Trauma-Informed Guilt Reduction Therapy (TrIGR) - Christchurch
Some of the most difficult effects of trauma aren’t the events themselves, but the meanings we attach to them, especially when guilt is involved. Trauma-Informed Guilt Reduction Therapy (TrIGR) is an evidence-informed approach designed to help people process and reduce guilt and shame that has become overwhelming, misplaced, or stuck. Originally developed for veterans and survivors of moral injury, TrIGR is now being used more widely to support people whose trauma includes a deep sense of personal responsibility, regret, or shame. It’s a focused therapy that works by exploring the moral impact of what happened, clarifying what was (and wasn’t) within your control, and helping you shift toward self-compassion and personal values.
How does TrIGR help with trauma?
TrIGR is designed for people whose trauma left them struggling with guilt, shame, or a sense of wrongdoing. Instead of broadly focusing on trauma symptoms, TrIGR helps you target beliefs about your role in what happened, especially when you feel responsible or morally conflicted. Together, we examine these beliefs and the surrounding context to see whether they truly hold up. You’ll learn to spot common thinking patterns, like hindsight bias or overestimating your responsibility, and practice seeing things more accurately and fairly. This helps shift self-blame, so you can move forward with more self-compassion and clarity.
What to expect in sessions
TrIGR usually takes place over 6 to 12 sessions and is divided into three structured modules. In the early sessions, we focus on understanding how guilt and shame can develop after trauma, especially when you feel you’ve done something wrong or failed to prevent harm. You’ll learn how these emotions shape your thoughts, affect your relationships, and show up in everyday life.
In the middle phase, we explore your beliefs about what happened using a step-by-step process. Together, we look at what options you actually had at the time, what information was available to you, and how certain beliefs may have become overly harsh or distorted. This part of the work helps you make sense of your experience in a more balanced and realistic way.
In the final sessions, we help you reconnect with the values most important to you, like integrity, kindness, or family, and develop a clear plan for how to live in line with those values going forward. The process is collaborative and thoughtful, aiming to help you move through stuck places and toward a life that feels more grounded.
Is TrIGR Right for me?
TrIGR may be a good fit if you feel weighed down by guilt, self-blame, or shame after a traumatic event, especially if you believe you made the wrong choice, didn’t do enough, or failed in some way. It’s designed for people who recognise the trauma wasn’t entirely their fault but still feel morally conflicted. This approach can be helpful if you’re ready to examine these beliefs and engage in structured reflection. However, TrIGR may not suit everyone. It is a focused approach that involves thinking critically about past decisions and doing practical cognitive work. If you're still hesitant to explore these areas directly, another trauma therapy may be a better starting point.
Choosing the Right Approach for Trauma Recovery
Everyone’s experience of trauma is personal, and so is the way forward. TrIGR offers a focused space to examine guilt, moral conflict, and the beliefs that formed in the aftermath of what happened. If you’re ready to reflect on these patterns and explore them with care, this approach can be a powerful way to move toward clarity and self-compassion.
Trauma-Focused therapy options
Each trauma therapy we offer supports healing from a slightly different angle, whether that’s processing memories through structured writing, making sense of your story by sharing it chronologically, or learning practical tools to manage thoughts and emotions. We’re happy to talk with you about what might feel like the right starting point. If you’re unsure where to begin, feel free to reach out.
Start TrIGR Therapy in Christchurch
When guilt or shame is weighing you down, it can be hard to move forward. TrIGR offers a focused approach to help you understand your role in what happened, with clarity and self-respect. Reach out to learn more or book an appointment.
“Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change”