Trauma, both childhood trauma and that which comes from PTSD is common in most people throughout the country. Complex trauma, which develops over time from multiple adverse experiences such as living in abusive environments or being consistently exposed to community violence, can have long-term impacts like chronic depression and PTSD. Statistics show that most people will experience some form of trauma in their lifetime and that there is a strong link between trauma and addiction. This is why Steps Recovery Centers integrates trauma therapy into our addiction treatment program in Utah.
If we just treat the substance and ignore the trauma, a patient might be at a higher risk of relapsing. That’s why trauma therapy is so important in Utah and nationwide. It can help people reduce anxiety, reconnect with loved ones, and learn techniques for coping with triggering circumstances.
What is a Complex Trauma Therapy Program?
- =Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- =Trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy
- =Trauma processing group therapy
- =Mind-body bridging treatment (MBB)
- =Dynamic psychotherapy
Understanding Trauma
Trauma is a complex and multifaceted issue that can affect individuals in various ways. It can stem from a wide range of experiences, including physical, emotional, and psychological events. Trauma can be acute, resulting from a single event, or chronic, resulting from ongoing experiences. Understanding trauma is essential for developing effective treatment approaches and providing support to individuals who have experienced traumatic events.
The impact of trauma can vary significantly from person to person. Common effects include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse. Trauma can also disrupt an individual’s relationships, daily functioning, and overall well-being.
Utah trauma and addiction centers, such as Utah Addiction Centers, offer specialized care for individuals struggling with trauma-related symptoms. These centers provide a safe and supportive environment for patients to process their trauma and develop coping skills. By addressing both trauma and addiction, these centers help individuals achieve a more comprehensive recovery.
Goals of a Trauma Therapy Program for Mental Health
The goal is to help trauma survivors reconnect with themselves and other people. Achieving that requires an individualized approach catered to that person’s unique experience, triggers, and emotions. Trauma therapy in Utah can:
- $Be in an inpatient or outpatient setting
- $Include one or more of the therapy types mentioned above
- $Occur daily, a few times a week, or once a week
- $Be in an individual or group setting
- $Be part of an intensive outpatient program (IOP)
It’s essential to assess the severity of the trauma and the person’s current symptoms and emotions. The individual should also feel comfortable with the approach to treatment.
For many trauma survivors, the group setting is compelling. It reminds them they’re not alone in their experience and are not at fault for what happened to them. Hearing other people’s stories and how they’ve moved beyond the trauma can be healing and inspiring.
It also allows the survivor to be a part of the healing process for someone else. Group therapy sessions may be combined with individual therapy and other techniques.
Does Everyone Have Trauma?
It’s not unusual for people to experience trauma. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 60 percent of men and 50 percent of women experience at least one traumatic event in their lives. The World Mental Health Survey Consortium indicated that more than 70 percent of survey respondents had experienced trauma.
Trauma can be a one-time event or an ongoing experience. These could include:
- $Being physically or sexually assaulted
- $Getting in an accident
- $Having a life-threatening illness or injury
- $Losing a loved one
- $Witnessing a death or injury
- $Neglect as a child
- $Living through a war, terrorist attack, or natural disaster
- $Experiencing racism or discrimination
- $Experiencing poverty or homelessness
Afterward, people may have lingering effects. It could be challenging to regulate their emotions or connect with other people. They might fear for their safety and have difficulty with day-to-day activities and responsibilities.
Benefits of Trauma Therapy for Emotional Trauma
It helps people move on with their lives. Trauma therapy gives people a safe space to explore their memories and process the trauma. There are several benefits:
- $Reduce depression, fear, and anxiety
- $Learn powerful coping techniques
- $Identify triggers
- $Challenge the belief systems that may be holding them back
- $Receive validation for their feelings and understand they're not at fault for what happened
- $Relieve any feelings of shame associated with the traumatic event
- $Promote mastery over their lives
- $Focus on the future instead of the past
- $Create a new mindset that's hopeful, determined, and empowered
Trauma-informed care has an excellent success rate. The majority of people will see reduced symptoms after trauma therapy. It frees them from a cycle of fear, shame, and anxiety.
This enables them to get back on track with their careers, families, and interests. It’s healing for the survivor and the survivor’s family and friends.
How Trauma Affects the Body
People usually have an initial reaction to trauma. Shock, confusion, numbness, anxiety, sadness, guilt, helplessness, and fatigue may occur immediately and for a few days, weeks, or even months following the event. The duration of the response may depend upon the severity of the event.
These feelings are not unusual. Most of the time, people won’t require therapy. They may seek individual or group counseling for added support when coping with the death of a loved one, recovering from an illness, or moving beyond physical or emotional abuse. Still, they will process the trauma and recover with time.
