Integrated Trauma therapy incorporates different types of treatment modalities. Behavioral therapy focuses on learning new adaptive behaviors to replace the less desirable or effective behavior patterns. EMDR Trauma therapy focuses on supporting an individual with re-processing through the lens of their traumatic experiences. Yoga Therapy incorporates yoga theory and movement into mental health practice. By incorporating these forms of therapy, patients receive a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to treatment.

How do you apply Integrated Trauma interventions in treatment?

Behavioral therapy, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), can help to address problem behaviors and provide skills and tools needed to shape and condition more adaptive behavioral responses. Most people come to therapy because they are experiencing problems with relationships in their lives. When we look at these relationship dynamics more closely, we can see that unhealthy patterns of behaviors are often interfering with a healthy connection. These patterns of behavior ultimately need to be recognized and addressed, in order to make the necessary changes to more adaptive behaviors that can open the doors to stronger relationships with others.

Trauma therapy, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, can allow individuals to explore the root cause of their patterned behaviors that have served them for some time. Patients may uncover that these behaviors are rooted more deeply in their childhood experiences, or in response to the environmental or traumatic circumstances they have experienced in the past. When they explore this trauma further, they can begin to see that they may have developed unhealthy patterned responses in order to cope with these events. Unfortunately, these patterned responses can interfere with having productive, caring, and healthy relationships with the people in their lives.

Can an Integrated Trauma approach offer support for clients experiencing Emotional Immaturity, or navigating relationship with family members displaying Emotionally Immature behaviors?

Yes! This approach is perfect for inspiring awareness of unhealthy patterned behaviors, and for providing healthier alternatives for regulating emotions, and establishing calmer, more empathic and connected communications. Family members can support the Emotionally Immature individual(s) in recognizing, addressing and acknowledging harmful behavior patterns by shifting their own patterns of response, setting healthier boundaries for interactions, communicating assertively, and by learning empathic confrontations that will support a healthier interactional style. Ultimately, clients learn that no one deserves emotional abuse, and by exploring and identifying the root cause for the abusive behavior, they are able to uncover the awareness and motivation to make that shift.

Family members can learn to care for themselves, recognize unhealthy responses in themselves, and establish boundaries to not tolerate the abusive behavior. Family members will shift from a focus of codependency to establish healthier interdependent relationships. They can learn to preserve their integrity and self-esteem by recognizing (and not tolerating) all forms of emotional abuse, working to externalize and not internalize their response, and by communicating their own needs assertively.

How long can this treatment last and when will we see progress?

For individuals who struggle with Emotional Immaturity, the process can be ongoing or even life long. This does not mean that the individual cannot make changes to have healthier, more productive relationships. There will be times when they will make progress, and times when the progress will be slow, or they may relapse into old patterns of behavior. Be patient with this process. If your family member has Emotional Immaturity, they will need support at times, and at other times, it may be more helpful to maintain a healthy focus on preserving your own energy and autonomy in relationship to them. Give them space, allow them to grow at their own pace, and ultimately take care of your own needs through the process. By modeling a healthy, mature attitude and by setting boundaries that are firm and empathic, you can preserve your integrity, self-esteem, and emotional well-being in the process.