At the Trauma Resilience and Education Center of Greater Washington, DC (TREC DC), we understand that searching for reliable information on PTSD and trauma therapy can be overwhelming. With countless resources available online, it can be difficult to discern which ones are truly evidence-based and effective.
Our goal is to provide you with scientifically grounded resources that empower you in your healing journey, normalize your experiences, and demystify the therapeutic process. Whether you are just beginning to explore treatment options or seeking advanced knowledge, let this page serve as a trusted guidepost on your path to recovery.
Below, you’ll find a collection of informational videos and resources about various evidence-based therapies (EBTs) for PTSD, trauma, and related conditions. These resources are designed to help you make informed decisions about your treatment options and understand the approaches that TREC DC utilizes in therapy.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that emphasizes accepting your thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with your values. This therapy is particularly effective in managing negative thoughts, feelings, and symptoms by fostering psychological flexibility and resilience.
Source: Verywell Mind
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy for individuals struggling with insomnia. CBT-i helps patients restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall sleep quality by addressing the underlying cognitive and behavioral factors contributing to insomnia.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that has proven effective in reducing PTSD symptoms. CPT typically involves 12 sessions where patients learn to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to their trauma, leading to a new understanding and reduced negative impacts of the traumatic event.
Source: The American Psychological Association
For a more in-depth exploration of CPT, listen to the “Ten Sessions” episode of This American Life.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed to help individuals develop new skills to manage and cope with painful emotions and reduce conflict in relationships. DBT emphasizes the balance between acceptance and change, teaching skills in four key areas:
Distress Tolerance: Learning to tolerate pain and distress in difficult situations.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Communicating needs and setting boundaries while maintaining self-respect and relationships.
Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing emotions to reduce vulnerability and impulsivity.
Source: Behavioral Tech
EMDR is a structured therapy that helps individuals process and integrate traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation, often through guided eye movements. This therapy has been shown to reduce the vividness and emotional impact of trauma-related memories, facilitating recovery.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that explores and heals the various sub-personalities or “parts” within each individual’s mental system. These parts, which may include wounded aspects of the self and protective mechanisms, are often in conflict. IFS therapy aims to restore harmony and balance by addressing and healing these internal conflicts, leading to greater self-awareness and psychological well-being.
Source: Psychology Today
Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy teaches individuals to gradually confront trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations. Through this process, patients learn that these memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided, thereby reducing PTSD symptoms and improving quality of life.
