Trauma Systems Therapy: A Holistic Approach
I don't know if there is one person who has escaped a traumatic experience? And as you know, finding the right support can be an overwhelming journey. Trauma affects us on many levels—emotionally, mentally, and even physically—and can often feel deeply intertwined with the relationships and environments around us. Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) is a unique framework and approach that addresses both the individual and the “systems” they interact with, creating a compassionate, comprehensive path toward healing.
Before we dive into TST, let's define trauma: A subjective experience, meaning what may not affect one may be traumatic to another based on past experiences, current capacity, and perspective. An experience that was too much, too fast, too soon, or unwanted. When we lack the capacity to process the experiences, they become "stuck" in our internal system, as explained by pioneers of Somatic therapy, Dr. Porges, Levine, and Van der Kolk.
My work is very much about honouring the systems within each of us and in which we exist, and so this model along with somatic therapy can be incredibly empowering in fostering healthy change.
What Is Trauma Systems Therapy (TST)?
This approach was created by Dr. Saxe, initially to support children and youth, the principles can apply to anyone working through trauma. Trauma Systems Therapy acknowledges trauma as more than just an individual experience. It recognizes that our relationships, environment, and support systems are part of how we cope with, process, and move through traumatic experiences.
TST is rooted in the idea that trauma is often a response not only to what happened but also to the lack of support, safety, or resources during and after the traumatic experience. Trauma Systems Therapy works to help people manage overwhelming emotions while also addressing the external systems that can impact the healing process, like family, school, or community settings.
The Key Components of Trauma Systems Therapy
TST is a holistic, multi-layered approach, integrating several core components to help people stabilize and heal:
Emotion Regulation: Trauma can make it difficult to control intense emotions, leading to feelings of overwhelm or sudden emotional shifts. One of TST’s main goals is to help you develop skills to manage these emotions effectively, so they feel less overpowering and you can stay grounded even in stressful moments.
Caregiver Involvement: If you’re seeking support for a child or adolescent, caregiver involvement is an essential part of TST. Trauma Systems Therapy includes parents or primary caregivers in the healing process, equipping them with tools to create a secure environment that reinforces the therapy’s goals.
Relational and Environmental Context: Trauma doesn’t happen in a vacuum; our surroundings, relationships, and even the culture we live in can affect how we experience and respond to trauma. TST works to identify and address triggers in a person’s environment, helping create spaces and relationships that support rather than hinder healing.
Community Support: Trauma Systems Therapy doesn’t just involve family—it often coordinates with schools, social services, and other community support systems to build a strong, stable network for those in treatment. This approach helps ensure that people are supported in every area of life, not just in therapy sessions.
Why Context Matters in Trauma Recovery
One of the main reasons Trauma Systems Therapy is so effective is that it takes the “big picture” into account. Trauma is often re-triggered by the surroundings, relationships, or circumstances that remind us of the original experience. In TST, the focus is not just on “fixing” internal emotions but on creating safe and supportive environments that help reduce triggers and reinforce positive coping strategies.
Imagine a child who has experienced bullying at school and now finds it difficult to trust others. For this child, therapy alone might not be enough if they still face the same challenging environment each day. TST would work to address not only the child’s internal experience of trauma but also advocate for changes in the school environment, supporting the child’s healing in multiple ways.
As I previously mentioned, I believe integrating somatic therapy is also very important to consider in this model, in age-appropriate ways.
Who Can Benefit from Trauma Systems Therapy?
Trauma Systems Therapy can be beneficial for anyone dealing with the effects of trauma, to include:
Children and Adolescents: Children and teens who have experienced trauma, such as neglect, abuse, or bullying, may respond well to TST, as it involves both caregivers and community support.
Adults with Complex Trauma Histories: For adults who have experienced long-term trauma or relational difficulties, TST offers a way to navigate recovery in both personal and social contexts.
Families Coping with Intergenerational Trauma: For families dealing with patterns of trauma that pass from one generation to the next, TST can offer tools and insights for breaking these cycles and creating a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.
The Four Phases of Trauma Systems Therapy
TST works in stages, each building on the last to help people gradually regain a sense of safety, stability, and control.
Survival Stage In this initial phase, the goal is to help you or your loved one feel safe and secure. The focus here is on immediate distress reduction, stabilizing the emotional and physical environment so that further healing can occur.
Recovery Stage The second stage focuses on creating routines and establishing predictable, secure settings that encourage emotional stability. This is often where caregivers or close friends get involved, reinforcing a sense of safety.
Transition Stage In this stage, individuals begin to process and make sense of their traumatic experiences in a safe, controlled way. The aim is to reduce the emotional charge of trauma memories so that they no longer feel overwhelming.
Reintegration Stage The final phase involves applying new coping skills and emotional strategies in real-world situations. This stage is about building long-term resilience, helping you move forward with healthy relationships and a stable sense of self.
Therapists and Caregivers: A Collaborative Approach in TST
In Trauma Systems Therapy, the therapist and caregivers work together as a team. The therapist offers trauma-informed care and specific interventions to help reduce distress and improve emotional regulation. Caregivers or family members receive guidance on how to create a stable, trauma-sensitive environment at home.
This collaboration is especially helpful for children and adolescents, as it provides a support network that goes beyond the therapy room. For adults, having a therapist who understands the importance of context and relationships can offer a refreshing, all-encompassing support system.
Real-World Success of Trauma Systems Therapy
Consider this example: a young boy affected by a traumatic experience at school develops emotional dysregulation, leading to anxiety and social withdrawal. Through TST, both his family and school environment are brought into the therapeutic process, creating safe spaces at home and school. Over time, this child learns to manage stress and gradually rebuilds confidence, finding emotional stability with the support of a united, trauma-informed team.
Why Trauma Systems Therapy Stands Out
Trauma Systems Therapy offers a holistic, community-focused approach that makes it unique from more traditional forms of therapy. Some of the core benefits include:
Addressing the Bigger Picture: By looking beyond the individual to the larger systems they are part of, TST helps create sustainable change.
Engaging the Community: Involving schools, social services, and family systems helps provide consistent support, making recovery more attainable.
Building Long-Term Resilience: TST doesn’t just focus on short-term symptom relief; it teaches skills and strategies that can last a lifetime.
Finding Support with Trauma Systems Therapy
By addressing both the inner and outer worlds, Trauma Systems Therapy creates an environment where true recovery and resilience can flourish. No matter what your experience with trauma has been, there is hope and a way forward with the right support.
If you’re seeking a compassionate, comprehensive approach to healing trauma, I encourage you to explore therapists in your area. You are also welcome to reach out to me, and if I don’t have the space, I can recommend others who may be able to support you. I believe with the right support, trauma can become a powerful learning experience not just for the individual, but also for their support system.
Want to Learn More?
Saxe, G. N., Ellis, B. H., & Brown, A. D. (2015). Trauma systems therapy for children and teens. Guilford Publications.
