How Long Does It Take to Heal with Trauma Therapy?

Whether you just recently decided to go to therapy or you've been attending a few sessions, you're probably wondering how long it will actually take to heal. It's a common question, but it isn't exactly an easy question to answer.

There are several factors that can come into play. Each individual's reason for attending therapy for trauma is different. There are different causes, signs, symptoms, and timeframes. The way someone was raised, their personality, and other life events can play a role in the healing journey.

Some homework must be done outside of the therapy session. It's up to the individual to put in the work on their own between appointments. No two journeys are exactly the same.

Let's learn more about how long it takes to heal with trauma therapy.

The Type of Trauma and How Stuck It May Be

There are several factors that are involved with how long it may take to heal with trauma therapy. For one, the type of trauma and how big of an impact it has on you will play a role in how many sessions and how long it may take to heal.

If you're working on a singular traumatic event that you experienced as an adult, it may only take a few months. If you're working through an event that took place in your childhood that you've tried to bury into your adulthood, it may take between 15–30 months.

A trauma that has been buried for a long time means that it will take a long time to uncover, determine the cause, work through the signs and symptoms, and more. Buried trauma can make the body and brain feel like it's stuck in defense mode. A therapist will be able to work with you to help get things unstuck again.

Your Support System

If you have a loving and supportive family and friend group, it may be easier to lean on your therapist as well as them for additional help with the recovery process. If you don't have a solid support system, it can become more difficult to practice what you're learning from therapy in the real world.

Your Goals for Therapy

The overall goals that you have for therapy will impact how long therapy will take as well. The goals that someone has for therapy can vary from person to person. Some individuals may just want to be able to function normally on a daily basis. Others may want to feel fully healed, recovered, and moved on from their trauma. The overall goal will determine the number of sessions.

What's a Typical Treatment Timeframe?

Healing with trauma therapy may be unique to each individual, but there are typical timeframes based on previous therapy sessions and research.

Research has shown that about fifty percent of patients can heal by attending at least 15–20 sessions. Some patients may prefer to spread their treatment over a longer period of time like 20–30 sessions over the course of 6 months.

Depending on the trauma, they may way to dive into it slowly or have time to build the necessary skills in order to feel full control to maintain the effects of treatment even after the sessions have ended.

Next Steps

You can't circle a date on the calendar as the day that you'll feel 100% again. Dealing with trauma isn't that easy. It takes time and work to overcome the aftermaths of it. Trauma therapy takes time. With the right commitment and dedication toward the healing process, you can and will get back to your new normal.

Don't delay in getting the help you need and deserve. Reach out to us today to learn more about setting up a consultation for trauma therapy.