Why Talk Therapy May Fall Short for Trauma and Intense Emotional Distress
Talk therapy, a form of psychotherapy, is often helpful for many mental health issues. However, it can be less effective for people dealing with trauma or overwhelming stress. That’s because traditional talk therapy relies heavily on language and cognitive processing, functions mostly associated with the brain’s left hemisphere (Mental Health Foundation, 2021).
Trauma Lives in the Right Brain
Brain imaging reveals that traumatic experiences are often stored in the right hemisphere. Unlike the left side, which is responsible for logic, language, and sequential thinking, the right brain processes experiences through sensations, emotions, and imagery—often without words or a clear timeline (Smith, 2020).
As a result, trauma may not be accessible through traditional verbal therapy alone. You can’t talk your way through something that isn’t encoded in language (Depth Hypnosis: Benefits, Techniques & How It Works, 2009).
How the Brain Responds to Trauma
The prefrontal cortex (logic and reasoning) is active during talk therapy.
Trauma, however, activates the midbrain, which governs survival responses (fight, flight, freeze, appease).
When the midbrain is triggered, it can actually shut down the prefrontal cortex, making talking difficult, especially in moments of high distress (Smith, 2020).
Healing trauma requires engaging the midbrain through emotional connection, body awareness, and movement (Mental Health Foundation, 2021).
Why Alternative Approaches Work Better for Trauma
Methods like Depth Hypnosis are often more effective for trauma because they allow a person to revisit the traumatic experience in a trance state, accessing the emotional and sensory components stored in the right brain and midbrain. This allows healing at a deeper level than talk therapy alone can provide (Depth Hypnosis: Benefits, Techniques & How It Works, 2009).
Why Therapy Sometimes Doesn’t Work at All
Even outside of trauma, therapy can fail for several reasons (Folk, 2021):
Mismatch between therapy type and personality – Analytical people might overthink with insight-focused therapies; emotional people might need more structure.
Wrong approach for the issue – Some therapies can be too triggering if trauma hasn't been stabilized first.
Lack of commitment – Therapy requires consistency and emotional investment; it’s a process, not a quick fix.
Poor therapist-client fit – A good working relationship takes time and compatibility.
Boundary issues – Blurring the lines between therapist and client can derail progress.
Unrealistic expectations – Therapy isn’t about becoming perfect; it’s about progress.
Incompetent therapists – Not every therapist is effective or ethical. It’s important to find someone qualified and trustworthy.
The Bright Side
There are effective ways to heal trauma. Techniques like Depth Hypnosis provide a way to access and resolve trauma at its root, working beyond language and logic to bring holistic healing to both the right brain and the midbrain. Providing healing for the whole person (Depth Hypnosis: Benefits, Techniques & How It Works, 2009).
References:
Depth Hypnosis: Benefits, Techniques & How It Works. (2009, September 15). Goodtherapy.org. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/depth-hypnosis
Folk, J. (2021, May 17). 15 Reasons Why Some People Don’t Find Therapy Helpful. AnxietyCentre.com. https://www.anxietycentre.com/therapy/15-reasons-why-some-people-dont-find-therapy-helpful/
Mental Health Foundation. (2021, September 21). Talking therapies. Www.mentalhealth.org.uk. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/talking-therapies
Smith, I. (2020, July 30). How Does Trauma Affect the Brain? - and What It Means for You. WholeWellnessTherapy. https://www.wholewellnesstherapy.com/post/trauma-and-the-brain
Add comment
Comments