It’s also not unusual for someone to feel anxiety or sadness on the anniversary of the trauma, even years after it occurred. Even after so long, it’s not a problem if the person can process the emotion and return to their daily life.
Sometimes the reactions are more severe and cause ongoing distress for the trauma survivor. If someone is experiencing this for weeks, months, or years, and it’s interfering with their job, hobbies, and relationships, they may need help to heal and move beyond the trauma.
According to this publication in the National Library of Medicine, these ongoing, life-disrupting responses may include:
- $Sleep disorders
- $Nightmares
- $Fear of recurrence
- $Anxiety
- $Flashbacks
- $Depression
- $Numbness
- $Avoidance of specific people, places, and circumstances that remind the person of the traumatic event
- $Irritability
- $Anger and resentment
- $Trouble thinking or focusing
- $Mood swings
- $Substance abuse
- $Physical symptoms and disorders
In Utah, Steps Recovery Center serves trauma survivors all over the state with customized therapy programs. They do not have to continue to live with fear, depression, guilt, or anxiety. There’s a way out.
A trauma treatment center, like Steps Recovery Center, offer specialized care for individuals dealing with trauma and addiction. These treatment centers provide supportive environments where clients receive tailored therapy options to foster healing and recovery.
Healing and Recovery
Healing and recovery from trauma require a comprehensive and individualized approach. Treatment modalities may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure therapy, and trauma-informed CBT. These therapies can help individuals process their trauma, develop coping skills, and improve their overall well-being.
In addition to therapy, the support of loved ones and creating a supportive environment are crucial for healing and recovery. Family members and friends can play an essential role in providing emotional support and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
Utah trauma and addiction centers, such as Utah Addiction Centers, offer a range of treatment programs, including intensive outpatient programs, to support individuals in their recovery journey. These programs provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals to work through their trauma and develop coping skills. By offering a variety of treatment modalities, these centers ensure that each individual receives the care they need to heal and thrive.
Working with a Therapist
Working with a therapist is an essential part of the healing and recovery process. Therapists provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process their trauma and develop coping skills. When selecting a therapist, it is crucial to consider their experience and training in trauma-informed care.
Utah trauma and addiction centers, such as Utah Addiction Centers, have experienced therapists and counselors who are trained in trauma-informed care. These therapists offer individual and group counseling, as well as disorder treatment, to support individuals in their recovery journey. By working with a skilled therapist, individuals can gain the tools and insights needed to navigate their trauma and move forward with their lives.
Supporting Loved Ones
Supporting loved ones who have experienced trauma is crucial for their healing and recovery. Family members and friends can play an essential role in providing emotional support and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
It is important to understand that trauma can affect individuals in different ways, and its impact can vary significantly from person to person. Providing a supportive environment and encouraging loved ones to seek professional help can be beneficial for their recovery.
Utah trauma and addiction centers, such as Utah Addiction Centers, offer a range of resources and support for loved ones, including family therapy and support groups. These resources provide a safe and supportive environment for loved ones to process their emotions and develop coping skills. By participating in these programs, family members can better understand the trauma their loved ones are experiencing and learn how to offer the most effective support.
Achieving Recovery
Achieving recovery from trauma requires a comprehensive and individualized approach. Treatment modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and prolonged exposure therapy, can help individuals process their trauma and develop coping skills.
In addition to therapy, creating a supportive environment and providing emotional support are crucial for recovery. Family members and friends can play an essential role in providing encouragement and support throughout the recovery process.
Utah trauma and addiction centers, such as Utah Addiction Centers, offer a range of treatment programs, including intensive outpatient programs, to support individuals in their recovery journey. These programs provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals to work through their trauma and develop coping skills.
Insurance coverage is also an essential consideration when seeking treatment for trauma. Utah trauma and addiction centers, such as Utah Addiction Centers, accept various insurance plans, including private insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. The center’s insurance team works with clients to determine their coverage and benefits.
In conclusion, understanding trauma, healing and recovery, working with a therapist, supporting loved ones, and achieving recovery are all essential components of the recovery process. Utah trauma and addiction centers, such as Utah Addiction Centers, offer specialized care and support for individuals struggling with trauma-related symptoms. By addressing both trauma and addiction, these centers help individuals achieve a more comprehensive and lasting recovery.
Trauma Therapy in Utah With Steps Recovery Center for Substance Abuse
Steps Recovery Center is here to offer hope. If the lingering effects of trauma interfere with your ability to enjoy your life, we can help. Our qualified therapists and counselors give you the tools and support you need to understand the trauma and your responses to it.
We’re here to empower you to take charge of your life. Our trauma therapy in Utah is welcoming, supportive, and personalized to meet your needs. Fill out our contact form or call us to set up a free consultation.
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