group therapy
Trauma Processing Group in NYC
Gain support to heal from trauma and move forward.
What is Trauma Processing?
Trauma can lead to a feeling of being stuck and unable to move on with life. If you’ve experienced a traumatic event you may feel helpless and alone. You may struggle with anxiety, depression, and other concerns related to your emotional wellbeing. Through processing, you can work through trauma to heal and grow.
Trauma processing involves reflecting on what happened to you. It’s a way of understanding the trauma, so it doesn’t control your life or hinder you from recovering. Over time, this helps you cope with your emotions and other difficult symptoms. The goal is to work through negative feelings surrounding the trauma, so you can live a happy, healthy life.
It can be difficult to explore trauma because it’s often accompanied by intense emotions, such as fear, anger, shame, guilt, and/or sadness. It’s only possible to fully process and recover when you’re in a safe and secure environment where you get validation and support.
What Is a Trauma Processing Group?
Telling and retelling your trauma story isn’t easy, but it’s an integral part of the healing process. Due to the challenging nature, talking about your story may be re-traumatizing for some. A process group is where members share their experiences with the guidance of a professional trauma therapist.
A group provides a safe and supportive space for members to share and be heard. Process groups are highly beneficial in treating trauma as they allow the silenced trauma to be spoken about. Through our virtual trauma processing group in NYC, you may learn to build trust, feel less shame, and work through difficult emotions. You also learn how to be present for another person’s pain while also managing your own reactions. You may deepen your self-awareness, gain new perspectives, and be able to hold space for others.
Who Can Benefit From a Trauma Processing Group?
Group therapy can help manage the long-term effects of trauma. It’s also a way to access community, allowing you to feel that you’re not alone. Process groups are for those who have developed a foundation of coping skills and are ready to explore their story with others. (Learn more about our Trauma Skills Group here.) Ultimately, joining a trauma processing group in NYC can provide you with the support and skills you need to continue healing.
Group interventions for trauma have been shown to be helpful for a wide range of trauma symptoms. They’re open to individuals who have been traumatized by events or experiences that caused emotional or psychological harm. They can be safe places for people who have gone through:
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Abuse (neglect, physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal)
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Oppression (poverty, racism, homophobia, transphobia)
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Assault (robbery, mugging, rape, or domestic violence)
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Combat or war experiences
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Natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, earthquakes)
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Sudden death or loss of a loved one
THERAPISTS WHO CAN HELP
NYC Therapists Who Specialize in Trauma Processing Groups
Connecting with the right therapist is the most important factor in your search. We’re here to help you find a great match.
What Does Group Therapy for Trauma Look Like?
A trauma processing group can serve as a safe space to regain self-esteem, and a place to share your stories without judgment. In this weekly, 90-minute virtual group, members meet online via Zoom. This group is open to adults (ages 18 and up) who have experienced any kind of trauma. Groups are led by Monica Amorosi, LMHC, a certified clinical trauma professional with experience leading trauma processing groups.
Group therapy for trauma helps you to experience catharsis and relief, and you can learn to see hope as a possibility. You may explore ways to improve how you express your emotions and how to better cope with your triggers. Together, you can enhance interpersonal connections by opening up and welcoming others without shame.
A trauma processing group pulls from several types of therapies, including:
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Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) helps clients reframe their thinking about a traumatic event. CPT helps improve your thinking and challenges the beliefs you have about yourself.
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Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) exposes you to the things you may be avoiding because they remind you of the trauma. The goal is to gradually and repeatedly recall your trauma narrative, so you can eventually think about it without feeling overwhelmed.
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Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on the psychological roots of your suffering through self-reflection. You may build a deeper understanding of your thoughts and beliefs and see how they affect your behavior.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may help you accept your thoughts and feelings without judgment. You may learn how to be in the present and practice mindfulness skills to align with values when under challenging situations.
Trauma is explored through the use of different interventions:
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Trauma Narratives: Share your unique story. This process will help you to integrate your memories, manage feelings, and desensitize yourself to the story.
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Exposure and Response Management: Explore the fears and negative emotions surrounding your trauma story. Eventually, you will learn to soothe and feel more in control of your emotions.
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Insight Building: Learn how trauma has affected your feelings, thoughts, actions, and state of mind with guided support and education.
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Peer-to-peer Support: Support from peers can foster a feeling of validation and show you that you are not alone. You may also learn how to support your peers as they process their own trauma.
What If I’m Not Ready To Join Group Therapy for Trauma?
Acknowledge That You May Need Help
Trauma is something that you can’t just immediately get over; it requires time and effort to work through. Trauma denial can be a coping mechanism, but it will not make the trauma disappear. Acknowledging that you may need help is an essential first step.
Seek Help From Your Support System
This might still be daunting, but talking to a loved one or friend about what you’re going through can help. For instance, you can discuss your doubts about group therapy. Talking openly about your uncertainties is already a big step toward recovery.
Talk to a Trauma Therapist 1:1
If joining a trauma processing group in NYC is too much for you to begin with, start with one-on-one therapy. A therapist can help you work through your trauma and help you create goals that are tailored to your needs and comfort level. Click here to get matched with a therapist who specializes in treating trauma for free.
DO YOU OFFER OTHER TYPES OF GROUPS?
We offer evidence-based group therapy for the treatment of trauma. Typically, members will start with our Trauma Skills Group to improve how they cope with unwanted trauma symptoms. Then, once you gain the foundational skills, you can choose to join the Trauma Processing Group to begin your journey towards healing.
We also offer a Dialectical Behavior Skills (DBT) Group where members learn the techniques to better manage stress, negative feelings, and improve their relationships.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with specialist and group therapist, Monica Amorosi, LMHC or contact her directly at [email protected] to learn more.
Interested in Joining a trauma processing Group in NYC?
We’re ready to help.
Joining a trauma process group is a significant decision toward your healing journey. To learn more about finding and joining our online trauma processing group, schedule a free consultation with Monica Amorosi, LMHC today.
