Retraumatizace: Co to je a jak ji zabránit v terapii

When someone has been through trauma, therapy should help them heal — not make things worse. Retraumatizace, je proces, kdy terapeutický přístup nebo prostředí znovu aktivuje traumatičtí zážitky, aniž by klient měl dostatečnou psychickou stabilitu na jejich zpracování. Also known as opětovné zranění, it happens when the nervous system gets overwhelmed before it’s ready, and the person feels trapped in the past again. This isn’t just a mistake — it’s a serious risk in trauma work, and many people leave therapy because of it, not because it didn’t help, but because it hurt them more.

Good trauma therapy doesn’t rush into memories. It starts with safety. Stabilizační dovednosti, jsou techniky, které pomáhají klientovi zůstat v přítomnosti, když se cítí přehlušený. Also known as bezpečné kotvy, they include grounding exercises, breathing techniques, or visualizing a safe place — things you can use right away when anxiety spikes. Without these, jumping straight into EMDR or deep emotional work is like opening a wound before cleaning it. EMDR, je metoda, která může být velmi účinná, ale pouze pokud je připravena správná psychická podložka. Also known as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, it requires a calm nervous system to work without causing harm. Many therapists skip this step because it’s slower — but that’s exactly when retraumatization happens.

It’s not about avoiding trauma memories. It’s about building a foundation first. Your body needs to know you’re safe before it can let go of the past. That’s why therapy for trauma isn’t just talking — it’s learning how to regulate your nervous system, recognize triggers, and create internal resources. When this foundation is missing, even well-intentioned therapists can accidentally trigger flashbacks, panic attacks, or emotional shutdowns. The goal isn’t to erase the past, but to make sure you’re strong enough to carry it without breaking.

Below, you’ll find real-life examples of how trauma therapy works — and how it can go wrong if safety is ignored. From practical guides on stabilizing before EMDR to understanding what therapists should and shouldn’t do, these posts give you the tools to recognize good care — and avoid the ones that leave you worse off.