'Trauma-focused therapy' is an umbrella term for approaches specifically designed to help process and recover from traumatic experiences, rather than a single method. Trauma-informed practice is the wider stance that shapes how any therapy is delivered when trauma is part of someone's history.
Depending on the practitioner and what suits you, trauma-focused work may draw on trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, or other evidence-based trauma models, and on psychodynamic and depth-oriented approaches for complex or long-standing trauma. All share a structure: establishing safety and stability first, then processing traumatic memories, then rebuilding connection and meaning. Trauma-informed care means the practitioner assumes trauma may be present, prioritises choice and control, and avoids re-traumatising the person in the process.
The pace is led by what feels manageable. Early sessions build understanding and coping skills; direct work on memories comes only when you and your practitioner agree you are ready, and you can slow down or stop at any point.
Anyone affected by a traumatic experience, recent or decades ago, including people who have been told to 'just move on' and couldn't.
Further reading: Phoenix Australia · Blue Knot Foundation — complex trauma.
Not necessarily. Some approaches involve detailed recounting; others, such as EMDR, do not. Your practitioner will explain the options.
Trauma-informed is a way of working that applies to all therapy; trauma-focused means the trauma itself is the target of treatment.
It can be, particularly for the stabilisation phase; many people prefer face-to-face for memory processing. Discuss it with your practitioner.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency. OneBodyMind is not a crisis service. Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636.