer-lasting results than medication alone. (VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD, 2023)
Myth 3: “Once I start, I’ll be in therapy forever.”
Truth: Trauma therapy is typically time-limited and goal-oriented. Depending on the complexity of the trauma, many clients complete protocols like CPT or EMDR in 8–12 sessions. The goal is not dependency but empowerment—helping you gain skills and understanding that support long-term well-being.
Myth 5: “It’s too late for me to heal.”
Truth: Healing isn’t linear, and it’s never too late. Anniversaries, stress, or life transitions can stir up old pain, but the same evidence-based therapies remain effective even years after the trauma occurred. Recovery is always possible.
How We Approach Trauma Therapy at Greenwood Counseling Center
At Greenwood Counseling Center, our trauma work is grounded in compassion and science. We tailor every plan to your unique needs and pace. The main modalities we use include:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): This structured approach helps the brain reprocess painful memories using bilateral stimulation such as eye movement or tapping. It allows the emotional intensity to decrease while preserving meaning and memory. All GCC clinicians are trained in EMDR. I am an EMDR Certified Therapist, EMDR Approved Consultant, and EMDRIA Approved Trainer.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): A short-term cognitive therapy that helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs connected to trauma—such as self-blame or guilt—and replace them with balanced, reality-based perspectives.
- Trauma-Focused CBT (for children and teens): A developmentally appropriate model that includes psychoeducation, coping skills, and gradual exposure to help young clients and their families process trauma safely.
- Supportive talk therapy and stabilization tools: Not every session involves direct trauma processing. Often we begin with grounding exercises, mindfulness, somatic awareness, and practical coping strategies to ensure safety and stability before deeper work begins.
These methods are flexible and can be combined. Sometimes EMDR is primary; other times, relational or cognitive work takes the lead. The process adapts to each person’s needs.
What to Expect in Your First Trauma Therapy Session
- Consultation: Before your first full appointment, we typically schedule a short phone or online consultation to answer questions and ensure the therapist is a good fit.
- Intake and safety assessment: During your first session, we’ll discuss your background, current concerns, and goals. You won’t be asked to share graphic details of your trauma. The goal is to understand your story at a high level and begin identifying what support you need most right now.
- Stabilization and resource building: Early sessions focus on helping you develop tools to manage stress and regulate your nervous system. We practice grounding techniques, mindfulness, and self-soothing exercises so you feel safe and capable before addressing deeper material.
- Trauma processing: When you’re ready, we’ll use EMDR, CPT, TF-CBT, or a combination of approaches to gently process the trauma. The pace is collaborative and entirely within your control.
- Integration and ongoing support: As you begin to feel relief, we’ll focus on integrating your growth into daily life—strengthening relationships, routines, and coping mechanisms.
Most sessions are 50 minutes and occur weekly, though frequency can adjust over time. We also offer short-term “intensive” options for clients who prefer concentrated work within a few weeks.
A Final Thought
Trauma therapy isn’t about revisiting pain—it’s about reclaiming your life from it. It’s about learning that safety, joy, and connection are still possible. Whether you’re struggling with recent events or something that happened long ago, healing is always within reach. If you’re ready—or even just curious about whether trauma therapy could help—you don’t have to walk that path alone.