Treating the symptom vs treating what’s going on inside, when dealing with Trauma:

When addressing trauma, there is often a distinction between treating the symptoms and addressing the underlying causes or what’s going on inside. Let’s explore both approaches:

Treating the Symptoms:

• Focus: This approach concentrates on alleviating the immediate and visible signs of trauma, such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, or other distressing symptoms.
• Methods: Therapeutic techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises may be employed to manage and reduce symptoms.
• Purpose: The goal is to enhance the individual’s ability to function in their daily life by mitigating the impact of trauma-related symptoms.

Treating the Underlying Causes:

• Focus: This approach delves into the root causes and origins of the trauma. It aims to understand and address the deeper emotional, psychological, or interpersonal issues contributing to the person’s distress.
• Methods: Psychotherapy, particularly trauma-focused therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or somatic experiencing, may be employed. These therapies aim to process and integrate the traumatic memories.
• Purpose: The goal is to promote long-term healing by addressing the core issues that sustain the symptoms. This approach often involves exploring and making sense of past experiences, building resilience, and fostering a sense of empowerment and control.

It’s important to note that the two approaches are not mutually exclusive, and an effective treatment plan often involves a combination of both. Managing symptoms can provide immediate relief and improve the individual’s capacity to engage in deeper therapeutic work.

Additionally, the choice of treatment approach depends on various factors, including the nature and severity of the trauma, the individual’s preferences, and the therapist’s expertise. A comprehensive and holistic approach that considers both symptom management and addressing underlying causes is generally considered beneficial in the treatment of trauma.

Shervan K Shahhian