Trauma therapy: how is trauma processed?

Updated 30 October 2026 · Editorial principles and sources

In brief

Trauma is a psychological injury that can result from a shocking event or repeated harmful experiences. Trauma therapy helps process these experiences safely and restore a sense of control over life. In Finland, several evidence-based therapy methods are available for trauma treatment, including EMDR and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

What is trauma?

Trauma is a psychological injury that occurs when an experience exceeds the mind's ability to process it. A traumatic experience can be a single event or a repeated harmful experience.

Accidents, violence, abuse
Childhood neglect or maltreatment
Sudden loss of a loved one
War, refugee experiences, or natural disasters

Trauma-related disorders

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Develops after a single shocking event. Symptoms include flashbacks, avoidance behavior, hyperarousal, and emotional numbness. Symptoms persist for over a month after the event. According to the Current Care guideline, the lifetime prevalence of PTSD among adults exposed to an exceptionally traumatic event was 5.6% in a large international study.

Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)

Results from repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences, often in childhood. In addition to PTSD symptoms, includes emotional regulation difficulties, negative self-image, and relationship problems.

Dissociation

A mental defense mechanism where the connection to thoughts, feelings, or memories is disrupted. Can manifest as feelings of detachment, memory gaps, or experiences of unreality.

Trauma therapy treatment methods

Method	Best for	Duration
EMDR	PTSD (Current Care: one of the first-line psychotherapies; evidence level B in adults and 7–18-year-olds)	Agreed individually
TF-CBT	PTSD (Current Care: CBT with exposure, evidence level A)	Agreed individually
Psychodynamic	Complex trauma, C-PTSD	Often long-term
Schema therapy	Childhood trauma, self-image problems	Often long-term

How to seek help for trauma in Finland?

Contact a doctor
A health center, occupational health, or private doctor can assess your situation and make a diagnosis.
Get a diagnosis and B-statement
A professional assesses whether it is PTSD or another trauma-related disorder. For Kela therapy you need a psychiatrist's B-statement after at least 3 months of treatment following the diagnosis.
Find a trauma therapist
Look for a therapist with training and experience in trauma treatment. EMDR or trauma training is a good sign.
Apply for Kela rehabilitation psychotherapy
Kela reimburses part of the cost if the disorder threatens your ability to work or study, has been treated for at least 3 months, and a psychiatrist has written a B-statement.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I need trauma therapy?

Trauma therapy may help if you have recurring flashbacks or nightmares, avoid places or situations related to the trauma, experience intense anxiety or emotional numbness, or if past experiences disrupt your daily life and relationships. Only a professional can assess whether it is a trauma-related disorder; seek an assessment if symptoms last more than a month. If you are in immediate danger, call 112. For crisis support, call the MIELI Crisis Helpline on 09 2525 0111 (in Finnish, 24/7).

How long does trauma therapy take?

The length of trauma therapy depends on the nature of the trauma and is agreed with the therapist. Treatment after a single event may be shorter, while treatment of complex trauma is often long-term.

Does Kela reimburse trauma therapy?

Kela can reimburse rehabilitation psychotherapy when you have a diagnosed PTSD or other mental health disorder, if the disorder threatens your ability to work or study, has been treated for at least 3 months, and a psychiatrist has written a B-statement. The reimbursement for individual therapy is €57.60 per session (kela.fi, 29 Oct 2026); you pay the rest.

What's the difference between EMDR and trauma-focused CBT?

EMDR uses eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to process trauma memories. Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT) focuses on changing trauma-related thoughts, beliefs and avoidance. According to the Finnish Current Care guideline on PTSD (updated 30 June 2026), the first-line treatment for PTSD is psychotherapy, mainly trauma-focused CBT, other cognitive therapies, EMDR or narrative exposure therapy (NET). CBT that includes exposure has evidence level A, and EMDR and NET have evidence level B (probably effective) in adults. For children and young people, the guideline ranks EMDR as the most recommended treatment after trauma-focused CBT. The length is agreed individually.