When you go through a traumatic experience, it can leave behind a mark that negatively impacts your ability to live life to the fullest.
Nearly 70% of adults in the US will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, and while some may find ways to cope on their own, healing isn’t always easy alone.¹
Trauma therapy is a gentle path forward—a journey that takes time, effort, and patience to get you back to healing and reclaiming a life that feels like yours.
Here’s what to expect, how long it will take, and how each step will get you back to being whole.
What is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy is a safe space to explore your feelings and confront the trauma in a way that makes sense and works for you.
Trauma therapy isn’t one size fits all – it’s a combination of approaches that work for you.
Here are the types of therapy that could support your healing journey:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps change the thoughts that might be holding you back from healing.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Works to reprocess traumatic memories so they feel less overwhelming.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradually introduces you to trauma triggers in a safe way over time.
- Somatic Therapy: Focuses on how trauma is held in the body, helping release physical symptoms.
- Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Cornerstone Healing Center offers this virtual program, which provides trauma-focused care in a flexible format that can fit into your life.
Ready To Begin Your Healing Journey?
At Cornerstone Healing Center, our team offers personalized trauma therapy to support you every step of the way.
Who Can Benefit From Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy can help people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD (CPTSD), and anyone who has experienced any trauma that’s impacting their daily life, such as childhood trauma, abuse, or an accident.²
If you’ve been feeling anxious, fearful, or having intrusive thoughts, trauma therapy can help you regain control of your thoughts and emotions.
It’s a gentle path to understanding the root of your pain and learning to cope.
Many people find that through trauma therapy, they can gradually rebuild their sense of safety, improve their relationships, and find peace in their daily lives, closing the book on painful chapters and moving on to healing and growth.
Quick Tip: Embrace Your Own Pace
What to Expect from Trauma Therapy?
When you start trauma therapy, it’s important to have realistic expectations.
Huge improvements don’t happen overnight.
Everyone’s journey is different, and the time it will take to heal will vary depending on the trauma.
Therapy starts with building trust and establishing safety, which is integral to healing.
Your therapist will work with you to create a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs, whether you have PTSD, CPTSD, or other trauma-related conditions.
You’ll revisit past experiences in a controlled and safe environment where you’ll process and reframe those memories.
The pace of therapy will depend on your comfort level and the type and severity of the trauma.
Remember, healing is not linear—there will be ups and downs, but progress is possible with time and effort.
How Long Does Trauma Therapy Take?
Trauma therapy can take a few months to a year or more.
For some, significant progress can be made in a few months; for others, it may take a year or more to process the trauma.
The timeline for healing depends on the type of trauma, how severe it is, and how long it’s been going on.
Typically, trauma therapy takes a few weeks to a few months but is highly individualized.
Factors That Influence The Length of Trauma Therapy
The length of trauma therapy is affected by many factors that make each person’s journey unique.
While the type of trauma and individual experiences play a big part, other factors will, too.
The Type of Trauma
The type of trauma you’ve experienced will impact the length of your recovery.
Single-event traumas like car accidents may take less time to process than ongoing or complex traumas like childhood abuse or repeated exposure to distressing events.
Complex traumas will often require a longer and more in-depth approach to address the layers of impact.
The Severity and Intensity of the Trauma
The severity and intensity of the trauma will also impact how long therapy will take.
More severe or deep-rooted traumas often take longer to work through as they will have a greater impact on your mental and emotional well-being.
Duration of the Trauma
How long you were exposed to the traumatic event will impact your healing.
Years of abuse often take longer to unravel and heal than a single traumatic event.
Initial Response to Trauma Therapy
Your response to trauma therapy will also impact the timeline of your recovery.
Some people will respond quickly and feel immediate relief; others will take longer to feel comfortable and start processing.
Age When You Experienced the Trauma
The age you were when you experienced the trauma will impact your recovery.
Trauma in childhood or adolescence requires a different approach than trauma in adulthood.
Younger people often need more time to process and understand their experiences, whereas older adults often need to address patterns that have developed over time.
The Support System Available to You
Your support system plays a huge role in your journey through trauma therapy.
Support from family, friends, or community resources can give you extra emotional stability and encouragement and can speed up your recovery.
Your Willingness to Engage in the Healing Process
Your willingness to heal is a big factor in how long trauma therapy will take.
It’s not easy to explore painful memories and emotions, but doing so is a core component of trauma therapy.
Those who are open to exploring their emotions, confronting difficult memories, and actively participating in therapy often progress faster than those who need more time to feel comfortable exploring those feelings and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does trauma processing take?
While there is not a one-size-fits-all answer, the average improvement should be visible within the first few months. When the patient doesn’t improve after one month, it might be a sign of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
How many sessions are needed for trauma therapy?
The number of sessions depends on the type of therapy but can range from 8 to 20. CBT usually lasts 8 to 16 sessions, while therapies such as EMDR could take between 6 to 12 sessions. This varies from patient to patient, as everybody is different.
Can trauma therapy completely heal trauma?
While therapy can significantly help in managing symptoms and improving quality of life, some effects of trauma may remain. Healing often means gaining coping skills, resilience, and a better understanding of yourself, even if memories of the trauma persist.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Trauma therapy length depends on the trauma, you and the therapy approach.
- Therapy is a journey; expect ups and downs and focus on personal growth, not the timeline.
- Set personal goals will help guide your therapy and give you direction.
- Practice self-care alongside therapy to support your emotional well-being and resilience.
Moving Forward with Hope
Trauma therapy is a challenging yet rewarding journey.
It’s not about erasing the past but about learning to live fully despite it.
Each step you take in therapy is a step toward reclaiming your life, building resilience, and embracing a future where trauma no longer dictates your day-to-day existence.
Remember that while progress may be slow at times, every small victory is a testament to your strength and determination.
With time, support, and the right therapeutic approach, healing is possible—and hope is always within reach.
If you’re struggling to cope with a traumatic experience, Cornerstone Healing Center is here to help.
Our trauma therapy program is designed to give you the tools you need to recover from your trauma and regain control of your health and happiness.
So, if you need a helping hand, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
