Trauma-informed therapy is a framework that extends far beyond therapy for trauma alone and into all types of mental health and addiction treatment. Trauma treatment programs can help people experiencing both trauma and addiction find the best level of care for their recovery and prevent re-traumatization.
Call BlueCrest Recovery at 888.292.9652 to get started in a trauma treatment program today.
What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?
Trauma-informed therapy is any therapy style that recognizes the ripple effect trauma can have on people’s lives. This is not only beneficial during therapy for trauma but can improve the efficacy of other treatments and therapies as well.
People who have gone through trauma often show signs of hypervigilance in response to certain trauma-related cues.
For example, a person who has experienced gun violence may react strongly to sudden loud noises. In this situation, they may not be able to engage fully with treatment and may need additional support in order to find a feeling of safety and calm down.
Being trauma-informed is, of course, a key aspect of any trauma therapy program. And the benefits of trauma therapy are hard to understate for people dealing with the lingering effects of trauma.
Benefits of Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy has several benefits that can play a significant role in your recovery from addiction and the effects of trauma. The top three benefits of trauma-informed therapy include:
1. Reducing the Risk of Retraumatization
Without a trauma-informed approach, clients engaging in any type of therapy are at risk of traumatization. For example, if someone has recently watched a friend or loved one pass away due to an overdose, they may not be prepared to hear another person talk about their experience with an overdose during a group therapy session.
A trauma-informed therapist pays keen attention to the causes of trauma and goes to great lengths to protect their clients from experiencing retraumatization in group sessions such as these, ensuring they receive the full benefits of an addiction treatment program.
2. Improving the Effectiveness of Therapy for Trauma
If someone is experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, they face a host of negative mental health consequences when triggered by something in their environment. A trauma cue can cause them to feel:
- Anxious
- Afraid
- Empty
- Angry
- Restless
- Frustrated
By paying attention to these trauma cues, learning what leads to these reactions, and taking steps to prevent them from occurring, a trauma therapist puts their client in a better position to experience the benefits of trauma therapy.
3. Safety at All Levels of Treatment
A trauma-informed approach extends beyond the therapy room alone. Trauma-informed approaches consider factors such as how clients are spoken to on the phone by admissions professionals, the layout of the treatment space, and even how the surrounding areas can be improved to help people feel safe during treatment.
If a person is experiencing significant negative effects from trauma, addressing these issues can help assure them that their treatment is happening in a safe place. This experience of safety can galvanize people’s trauma and addiction recovery process and help people get their mental health back on track.
Reach Out to BlueCrest Recovery to Start Treatment for Trauma and Addiction
If you or a loved one is dealing with trauma and addiction, the team at BlueCrest Recovery can help you start the process of achieving recovery. Reach out to our mental health team by calling to learn more about our trauma treatment programs, addiction treatment methods, and upscale facilities that can spark change.
We know how difficult taking the first steps can be, but you can recover. Contact us at 888.292.9652 today to get compassionate and evidence-based support.